Hoverboards are one of the hottest selling tech gadgets for the 2015 holiday season. Though many still worry about their safety, these cool self-balancing scooters sold more than 5,000 units on Black Friday via eBay alone. Originally developed by Hangzhou Chic Intelligent Technology in 2013, these science fiction come true individual transportation systems are selling quickly online, as many major online retailers are offering them in a wide array of colors and styles. They are basically all the same, however, so the little details of styling and accessories are up to the individual consumer. Some problems have been reported with units catching on fire or exploding, so manufacturers are encouraging consumers to read the directions concerning battery charging very carefully. The scooters are loads of fun when used properly.
1. HoverBEATS BLUETOOTH Personal Hoverboard
This hoverboard offers free FedEx shipping. It ships from the USA. It is advertised as the safest two wheel self-balancing, two-wheeled hoverboard in the world. Because it has integrated Bluetooth technology with built in speakers it is possible to use a compatible Bluetooth device and listen to music while riding. Each fender has bright LED flashing lights which keep riders visible. It has a zero turning radius which makes it very easy to ride in small spaces and to turn around sharp corners. Of the customers who posted reviews, 100% gave this product 5 star ratings. It has a maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds and a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. The 8 inch tires are among the largest diameter available for hoverboards. One satisfied customer described it as being “awesome”.
2. Smart Gear X1 Hoverboard Scooter
Of the customers who posted reviews, 83% gave this stable and safe drifting board a 5 star rating. Some of its features include the ability to turn 360 degrees on one spot. The balancing system is dual in nature, with two independent copper motors operating to give a smooth and easy ride. It is so maneuverable that it works well in tight spaces and moving around sharp corners. At 22 pounds, it is very portable and lighter in weight than many competing products. It operates on foot pressure; more makes it go forward, less makes it slow down and stop. The majority of customers like its easy use, light weight and ability to go up and down hills. Most mentioned that they were having a lot of fun riding it.
3. Leray Self Balancing Scooter
This product offers a unique code for each scooter to provide warranty insurance. It is also CE, FCC, UN38.3 and RoHS Certified. The two wheels are 6.5 inches in diameter. It has a maximum load weight of 220 pounds, and will take a 15 degree incline. Of the customers who posted reviews, 72% gave it 5 star ratings. Things they noted were its relatively light weight, its ease of use and how much fun everyone was having riding on it. Many bought the scooter to give as gifts. Some felt they needed extra time to practice riding it before they become proficient.
4. Powerboard by HOVERBOARD 2 Wheel Self Balancing Scooter
With its fast charging time of under one hour, this hand free, battery powered self-balancing scooter is a nice choice. Manufactured by a USA company, this product features bright LED lights, a battery charger included with the board, and grip patterns on the board for more secure riding. Customer who posted reviews noted that the board is a lot of fun to ride, and takes only a short time to learn how to do it. The colors available are Black, Blue, Red and Chrome. It has a weight capacity of 250 pounds. Many felt that the company offered excellent customer service.
5. WITECH Smart Balance Drifting Board
There are five bright colors to choose from with this drifting board, making it a good choice as an electric scooter for kids. Of course, it can also be a personal transporter for adults because it has a weight capacity of 220 pounds. There are two wheels and two motors which help to keep the unit stable. It is powered by a lithium ion battery, giving it a charge time of less than 2 hours and a range of up to 10 miles. Of the customers who reviewed it, 71% gave it 5 star ratings for its fun, durability, bright LED lights, and enjoyment factor. Many gave this product as birthday gifts.
6. MonoRover® R2 Self Balancing Electric Scooter
With its higher weight limit of 250 pounds, this makes this motorized scooter ideal for adults. It has two blue LED lights which can be oriented to the front or the back. The run range per battery charge averages about 11 miles, and the battery is 158Wh, with the charger included. Over 140 customers posted reviews, and of those, 62% gave it 5 star ratings and 15% gave it 4 star ratings. Many of them mentioned how much fun it is to ride, while others noted that they ride it on school campuses to get around easily. It will run for about 3 hours, depending on how much distance is traveled.
7. mAuto Self Balancing Hover Scooter Board
Offering a riding weight range of 44 to 220 pounds, this blue electric hoverboard with wheels is battery powered and has LED lights. The battery takes an hour to 120 minutes to fully charge, providing a ride length of 20 to 25 kilometers. The unit has a gravity sensor that keeps the board self-balancing and this makes it very easy to ride. It comes with a 1 year warranty. Of the customers who reviewed their purchase, 60% gave it 5 star ratings and 25% gave it 4 star ratings. Most had to practice a while to get used to riding it, but are having fun doing so. Some have ridden it on short rides to various neighborhood destinations with success. It does well on many uneven surfaces.
8. Skque® Two Wheel Self Balancing Electric Scooter
There’s a lot to like about this colorful and smart balance wheel. It has built in LED side running lights for safer night rides and it has its own built in wireless Bluetooth speaker to enable playing music from a Bluetooth enabled phone. It also includes a wireless remote to turn it on and off. The foot board is designed with an anti-foot slip surface. Its two wheels are 6.5 inches in diameter, and it is powered by a LG/Samsun 4400mAh battery pack for long rides. Customer reviews are divided almost equally between 5 star and 1 star rating. Those that posted positive reviews noted that the Bluetooth capabilities make it fun, but those that posted negative reviews had problems with the remote not working, or not being included with their initial purchase.
9. Dual Glider Electric Balance Board
With a maximum load of 220 pounds, this is an ideal substitute for an electric scooter for adults and youngsters. It will reach a speed of 15km/H, a 15 degree incline, and has a turning capacity of a zero radius. This model is available in a bright yellow Gold, Black, Pink, Red, White, Blue and Patterns. The Gold comes with a 6 star wheel pattern, but several different color and pattern options are available for the two wheels. Of the customers who posted reviews, 89% gave this balancing board a 5 star rating.
10 Kids Skateboard Mini
These are the up and coming self balancing swagways, these products boast many features so they have made the list.
Most self balancing scooters are directed towards adults and older kids but a great feature about this is it is directed toward kids, boasting 4.5 inch wheels, smaller for kids to balance on. It also comes with a parent approved slower speed limit than adult self balancing scooter. It also offers lower risk of slipping for kids and comes with a slew of other equipment for safety. These include knee pads, hand pads, elbow pads, and helmets.
Benefit for parents: Safety for kids.