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Hoverboards and electric scooters have become increasingly popular modes of transportation in recent years, especially in large cities. Although both hoverboards and electric scooters have similarities, they differ in significant ways. This article will explore the basic differences between the two and help you determine which is better suited for your needs.
Hoverboards are powered by rechargeable batteries and are typically designed for use on smooth terrain. Electric scooters are also powered by rechargeable batteries, but they have more substantial motors and are built with features intended to make them more suited to use on uneven ground.
Differences Between Hoverboards and Electric Scooters
Hoverboards and electric scooters are two popular modes of personal transportation. While they share similarities like speed and range, there are key differences to consider. Unlike hoverboards, electric scooters do not have self-balancing technology and have more powerful motors.
Electric scooters also offer a smoother riding experience, thanks to their larger tires and higher ground clearance. In terms of speed, electric scooters have an average speed of 25 mph, which is much faster than hoverboards which typically hover around 10 mph.
However, hoverboards can be used to perform tricks and stunts to impress others. While hoverboards and electric scooters both use lithium-ion batteries, their designs vary greatly. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and intended use.
1. Safety
Safety is a top priority for anyone looking to invest in a rideable device. When it comes to safety, hoverboards are not the best option. Although they have a speed limitation, which minimizes the severity of potential injuries, they lack important safety features, making them arguably the least safe choice on the market.
Comparatively, electric scooters can go much faster than hoverboards. While high speeds can increase the risk of serious injury, most people will not ride electric scooters anywhere near those speeds. The lack of handles on hoverboards makes them more challenging to learn to ride and can increase the chances of falling, especially during the initial learning period.
While electric scooters also require some balance from the rider, they are significantly easier to operate, with straightforward acceleration and steering processes. In summary, electric scooters are a safer option than hoverboards due to their user-friendly design and necessary safety features.
2. Price
In the budget category, both hoverboards and electric scooters are similarly priced, ranging from $300 to $600. However, in the high-end category, electric scooters can cost more than $5000 or even $10000, whereas no hoverboard even comes close to that price point yet. This makes electric scooters more expensive in general.
However, most people tend to shop in the budget or middle price range categories, with very few spending more than $1000 on a rideable. To provide a comparison, let’s take a look at the prices of a hoverboard and an electric scooter manufactured by the same company.
One of the top-selling hoverboards, the Swagtron Swagboard Pro T1, is priced at $249 while their most popular scooter, the Swagtron Swagger, costs $299. Although we’re comparing apples to oranges, we can see that the prices aren’t too different. Thus, it’s fair to say that on average, hoverboards might be a bit cheaper than electric scooters.
3. Ease of use
When it comes to ease of use, electric scooters are the clear winner over hoverboards. While both are relatively simple to master, the electric scooter has all the necessary components of a traditional vehicle, such as a throttle button, brake, and handlebar for steering and turning. Learning to ride an electric scooter can take a matter of minutes, with most people able to do so in under five minutes.
On the other hand, hoverboards require riders to use their body to speed up, slow down, and turn, making it more akin to a futuristic sci-fi contraption than a traditional vehicle. While this may sound exciting, it does take some adjustment and spatial awareness to become comfortable riding it. Additionally, there is a greater risk of tripping, losing balance, or falling while riding a hoverboard, making it less appealing for mature adults.
4. Portability
It’s easy to see why hoverboards win when it comes to portability. On average, hoverboards weigh around 26 lbs / 12 kg and barely any models are over 33 lbs / 15 kg. Electric scooters, however, are much heavier–around 46 lbs / 21 kg on average and some models even reaching up to 154 lbs / 70 kg!
When folded, electrical scooters take up more volume than hoverboards and also have awkward parts like handlebars and stems that poke out. This makes them difficult to carry around which can be especially inconvenient if you’re clumsy like me. I’ve had my electric scooter get stuck in the weirdest places before, like the pocket of an elderly woman sitting next to me on the bus! You don’t have to worry about that with a hoverboard though.
All-in-all, when it comes to portability, the clear choice is a hoverboard. It’s lightweight and doesn’t have any unnecessary or bulky parts.
5. Reliability
Electric scooters have become a trusted mode of transportation for many people due to their reliability. Manufacturers are constantly competing to create the most reliable electric scooters that can last for years without any issues. This has resulted in improvements in reliability over the years and is expected to continue.
On the other hand, hoverboards are not yet considered reliable transportation devices. While some high-quality hoverboards exist, they are not yet at the same level of reliability as electric scooters. This is because hoverboards are more complex due to the sensors they use for navigation and turning, making them more error-prone.
In contrast, electric scooters have a simpler throttle system that has been tried and tested, making them a more reliable option. Overall, when it comes to reliability, electric scooters are the clear winner.
6. Power
Over the past decade, electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation in many cities due to their powerful motors. In contrast, hoverboards are marketed as off-road when their motor power exceeds 500 Watts, but there are no hoverboards with motors more powerful than 1000 Watts. The majority of electric scooters have motors with more than 500 Watts of power, with even average scooters having this kind of power.
