Hoverboard price in South Africa: What does the cheapest one cost?

Hoverboard price in South Africa: What does the cheapest one cost?

What is a hoverboard? This is a two-wheeled, electric, portable device with a platform for its user and lithium-ion batteries to power it. Commonly known as a self-balancing scooter, it is used for mobility like bicycles, skateboards, or rollers. This may sound like science fiction, but these devices are a reality. But how do they work? What is the hoverboard price in South Africa?

Are hoverboards suitable for 7 year olds?
The sensors can detect the way the rider is leaning and act accordingly. Photo: Aliaksandr Barysenka / EyeEm
Source: Getty Images

Why are they called hoverboards? People call self-balancing scooters hoverboards because of the sensors that help them stay balanced. There is a little more to these devices than their strange name and appearance. So, if you are considering acquiring one, get to know the hoverboard price in South Africa and everything about the device.

How much is a hoverboard in South Africa?

Hoverboards entered the market in 2015 and have gained immense popularity, especially among kids. This device is generally used for transportation and is the popular term for self-balancing scooters. The device functions as a scooter without handles or other means of balancing beyond its gyroscope.

Read also

At CES, gadgets to make everyday life easier

What age is a 6.5 hoverboard for?
Hoverboard have recently gained immense popularity. Photo: Henrik Rusi / EyeEm
Source: Getty Images

How much does a hoverboard cost in SA?

The device's cost entirely depends on the specific features and size. Typically a cheap hoverboard price can go as low as $100, while the price keeps increasing as the specifications improve.

Pretty decent hoverboards in South Africa cost between $300 and $600. However, some high-end hoverboards can cost even more than a thousand dollars.

What determines the price of a hoverboard?

  • Speed – Their speed usually ranges between 6mph and 10mph.
  • Range – Fully charged models that can go up to 10 miles are usually more expensive.
  • Motor – The device becomes more efficient with more power.
  • Battery life – Go for one with good battery life. Most models ride for around two hours on one full charge.
  • Safety certifications – Go for the model that has UL certification and comes from a trusted manufacturer.
  • Charging time – It should charge quickly and perform for a reasonable duration.
  • Weight capacity – Go for a self-balancing scooter that suits your specific weight.

Read also

Autonomous driving is 'happening', but slower than expected

How do hoverboards work?

They work by having the rider apply pressure with their feet to control movement and speed. The device consists of the following five components:

What is the normal price of a hoverboard?
The device's cost entirely depends on the specific features and size. Photo: Jasmin Merdan
Source: Getty Images

1. Gyroscope

This device measures or maintains orientation and angular velocity. It adjusts the tilt of the device to maintain balance.

2. Microprocessors

Some tiny processors regulate the power output to the wheels. The sensor detects the wheels' rpm (revolution per minute), further sensing it to the gyroscope.

3. Battery

A sizeable high-watt lithium battery stores the electric power to keep it moving. While boards come with different battery packs, most feature 36V 4400mAH batteries.

4. Motor

It provides power to the wheels to keep the rider balanced and upright. The device becomes more efficient with more energy.

5. Logical board

This is where the hoverboard's processor calculates the status of the board, the ride speed, the tilt of the wheels, and the relative speed in real time. The logic board also manages settings. For instance, the device can be in beginner mode to limit its maximum speed.

Read also

At CES, beauty products pamper with AI

These components work hand-in-hand to offer the necessary power output and manage the tilt so the rider stays balanced and can move at a controlled speed.

Safety tips for hoverboards

  • Wear appropriate gear, including helmets, knee pads, and wrist guards.
  • Avoid traffic – Use the bike lane and keep off near traffic.
  • Follow the manufacturer's restrictions and limits.

Can hoverboards go uphill?

Most hoverboards' gyroscopes allow them to go uphill with their incline assist function. Therefore, riders must only apply their weight forward; the board will balance them and get them uphill.

How much does a hoverboard cost in SA?
Baby boy sitting on a sofa at home, with mother and father on the side. Photo: South_agency
Source: Getty Images

What is the average hoverboard speed?

Most of these devices will travel between six and ten miles per hour, with their speed reaching a ceiling of around 12 miles per hour.

Are hoverboards suitable for 7-year-olds?

Hoverboard companies recommend ages eight and older. Before this age, a child has not developed the requisite motor skills to stay safe on the device. Additionally, hoverboards for kids have different max speeds: anywhere from about 6 mph to 9 mph.

Read also

Top 15 best dishwashers in South Africa: Images and a guide for buying one (2024)

What factors to consider when buying a hoverboard?

  • Safety
  • Kind of hoverboard
  • Charging times
  • Speed range
  • Rider's height and weight
  • Terrain
  • Local laws
  • Additional features

Are hoverboards safe?

There is no doubt that hoverboards are super fun, but there are also some risks involved.

Are hoverboards easy to operate?

The ease of hoverboard operation depends on speed. If a hoverboard is slower, it will be easier for a beginner and someone with decent balance.

What is the normal price of a hoverboard?

A decent device ranges between $300 and $600. This price range will score you excellent battery life, fast charge times, long range, and a tremendous maximum top speed.

how much is a hoverboard in south africa
Detail of the body of a Millennial man with a hoverboard at the public sports park, getting ready to commute. Photo: FOTOGRAFIA INC.
Source: Getty Images

Is a hoverboard worth buying?

Hoverboards are extremely easy and fun to ride, thanks to being equipped with several advanced gyroscopes and sensors. These self-balancing scooters are great for running errands around town or sightseeing.

What age is a 6.5 hoverboard for?

Read also

How much is a drone in South Africa? Get the full price list

It is comfortable for kids eight years old and above, allowing them a more enjoyable ride. These hoverboards have a 12 km/h maximum speed.

Is riding a hoverboard good for you?

Hoverboards help you keep your back straight as you engage your core, helping to improve your posture simultaneously. It gives your body a complete workout from head to toe without feeling too exhausted or overwhelmed.

Above is everything you need to know about the hoverboard price in South Africa and how they operate. They are the latest and most incredible inventions in two-wheeled adventures.

READ ALSO: Top 20 cheapest cars in South Africa: most affordable cars

Briefly.co.za recently published an article about the 20 cheapest cars in South Africa. The country has a strict policy designed to protect local industries, making it difficult to import a used car into the country. As a result, South Africa has remarkably high purchase figures for new vehicles.

Read also

Prices of incubators in South Africa: all you need to know

While numerous other factors influence buyers' decisions, the price remains one of the most significant. So, which are the cheapest cars in South Africa today, and how much do they cost?

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Bennett Yates avatar

Bennett Yates (Lifestyle writer) Bennett Yates is a content creator with over five years of working experience in journalism and copywriting. He graduated from the University of Nairobi (2017) with a Bachelor's in Information Technology. In 2023, Bennett finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. He started working for Briefly in 2019. You can reach him via email at bennetyates@gmail.com.