Self Balancing Electric Scooter (segway hoverboard) Review

Is this going to be the top Christmas gift kids love to get? Because it's so new and get trendy so fast, no one has actually agreed on a name for it. Here is what it is called so far.

1. Self Balancing Hoverboard
2. Electric self balance scooter
3. Two Wheels self balancing scooter
4. Mini Smart self balancing electric scooter
5. Mini-segway
6. Personal Mobility Device
7. Segway hoverboard
8. Smart drifting scooter
9. Unicycle scooter

While it’s not a real hoverboard like the one in Back To The Future, it’s still as close as you can get for now. A two wheel segway hoverboard can be carried anywhere and easily gets you around in style. 

How do you ride a segway hoverboard?

Here are some initial pointers about the segway hoverboard.

• It’s battery operated which is charged via a mains power supply.
• It takes 6 to 8 hours for a full charge and it can last up to 20km depending on the model you have.
• The battery life of the board can usually be found in the middle of the board with the stability light in between the rubber pads which are the touch sensitive pads where your feet go.
• To work out which side of the hoverboard is the front, it is the side where the light sensors are. There are 1 on each side and will light up blue on whichever side your foot will go onto first.
• On the back of the board are the power button and the charging port.

It is recommended to use your board on a flat and even surface or indoors on your first go. Clear the path of any obstacles. Now turn on the power button for your first try.

When stepping onto the hoverboard for the first time, make sure you are holding onto someone or something sturdy for support. Get on one foot at a time. Make sure your foot is flat and centred with your toes and heel hanging off the edge (or near the edge for small feet) evenly and that your stance is as wide as possible.

The stability light and front light sensors will come on when you are on. It is best to avoid balancing with your arms as this will interfere with what the Segway Hoverboard is doing for you. It will adjust the balance according to your bodyweight. Most people tend to start off a bit wobbly – similar to riding a bicycle for the first time.

To move, all you need to do is to shift the pressure in your feet by tilting your ankle slightly forwards or your heels backwards in the direction you are trying to go. To turn, press your toes down on your left or right foot depending on which direction it is you want to turn.

To pick up speed, press your toes down in both foots. If you want to spin around, keep your toes pressed down on one foot.

When going over uneven or small bumps, bend your knee slightly to absorb the impact. However, you will not be able to go over curbs. If you feel you are going too fast or want to stop, you can slow down by pressing your heels down.

The Segway Hoverboard will tilt back when it nears its top speed, avoid sudden movements and maintain your balance when this happens. It is best to practice for at least an hour so you get the hang of it before taking it onto the streets.

Why Might You Need a Segway Hoverboard?

• Quick and easy method of transportation – You can avoid the crowded underground and buses during rush hour.
• Lightweight and portable – Weighs only 10kg and although it is bulky, the shape allows you to easily carry this on your shoulder. There are specially designed bags for your Segway Hoverboard as well.
• Ideal for long distances – If you live far from the train station or you often walk 20 to 30 minutes to get to work/school, the Segway Hoverboard will get you there in half the time.
• Environmentally friendly and energy efficient – Using this method of transport will not emit any gases that will damage the environment. It’s also silent so it will not cause any noise disturbances when using it at night.
• Good for recovering or aching muscles – If you’ve had a tiring workout at the gym and every muscle in your body aches, walking can be a pain. Using the board will give your muscles more time to rest. It’s also ideal for people who have leg problems or are unable to walk too long.

Some last points to consider:

• The Segway Hoverboard will have scratches overtime as it is used on the ground but the scuff pads will help the wheel arches a bit.
• Avoid overcharging as well as this will kill the battery life of the board.
• Best used on flat and even road surfaces to avoid damage to the board and to you.
• Avoid using if you have any injuries.

Tips for Buying a Segway Hoverboard

Although there are not as many models of Segway Hoverboards on the market at present, it is still very popular and growing by the day. There is still a good variety of these boards available and there are some key points to consider before you purchase one.

If you are planning to travel long distances on a daily basis, it is worth checking for a board that has an auto shut off or sleep function. For example, some boards will shut off after 3 minutes if it is left idle with no one standing on it.

Many models come with alloy wheels and solid rubber tyres but it is still best to double check this is the case in the one you are looking to buy. There are a few models made with air hollowed inflated tyres instead which is not as sturdy.

Segway Hoverboards tend to scratch easily. It is hard to prevent this from happening but you can protect your board for a short while from this with scuff pads.

These usually go on the wheel arches. Some models may come with these scuff pads. To prevent someone else using your board, it is worth looking for models that have a remote that will lock your board. This is also known as a keylock.

Summary of features to look out for in Self Balancing Electric Scooter

1. User rating - can check from Amazon. They’re depicted by real customers giving real testimonials. We highly recommend that you read what they say about the model you’re interested in.
2. Colours - typically they come with a few colors to choose from.
3. Smart key - This allows you to lock and unlock your segway hoverboard without anyone else being able to operate it.
4. Maximum speed - The top speed the model can reach on full power. On average, it's about 10 km/hr.
5. Full electric mileage - The distance that the two-wheel hoverboard can travel based on a full charge. This is where one may need to pay attention as it ranges from 10 km to over 20 km.
6. Weight Limit – The amount of weight that the hoverboard can withstand. Please do not use it if you weigh over the stated weight limit. On average, it's about 100kg.
7. LED Lights – Most segway hoverboards have cool LED lights which indicates when the device is in use.
8. Price - Can get an entry level one for $200 plus and can go as high as $1800 for a top end like IO Hawk.

Below a tutorial on how to ride a Segway hoverboard

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