Hoverboards vs. Electric Scooters: Which is Suitable for You?

There have never been more options for getting around town. Gone are the days when you could only drive or walk. Now, thanks to advancements in networks, apps, and battery technology, there are myriad ways to get from point A to point B using electric transportation and each comes with its unique advantages.

You could use a ride-sharing app, but of course, it is expensive, and you will need to wait for the driver to arrive. You could ride a traditional bicycle but of course, it might leave you tired and sweaty. You could even take an old school taxi but of course, it can be difficult to find one when you need it.

There are simply too many drawbacks with the previous options and is therefore why so many people prefer to use an all-purpose electric scooter. They are affordable, reliable, and a joy to ride. As one of the fastest-growing mobility options for both men and women, they are safer and more powerful than ever before. Today, we are going to compare electric scooters to another popular electric method of transportation: the hoverboard.

Hoverboards have their advantages, just like electric scooters, but you will need to understand the particular scenarios which are best suited for using a hoverboard. As we will see, each option shines in its way but only the rider can decide which is best for his or her use case. 

What is a Hoverboard?

A hoverboard is basically a self-balancing platform on wheels. The rider stands on the platform and will lean in one direction or the other to prompt the board to move or slow down and stop. A gyroscope inside the platform operates as a control indicator and an electric motor and battery assist with power to move the device. But what exactly makes a hoverboard unique and when might you want to use one?

Main Uses of Hoverboards

Hoverboards are a relatively new product on the market and can be used for all sorts of activities. Some people can and do use them to get to and from work, but only if the distance is not too far. Another group of riders simply use them as a toy for fun. Young children and teens enjoy spinning around and doing stunts with them. There are even some companies that use them inside large warehouses for their employees to get around without fatigue. Each of these reasons is a perfectly acceptable use of the hoverboard.

Main Features of Hoverboards

Hoverboards are typically battery-powered and require charging to use. They are often compact and flat in shape, with one wheel but most commonly two wheels. The top speed limit for many hoverboards is between 5 and 10 mph (miles per hour) and the average range is around 3-5 miles on a single charge. Weighing between 20 and 30 pounds on average, a hoverboard can cost anywhere between $100 and $1,000 depending on the model you choose. 

Some riders will find it difficult to balance or operate a hoverboard without significant physical fitness and practice. Due to their size, it is unlikely that a hoverboard can be used for long-distance commuting very often. In addition, unless the tires and size of the hoverboard are extra-large, it may be difficult to ride over rough terrain, including uneven cement or curbs.   

What is an Electric Scooter?

In contrast to hoverboards, electric scooters are used for more purposes and in a wider variety of situations. This is due to their powerful motors, longer battery life, and front and rear suspensions. These mechanical and electrical components make them the ideal choice for many riders looking for a cost-efficient and fun way to travel.

With two wheels, separated by a platform on which the rider stands, the front of the scooter has a long shaft and handle that can be held by the rider for stability and to control the power to the scooter. With electric scooters, there is a throttle and a brake controlled by the rider's hands as opposed to the hoverboard wherein the rider has to balance and lean their body to move the machine.  

Main Uses of Electric Scooters

Due to their long-range and heavy-duty tires, electric scooters like the Varla Eagle One Dual Motor can be used as a standalone vehicle for getting to and from work, running errands, or visiting friends around the city. Thanks to the dual hub motor in the Eagle One, there is plenty of power to travel uphill for many miles carrying more weight than a typical hoverboard. For this reason and many more, the use cases for electric scooters are limitless. 

Main Features of Electric Scooters

Electric scooters can be identified by their hub motors, powerful batteries, and convenient standing platforms. With throttle and brake near the rider's hands, it can be a comfortable transition from something like a traditional bicycle for most riders. Many electric scooters come equipped with headlights and taillights, giving further credit to the fact they are used for so many situations, even at night or in traffic. Due to bigger batteries and motors, the best feature about electric scooters is the ability to travel further and faster than a hoverboard on a single charge. 

Which is Suitable for You?

By now you’ve probably been thinking about the different ways you could use both a hoverboard and an electric scooter. You can imagine all the helpful tasks an electric scooter can be used for and the fun that can be had on the hoverboard. The hoverboard is a great product and is sure to generate excitement, but at the end of the day, the versatility, functionality, and sheer joy of electric scooters far outweighs a hoverboard for most activities. A motorized scooter for adults can be the perfect complement to your plans when a car just isn’t necessary and a hoverboard just won’t cut it. 

No matter which activity you are pursuing, be sure to wear safety gear such as pads, a helmet, and gloves as accidents can happen on electric scooters just as easily as hoverboards, bikes, or rollerblades.  

If you’ve decided an electric scooter is suitable for you, be sure to check out our electric scooter buying guide for more tips and advice on what to look for in your next ride!