If you are interested in hoverboarding as one of your new hobbies and are in the market for one, it is normal to ask yourself questions such as ‘how much is a hoverboard?’
Price is an important factor to consider when choosing a hoverboard.
During the initial production, hoverboards were quite expensive and some early releases were going for about $1300.
However, due to varied models, competition, and other factors, the recent hoverboard costs range from $100 to $1000 depending on the brands, quality of parts, model sizes, and extra features.
Therefore, you should know what you are looking for in a hoverboard so that you do not end up spending plenty of money on a board that does not serve you well.
Continue reading to know the different price ranges of hoverboards and the best hoverboards available on the market according to your budget as well as the factors you need to consider when buying a hoverboard.
How Much Does A Hoverboard Cost?
The price of hoverboards varies among the different models and brands and is affected by different factors. The price ranges between $100 to $700.
If you want to get the most out of a hoverboard, you should buy one that has a short charge time, long-range, and significant battery life. A hoverboard with these features will range between $300 and $600.
Are Hoverboards Still Expensive?
Yes, hoverboards are still expensive. It is only that you have options that match your budget and preference to choose from.
Therefore, if you are wondering whether you should buy a hoverboard or not, first you should consider some metrics before deciding from the price ranges explained below.
Ask yourself what your budget is. Are you buying for active, luxury, or casual use? Do you want to buy online or in a store?
Deciding where you buy a hoverboard is important because it prevents potential ambiguities that may occur from the seller’s return policies on the product.
It will also help you decide whether you are buying a used hoverboard or a new one.
When you are shopping for a hoverboard, find one that has enough power and features for your needs without costing you too much.
If you are on a tighter budget, you can drop a few extravagant add-ons on the hoverboard that may cost you a fortune.
If you want to try a new hobby, you should not buy the most expensive hoverboard, go for the one that has the basic features that you need to learn the skill, then you can upgrade as you improve.
Generally, the higher the price of the hoverboard, the more capable it is.
Different Price Ranges Of Hoverboards
As mentioned earlier, the price of a hoverboard can be as low as $100, but it can also be as high as $1000 or above.
There are basic features that are shared among all hoverboards, but there are updated and new models that have different features and innovative technologies that make them more expensive than others.
These features include built-in Bluetooth speakers, water resistance, smartphone app integration, and LED lights among others which increase the price.
Generally, hoverboards have different price ranges including ones that are low-price, medium-priced, and high-priced as explained below:
$100 To $200 Price Range
These hoverboards come with basic features. They are suitable for beginner riders who are just entering the space with no or less regard for the attractive features and designs yet.
Most people start with this type of hoverboard, but it is difficult for them to stay with it.
These hoverboards may not travel long distances but they have LED lights and wheels as well as a built-in wireless speaker.
$200 To $500 Price Range
Hoverboards in this price range have a higher warranty and are suitable for casual or average riders who are between the beginner and professional space.
They have more premium features and qualities than those under $200. They have off-road capabilities, extended durability, higher maximum speed, Bluetooth speakers, and LED lights.
Additionally, they have a visible improvement in the quality of the design, and UL 2722 certification is almost an assurance for these hoverboards.
The certification is given to products that are safe to use as they have quality batteries and materials that do not catch fire or explode from overheating.
The models in this price range also give you more rides after a single charge and some last up to two hours. They help you track the battery, speed meter, and GPS location, and come with adjustable features.
$500 And Above
The hoverboards in this category are high-priced and are for avid riders with choices and expectations for self-balancing scooters that have class and the highest quality.
They have optimum deliverables and premium performance.
They are user-serviced, and durable compared to those hoverboards in the medium-priced and low-priced categories. They are easy to maintain, have a superior weight limit, and provide the fastest riding speeds.
Also, they are more powerful, often bigger, and most of them have built-in and fast charging battery life.
Best Hoverboard Under $150
LIEAGLE Hoverboard
Design
LIEAGLE Hoverboard comes with a self-balancing control system that enables you to learn how to ride safely while having fun. The maximum weight limit it can carry is 200 pounds.
The overall design of the board is meant for individuals who like exploring different surfaces and terrains such as the beach, grass, sand, and gravel. It can also climb an incline of up to 15 degrees.
Performance
The high-quality 6.5-inch rubber tires come with comfortable foot pedals to give you a smooth ride.
You can use the built-in wireless speaker through Bluetooth to connect to your phone and listen to your favorite music or audiobook without using headphones.
The RGB LED design on the board has music and colorful lights to offer you an exciting and fun riding experience. The LED headlights and sidelights provide you with more visibility, thus allowing you to ride in the dark.
The LIEAGLE Hoverboard meets the UL 2722 standards as it has passed all the strict fire and electrical tests ensuring that you have a safe ride.
The dual 300w motor enables the hoverboard to reach a maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour which gives you enough time to enjoy your ride.
