A person standing on a hoverboard
Summer is just around the corner. The days are longer, the nights are warmer, and you just want to spend as much time as you can outdoors. What cooler way to spend a few hours outdoors than with a hoverboard?

Contrary to the name, they don’t hover above the ground like they did in Back to the Future, but they are a really quick and really compact way to get around.

With a typical weight limit of over 200 pounds, they can zip most people from place to place.

What should you keep in mind when looking for a hoverboard though? Here are 3 pretty crucial considerations when choosing a hoverboard:

 

What Wheel Size Should I Consider for My Hoverboard?

One of the more important aspects of choosing your hoverboard is figuring out the right wheel type and size for what you need.

Wheel sizes can affect the type of ride you have, too. Larger wheels tend to lend themselves to better control on uneven terrains. I’ve heard riders say that larger wheels also help you turn curbs a bit smoother too.

The majority of hoverboards out there have wheels in the 7 inch range, but you can also get models with 8 inch (or up to 10 inch) wheels.

People riding hoverboard

 

What Are My Hoverboard’s Range and Battery Specs?

It kind of goes without saying, but battery life and the overall range your hoverboard will get are pretty key.

If you’re going to be cruising on your board from home to work (assuming it’s a commute where you can do that), you might also want to consider a second charger to keep at your desk.

When I received an electric skateboard last year, the Best Buy team member (Alexandre Seel) that was reviewing it with me had a second charger underneath his desk for his own skateboard.

Charge times and range can vary based on the model, and just like the gas mileage in your vehicle, I’m sure it performs differently under different circumstances.

With that in mind, it’s always good to ensure that you have a safe means to charge your board for when you need it since if your battery dies, it’ll be a long walk home with a pretty heavy hoverboard in tow.

 

Swagtron all terrain Hoverboard

What Is My Hoverboard Made Of?

Material quality varies from hoverboard to hoverboard. One of the most important things you’ll want to get into before you jump onto that hoverboard is figuring out what it’s actually made of.

Some of the important things to consider are the build quality of the frame housing, the frames themselves, and even the tires.

Your fellow hoverboard riders can fill you in on some of the oddities that may come with continued use (like how well the batteries perform vs. what the manufacturer tells you, or even things like how easily the housing scratches).

Consider little things like the distance between the housing and tires and how much the tires can rub up against the edges of the housing and cause damage because of it (whether it be designed that way, or based on your weight).

Depending on how much you’re spending, as well, the overall product quality can vary, and you might have to spend a little bit more to get the best materials out there.

Consider how much you’ll be riding and what a suitable budget is for you throughout all of this research.

 

Of course, there are a couple of smaller things to remember too: When searching for a hoverboard, make sure that you’re within the weight limits for that particular board, and ensure that your rider isn’t a young child (they’re typically recommended for 12-14 years, or older).

Make sure to ride your board where you’re not violating any riding bylaws in your city, and remember to be mindful of those around you.

Lastly, make sure you get a board that goes at a speed you’ll like. Not all hoverboards are created equally, and some have higher top speeds than others. Otherwise, happy riding, and get out and enjoy the warm weather!

 

Your new hoverboard is waiting right around the corner at BestBuy.ca

 

Matt Paligaru
Emerging Technology
A technology nut at heart, I'm always interested in what makes our lives easier and helps us tick day to day. Whether Home Automation, toys, games (board and video) or everything in between, I'm always looking around the corner to see what drives us in today's day and age.