Are you confused between Segway vs hoverboard? With growing trends among the youth, transportation modes are no exception. Over the past decade or two, hoverboards took over the attention of the youth and became quite the swagger choice of traveling short distances.
In recent years, another similar form of transport made its entry and started gaining popularity. Yes, we are talking about Segways. Although they’re considered a different version of hoverboards, they are actually not.
That brings us to the big question – what is the difference between Segways and hoverboards. Are they the same device or different? Which are the best Segways and the best hoverboards? Which one is better and the best choice to have a safe yet fun ride? Well, let’s get to the bottom of the Segway vs hoverboard debate.
The Difference Between Segway vs Hoverboards?
Firstly, Segway is the name of the company that holds the patent for a specific motorized self-balancing vehicle. This means only one company manufactures the Segway. On the other hand, hoverboards are made by various manufacturers bringing you a wide range of self-balancing scooters. They come with great options and exclusive features.
The biggest difference between the Segway and a hoverboard is their size and design. Segways are bigger scooters with large wheels and weigh almost 50 kgs. In contrast, hoverboards have smaller wheels of just 6.5 inches. A hoverboard weighs a maximum of 10 kgs. This indicates that you can carry a hoverboard but not a Segway.
When it comes to the design, a hoverboard has two wheels attached to a board where you balance your feet. In the case of Segway, it has a better, robust design with heavy wheels attached to a board that comes with a handlebar.
It is easier to steer and balance a Segway without any worry. You can ride a Segway without practice, while hoverboards need hours to master the art of balancing.
Navigation
In terms of navigation, the handlebar in a Segway tops the list of differences between Segways and hoverboards. It plays a major role in navigating the Segway, which makes it even more instinctive to use. All you have to do is tilt the handlebar to the left or right to turn.
But if you’re riding a hoverboard, you will have to control the turning with your feet. You need to learn how to control your balance for days or even weeks before you hop in for a fun ride. However, there’s one rule that’s the same for both boards. You will have to lean forward to move forward and lean backward to reverse the scooter.
Size
The size is another big difference when it comes to Segway vs hoverboard. Segways are larger scooters with bigger wheels. They can easily weigh 110 pounds or more than 50 kgs.
Whereas, hoverboards are smaller and simpler. The handlebar of the Segway adds weight, but at the same time, it gives better control and does not require much balance. The overall design of both devices contributes to the size. The Segway’s design is more robust and has handles to steer with no prior practice.
The weight of the Segway gives more rigidity and stabilization. Hoverboards are lightweight with a simple design and features that can be swayed easily.
Cost
Segways are patented products of Segway Inc, while hoverboards are produced by several manufacturers. This makes Segway comparatively expensive in the market.
Being from a reputed brand, though, the product’s safety is assured, and you will know it’s made of good quality. It is definitely worth the price. In the case of hoverboards, you have a wide range of prices. There are cheap ones, but unfortunately, they are not of premium quality and can be subject to fire hazards.
You will have to look for a reputed brand and get a good quality hoverboard. If you are looking for an affordable, fun ride, the hoverboard is the best choice.
Features
Hoverboards come with various features and designs. So, make sure you check all the features before you buy one. Safety features are very important in hoverboards. These include UL certification, speed control for beginners, and others.
Both Segways and hoverboards come with LED lights to give you a better vision and help you navigate in the dark. They also come with water-resistant components, anti-theft alarms, mobile app connectivity, and a dual-motor feature to provide increased performance. For better stability, both vehicles have pneumatic tires.
When you decide to buy either of the two, always check for lithium-ion battery-based products. They provide longer battery life and boost the overall functioning of your device. Segways come with large lithium batteries that can last really long, but in hoverboards, the size of batteries can vary.
If you prefer to ride a balance board for long hours, you might want to check out the Segway Minipro model. With a robust battery, it allows you to travel long distances without hassle.
Segway vs Hoverboard: Which One is Good for You?
Having gone into the details of the Segway vs hoverboard debate, we now know that both serve the same purpose of personal transportation but vary a lot in their handling and driving.
Besides, your decision to pick one entirely depends on your circumstances, budget, location, and needs. If you are looking for a vehicle that can take you to work every day, or you want to take a long ride on the weekends, choose Segway. They have longer battery life and come with premium features.
But if you are looking for fun rides on the streets to spend time with friends for a few hours, choose a hoverboard. If you like riding in the dark, Segway comes with brighter and larger LED lights compared to hoverboards. But hoverboards come with blazing Bluetooth speakers to make your ride super musical! They are more fun with a bunch of friends.
When it comes to safety, Segway is much better as it has handlebars to control and steer quickly. Moreover, Segways have more stability, and you can simply park them anywhere. On rough terrains, the Segway Ninebot model can give you fixed rigidity even at high speeds.
In comparison, hoverboards can go off balance anytime as they are lightweight. Any obstacle on the road can topple the device, and you might end up losing control.
Compared to a hoverboard, you can deftly control speed in a Segway. But when it comes to budget, hoverboard prices start at $150 while a Segway starts at $6000. Hoverboards are budget-friendly and easy to handle. They can also easily be carried around.
Conclusion
Overall, it falls on you and your circumstances to pick either Segway or Hoverboard. Both of them have their own advantages and uses. But it is easier to ride a Segway with no prior practice while you need to learn to ride a hoverboard with a lot of practice. Well, jot down all your needs and circumstances and buy the best self-balancing boards.
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