Max. load
The maximum rider weight that the device can support (including the weight of a backpack, bag and other things carried on oneself; this is especially important to remember if the weight of the person himself is close to the maximum allowable). If the permissible load is exceeded, the transport not only loses efficiency but can also break down at any time. Therefore, it is impossible to ignore the prescriptions for weight anyway.
Max. speed
The maximum speed that the hoverboard is capable of reaching: on a flat surface, with a full battery charge and an average rider weight. The same parameter is also the maximum safe speed allowed when using this model; in theory, it is possible to accelerate even faster (for example, from a mountain), but this is fraught with breakdown, accident and injury, and therefore is not recommended at all.
Most modern models have a maximum speed of up to 20 km/h, and in “high-speed” vehicles this figure can exceed 30 km/h. Note that a fall from a hoverboard, even at a speed of 10 – 15 km/h, is fraught with serious injuries. Therefore, protective gear is highly recommended.
Wheel size
The diameter of the wheels used in the vehicle. Technically,
larger wheels contribute to rolling ability and reduce sensitivity to obstacles and small bumps. However, these possibilities are influenced by many other factors, not least the engine power: with a weak engine, the unit may not have time to cope with the obstacle, which will lead to the rider falling forward. Therefore, large wheels must be combined with a powerful engine.
By itself, information about the diameter of the wheel can be useful when repairing or replacing it.
Clearance
Clearance is the distance from the lowest point of the hull to the ground; in other words, this is the largest size of an obstacle on the road (in height), that the device can pass under itself. High clearance contributes to cross-country ability. However, it requires large-diameter wheels and, accordingly, an increase in motor power, which in turn affects the weight and price of the device. In addition, self-stabilizing transport is designed primarily for urban use, with driving on a flat surface. Therefore, even in most models, the clearance does not exceed 150 mm, and in some devices, it is only 30 mm.
More features
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Position lights. The dimensions of the self-stabilizing transport are small, so such lights not only highlight the dimensions of the vehicle, but increase its visibility. This function is especially important at night — for safety, both for the rider and those around him. And in some countries, operation without position lights is prohibited by law.
In models that do not have front and rear sides as such and can drive equally efficiently in either direction, position lights are often made in the form of switchable two-colour lights: for example, the device turns on white light from the side it is currently traveling to, and red on the opposite side of the case.
— Bluetooth. This feature turns the vehicle into a mobile speaker system: you can connect an external Bluetooth device (for example, a smartphone) to it and listen to music through the
built-in speakers during the ride.
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USB port. Usually, this port is intended for charging smartphones or other gadgets from the built-in battery — thus, the vehicle turns into an external battery (power bank). At the same time, given the impressive battery capacity in a self-stabilizing vehicle, charging an external gadget has practically no effect on the power reserve — especially since we are most often talking about a minimum charge replenishment, and not about charging up to 100%.
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— Remote control. Such control can be carried out both from a separate remote control supplied in the kit, and via a smartphone (usually via Bluetooth) using a proprietary application. Specific control options can be different — up to the tracking mode, when the device itself follows the owner at a certain distance. However, anyway, this function significantly expands the possibilities of transport.Power
The power of the motor installed in the device. For models with two electric motors, this paragraph usually indicates their total power.
This parameter is one of the most critical for self-balancing transport. On the one hand, powerful motors improve the efficiency of balancing (especially with the large weight of the rider), allow you to reach high speed, effectively overcome bumps in the road and climb hills. On the other hand, they weigh a lot, are expensive and require capacious batteries to ensure a decent range (which further affects the weight and price of the entire unit). Therefore, motor power, usually, directly depends on the price category of a particular model.
In fact, the more powerful the motors, the better, and the question of choice for this parameter depends primarily on the price.
Full charge time
The time required to fully charge the battery from zero to full capacity. This parameter allows you to estimate how long the breaks should be for a full replenishment of the energy supply. Reducing the charging time makes the use of the device more convenient, but it is achieved through special technologies, which, usually, are not cheap.
Dustproof, waterproof
The level of
waterproof (more precisely — dust- and waterproof) provided by the body of the device.
This parameter is usually designated according to the IP standard; while the first digit indicates protection against ingress of dust and foreign objects, and the second — resistance to moisture. Here are the options for the first parameter found in modern models:
— 5 — dustresistant(a small amount of dust can penetrate inside the case, but does not affect the operation of the hardware)
— 6 — full dustproof.
Indicating more modest indicators in general does not make sense. Moisture resistance options can be as follows:
— 4 — protection against water splashes from any direction (allows you to ride in shallow puddles);
— 5 — protection against water jets from any direction;
— 6 — protection against strong jets and waves.
It should be noted that even well-protected models may have certain application features and restrictions due to weather and other conditions. Therefore, before use, you must familiarize yourself with the relevant section of the instructions, even if a rather high level of protection is claimed in the specs.
