Hoverboards are self-balancing scooters that promote people’s mobility, especially in an urban context. Whichever model you choose, you’ll always want to know the maximum possible speed.
How fast does a hoverboard go? Normally, these mobility vehicles have varying speeds from 6 mph to 15 mph. While it might not sound like the speed that gives an adrenaline rush, it’s very fast when you’re just a few inches off the ground. In this article, we’ll have a deeper insight into speed variations and the factors it depends on. Let’s start.
Can A Hoverboard Go Faster Than A Bicycle or A Scooter?
With technology moving at breakneck speed, most manufacturers are producing devices that drive the techie minds insane. Though the average speed is 6-8 miles per second, imagine how fast the device can go at 15 mph. This phenomenal speed is what has made scooters more efficient and trendy.
Because hoverboards are completely legal and safe to ride, they could easily overrule bicycles-for good reasons. While some hoverboards can easily give a speed above 15 mph, imagine how you’d get drenched in sweat when you try to achieve this speed on a bicycle. The only downside is that some boards cannot go through rough terrain. It might get challenging to go through grass and gravel. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and you’re craving for the fastest hoverboard, be sure to invest in a quality model.
Factors That Determine The Speed Of A Hoverboard
Although a hoverboard may have a state-of-the-art Bluetooth speaker, rubber guards, durable shells, and LED’s, it’s useless if it fails in the performance department. That being said, there are several factors that mark the speed of these self-balancing scooters. Some of the key parameters include;
Wheel size
Did you know the wheel diameter affects the speed of the scooter both indoors and outdoors? But, how does the wheel size matter? You may have noted that other features of your scooter could be the same but the size of the wheel will make the difference. Ideally, the market offers different wheel sizes including 6.5-inch, 8-inch, 8.5-inch, and 10 inches. Holding other factors constant, the wheel radius determines the speed.
Hoverboards with 4.5-inch wheels are designed for kids between ages 5-10 years. This is because they can attain a moderate speed which is good for their safety. On the other hand, scooters with 6.5 inches are designed for beginners and come with a maximum speed of 6 to 8 miles per hour. With small wheels, it becomes hard to ride on carpets. What’s more, small wheels translate to small ground clearance so your scooter cannot attain a maximum speed in uneven and grassy surfaces.
The 8.5-inch wheels are for both novice and advanced riders. Hoverboards with such wheels have higher ground clearance and give better foot base for individuals. The best part is; the device can attain a speed of more than 10 mph. It can also accommodate heavy people and still manage to meet the top speed. Lastly, scooters with 10-inch wheels can move over obstacles and rough surfaces at a top speed of 13-15 mph. And when you increase the speed to more than the defined limit, the LED’s will start to glow.
Every wheel has a speed sensor that allows you to adjust the speed to suit your needs and requirements. Just imagine you’re cruising around the street and then a dog stops in the middle of the road. The way you shift your body will make the magic happen.
Weight factor
You’re probably asking yourself whether you’re too heavy to use a scooter. Before you buy a new hoverboard, you should consider your weight and that of the board. A heavy board requires more power to attain the maximum speed. Standard scooters can carry between 200 lbs. and 250 lbs. If you weigh more than that, you may want to invest in a unit that carries more weight.
The way you hold or shift your weight will determine whether you’ll attain higher speed targets. Frankly speaking, most high-end models are designed to support more weight while maintaining the maximum speed.
Power of electric motor and battery life
There are several things that come into play if you want to achieve the maximum speed of your hoverboard. Because it’s electronically charged, you should give great emphasis on battery life. A poor battery can mess the possible maximum speed. Your goal should be to have a device that allows you to enjoy a ride for 2-3 hours before running out of juice. This is usually the average battery life after charging. It’s unfortunate that most people ignore this feature. How fast or far your board will go will depend on battery life.
The electric motors of hoverboards are located in the wheels. Irrespective of the brand you choose, make sure it has dual motors because they have a significant effect on speed. Note- every hoverboard owner wants to have a device that attains the maximum speed.
Which Brands Should I Buy When Looking For A Fast Hoverboard?
Let’s be honest: there have been numerous reports that some models of hoverboards have a nasty tendency of exploding. It’s advisable you invest in a model that has been around for many years. A good model will range between $250 and $500. Be wary of those manufacturers that charge inflated amounts. Besides top speed, pay special attention to construction.
Wrap up
How fast does a hoverboard go? Depending on the model you choose, you should expect speeds of 6 to 15 miles an hour. Now that we’ve talked about the factors that affect speed, you may want to look for products that have earned an indelible name in the industry.
Speed comes into play when you want to have fun and an exciting ride. Apart from that, it gives you an opportunity to reach your destination on time. It’s worth mentioning that newer models have come with advanced features and speed ranges. If you’re riding in beginners or standard mode, the speed will be average. The controls also play a key role in determining the maximum speed.
To be on the safe side, make sure you read the reviews of the different products and identify the one that has won the hearts of riders.
