Top 5 Best Hoverboards Under $300

Hoverboards are self-balancing 2-wheeled personal transporters that carry riders on articulated pads. In this article your will find the top 5 best hoverboards under $300 that are currently available in the market. They lack handle bars, and this necessitates riders need to balance themselves on these 2-wheeled boards, and for this reason, they are called self-balancing boards or self-balancing scooters.

Riders control the speed of the hoverboards by either leaning forward (which increases the device velocity), or leaning backwards (which reduces the device velocity, or even reverses the hoverboard). To change their direction of travel, riders need to twist either one of the two articulated pads to the left (to turn left) or to the right (to turn right). Hoverboards are suitable for environmentally-conscious people who want to ride to work on compact, lightweight, and durable personal transporters that move at speeds less than 16miles-per-hour (16mph).

What Is A Hoverboard?

Hoverboards are cordless electrically-powered personal transporters. In these electric hoverboards, powerful and compact high-capacity battery-powered motors drive the wheels. Likewise, they have a charging system connected to a charging port which ensures that their batteries are recharged when they run low.

There are different brands and models of electric hoverboards. However, they all share the same basic build which is described hereafter. The basic hoverboard has 2 large wheels which are fitted on either side of a flat and articulated rectangular board. Because this board is lifted off the ground, it can flip repeatedly on its horizontal axis, and to prevent this and ensure that it holds steady at any particular moment, it is fitted with a functional self-balancing control mechanism. On the top side of the articulated board is a pair of sensor footpads that have built-in gyroscopes. The self-balancing control system is connected to these pads, and this allows the sensor pads to work in concert with the self-balancing system to turn and tilt the hoverboard without causing the rider to fall off.

The wheel size matters because large wheels cover more distance for a set number of motor turns as compared to small wheels. Generally, hoverboard wheels have diameters ranging from 6.5 inches to 8 inches (170-200millimeters). Each wheel can be driven by its motor (in dual-motor hoverboards) or one motor can drive both wheels (in single-motor hoverboards). Dual-motor hoverboards are more versatile and offer a better riding experience as compared to single-motor hoverboards. Even so, these motors enable the hoverboards to achieve a maximum speed that ranges from 6mph (or 9.7kilometers-per-hour[kph]) to 13mph (21kph). Most models can drive for 15miles without requiring distance, with the maximum distance being primarily determined by the model design, weight of the rider, and terrain. Hoverboard functionalities are also limited by how much weight they can carry (maximum load capacity).

From the aforementioned basic model of a hoverboard, other features such as LED lights, RGB(Red-Green-Blue) lights and blue-tooth speakers can be built into the hoverboards hence creating a more user-optimized hoverboard. In some hoverboards, the self-balancing and tilting system is controlled by a phone through a blue-tooth connection, and these models are called blue-tooth hoverboards.

The type and quality of a hoverboard varies depending on its construction quality and price, with pricier models being the top-end types, though some low-priced and medium-priced models can still offer a relatively good user experience.

One of the most important considerations that one should make when looking for a hoverboard is how safe it is when ridden for an extended period. This is critical because these battery-powered transporters are prone to exploding if their batteries overheat due to prolonged use. It is for this reason that one is advised to purchase a hoverboard that comes with a warranty as this not only guarantees one of its quality build, but it also makes the manufacturer responsible for repairing or replacing the model if it fails to operate as expected.This review focuses on 5 of the best hoverboards that retail for less than USD300. Each hoverboard model has its own unique advantage which is concisely explained. Still, if you need to know what to look for (apart from safety features) when buying a hoverboard, you can read the buying guide which follows the product reviews.

1. Tomoloo Hoverboard – Best Blue-tooth Hoverboard with Speaker

This is a compact, high-quality and UL2722-certified smart blue-tooth hoverboard that comes with 2 blue-tooth speakers and RGB-LED lights. It features a high-quality battery whose long battery life is optimized by a protective technology which ensures that it benefits from insulation resistance, overheat protection, voltage protection, and power protection. This model is certified by UL, which has given it a UL2722 safety certification for the overall hoverboard construction, while its battery has been awarded the UL2721 safety certification. This hoverboard is built by Tomoloo as one of its leading intelligent and budget-friendly hoverboard.

