Hoverboard vs Electric Scooter vs Electric Bike: Which Is Best For You?

Riding a hoverboard, electric scooter, or electric bike offers a fun, eco-friendly way to get around. But with so many options available, how do you choose which is right for you? 

Tips ahead for you first:

• Hoverboards offer affordability and compact portability but are limited in speed, range, and terrain versatility.
• Electric scooters provide the best portability, ease of use, moderate speed and range, and affordability for most urban commuters.
• Electric bikes allow incredible speed, range, and terrain versatility but at a higher cost and with less portability than scooters.

So, you have the basic idea: compare the key features of hoverboards, e-scooters, and e-bikes to help you select the optimal electric ride for your needs.

What Are Hoverboards, Electric Scooters and Electric Bikes?

Before going into the details, let’s quickly define what we’re talking about:

🛹Hoverboards

Hoverboards are self-balancing personal transporters typically consisting of two motorized wheels connected by a platform for your feet. Internal gyroscopes and sensors detect shifts in your body weight distribution and tilt the wheels accordingly to move the hoverboard forward, back or side-to-side.

Leaning forward quickens acceleration, tilting back slows you down or reverses, and subtle foot adjustments steer the hoverboard left or right. Onboard electric motors spin the wheels, powered by a lithium-ion battery.

🛴Electric Scooters

Electric scooters are motorized versions of traditional kick scooters. A rechargeable battery powers an electric motor mounted in the front or rear wheel hub.

Fg: iScooter i8 Electric Scooter 350W 8.5-inch Tire - White

Throttle controls on the handlebar allow you to control motor output and speed. With a foot platform to stand on and front handlebars to steer, e-scooters are intuitively easy to manoeuvre.

Many feature foldable designs for portability. Higher-end models may have suspensions and larger air-filled tyres for a smoother ride.

🚲Electric Bikes

As the name implies, electric bikes are traditional bicycle frames outfitted with electric motors and batteries. When you pedal, sensors activate the motor to provide extra propulsion.

Motors are typically positioned centrally at the crankshaft or hub-mounted in the front or rear wheel. The motor augments your pedal power to make riding easier and extend range.

E-bikes come in many styles, such as road, mountain, cargo, and folding. Customize your e-bike to suit your riding needs.

How Do Hoverboards, E-Scooters and E-Bikes Work?

Now that we know what they are, let’s look under the hood at how these electric rideable operate:

Hoverboard Mechanics

Encased within each wheel of a hoverboard is an independent electric motor. As you shift your weight on the hoverboard, built-in gyroscopes and motion sensors detect these movements.

Fg: H1 Hoverboard for kids Bluetooth 6.5'' LED Wheel

They transmit this data to the onboard central processing unit, which calculates the required speed and directional adjustments. This information is relayed to the motors, prompting them to spin the wheels faster or slower and turn left or right.
The lithium-ion battery supplies the juice to power the hoverboard’s motors and electronics. You control the motors through the hoverboard’s sensitive gyroscopes and sensors by leaning in the direction you want to travel.

Electric Scooter Mechanics

A rechargeable battery supplies the energy to run the electric scooter’s motor and drive system. The motor is housed either in the front or rear wheel hub.
Twisting the throttle control on the handlebar signals the motor to engage. The more you twist, the faster the engine accelerates. Letting go gradually reduces motor output and engages braking.

Some higher-end electric scooters incorporate suspension in the front fork or rear swing arm to absorb bumps. Larger air-filled tyres also contribute to a smoother ride. The tyres, combined with foot brakes and handlebar brakes, enable control.

Electric Bike Mechanics

Electric bikes operate via a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that powers a central motor. When you pedal, sensors detect your pedalling cadence and force on the pedals.

This data is used to control motor output seamlessly via intelligent sensor technology. The more complicated or faster you pedal, the more assistance is provided to the motor’s maximum output.

Fg3: U3 Fold Up Electric Bike

Mid-drive motors transfer power through the bike’s gears and drivetrain, while hub motors are fixed directly in the wheel hub. Integrated sensors ensure a natural pedal feel regardless of motor placement.

Multiple assistance modes allow you to customize the power delivery to suit your needs and conserve battery life. Depending on regional regulations, cutoff speeds prevent assistance beyond 20-28 mph.

Key Buying Considerations for Electric Rideables

To choose the best one for your needs, here are some key factors to weigh:

1. Ease of Use

• For first-time riders, hoverboards involve a learning curve to master balance and steering. Take it slow until you get the hang of it.
• Electric scooters handle much like traditional kick scooters, but initially, maintaining stability at faster speeds takes some practice. Once mastered, though, they become second nature.
• Electric bikes provide the most intuitive experience for beginners since the basics mirror riding a regular bicycle. The power assistance makes pedalling easier, too.

2. Speed and Range

• Hoverboards typically reach top speeds of around 10 mph and have a battery range of 7-15 miles per charge. Their limited speed and range make them best for short recreational jaunts, not daily commuting.
• Electric scooters boast 15-20 mph speeds with a range of 10-40 miles based on the battery capacity. This combination of moderate speed and range makes them ideal for urban commutes.
• Electric bikes pull ahead here, with top speeds of 20-30 mph and an impressive range of 20-60+ miles thanks to large batteries. Their performance makes e-bikes great for longer commutes and riding anywhere.

