Can You Really Buy A Swegway For $200?

So you want to buy a $200 hoverboard? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to find one (in the US anyway).Sure they were available, and up to the end of June 2016 you COULD get a swegway or self balancing scooter or whatever you want to call them, at Aliexpress or Alibaba (the Chinese marketplaces) for as little as $200 or less and they shipped worldwide.

In July 2016, at the request of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Alibaba Group are now requiring safety certification from testing agencies from all 3rd party sellers of hoverboards. For now, if you’re in the US you can’t purchase as they don’t ship non UL certified products to the US.

You CAN still purchase a hoverboard there if you’re outside the US, but a cheap hoverboard without a UL approved battery pack is a potential fire risk.

HOVERBOARD FIRES CAUSED BY UNTESTED LITHIUM ION BATTERY PACKS

I’m sure you’ll remember that just a few short months ago every time you went online and searched for scooters you would find more and more sellers offering cheap generic two wheel scooters. Nearly every electronics factory in China jumped on the bandwagon in late 2015 trying to create cheaper versions and to grab their corner of the market.

However, not all were the best quality and in a few isolated cases, scooters with cheap unregulated lithium ion battery packs sparked, smoked or even went on fire or exploded.Unfortunately hoverboard manufacturers weren’t adhering to the usual electronics safety certification that we have come to expect.

Considering there were approximately only 100 incidents of property damage and burn injuries reported out of possibly close to 1 million sold, the hoverboard fires seem to have been few and far between. However, it made it clear that most of those sold between approximately June 2015 and May 2016 are potentially dangerous. In fact before the new UL 2272 hoverboard certification was developed NO hoverboard could be deemed safe. Consumers who bought one during that time have been advised by the CPSC to stop using them for their own safety, and dispose of their self balancing scooter according to local and state regulations.

HOVERBOARD RECALLS

In July 2016 over half a million hoverboards sold by 10 different companies, in co operation with the US CPSC, agreed to voluntarily recall their products due to them being a potential fire hazard. Major players in the hoverboard industry including Swagway, Razor, Hoverboard LLC and more are involved in this recall. You can see a full list here.

If you bought a hoverboard between June 2015 and May 2016 you may be able to get a refund, a fix or a replacement from the company you bought from.

BUYING SAFE HOVERBOARDS IN 2016

Most major retailers like Amazon, eBay and others now require sellers or manufacturers to produce certification before their product will be allowed for sale on their marketplaces. Currently there are only a few hoverboards that have the new UL 2272 hoverboard safety certification and those are the Swagtron T1, Swagtron T3, Powerboard by Hoverboard, and Ninebot by Segway MiniPRO.

These products have gone undergone rigorous testing by UL (Underwriter Laboratories) and are proven to be safe. Some of these are now available to purchase on sites like Amazon, eBay, Best Buy etc.

These new UL 2272 certified hoverboards start at about $400 so realistically that’s the cheapest price at which you’ll be able to find a safe hoverboard for sale. That’s  still not overly expensive for a legitimate, safe electrical product like this, but obviously not what you’re looking for if you’ve got a budget of just $200.

If you want to buy a hoverboard in 2016 stay away from cheap hoverboards (if you actually see any for sale – hopefully most have now been withdrawn). Look out for UL 2272 hoverboard certification on any product you’re considering purchasing so that you can be sure your scooter will be safe.

BEST HOVERBOARDS AROUND $200

There is always a process involved when dealing with $200 or $300 investments, especially if that investment is meant for your child. And with any motor powered scooter, there is always safety to think about. Whether its refurbished or brand spankin’ new, the following are some of the best and most affordable hoverboards on the market, and each one is sure to leave you without any buyer’s remorse.

Product #1: Best Swagway Recertified Models

Find this product here.

