Need help picking the perfect swegway (yes, that’s what it’s actually called) and understanding the rules and regulations? Read on for our handy hoverboard guide!
As ardent fans of Back To The Future, we gotta be straight up with you: these hoverboards don’t hover at all. But what they do offer is oodles of fun, as well as the practical benefit of clean, green transportation. Ready to join the “swegway” revolution? Just hold your horses and let us run through the basics.
So what is a hoverboard?
The device’s unimaginative technical name is “self-balancing two-wheeled board”. Put simply, it’s two wheels arranged side-by-side attached to a segmented board that’s controlled by twisting your feet. The real wizardry behind the device is the gryoscopic sensor pads that’ll keep you standing upright as you whiz down the street.
Important information
If you’ve been following the news, you’ll know that knock-off hoverboards have developed a reputation for spontaneously combusting and starting fires while charging. Check with manufacturers that the boards meet electrical safety requirements and, if you have the option to pick a battery, choose name-brand choices like Samsung.
Of course, the other question on everyone’s mind is the legality of this newfangled machine. Hoverboard fans will be happy to know that the LTA hasn’t decided to enact a ban on the device, but it has listed some rules that riders are expected to follow in a report here. But don’t worry, it’s nothing terribly restrictive if you exercise a little courtesy and common sense. Ready to get your hands on a hoverboard? Here are our top picks.
What should I buy?
Best for those on a budget: Hoverboard X-2 ($499)
Looking for a basic hoverboard that won’t break the bank? The Hoverboard X-2 comes with all the basic features, plus nifty extras like LED lights and even a Bluetooth speaker that’ll put the swag in this swagway. The board itself is sleekly designed, and comes in several bright glossy colours. Another reason we recommend this board as a starter option is its improved turning stability that should make learning to ride a breeze.
Best for commuting: FREEFEET (Skque, BenchTech, XNow) ($500)
There’s nothing more embarrassing than speeding past pedestrians only to end up face-planting a curb because your board hit an errant pebble. If you’re planning to commute over long distances and potentially uneven terrain, the 10-inch inflatable wheels on the FREEFEET will serve to make your journey a lot safer. This hoverboard also boasts some funky street art-styled design elements so you’re bound to stun passers-by as you whiz past.
Best all-rounder: Deux Cruiser (IO Hawk, Phunkeeduck) ($549)
Celebrity-endorsed and with looks to match, this particular model is where it starts to get a little pricey. But what you get is a tried-and-tested hoverboard with very smooth acceleration and ample speed that will thrill experienced users (but might take a while for rookies to get used to). But hey, this is arguably the model that started the trend, being endorsed by celebrities like Justin Bieber, Wiz Khalifa and even Nina Agdal.
Best for speed: FutureFoot ($600)
Newbies might want to stay away from this speedy little hoverboard. With a top speed of 19km/h, you better be sure you know what you’re doing before you gun it down a track. And when you’re going that fast, you certainly don’t want to hit any debris in your path, so the boards built-in LED lights will help you navigate around any obstacles.
Best design: Wonfast 2 ($950)
Sporting a slick, contoured plastic body (in glossy black or red) and two-toned wheel hubs, this hoverboard will appeal to riders looking for a premium looking board that doesn’t skimp on performance. In addition to looking good as you scoot past bystanders, you’ll sound good too with the board’s built-in Bluetooth speakers.