Although we can indeed find them, even in toy stores, they are not toys and, like most vehicles, they are subject to regulations.
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What to look for when buying one
Perhaps the most crucial thing, in addition to the price, is that it has the safety certificate: UL-2272 (USA) or SGS (Europe). This seal is found on the device itself and in case of doubt as to its authenticity (for example, if we venture to buy in China), we can contact both UL and SGS to verify.
Without one of these certificates, perhaps we should rethink the purchase of the product since, above all, they affect the electrical safety of the device.
A device that, remember, has batteries inside and that, in the past, were withdrawn from sale in stores such as Amazon. The cause? Some of them had not passed safety approvals and caught fire due to batteries of dubious quality.
Another critical point is the type of product we are looking for. A hoverboard to play with the little ones in the yard and that, in all probability, will be finished abandoned in the back of the storage room is not the same as an electric scooter that we will regularly use to get around. Specifications such as charging time, maximum speed, autonomy, or weight are fundamental and a differential factor.
And, while a Mi Electric Scooter has enough autonomy for 30 kilometers traveling at 25 km / h, a Chic C1X is satisfied with between 17 and 20 kilometers at a maximum speed of 12 km / h.
Last but not least, there’s a warranty problem. If we buy the product in the Far East, we already know that the store will give the guarantee and although, in theory, it will be 12 months, we may have to settle for the 90 days of PayPal.
Something important to keep in mind if we buy the product we moved by fashion and, finally, it does not convince us.
Scooter vs. Hoverboard
The differences between a scooter and a hoverboard seem apparent, but it doesn’t hurt to clarify.
An electric scooter has, in addition to a front wheel and a rear wheel, a handlebar. However, on a hoverboard, the wheels are parallel, and there is no handlebar.
Scooters are generally easier to ride than hoverboards since, on the latter, it is somewhat more challenging to maintain balance for a long time.
Which scooter or hoverboard to choose
First, opt for one or the other. If you are going to use it for long trips, in most cases, a scooter may be more useful (and comfortable). Of course, having more autonomy, its charging time is also longer. You may want to check out different electric scooter models at iScoot.
If, on the contrary, you prefer something easy to transport, quick to load, and more focused on leisure, the cheap good hoverboards may be a better option.
As for brands and models, you can find a large number on the market. Of course, as we have already mentioned, it must have a security certificate if you choose one or the other.
Besides, for the future, it is recommended that they be models officially marketed in our country. This is important, both for the possible use of the guarantee and for a probable search for spare parts in the future.
Electric scooters
Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter
The Xiaomi Mi Electric Scooter is a model with the best quality/price ratio. This folding scooter has a 30 km battery and can reach a maximum speed of 25 km / h. Although there is a decaffeinated version, more focused on children, with only 20km of autonomy (Young Edition). Besides, it includes LED headlights, IP54 resistance, disc brakes, and connectivity with our smartphone.
iWatRoad R5
With it, we can travel between 12 and 15 km, at a maximum speed of 22 km / h, with a charge of 120 minutes. It has front LED lighting, LG batteries, and only 9.6kg of weight.
JDBUG 312
It reaches 18 km / h thanks to a 300W motor. Its battery allows a range of between 15 and 20 km and stands out for its speed limiter with a practical pedestrian mode that lowers the speed to 6 km / h.
Hoverboards
SmartGyro X2 UL
This hoverboard can reach 12km / h and has a range of up to 20km. Includes 6.5-inch wheels, LED lights, auto shutoff, speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity.
SK8 Go
A hoverboard with a range of 20 km with which we can reach 12 km / h. Includes Bluetooth, speaker, and LED lights.
Run & Roll Smart Go Cool
This hoverboard stands out for its greater height from the chassis to the ground, which allows us to circulate more comfortably around the city. Also, it includes Bluetooth, stereo speakers, and LED lights. It is capable of reaching 27 km / h.
Boko B1
The Madrid Company opts for Samsung batteries for its B1 hoverboard. With a charge of only 2 hours, it can provide autonomy to travel between 20 and 25 kilometers at a maximum speed of 15 km/h. Also, it includes Bluetooth connectivity.