When hoverboards first hit the scenes, many of them were fraught with battery issues. That’s a nice way of saying that they caught fire. Fortunately, that was a long time ago, and since then safety standards have been put into place to make hoverboards as safe as possible. Specifically, UL2272 certification ensures the hoverboards are safe from the faults of earlier models. Every hoverboard in our list meets that certification. Hoverboards seem so similar to each other, it can be hard to tell what is what out there. There are several options and price points to consider. We’ve taken a look at the field and chosen six great examples to show you. The board can carry a maximum weight of 240 pounds, but that durability comes at a cost of weight: this thick hoverboard checks in at over 31 pounds. Also, given its all-terrain nature, we’d really like to see a bit more protection surrounding the wheels; they are quite exposed. This hoverboard is made of the same aluminum alloy as its more rugged sibling; the tires are the main change here. It’s really incredible to see an electric device with this many moving parts carrying a waterproof IP rating. If you’re planning on staying on the roads, this is a better option than the all-terrain option. But if you plan to go off-roading, the smooth tires will do you no favors. All that toughness takes a toll, as this hoverboard weighs in at 33 pounds, which means you may not want to tote it around in the included bag. More powerful motors and a heavy frame take the max range of this board down to 7.5-9.5 miles, with a top speed of just under 10 mph. It takes 90-120 minutes to fully charge, which isn’t bad, but this board should only be considered if you’re really thinking about off-roading, or you live in a hilly area like San Francisco. Otherwise, there are better options out there. Add to that this board is designed for children as young as 8 years old. There’s a training mode and a normal mode, so new riders can learn how to control the board before opening it up. Even so, this board has a max speed of just 7 miles per hour, which is on the slower side, but the 300W motors are designed for a quiet ride, which can be just as important as speed. Speaking of which, this hoverboard is slow to charge, taking up to three hours to top off. Slow is a sort of theme here because this hoverboard also tops out at 6.5 mph. All that being said, this could be a good board to learn on before dropping $300-$500 on a more rugged unit. Plus, unlike a lot of boards, this one comes in seven different color schemes, so it’s great for anyone’s taste. If you want more of a beginner model, the Xprit hoverboard is a good alternative. It’s smaller, lighter, and less powerful, but it’s also one third the price, and good for beginners. It’s not going to get away from you while you take your first hoverboard trips out of the house. Down the line, once you’ve gotten the hang of it, the EPIKGO will be waiting for you.
What to Look for in a Hoverboard
Safety: There are a whole host of hoverboards out there, and not all boards are created equal. First and foremost, a hoverboard needs to have a UL 2272 certification for safety. Specifically, UL 2272 covers electrical and fire-safety certifications. Hoverboards didn’t get the best start when it comes to fire safety, so this certification is a must-have. Battery Life/Range: Hoverboards are a form of personal transportation, and like other forms of transport, they’re only as useful as far as they can get you. Recharge times are also important, but if transportation can’t get you from A to B, then its use is very limited. Swappable batteries are huge here. Bluetooth speakers: While you’re on the go, it’s nice to be able to listen to some tunes. But, since you’re on the road, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Headphones don’t allow you to hear what’s around you. A Bluetooth speaker allows you to have audio entertainment and environmental awareness.