Battery: UL2271 Certified SentryShield Battery Pack

Voltage: In: 110-240v Out: 36v

Size (in.): 23w x 7.3h x 7.3d

Weight Limit: 222 lbs

Speed: 2-10 mph

Range: up to 20 miles

Materials: Aluminum wheels with rubber tires, Hard ABS Outer Body Casing (both possibly scratched)

Recertified products should never be written off. Sure, they were once returned or damaged, but certified technicians restore them to the point where they pass rigorous testing. This means for around $224.99, you can get this fully functional hoverboard, just with minor cosmetic flaws.

For this steal of a price you get one, possibly scratched or dented, Swagway X1 in red, black, green, blue, white, dark red, gold, or pink. You also get a Swagway X1 AC Charging Adapter, a user’s manual, and associated paperwork. For everything you need at a price you want, you can’t go wrong.

This model does not include a 1 Year Warranty, but it does have a 90 Day Warranty. It also has a 30 Day Limited Return Policy. If you choose to go with a Recertified Swagway model, keep in mind that there are limited quantities so it is first come first served. And you cannot see pictures of the model you’re getting before you get it. You choose the color and any scratches or dents it may have is just the luck of the draw. If you don’t mind any cosmetic flaws and appreciate the price reduction, this may be the option for you.

Product #2: monorover r2

Find this product here.

Battery: 158Wh

Weight Limit: 225lbs

Range: up to 9-12 miles

Max Charge Time: 2-3 hours

The R2 is known for its “intuitive” feel. It starts with the gyroscopic technology, the same of which you can find in a Segway, where your micro-movements are detected by the two sensors under your feet. It has been called the “best self-balancing wheel,” that “brings lots of fun to everyone.” It is a customer favorite, and down to a price of $199.99 from $599.99, it can sure be your wallets favorite, too. There are two blue LED lights either in the front or the back. Either way, you ride comfortably, in style, and with ease.

Live in the European Union, the United Kingdom, or the United States and want one of these bad boys? No problem. The Monorover company ships to anywhere under those three categories. They don’t recommend you go roving on grass covered surfaces, but carpet, concrete, asphalt, and dry dirt are where the R2 thrives.

So what do you get when you order one for yourself? You get one monorover r2, one charger, and one instruction manual. If you prefer to watch a video that teaches how to ride this hoverboard, make sure you visit the site at the link above.

Product #3: monorover r2 Refurbished

Find this product here.

Battery: 158Wh

Weight Limit: 225lbs

Range: up to 9-12 miles

Max Charge Time: 2-3 hours

The site listed above refers to the monorover r2 Refurbished with the words, “All the joy and functionality of a new R2 without the shiny plastic shell and that new rover smell.” That’s right, you may get a few dents and scratches with your refurbished model, but odds are that you’d end up denting or scratching your brand new model anyway so there’s no love lost there.

These models have been returned to the Monorover company where they are repaired by the integral repair team there. Anything that doesn’t meet specialist’s criteria is replaced with brand new components. By the end of the repair process, the monorover r2 Refurbished is fully functional, just with moderate aesthetic damage on the exterior.

Unlike the new model, this refurbished model is only available for U.S. shipping addresses. You are able to select your preferred color, but not the specific one. They are sent at random due to the varied aesthetic damage. Furthermore, they don’t come with any warranties. But at $199.00 you’re getting a great deal for a great product. Please note that no refunds or repairs are issued for any defects under any circumstances, but you may return it within 15 days of the delivery date for a refund. In that case, you will be responsible for a 20% restocking fee as well as shipping and handling fees.

Product #4: Swagway x1

Find this product here.

Battery: Top Quality Brand Lithium

Voltage: In: 110-240v Out: 36v

Size: 23w x 7.3h x 7.3d (inches)

Weight Limit: 222 lbs (100kg)

Speed: up to 2-10 mph (~3 – 16 kmh)*

Range: up to 7-12 Miles

Materials: LED headlights, Hard ABS outer body casing, aluminum wheels, rubber tires

One customer calls this hoverboard the “best buy of the year,” and he really isn’t kidding. It isn’t just the Original and Official Swagway Hoverboard, it’s the “real-swag” as they say. Better yet, it also comes with a 1-year warranty and free shipping. At $299.99, this board is high quality at an affordable price.