It comes with a stable control that allows the board to make turns, rotate 360 degrees, and go straight.
Pros
- Stable control and strong motor.
- Easy to ride and learn.
- Smooth rides.
- Affordable
- UL 2272 certified for safety.
Cons
- Poor battery life.
Best Hoverboard Under $250
Hover-1 Titan Electric Hoverboard
Design
The Hover-1 Titan Electric Hoverboard is an affordable off-road hoverboard that provides riders with great battery performance.
The Titan uses a self-balancing system to ensure dynamic stabilization when climbing on and off the hoverboard.
This balance system with anti-slip foot mats ensures you have strong stability during the ride, especially for beginners.
Performance
The Lithium-ion 36V battery is IPX-4 rated for water resistance and takes 6 hours to fully charge.
Available in four color options, the Titan is designed with a powerful motor and 10-inch wheels.
The Titan also features a built-in Bluetooth speaker for playing music and a smart app where you can have GPS tracking.
The app also allows you to customize the LED lighting pattern.
The Titan performs well on smooth hard surfaces, giving riders a stable and intuitive ride. It has a top speed of 8 mph and covers 8 miles from a full charge.
Despite a lack of power, the Titan holds up well in terms of shock absorption when running over cracks in the road because of the robust wheels.
Pros
- Strong battery performance.
- Great color scheme on the exterior.
- Affordable price.
- Smooth ride on hard surfaces.
- Great shock absorption over cracks.
Cons
- Struggles on soft surfaces.
Best Hoverboard Under $500
Gyroor Warrior 8.5-Inch All Terrain Hoverboard
Design
The Gyroor Warrior is the best off-road hoverboard that is under $500 and features a self-balancing technology and a speedy motor that can be used by both kids and adults.
Once comfortable, you can ride this hoverboard on all types of terrains including grass, bumpy road, mud, sand, or gravel.
Performance
It is designed using sturdy metal and aluminum that is UL2722 certified and comes with shock-absorber tires to provide you with a good ground clearance which prevents you from running into obstacles on the road.
You can glide up to a 30-degree climbing angle when you are riding on a hill. It features a lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 2 hours when fully charged and a 700w motor power that takes you between 7.5 and 9.5 miles.
It reaches a top speed of about 10mph which is fast for a board at this price range.
You can connect to the Bluetooth speaker if you like listening to music on your rides.
The LED lights will ensure that you do not run into people and things when it gets dark, and you can create a cool ambiance with the different color choices.
Pros
- Fast charging battery.
- Protective and durable.
- Great mobile app.
- Compact and light.
Cons
- Short battery life.
- Makes noise.
Best Hoverboard Under $750
Segway Ninebot S Self-Balancing Scooter
Design
Segway Ninebot S Electric Scooter is a high-performing hoverboard that gives you a stable and smooth ride with its smart minimalistic design.
It is available on a white and black exterior. The knee control helps improve the stability of the rider and encourages smooth lifting and more precise steering when riding.
Performance
Segway Ninebot S is constructed for high-performance, and it has a maximum weight of 220 pounds. The 400w motors reach a top speed of 10 miles per hour and the battery can last you up to 13.7 miles.
Segway has included a smart battery management system in this hoverboard to give you real-time updates about the performance of the battery such as the remaining charge.
The exterior of the board is made using IP54 waterproof technology to increase your confidence when riding in rough conditions.
The 10.5-inch pneumatic tires offer additional sturdiness when riding over bumpy terrains and grip well in wet conditions. It has a climbing incline of 15 degrees.
LED lighting according to your preference and upgrade firmware when needed.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery.
- Extra support and precision.
- Anti-theft capability.
- Minimalistic design.
Cons
- No Bluetooth speaker.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Hoverboard
The Nature Of The Market Competition
During the invention of hoverboards in 2013, people used not afford one because of the cost of design.
A year later, there was an influx of cheap models from China that disrupted the monopolistic nature of the hoverboards and provided more alternatives.
In 2015, those cheaper options gained popularity and became the most wanted fun item later when initially it was an internet meme product.
The hoverboard market has then become a popular attraction in the US and across the world.
More Hoverboard Options
The sizes of the hoverboards complement the nature of the market. When there are more competitors, it means more products, and when there is a variety of products, consumers get more options.
The case of a hoverboard is a unique lesson in the on-demand factor because an external factor drives the reviewed product cost.
Manufacturers have strategically penetrated the market to sustain the interest of consumers through pricing decisions that depend on various availability of hoverboards.
Model And Weight Of The Hoverboard
More options mean more models but these models come with different weight limits.
The weight limits of hoverboards are specifically made for different users; the casual and average riders, kids, beginners, heavier users, and pros.
The 4.5-inch hoverboard can be the weight limit because it represents the lowest weight limit of 55 kgs and is used by users like kids or younger adult beginners who weigh less.
6.5 inches is for casual riders while 8 or 8.5 inches and 10-inch have weight limits from 150kg to 180 kgs.
