One among this year’s hottest gifts could be the hoverboard, also known as the less enticing but more accurate name of an “electric hands-free scooter.” If you’re brave enough to try to grab one of these elusive people-movers, the chances are you have a few pre-shopping questions. We've got answers.
Where Can I Get one?
Hover board
It’s already this late around and you want to buy one now? It’s not possible, but it won’t be easy. A number of major retailers can be purchased out already or don’t desire to stock them in any way (liability issues are too real)-so getting one prior to the holidays is going to be an issue. Going directly to one of the manufacturer’s websites is your best bet (some links below), or set up an Amazon alert for just one of the better-known brands. Sure, searching for “hoverboard” on Amazon describes a lot of options, but a lot of these are generally knock-offs that are going to break, or worse.
Just how much Is it Going to Cost?
A great way to tell if your board is a bit of good is cost. Under $300? You probably want to back away quickly. Many of the best-reviewed boards are upwards of $1,000, though one particular without celebrity reputations attached can be obtained for between $500-$900. TL;DR: There really isn’t a standard price yet, however you should budget to spend at least $500.
Which Ones Include the Safest?
A better question must might be, “Which hoverboard won’t explode and kill me, causing a death so embarrassing it sounds like an Onion headline?” Fantastic and wise query. There have been a few reports about cheap form of the devices on the market with low quality energy that overheat. And then, you know, explode. Unfortunately, these reports have declined to name names-but most information implies that units coming directly from China are the culprits. But, um, that’s a lot of them. A good bet is always to opt for one of the popular manufacturers: PhunkeeDunk, Hovertrax, IO Hawk, Ninebot, and Swagway are all (relatively) big names within this market.
Really, though, you may notice an ultra-cheap deal or some Groupon-type steep discount, have a hard look at those specs. And possibly just don’t get it. Easier to be safe than find yourself the butt of the saddest joke ever. If the deal seems too good to be true… it is.
May i Ride This Thing Outside?
It depends where you live. The U.K. says you can’t ride your hands-free scooter on sidewalks or perhaps the road, so go ahead and wheel around indoors or directly facing your driveway. They are also-maybe-not allowed in Ny, depending on how fast yours may go. If it can go faster than 15 mph (and not that many can), let it rest at home. In California, a brand new law that passes at the beginning of the year will make it perfectly OK to ride your board in bike lanes and pathways (helmets required!). Still, some individual malls, schools, and other spaces are taking measures to ban these from their hallways and premises, so know that the rules may not continually be on your side.
OK, Therefore if I Can Ride This Outside, Which One’s Ideal for Outdoors?
If you’re using this thing out on concrete or pavement, then almost all of the major brands will work fine. If you’re trying to find something to take on rougher terrain, the Solowheel Extreme from Hovertrax is an excellent option. In general, the first Hovertrax board is a fantastic option for all-around rideability-check out this video extracting some of the other big companies and comparing their strengths (and weaknesses). Think about consider: These are electric, so riding them around while it is raining isn’t the best idea ever. A little water on the road won’t cause a surge, but that’s as much as you must risk.
Are These Little Kid-Friendly?
How dextrous will be your child? If you are buying this thing for a kid, maybe view a model that includes a handle. It’s basically a Segway for small people, but it’s certainly safer. If that’s simply not going to cut it, then pick a device with a lower max speed; 5 MPH is probably enough. Devices with bigger tires another little easier to maneuver. The Ninebot’s middle knee rest feature might also help with balance.
Wait, Precisely what are These Even Called?
LOL nobody knows! Technically, what you're trying to buy is not a hoverboard-those do actually exist, but only in prototype form, so that you won’t be acquiring one this holiday shopping season. Names that individuals have been calling them: glideboard, hands-free Segway, electric scooter, or just “rideable” (ugh). If you want to speak the language of the people, just stay with hoverboard (though maybe use air quotes around “hover” because that isn't actually what’s happening).