The most powerful electric scooters have motors with several thousand Watts. The reason for the weaker motors on hoverboards is that they cannot go as fast as electric scooters. Conversely, hoverboards are not designed to reach high speeds, and instead, they focus on providing a unique riding experience. In conclusion, when it comes to power, electric scooters outperform hoverboards due to their superior motors that allow for greater speed and range.
7. Speed
When it comes to hoverboards, their top speed is limited to 15 mph / 25 kmh. They are not designed for high-speed rides. On the other hand, electric scooters have a greater potential for speed. Most electric scooters can go faster than 15 mph / 25 kmh, with some models reaching up to 62 mph / 100 kmh.
However, such speeds are not suitable for most people. For daily commutes, a speed of 18-22 mph / 30-35 kmh can be useful, especially on long, straight roads.
8. Long distances
Electric scooters are the preferred mode of transportation for long distances. Even small and children’s electric scooters surpass hoverboards in terms of range. Electric scooters have a range variety of 6-93 mi / 10-150 km. Most adult electric scooters have a range larger than 16 mi / 25 km, with some long-range scooters exceeding those numbers.
The average range for electric scooters stands at 23.8 mi / 38.35 km. On the other hand, hoverboards offer a range of 9-16 mi / 15-25 km, and only a few models exceed that. There is no hoverboard that has more than 62 mi / 100 km of range, whereas dozens of electric scooter models can achieve this feat. Therefore, for long distances, electric scooters are the clear winner.
9. Climbing
When it comes to climbing, electric scooters have a clear advantage over hoverboards. This is due largely to the raw motor power and battery capacity of electric scooters, which is constantly improving. With more powerful motors, electric scooters can climb angles of up to 22 degrees on average, while some specialty models claim to reach over 60 degrees.
Hoverboards that can climb steep hills are rare, as their less powerful motors are not designed for climbing. Additionally, trying to climb a hill on a hoverboard can be a strange and unsafe experience, as riders must lean forward excessively to maintain balance. Therefore, if climbing is an important factor in your decision between an electric scooter and a hoverboard, it is clear that electric scooters are better suited for the task.
10. Fun
Fun is subjective and can vary from person to person, especially when it comes to riding devices like electric scooters and hoverboards. Some people prefer rides that are not too difficult and require less balance and alertness.
While both electric scooters and hoverboards are relatively new inventions, electric scooters have already established themselves as a popular means of transportation in big cities. Many people have tried them out and become enthusiasts, with a diverse range of demographics using them for commuting and transportation.
On the other hand, hoverboards have a more playful and youthful vibe, with a smaller user base compared to electric scooters. They may not be as practical for transportation, but for many people, they are simply too much fun to pass up. Ultimately, the choice between electric scooters and hoverboards for fun will depend on personal preferences and priorities.
When to Get a Hoverboard Instead of an Electric Scooter?
While hoverboards are not typically the most practical mode of transportation, there are some situations where they may be a better choice than an electric scooter. If you are primarily looking for a fun and unique experience, a hoverboard could be a great option.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that some brands may market their products as more fun than they actually are, and you may end up regretting your purchase if the novelty wears off quickly. To avoid this, consider borrowing a hoverboard from someone to test it out before buying one yourself.
When to Get an Electric Scooter Instead of a Hoverboard?
When deciding between an electric scooter or a hoverboard, the choice is usually clear. It’s recommended to choose an electric scooter unless you are certain that a hoverboard will still be enjoyable for you in the long run.
For commuting or last-mile transportation, an electric scooter is an ideal choice, as millions of people worldwide already use them for this purpose. This is also why billion-dollar companies are renting out electric scooters instead of hoverboards. In almost all cases, it’s best to go with an electric scooter over a hoverboard.
FAQ
Hoverboards can pose a risk just like any other moving vehicle. It’s important to take safety precautions and wear protective gear when using them. Exercise caution and be aware of potential hazards.
Hoverboard chargers are generally safe to use, but it’s important to be cautious when purchasing third-party chargers. If you decide to go this route, make sure that the voltage and charger type match the original charger to avoid any potential safety issues. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to charging your hoverboard.
To protect your hoverboard against fire risks, it’s important to invest in a hoverboard that has a UL 2272 certification. This certification guarantees that the hoverboard is equipped with a top-notch battery, which significantly reduces the chances of a fire occurring.
The safety of hoverboards has greatly improved over the years. While we cannot speak for every hoverboard manufacturer, the majority of brands now use high-quality batteries that greatly reduce the risk of fire. As a result, it is safe to say that most hoverboards on the market today do not catch fire. This is a significant improvement from the early days of hoverboards when fire hazards were a major concern.
Hoverboards can be safe for children as young as 10 years old, but it’s important to remember that this is a vehicle that can move quickly and pose a risk of injury. To ensure your child’s safety, we recommend that they wear appropriate safety gear while using the hoverboard.
Conclusion
The choice between a hoverboard and an electric scooter ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but both offer a fun and efficient way to get around.
So, whether you’re looking for a cool new mode of transportation or just want to add some excitement to your daily commute, both the hoverboard and electric scooter are great options to consider. Happy riding!
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