This compact and lightweight self-balancing scooter weighs about 26pounds, and is 25.98inches long, 9.69inches wide, and 11.61inches tall. Its color scheme is Khaki, and is built from a tough high-quality, heat-resistant, and fire-retardant material. It uses a smart proprietary self-balancing technology that ensures that the rider operates the device safely.

The build quality of this hoverboard is superb. It has a high-quality motherboard onto which are fitted the durable electronics. It also uses professional gyroscopes and acceleration sensors to optimize the riding experience.

Each of the wheels of this model has a diameter of 6.5inches, and the hoverboard can travel for up-to 12miles without requiring any recharge. Its powerful motor system allow it to achieve a top speed of 10mph. The maximum load capacity of this model is 265pounds. Its battery capacity is 43000mAh (milliAmpere-hours).

This model comes with an IOS-supported and Android-compatible app that can change the color of the RGB LED lights. It can also produce unique lighting effects, as well as set the riding mode of the model. This app can also manage the speed of the device, as well as show its real-time location. Likewise, the app can remotely turn on and off the hoverboards, as well as set an auto shut-down time. Moreover, the app shows the remaining battery power (as a percentage), in addition to showing who is in the friends circle of the rider.

This model comes with 2 HiFi stereo-sound 5-watt blue-tooth speakers. Both speakers support blue-tooth connection which allows the rider to listen to music stored in bluetooth-enabled portable devices.Tomoloo is supported by 12months warranty. Its battery charger also benefits from a 6months warranty.

Tomoloo Hoverboard Pros

UL-2722 verified safety.
Superb user experience.
Comes with a versatile IOS-comptabile and Android-compatible app.
Uses a patented smart self-balancing technology.
Good build quality. Has two 5-watt blue-tooth speakers.
Uses a 43000mAh battery. Wheel diameter is 6.5inches.
Maximum travel range is 12miles. Maximum speed is 10mph.
Maximum load capacity is 265pounds.
12months warranty.

Tomoloo Hoverboard Cons

Speakers lack a good bass.
Casing prone to scratches which affects its overall appearance.

2. Swagtron T1 – Best Hoverboard with a Battery Management System

This is a compact, high-quality, and safe UL2722-certified hoverboard that comes with a patented SentryShield smart-battery management system that offers multi-layered circuit protection in the hoverboard. Its single-motor system uses a gear stabilization system to gain a tight control over the motions of the wheels, as well as improve their downhill traction. It also features LED headlights, rubber bumpers, and battery indicators. Likewise, it requires only 1 hour to fully charge the system. Moreover, it is powered by a high-quality battery whose long battery life is optimized by the SentryShield system. This model is certified by UL, which has given it a UL2722 safety certification for the overall hoverboard design, while its battery has been awarded the UL2721 safety certification. This hoverboard is built by Swagtron.

This compact and lightweight self-balancing scooter weighs about 27.75pounds, and is 23inches long, 7inches wide, and 3.8inches thick. Its color scheme is Black, and is built from a tough high-quality, heat-resistant material. It uses a power-efficient self-balancing technology to ensure that the rider operates the device safely.

The wheels of this model have a diameter of 6.5inches, and it can travel for up-to 12miles without requiring any recharge. Its powerful motor system allow it to achieve a top speed of 8mph. The maximum load capacity of this model is 220pounds.

Swagtron T1 Pros

UL-2722 verified safety.
Superb user experience.
Uses a power-efficient self-balancing technology.
Good build quality.
Wheel diameter is 6.5inches.
Maximum travel range is 12miles.
Maximum load capacity is 220pounds.
Full charging requires only 1 hour.
12 months warranty.

Swagtron T1 Cons

Casing prone to scratches which affects its overall appearance.

3. Hoverheart – Best Dual-Motor Hoverboard with a Bluetooth Speaker

This is a compact, high-quality and safe UL2722-certified dual-motor hoverboard with a built-in blue-tooth speaker and LED lights. It is driven by 2 motors, with each motor having a power rating of 200watts. It features a high-quality battery. This hoverboard is built by HoverHeart.

This compact and lightweight self-balancing scooter weighs about 24.85pounds; and is 25.67inches long, 9.84inches wide, and 9.49 inches tall. Its color scheme is Chrome- Rainbow, and is built from a tough high-quality, heat-resistant material. It uses an energy-efficient self-balancing technology to operate the device safely.