The varied weights and models determine the prices you can get for a hoverboard.
Hoverboards that have lower wheel inches cost less compared to the higher ones. The taste of the model and design can also affect the cost of the hoverboard.
Reviews Of Safety Concerns
When the monopoly was broken, the popularity of the cheap replicas came at a great cost. Most hoverboards began to develop electrical issues with an increased rate of explosions and overheating.
Consumer Product Safety Commission of the US tried to mitigate the accidents risks or injuries from the hoverboards because of the users’ complaints.
The realization shows that product demand coincided with cheaper hoverboards because people wanted a product but could not afford it.
Manufacturers then tapped into the problem by producing cheaper hoverboards certified with good functionality and quality safety.
Should I Buy A Used Hoverboard Over A Brand New One?
Hoverboards can be an expensive investment.
There are benefits to buying a used hoverboard, one being you can find a high-quality board without paying the price of a brand new one, meaning you save yourself some money.
However, before buying a second-hand hoverboard, there are certain factors that you need to consider including the following:
Motor And Battery Life
A second-hand hoverboard may look good from the outside but the battery might have significantly deteriorated.
This means that you will not much use of the hoverboard and can be frustrating when you have to charge it frequently.
Additionally, you should know that a hoverboard that has been used more often might have a motor that is not as capable as it could if it was brand new.
Therefore, be sure to ask about the battery life and motor power before getting one.
Physical Safety And Financial Risk
Your safety should be your main priority when riding a hoverboard.
Because you may not know the history of the second-hand hoverboard, you cannot guarantee that it is safe to ride even though you know the person selling it. Your physical safety is at risk if you buy a faulty hoverboard.
You also need to consider the financial risk of a used hoverboard because it may have been used for a long time even though it may look brand new.
Remember that a used hoverboard does not come with a valid warranty like a brand new one, so your investment is not covered.
This means that you may end up buying another hoverboard or spending more money on repairs if the used hoverboard gets damaged or dies unexpectedly.
When you consider the above factors, it is clear that the risks of getting a used hoverboard outweigh its positives.
In the long run, you can save more money buying a new one and you do not have to worry about the treatment of the hoverboard by the previous owner.
Therefore, you should get a new hoverboard within your budget. You just need to know the features you are looking for in a board and you will find a reliable one for you.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Hoverboard?
If you bought a used hoverboard or your warranty has expired, you may need to fix it and replace parts at some point.
If you choose to fix the hoverboard yourself, you should consult videos from YouTube as well as do enough research.
The following is a list of the rough estimates of the repair costs that you may incur:
Fixing The Hoverboard At A Dealer:
- Gyroscope – $120
- Motherboard – $150
- Hoverboard frame – $160
- Motor replacement – $180
DIY Repair Costs:
- Gyroscope – $20 to $50
- Motherboard – $30 to $70
- Hoverboard frame – $20 to $90
- Motor replacement – $80 to $120
Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Hoverboard
The Potential User Or Rider
Ensure that your motivation is not the untamed wild interest as a rider. Learn to pull the breaks for you.
If you are a child or a beginner, it is not reasonable, useful, or safe to use hoverboards used by adults and skilled riders.
Therefore, choose hoverboards with a minimum weight limit and lower wheel-inch capacity.
Speed Range
The hoverboard’s speed range goes between 2 to 10 miles per hour. Others go as far as 12 miles per hour.
However, other than speed range many factors contribute to the maximum speed of a hoverboard including the rider’s weight or terrain.
Wheel Size
There are different wheel sizes mainly four types, 4.5 inches 6.5 inches, 8 or 8.5, and 10 inches.
The lower wheel size is easy to carry but cannot withstand rugged terrains like the bigger wheels.
The General Building Quality And Battery Life
You need to find out if the battery life of the hoverboard can serve you. Charging time differs in hoverboards but it is good to find the right charging time.
Mostly, the battery life depends on the size of the hoverboard, so the bigger the hoverboard the bigger the battery life. Hoverboards that don’t have 2-3 hours charging window may not be the right choice.
Materials used in the hoverboard design differ from electronics to the frame to the wheels, internal motors, and sensors. These features should reflect the quality you want to buy.
Safety And Warranty
The warranty offered by the company is also a crucial factor to consider when buying a hoverboard.
Lasting hoverboards offer a good warranty when standard practices like UL 2272 Certification are adhered to. Ensure that the hoverboard has this safety precaution before buying one.
Weight Limit
This factor is important. Maximum and minimum requirements of the weight limit of a hoverboard vary with the wheel size.
Ensure that you go for the one that supports the weight of your body. The weight limit varies from 55 and 380 kilograms.
Final Words
The cost of a hoverboard varies depending on various factors. You should buy a hoverboard that satisfies your needs because you do not have to spend a fortune to have fun.
Decide on the hoverboard you want after you know what type of features you are looking for.