Range
The average distance that can be driven on a single battery charge. Usually, the range is indicated with some overestimation — based on a low (optimal from the point of view of energy consumption) speed, uniform movement on a flat surface, etc. Therefore, the actual battery life may be somewhat less. Nevertheless, this parameter is quite suitable for comparing different models with each other.
Thanks to the development of technology, the range in modern self-balancing vehicles can reach
several tens of kilometers.
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.
Max. climb angle
The maximum angle of inclination of the surface at which the vehicle can normally drive up or down (in some models, this parameter is indicated only for one direction, for example, up).
This parameter characterizes the ability of the device to overcome ups and downs. In modern models, it can reach 45 °. At the same time, note that the ability to cope with large angles requires not only powerful motors, but also appropriate design features (in particular, so that the protective cover does not scrape the ground); and for the descent, the second is even more important than the first. Therefore, when choosing a model for frequent driving on slopes, you should pay attention not only to power, but also to the angle of inclination directly stated in the specs.
Also note that at a high load (approaching the maximum), the efficiency of overcoming climbs may decrease. On the other hand, some manufacturers indicate the angle of inclination at the maximum load, and clarify that the light weight of the rider allows you to overcome steeper climbs than originally stated.
More features
—
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.
—
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%.
...>
— 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.Battery capacity
The battery capacity of the device in watt-hours (Wh).
In general, capacity shows the amount of energy that a battery can store. The higher the number, the more energy the battery stores, respectively, the greater the range (see above) and the more time it will take to charge. Note that although watt-hours are used to designate power much less frequently than milliamp-hours (see above), this designation is more reliable, because when evaluating capacity, in this case, the battery voltage is also taken into account (as opposed to counting in mAh). This makes it easy to compare batteries of different voltages. At the same time, do not forget that the energy consumption of different models can also be different, and battery life is easier to evaluate by the directly claimed range.
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.
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.