The wheels of this model have a diameter of 6.5inches. Its powerful motor system allow it to achieve a top speed of 14mph. The maximum load capacity of this model is 250pounds. It requires between 2 to 3 hours for its battery to be charged fully using 100-240volts, 50-60Hz AC power.

HoverHeart is supported by 30 days warranty.

Hoverheart Pros

UL-2722 verified safety.
Superb user experience.
Comes with two 200-watt motors.
Uses an energy-efficient self-balancing technology.
Good build quality.
Wheel diameter is 6.5 inches.
Maximum load capacity is 250pounds.
Maximum speed is 14mph.

Hoverheart Cons

Short warranty of only 30 days.
Speakers lack a good bass.
Charging lasts for up-to 3hours.

4. Razor Hovertrax 2.0 – Best Hoverboard with a Battery Pack

This is a compact, high-quality and safe UL2722-certified hoverboard that uses a quick-change 36volts Lithium-ion battery pack to power its whisper-quiet dual-hub 350-watt motors. The batteries are made from genuine LG cells which allows this model to run for 60minutes on an even/flat terrain without requiring battery change. Moreover, it uses the patented EverBalance technology to allow the rider to easily mount the device, as well as support a smooth ride. It also features a blue LED headlights display bar, fender bumpers, and LED battery indicators. Likewise, it supports 2 riding modes; training and normal riding modes. This hoverboard is built by Razor.

This compact and lightweight self-balancing scooter weighs about 24 pounds, and is 23.5 inches long, 7.5 inches wide, and 6.88 inches tall. Its color scheme is Blue, and is built from tough high-quality, heat-resistant materials, including rubber. It uses an energy-efficient self-balancing technology.

The wheels of this model have a diameter of 6.5 inches, and it can travel for up-to 8miles without requiring any recharge. Its powerful motor system allow it to achieve a top speed of about 8mph. The maximum load capacity of this model is 220pounds.

Razor Hovertrax 2.0 is supported by a 90-day warranty.

Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Pros

UL-2722 verified safety.
Superb user experience.
Uses an energy-efficient self-balancing technology.
Good build quality.
Has whisper-quiet dual-hub 350-watt motors.
Wheel diameter is 6.5inches.
Maximum travel range is 8miles.
Maximum load capacity is 220pounds.
Maximum speed is 8mph.

Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Cons

Short warranty period of only 90days.

5. Cxinwalk Hoverboard – Best Bluetooth Hoverboard with Non-Slip Footpads

This is a compact, high-quality and safe UL2722-certified smart/intelligent blue-tooth hoverboard that comes with a blue-tooth speaker, LED lights, and non-slip footpads. It also comes with a free black carrying bag. It features a high-quality battery whose long battery life is optimized by a protective technology. This model is certified by UL, which has given it a UL2722 safety certification for the overall hoverboard build, while its battery has been awarded the UL991 safety certification. This hoverboard is built by Cxinwalk.

This compact and lightweight self-balancing scooter weighs about 24pounds, and is 25.75 inches long, 10.24 inches wide, and 10inches tall. Its color scheme is Ivory-White, and is built from a tough high-quality, heat-resistant, and fire-retardant material. It uses a smart self-balancing technology which ensures that the rider operates the device safely.

The wheels of this model have a diameter of 6.5 inches, and it can travel for up-to 12miles without requiring any recharge. Its powerful motor system allow it to achieve a top speed of 10mph. The maximum load capacity of this model is 220pounds.

This Cxinwalk model is supported by 12months warranty.

Cxinwalk Hoverboard Pros

UL-2722 verified safety.
Superb user experience.
Uses a smart self-balancing technology.
Good build quality.
Wheel diameter is 6.5 inches.
Maximum travel range is 12miles.
Maximum load capacity is 220pounds.
Maximum speed is 10mph.
12 months warranty.

Cxinwalk Hoverboard Cons

No self-recharge Speakers lack a good bass.
Casing prone to scratches.