3. Portability and Storage

• Weighing around 10 kg, hoverboards are impressively lightweight and easy to carry. Their compact footprint also takes up minimal storage space compared to other rideables.
• One of the most significant assets of the electric scooter is its foldable design. When collapsed, they reduce to a size small enough to stow under a desk or in a car trunk, greatly enhancing portability.
• Electric bikes offer less portability - their size, bulk and weight of ~50-100 lb make transporting them more challenging. Measure your storage space before buying to ensure your e-bike fits.

4. Safety

• With their small wheels and low ground clearance, hoverboards struggle on uneven terrain, increasing injury risk from falls or collisions. Ride cautiously in optimal conditions.
• Electric scooters require good balance and braking skills, especially at higher speeds. Practice safe riding and wear protective gear to avoid mishaps on your scooter.
• Electric bikes statistically have the lowest accident rates of these three rideable types due to their stability, visibility, and mature technology. Still, ride responsibly and use safety gear for maximum protection.

5. Cost and Expenses

• Hoverboards are the most budget-friendly electric rideable, costing £100-£500 for a quality model. Just beware of the cheapest options, which may have subpar components.
• Depending on battery capacity, motor power and features, you’ll spend £300-£1500 for an excellent electric scooter. Check warranties and parts availability for the long run.
• Electric bikes carry the highest upfront cost, ranging from £350-£3000+. However, their versatility and durability make them a worthwhile investment for serious riders.

6. Terrain Suitability

• Due to their electronic balancing system, hoverboards can only manage smooth, flat surfaces. Any bumpy terrain will disrupt the gyroscopic sensors and potentially cause a fall.
• Electric scooters excel on smooth asphalt but can’t handle potholes or uneven ground well. Models with suspensions and treaded tyres do better on varied terrain than small-wheeled kick scooter styles.
• Electric bikes shine here - their larger wheels and tyres can tackle pavement, gravel, trails and other mixed conditions. The motor assists you through challenging sections.

Comparison Table

Here is a comparison table of the key differences between hoverboards, electric scooters, and electric bikes.

Which Electric Rideable is Best for Your Needs?

Now for the fun part - applying this knowledge to choose the perfect electric rideable to suit your lifestyle and priorities!

▶ For Urban Commuting

Electric scooters excel if you need to zip around congested city streets. Their foldable frames combine with public transport effortlessly, and their moderate range suits most urban commutes under 20 miles. Nimble handling helps you weave through traffic and park easily.

▶ For Recreational Joyrides

Nothing beats cruising the neighbourhood on a hoverboard just for fun. Affordable models deliver a smooth, playful riding experience. Keep recreational hoverboarding close to home, though, as the range limits longer trips.

▶ For Long Distance Commuting

Electric bikes shine when you need to cover 20+ miles in a single trip, thanks to their extended range capabilities. Higher speeds get you there quicker, and you can ride on roads, bike paths or gravel as needed.

▶ For Heavy Duty Utility

Cargo electric bikes truly haul when you need to transport kids or lots of stuff. Their heavy-duty frames and oversized batteries handle impressive loads. Customize your e-bike with cargo racks and accessories to suit your routine.

Finding the Best Fit For You

Choosing the optimal electric rideable involves balancing budget, storage space, commute distance and riding style. Test different options if possible. Every rider’s needs differ - focus on finding the right e-rideable match for your lifestyle.

The Takeaway: Find Your Electric Match!

Hoverboards, electric scooters and electric bikes each shine in specific portability, speed, versatility and cost scenarios. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Analyze your transportation needs and riding style to select the perfect electric mobility solution!

With their innovative use of electric power to enhance our mobility, e-rideables represent an exciting evolution in transportation. Moving forward, improving battery tech will continue extending capabilities. As accessibility increases, so will the ability for e-rideables to reduce congestion and emissions in urban centers.

FAQs

Q1: Which is better for daily commuting, a hoverboard or an electric scooter?

A: Electric scooters are better for daily commuting than hoverboards due to their excellent range, speed, and portability, which make them suitable for covering longer distances.

Q2: What are some downsides of using a hoverboard for transportation?

A: The downsides of hoverboards include their limited range per charge, slower speeds, lack of versatility on uneven terrain, and less stability compared to scooters or bikes.

Q3: How can you maximize the benefits of an electric hoverboard?

A: To maximize benefits, use a hoverboard for fun, short joyrides on smooth surfaces rather than for practical daily transportation needs. Wear safety gear and remain alert.

Q4: Why might an electric bike be preferable to an electric scooter?

A: Electric bikes may be preferable for longer commutes and rougher terrain thanks to extended battery range, higher speeds, and larger wheels better suited to mixed conditions.

Q5: What safety precautions should you take when riding electric scooters or hoverboards?

A: Always wear a helmet and protective gear. Ride defensively, watch for obstacles, obey traffic laws, and practice caution when accelerating, turning, and braking to avoid potential injuries.