The Standard 1 Year Warranty covers the original purchaser from any defects in material or workmanship when under normal use for one year from the date of invoice. Swagway will repair or replace the product at no charge. What does all of this get you? I think it’s safe to say it gives you peace of mind while riding your new toy.

From the high quality aluminum alloy frame and the high powered lithium ion Top Quality Brand battery to the strong technological platform, Swagway made all the stops. This 28 pound solid piece of mind reading fun comes in red, white, blue, black, green, dark red, pink and exclusive gold. That means there is a style for everyone.

The best materials, a great warranty, a reasonable price, and a stand-up company to top if off? Not a bad choice!

BEST HOVERBOARDS AROUND $300

Product #1: 6.5” Wheels (Pro Edition) By – Extreme 2 Wheels

Find this product here.

Battery: Samsung Rechargeable Lithium Battery

Size (in.): 22w x 7h x 7d

Weight: 22lbs

Weight Requirements: 45-180lbs

Speed: up to 10-12 mph

Max Charge Time: 1-2 hours

Range: up to 8 miles

Samsung has really out done themselves. Black, white, blue, pink, champagne gold, chrome gold, and chrome silver never looked so good. And with so many color options,    there is something for everyone. You even save hundreds of dollars by purchasing with the retailer at the link above. Extreme 2 Wheels gives you this top quality hoverboard for $375. Furthermore, they offer free shipping on all orders.

On this site, the Pro Edition is referred to as “America’s hottest Two Wheel Self Balancing Scooter with a Genuine Samsung Lithium Ion re-chargeable battery.” This is backed by it’s 1 Year Warranty. And each hoverboard they make meets all USA Safety UL Certifications. So whether you or your child uses this easy to ride, state of the art, self-balancing scooter, you can be sure you and your child are safe and covered from any damage.

This board does have a lower range per charge than other boards at a lower price point and the weight requirements are a bit lower than others, but if you’re not concerned with charging your board a bit more frequently and you’re under the maximum weight limit, this really shouldn’t be a problem.

Top of the line and peace of mind, this board has a lot going for it.

Product #2: 6.5” Wheels With Bluetooth (Elite Edition) By – Extreme 2 Wheels (New Generation)

Find this product here.

Battery: Samsung Rechargeable Lithium Battery

Size (in.): 22w x 7h x 7d

Weight: 22lbs

Weight Requirements: 45-180lbs

Speed: up to 10-12 mph

Max Charge Time: 1-2 hours

Range: up to 8 miles

What’s one thing you can think of that makes all technology better? Bluetooth Speakers. This new hoverboard is a prime example of the ever evolving technological world. Add Bluetooth speakers to your hoverboard and you now having a stylish, fun, and rhythmic way to get from A to B.

Even the style of the Elite Edition is considered “new generation.” And that’s great news for you. You will find LED lights lining the wheel rims adds some extra fun to your board. It’s really like the Pro Edition’s bigger, better sister. And with only an additional $20 added to the Pro Edition price, it’s well worth the extra investment, if extra fun is something you’re after.

Just like the Pro Edition, this new 2016 Elite Edition meets all USA Safety UL Certifications and comes with a 1 Year Warranty. And yes, you still get shipping free with your purchase at Extreme 2 Wheels. But there are a few limitations, particularly in color. Color options include black, white, red, and blue. But with everything else you get, this is one small sacrifice for a whole lot more in return.

Not much more of an investment with a ton of extra fun sounds too good to be true. But it is, in fact, true!

Product # 3: SKQUE 6” Hoverboard With LED – (The Original)

Find this product here.

Battery: 158W LG/Samsung 44000mAh battery pack

Input: AC110-220V 50-60Hz

Max Speed: 6.2mph

Range: up to 11-15 miles

Charging Time: 1-2 Hours

Wheel Size: 6.5 Inch

Weight Requirements: 70-264lbs

Weight: 29.8lbs

“The Original” can sometimes be hard words to live up to, but SKQUE does a fine job maintaining the excellence of their hoverboards, including this one. With a price tag over a thousand dollars, it’s well worth it. But don’t worry, the link above will direct you to a page where you will find it for $329.99. As an added bonus, you get free shipping.

