If balance scooters have caught your interest, then you will be happy to hear that they are safer and more affordable than ever before. Also called self-balancing scooters or hoverboards, a balance scooter is a rechargable, battery-operated mode of transport with an average speed of 5-10 miles per hour. Whether you are interested in purchasing a balance scooter for recreation or transportation, make sure you are getting the best product for your budget by avoiding these five common mistakes:
Mistake #1: Over- or Underspending
The most common mistake made in any purchasing decision is gravitation toward the least and most expensive options. Some people immediately grab the least expensive model available, in the belief that they are getting the best deal. Others instantly go for the most expensive model, convinced that it must be the best. Rather than letting a price tag decide, consider the more important factors listed below.
Mistake #2: Skipping the Warranty
We get it–when you are dropping a few hundred bucks on a new toy and the cashier asks if you would like to spend even more money on a warranty, the knee-jerk reaction is “No, thank you!” However, declining the warranty on an expensive item is an extremely common and regrettable mistake. While we recommend everyone secure pricey purchases with a warranty, this is especially critical if your children will also be using the balance scooter.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Battery Life
Each balance scooter has its own charging time and battery life. Some boards take two hours to charge and last eight hours between charges, while others take only 20 minutes to charge but need to be replugged after six miles of riding. It is important to review these specs when choosing the best scooter for your lifestyle.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Safety Ratings
In 2015, hoverboards earned a bad reputation for exploding batteries. Since then, UL, the leading company in charge of safety compliance, has done full investigations and put regulations in place to ensure consumer safety. While most balance scooters meet these regulations, there are some counterfeits on the market. Look for scooters that are “certified UL 2272 compliant.” Another note on safety: Be sure to check the max speed of all scooters you are considering.
Mistake #5: Not Reading User Satisfaction Reviews
Not enough people take advantage of the vast wealth of consumer reviews available at our fingertips. Whether or not you are planning to purchase through Amazon, it is a great source for reviews. After reading the positive responses, try clicking on the 1- and 2-star reviews and read the negative ones. See if there are any patterns among them. For example, if they all claim that the battery life is less than advertised, take that into serious consideration.
Balance Scooters are a hot ticket item for good reason–they are a blast for all ages, are convenient for short commutes, and can even be used for a bit of a workout. Go forth, buy smart, and enjoy!
