Float your hoverboard recommendations and purchasing tips this way!

May 20, 2019 9:46 AM

My kid wants to buy a hoverboard with birthday money. Budget: $140 tops. No bluetooth needed (kid does not own bluetooth device). What should we watch out for? What have you owned and can vouch for? What should we not buy?
posted by MiraK to Shopping (3 answers total)

Y'all might want to check Craigslist -- I just checked my local one and found several like-new ones going for around that amount (that normally retail at twice that). Your kid may be able to get a better model than they could afford new this way.
posted by fiercecupcake at 9:55 AM on May 20, 2019 [3 favorites]

I would not do this. If you buy a device with a large lithium ion battery that wasn't constructed well, it may catch fire during charging or use - and burn very hot, very fast. I have been the stick in the mud that vetoed attempts to repair a damaged electric bicycle that was "throwing off some sparks" in a multi-family wood-frame building, and who insisted an older MacBook with a visibly swelling battery had to be removed from service immediately. Lithium battery fires are not a risk I'm comfortable taking.

I don't know of hoverboards that are UL listed in your price range, unfortunately, but Wirecutter has recommendations that cost more than you have indicated willingness to spend.
posted by bagel at 11:52 AM on May 20, 2019 [4 favorites]

Best answer: you're in the meh.com / morningsave.com sweet spot here.

and here you go, a UL certified hoverboard for $79
posted by zippy at 1:15 PM on May 20, 2019 [1 favorite]