Hover Geek - Hoverboards and other Futuristic Electric Personal Transportation

The introduction of the hoverboards in the market was received with excitement across the world. However the past few years have been very tough for the industry, as the hoverboards kept exploding and catching fire. According to recent Consumer Product Safety commission’s report, property worth more than $2 million was destroyed by hoverboard related fires between December last year and February this year. The industry received a major shock when some airlines and college campuses banned self balancing hoverboards, and the United Kingdom completely banned their use in all public places. Amazon also had ceased their distribution across the world.

In the recent past UL, (Underwriters Laboratories, a safety consultation company approved by OSHA for safety testing and certification) under UL 2272 has tested and certified hoverboards which do not pose risk to consumers. Here are the best UL 2722 Certified Hoverboards.

Swagtron T1 & T3

Swagtron has already been certified safe under UL 2272 as a safe hoverboard. It can reach a speed of 10 mph and carry passenger up to 220 pounds. Its battery can last for up to 12 miles when fully charged, however the battery last for less miles when moving at maximum speed. The T1 is a safety certified version of the previous Swagtron X1. The T3 is a little more advanced; it comes complete with an inbuilt Bluetooth speaker as well an updated matte finish.

Kiwano KO-X

This is the first water resistant hoverboard. It’s capable of reaching a maximum speed of 15.5 mph. It’s fitted with a quality Samsung batteries and electronics making sure it will not explode when charging or at your feet. Kiwano KO-X comes with rugged all terrain tires, Bluetooth speakers and a mobile app which allows you to track speed, battery life and distance travelled. The hoverboard is UL 2272 certified according to post on Kiwano website.

Razor Hovertrax 2.0

Hovertrax 2.0, the second hoverboard from razor which appears to be an improvement from the initial Hovertrax has already received UL 2272 certification. The first Hovertrax was pulled from the market due security concerns. Hovertrax 2.0 can carry passenger up to 220 pounds for one hour of riding. It features a unique battery feature which shuts off automatically at full charge.

Segway Minipro

This is perhaps the most differentiated hoverboard in the market. It comes with a unique knee steering bar which is adjustable from 20 to 34 inches high. The steering enables the rider to turn by just leaning on the knee pad providing a sense of balance and stability. The bar can be detached for storage but the hoverboard cannot function without it. It can reach speed of 14 mph while carrying maximum weight of 220 pounds. Here is a video of the Segway Minipro so you can see just how different it really is.

The MiniPro works in concert with a Bluetooth app allows you to customize the pattern and color of the hoverboard’s taillights, and also provides antitheft security and data for the most recent trip. The MiniPro is UL 2272 certified

What Does UL 2722 Certification Mean?

The boards get set on fire due to malfunctioning electrical circuits inside of the board. UL 2722 is supposed to help people distinguish between which boards can potentially explode and which ones won’t. Most of the old hoverboards have been recalled, so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue anymore.

Hoverboard Safety

Hoverboards have received a lot of bad press for either catching fire or exploding while being charged or used. In general, injury and hoverboards have become linked in many people’s minds. There have been several incidents that made the news and sparked plenty of panic among hoverboard riders and non-riders alike.

The UL 2722 certification should alleviate any concerns that you had about your hoverboard bursting into flames. This doesn’t mean you’re not at danger while riding the things. Watch out for steep inclines and any rocks in your way. You can still fall off the thing and injure yourself if you’re not careful. It’s common sense, but many people aren’t careful while riding them.

Hoverboard Popularity

There’s no doubt that the sales of hoverboards were affected by the negative publicity but UL 2722 Certification should see those numbers improving. While the boards were even banned in many public places when the news hit. This doesn’t mean that you can’t find and buy them, but it does mean that demand and use for them has decreased significantly. Don’t be surprised if you see signs prohibiting hoverboards or if someone stops you from riding one in a certain area.

This isn’t going to stop hardcore hoverboard riders from buying the devices. You’ll still see a hoverboard or two once in a while if you’re in the right places. And you can now be sure that they won’t catch fire due to the massive recall that recently took place.

So feel comforted if you decide to buy one. At least you know that the board won’t blow up and burn your feet when you’re actually allowed to ride it, right? Just make sure the board is of newer manufacture and it is UL 2722 Certified.

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