Celebrities are even recommending this model. With a selection of colors including red, green, gold, pink, blue, white, and black, they have many different options for all users. What’s more is that they are in the process of coming out with other chromatic and creative designs for this model, giving purchasers more options and more fun.

With a higher maximum weight limit and longer distance per charge, this model will take a lot more people a lot farther. Just keep in mind, if you are buying this for a child, the minimum weight requirement is 70 pounds. The only other thing that stands out is it’s slightly slower maximum speed versus other hoverboards. If speed isn’t all that important and the user falls within the recommended weight requirements, this model is a fantastic option.

Product #4: SKQUE 6” Hoverboard With LED – (The Edge)

Find this product here.

Battery: 158w LG/Samsung 44000mAh battery pack

Input: AC110-220V 50-60Hz

Speed: 6.2mph

Range: up to 11-15 miles

Charging Time: 1-2 Hours

Wheel Size: 6.5 Inch

Weight Requirements: 70-264lbs

Weight: 29.8lbs

The Edge is very similar to The Original. Both have the same battery, the same maximum speeds, the same range per charge, the same charge time, and the same weight requirements. That means, again, that as long as the user isn’t a child under 70lbs and as long as you don’t mind a maximum speed of 6.2 miles per hour, this is a great option.

So what makes The Edge different from the Original? The answer to that is it’s “edgy” design. It comes in five different new-age color combinations including orange and purple, red and blue, orange and black, red and black, and purple and white. You’ll have to see for yourself to believe how neat these look. And with a price tag of $379.99, down from $1799.99, you’re getting a five star customer rated hoverboard for a great price. Along with it will also come a manual wall charger and a remote control to turn it on and off.

This model takes the best and makes it even better, even more stylish, even more appealing. And customers seem to be agreeing. Take a look at the link above and see for yourself.

Product #5: Swagtron T1

Find this product here.

Battery: Top Quality Brand Lithium with SentryShield™ (UL2271 Certified)

Voltage: 100 – 240 Volts

Speed: 2 – 8 mph

Range: up to 7 – 12 miles

Charging Time: about 1 Hour

Size: 23w x 7h x 7d (inches)

Product Weight: 22 lbs (9.9kgs)

Weight Requirements: 44-220 lbs

Climbing Capability: 30°

Turning Radius: 0°

Materials: Hard ABS Outer Body Casing, Aluminum Wheels with Rubber Tires, LED Headlights

The Swagtron T1 has also received a five out of five stars in customer reviews. Swagtron is the new and improved Swagway and sits at the very top of the hoverboard food chain due to the company’s focus on safety and user experience. The T1 model has been redesigned with user experience in mind. This means that its ABS shell, its lighter weight, and its smart battery management system lets you get the most out of each charge.

It’s learning mode is great for beginner riders or even smaller children (who are at least 44 pounds) who don’t yet have enough balance to control the hoverboard very well. So if you plan to buy this for your child, or if you yourself are a beginner rider, you can be sure to banish any buyers remorse. Furthermore, it is the only hoverboard featuring the Swagtron SentryShield Multilayer Protection, giving your battery more protection and giving you peace of mind. The T1’s smooth and more stabilizing gear and motor system furthers it’s argument for being the best of the best. And at $349.99, it’s a great value and a great price.

There is a 30 Day Limited Return Policy that comes with each new purchase. To be eligible for this return policy, the item must be in new/unused condition. Restocking fees may apply. Whether you choose white, black, blue, dark red, pink, or exclusive gold, this model is sure to please.

Conclusion:

To put it simply, there are many options to purchase a hoverboard for around $200 or $300. But don’t let the price fool you. These babies pack just as much punch as some of their more expensive counterparts. Whatever your needs, you’re sure to find the right electric scooter for you and your family using the lists above. Figure out what is important to you and go from there. And whatever you do, make sure to have fun! It is a toy after all!