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*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
A hoverboard is every child’s dream. Its prototype is a hoverboard – a fictional levitating platform on which Marty McFly, the protagonist of the movie Back to the Future, dissected. Of course, the hoverboard does not hover above the ground. Sensitive sensors recognize the slight inclinations of the rider’s body, give a “command” to the wheels, and the device moves in a given direction.
Riding a hoverboard can be dangerous for a child. In some countries and cities (Great Britain, the Netherlands, New South Wales, Australia, Hong Kong, Scotland), the operation of hoverboards on pedestrian and motor roads is prohibited due to an increased risk of an accident or injury. There are cases when products made from low-quality materials caused a fire, and improperly selected models led to injuries to children.
We strongly recommend that you take the choice of a hoverboard seriously and pay attention to the following nuances when buying.
Options for choosing a gyro scooter for a child
Security
Cheap models made in Chinese factories are equipped with low-quality lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are the main cause of spontaneous combustion of hoverboards. Unfortunately, you should not rely on a well-known brand – the market is flooded with fakes.
When buying a hoverboard, be sure to check for a Certificate of conformity valid in the countries of the European Union. It guarantees the high quality of the product. If you are buying a hoverboard in the US, make sure the item is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission ruling, hoverboards that are not UL certified are considered dangerous to consumers and should not be sold.
The following companies received UL certification:
Swagtron;
Hoverzon;
Razor;
Powerboard;
EPIKGO;
Segways.
To ride a hoverboard, equip your child with personal protective equipment: a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads.
Charging
Low-quality charging is another reason for spontaneous combustion of a hoverboard. A high-quality charger should not be equipped with a fan. The presence of a cooler indicates that the charger is designed from cheap materials that heat up excessively. A low-quality charger makes noise during operation and can cause a short circuit. When the fan breaks, the charger needs to be changed.
The current strength of a quality charger is 2 A, the voltage is 42 V.
Baby weight
Children’s hoverboards are designed for weights up to 50-70 kilograms. If a small child tries to use an adult device, the sensors will not respond to the rider, and the hoverboard will stop “obeying”.
Wheels
When buying, consider the characteristics of the wheelbase. The patency and service life of the hoverboard depend on the size and material of the wheels. Remember:
Less wheel – worse patency;
Off-road rubber wheels are suitable for “rides” outside the city;
For driving on flat roads, scooters with solid rubber wheels are well suited, but on uneven surfaces the “transport” will shake;
Wheels with a larger diameter ride better on sloping surfaces, grass, sand, bumps;
For children under the age of ten, gyroscooters with 110–150 mm wheels are chosen. Such devices are suitable for driving indoors, on a flat surface and are designed for a weight of less than 55 kg.
Chassis
The body of children’s hoverboards is made of durable and flexible plastic. The devices are lightweight (approximately 4-6 kg) – thanks to this, children themselves can carry the “transport” with a discharged battery.
When buying, pay attention to the thickness of the plastic. The thicker it is, the stronger and more durable the product. Externally, the plastic should have a clear, bright print (color) and a smooth surface, without dents, bumps, scratches.
The body for an adult hoverboard can be made of metal. Metal devices are stronger, but heavier than plastic ones – they are chosen by high school students.
Electric motor power
The hoverboard is equipped with two electric motors in the wheels. Manufacturers indicate the power of each of them or the total power. The allowable power per wheel of a hoverboard for a child is 200-300 watts. Fifteen-sixteen-year-old children should choose models with a total power of at least 700 watts.
Battery capacity
The larger the capacity of the power source, the longer the hoverboard will work without recharging. For a child, choose a device with a battery capacity of 2,2-4,4 Ah (approximately 10-12 km without recharging).
full speed
Children’s hoverboard must not develop a high speed, otherwise the child may be injured. Choose devices with a speed of no more than 12-15 km/h.
Additional functions
Some hoverboards are equipped with headlights or LED lights, so that the child can be seen in the dark. But when buying, keep in mind that the backlight consumes a charge from a common battery.
Sometimes hoverboards are equipped with a built-in monitor that plays cartoons. It is not worth abusing this function while the “transport” is moving – the child may stop following the road and get injured.
How to choose a hoverboard for a child 8-10 years old
For children 8-10 years old, it is recommended to buy hoverboards with a wheel diameter of no more than 6,5 inches (approximately 150 mm). Small wheels are not suitable for off-road – they are designed for flat surfaces or roads with minor bumps.
The body of the hoverboard must be made of plastic. Two types of polystyrene are used in production: HIPS and PS. HIPS polystyrene is more impact resistant. and PS is easily damaged by mechanical impact, although it is highly durable. HIPS retains its properties at low temperatures (-40 degrees), while PS loses its properties at -10 degrees.
The optimal speed of a hoverboard for an eight to ten year old child is 5-8 km / h, and the power of the electric motor is approximately 250 watts per wheel.
Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.