Hoverboard Buying Guide

Technological advances in motor-control technologies and compact battery construction led to the invention of hoverboards. These 2 have also made it possible for hoverboard technology to evolve so that more compact and better performing models can be built. For a person looking for a good hoverboard, one of the key considerations is cost as one can only purchase a model that fits the budget. However, because the cost of the hoverboards reviewed here have been capped at USD300; then one needs to take into considerations other factors apart from cost. These factors are:

1. Safety

According to a brief published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in 18 February 2016, all hoverboards sold in the U.S till then were not completely safe, and it recommended that retailers should only trade in UL-certified products because they have been designed in conformity with acceptable safety standards. UL-certified hoverboards are not only well-built, but they are also less prone to catching fire due to battery, or circuit, overheat and for this reason they are considered fire-proof products. Expectedly, it is recommended that you buy a UL-certified hoverboard.In blue-tooth hoverboards, a password-protected app can be used to lock the hoverboard so that no unauthorized person rides on it. Even in some ordinary hoverboard, a smart-key system is used to lock the device.

2. Rider

Most hoverboards have been designed to be used by people aged 12years and older. Still, each model has a maximum load capacity which means that the rider cannot exceed the maximum weight that can be carried around by the hoverboard.

3. Build Quality

Different hoverboard models are built differently. Still, one needs to check on the materials used to build the tires, frame, and housing; as well as check on the ratings of internal electronics, especially the motor and sensor. Wheels can be made from plastic, rubber, or metal.It is recommended that you choose a model that has a heat-resistant housing and whose wheels do not rub against their wheel covers.

4. Battery Quality

The quality of the battery determines how long you will be able to use your hoverboard. Also, one needs to check the charging system and ensure that the charging port can be accessed easily. Also, it is preferable that you purchase a model that has an overcharge guard, which ensures that the battery is not overcharged even when left unattended for some period while plugged in into a power socket. It is also recommended that you always use the charger that came with your model as generic battery chargers offer poor charging experience.Lithium-ion batteries are prone to overheating if they are used improperly for a prolonged time without rest, and this can consequently cause an explosion.

5. Charging Time

It is recommended that you select a hoverboard with a relatively short charging time.

6. Speed

The speed range of the model is important because it determines how slow or how fast your ride can be. Generally, there are situations which require a slow (snail-pace) ride, such as when riding through a heavy human traffic; while other situations, such as, a clear passenger lane, allows you to ride fast to your destination. A speed range of 2mph to 10mph is considered fine.

7. Range

How far can your hoverboard move without running out of power? This is determined by its speed, weight of rider, and terrain (flat or sloped ground). Generally, hoverboards are tested on ideal flat surfaces so that their maximum range can be known and then stated on the manual of the hoverboard. You need to check this maximum range as it gives you a fairly accurate idea of how far your hoverboard can travel with a fully-charged battery. A maximum range of 7-20miles is fine.

Also, you need to check the torque ratings of the hoverboard as they show if the model can generate enough power to climb a sloped terrain. Most hoverboards are able to climb slopes that have an incline ranging from 5degrees to 15degrees.

8. Portability

You may need to carry your hoverboard on your shoulder when climbing stairs, or when moving it around. It is therefore recommended that you choose a lightweight model. Usually, good quality and portable models have a weight of 30pounds or less.

9. Warranty

It is recommended that you strive to acquire a hoverboard that is supported by a signed warranty as these models are authentic/genuine hoverboards (as opposed to cheap imitations or knock-offs).

10. Local Laws

There is need for one to check on local laws that pertain to riding zones, and fines that one can be subjected to if the hoverboard is ridden through unauthorized zones.

Also, one must check if local laws limit the minimum age of the hoverboard user, so that one does not allow kids to ride hoverboards and then be subjected to legal repercussions.Also, some areas require the hoverboards to be UL-certified.

Conclusion

Hoverboards are easy-to-use personal transporters that you can carry on your shoulder when not riding it. Before purchasing any hoverboard, you should check its safety features and ascertain if it is certified by UL. After identifying a UL-certified model, you should also check its build quality, maximum load capacity, speed, charging duration, warranty, and the maximum distance it can travel without recharge. There are different makes and models of hoverboards in the market, but this review focused on those that retails for less than USD300. Among these, the top 5 hoverboards were identified as Tomoloo, Swagtron T1, HoverHeart, Razor Hovertrax 2.0, and Cxinwalk hoverboards.

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Top 5 Best Hoverboards Under $300

What Is A Hoverboard?

Top 5 Best Hoverboards Under $300