Hoverboards represent one of the most exciting developments in electric rideables in recent years. These self-balancing mobility devices feature advanced gyroscopes and sensors that automatically stabilize riders as they cruise along hands-free. In this post we talk about How Much Does A Hoverboard Weigh.
But with powerful electric motors, sturdy frames and chunky tires propelling the fun, just how heavy are hoverboards to lug around before and after rides? Read on for a breakdown of average weights plus buying considerations for minimizing bulk while maximizing mobility.
Standard Hoverboard Weight Averages
The majority of mainstream 6.5 to 8 inch recreational hoverboard weigh between:
● 17 and 22 pounds
With integrated electrical components, batteries and hardware enabling self-balancing functions, attaining lightweight proves difficult compared to traditional manual scooters. But continual engineering improvements now drop weights towards the lower 20-pound thresholds thanks to refined designs.
As a general rule:
● Cheaper hoverboards tend to weigh slightly less than premium models in the 17-19 pound range thanks to lots of plastic materials cutting costs.
● Pricier high-performance hoverboards add 2-4 additional pounds on average approaching the high teens and above. More metals like aluminum and magnesium alloys add resilience and handling responsiveness while hiking overall weight modestly.
Of course individual weights vary across thousands of hoverboard models on the market – but rarely does overall heft exceed low 20 pound figures today.
What Impacts Hoverboard Weight?
Several design factors influence overall mass worth noting as lighter options get explored:
● Materials Choices – Aircraft-aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber drop weight but cost more than molded plastics
● Battery Size – Lower capacity batteries weigh marginally less than higher-output long-range variants
● Wheel/Tire Size – Smaller 6 inch wheels are lighter than 8-10 inch all-terrain options
● Frame Size – Miniature builds for smaller kids are lighter obviously than larger sized boards
● Suspension Parts – Integrated shocks and spring dampeners add slight heft
In general if chasing extreme portability proves paramount, smaller framed hoverboards with basic electrical components get close to 15 pounds. But sacrificing too much battery range or stability from tiny components defeats enjoying the experience.
Do Hoverboards Ever Weigh Less than 15 Pounds?
The lightest electric hoverboards dipping under 15 pounds remain rare even today typically leveraging carbon fiber housing or custom miniaturized electronics. But a few notable featherweight models include:
● XPRIT 8” Compact Hoverboard – 12.7 lbs
● Skque Ultra Slim 8.5” Board – 13.2 lbs
● Epikgo Sport Self-Balancing Board – 15 lbs
These remain the exception rather than the rule as major manufacturers optimize for safety, durability and performance adding protective bulk. But technology advances steadily shrink motors, gyros and lithium batteries yearly – so sub-15 pound self-balancing boards should hit mainstream in the next 2-3 years.
Do Heavier Riders Need More Sturdy Hoverboards?
Rider weight plays a role not just in top speed capabilities but also build integrity safety. Taller or heavier teens and adults weighing 200+ pounds require frames, hub motors and tires engineered specifically for bigger loads compared to kids models.
Compact hoverboards only designed to support ~130-220 pounds put larger riders at risk of equipment failures causing falls. So bigger builds become necessary once riders exceed 200 pounds for safety reasons. These in turn weigh more than diminutive options but peace of mind proves worth an extra couple pounds.
Just be sure to validate official weight ratings and sensor responsiveness via customer reviews before assuming adequate hoverboard heft and handling. Don’t overlook chassis load capacities chasing purely light metrics at the expense of reliability.
Other Weight Considerations Before Buying
Beyond physical hoverboard weights themselves, consider carrying convenience factors when picking self-balancing transport options:
● Integrated Handles – Built-in handles for grabbing or pulling hoverboards ease short-distance lugging between rides
● Detachable Batteries – Swappable batteries lighten loading/unloading for transport sans the whole chassis
● Accessory Wheels – Clip-on caster wheels reduces dragging effort tremendously if multi-mile travel is common between riding sessions
● Carry Cases – Padded hoverboard bags with shoulder straps minimize stress carrying devices moderate distances to/from storage
If your personal hoverboarding adventures demand regular vehicle loading/unloading or cover mile+ distances between garage and park, invest in appropriate accessories preventing muscle strains or dropped device damage.
The Takeaway
In summary, expect hoverboards to weigh around 17-22 pounds based on standard recreational sizing with integrated electrical components and sturdy metal/plastic composites. Super lightweight variants compromise durability, battery capacities or load integrity that casual riders simply don’t require.
Any marginal weight savings gets quickly offset lugging separate batteries or repairing cracked frames repeatedly anyhow. So stick with reputable brands matching ideal weights to your size and handling preferences for worry-free adventures! I hope this How Much Does A Hoverboard Weigh post helps you.