Do hoverboards live up to their promises in tests? Not at all, the “genuine McFly” is still a dream of the future. But it doesn’t really matter. You will find the right hoverboard if you pay attention to the battery, motorization and safety! Here are the right tips:
Strictly speaking it’s not a hoverboard that we’re talking about here. Modern electric boards may be labeled as such, but they don’t actually hover above the ground like in the Michael J. Fox blockbuster. Unlike in the film, the electric board has a standing area for your feet and a roller on the right and left. When driving, you are kept in balance by a gyroscope, a gyro stabilizer. Important to know: You are not allowed to use any of the hoverboards in the test on public transport!
What can such a hoverboard do?
The little runabouts usually reach 12, 15 or even 20 km/h. Lithium-ion batteries ensure ranges of up to 30 kilometers, so there’s a lot of fun in there. But make sure you pay attention to the permissible weight when buying! So that the hoverboard really carries you and the gyroscope works reliably, you have to stay within the weight range specified by the manufacturer. This is particularly important if you are looking for a hoverboard for children: the minimum weight is usually 20 kilograms. If your child’s body weight is lower, it will not be able to steer the e-board properly. This not only leads to frustration, but is also a security risk. Other important parameters are motorization and battery. The current hoverboards are equipped with two motors of 350 watts each – they draw their power from lithium-ion batteries. When buying, don’t just look at the specified range. The loading time and, above all, the security seal are also important. In the past there have been accidents with hot, bursting or even exploding batteries. The independent safety check ensures that the technology installed here does not pose any danger in everyday life.
Wheels: 6.5 inches or more?
Anyone who often travels with a skateboard knows the question: how big should the wheels be? Most hoverboards have 6.5 inch wheels, but 7 inch and 8.5 inch wheels are also available. Ultimately, it is a matter of taste which roles you prefer. Many manufacturers advertise with extras such as LEDs built into the rollers, which light up colorfully when driving. However, the LEDs have no influence on the driving characteristics. Alternatively, there are also integrated Bluetooth speakers. In this way, music stored on the mobile phone can be played back loudly while driving.
Extras: speakers, lights, bag
Let’s face it, hoverboards are toys. Not permitted in the public sector, without an operating permit, without a clearly defined driving license and without any kind of insurance, you can only use such a thing on your private property anyway. So why shouldn’t the toy look like a toy? In fact, the manufacturers are going to great lengths to give the hoverboards that real party feeling. Colorful lights, sometimes actually useful white lighting at the front and red lights at the back, flash in competition. Don’t be fooled: the lighting does not make the hoverboard. You decide for yourself whether you need the light organ and the loudspeakers. Many a hoverboard is properly equipped so that you have your own disco system for the backyard. So that can be fun. Please consider: light and volume also consume battery capacity. In the event of excessive use, this could affect the range (or duration of use). On the other hand, the transport bag, which some manufacturers add, is very practical. Such a hoverboard weighs 7 to 15 kilograms, and the thing should also be brought from the charging station to the place of use and back. Bags also protect against dust and other dirt. So that’s definitely a selling point.
No operating license – why?
Actually, the hoverboard meets the requirements to be classified as a small electric vehicle. It drives faster than 6 km/h of its own accord. So why doesn’t it get an operating license that would allow it to be used in public transport?
Currently the presence of a seat, handlebars, brakes and roadworthy lighting is linked to the classification as a small electric vehicle. Except for the lighting, the hoverboard has none of that. As a vehicle with an own performance of more than 6 km/h, the hoverboards for sale also requires that you have a driver’s license to drive the vehicle. But the legislature has not yet defined a driving license class for the little speedsters. So it is not at all clear which driving license could ensure the validity. And actually you also need motor vehicle liability insurance to operate such a vehicle on public transport. However insurance companies have not yet offered this. In fact, you cannot take out insurance for your hoverboard.
