Hoverboards with a handle: the pros, cons and features of the models

Today, alternative electric vehicles in the form of gyro scooters and segways are increasingly replacing classic vehicles. The latest technologies, with the help of which such devices are created, are able to provide fairly high speed of movement, 100% control over movement, as well as complete safety of use. In this material, you will get acquainted with such electric vehicles as gyro scooters with a handle - with the pros, cons, as well as the features of the operation of such models.

The first models of segway appeared in the 90s of the twentieth century and worked based on gyroscopic sensors that determine and fix the position of a certain surface relative to the ground. Absolutely all gyro scooters with a handle work today on approximately the same principle, however, the accuracy of modern sensors is much higher.

Initially, engineers set out to create an alternative vehicle without any handle, but the rate of information exchange between processors, boards and sensors was too slow to quickly adjust the direction of the segway. To speed up these processes, segways with a rudder or "stick" were developed, which made it possible to directly influence the direction of movement of the device and at the same time insure a person against falls.

At first, these devices were only experimental models and cost a lot of money. The first company that began their mass production was called so - Segway. She helped popularize these devices throughout America and Europe. In these countries, segways are still actively used by police officers and pizza delivery men.

Over time, the accuracy of the sensors and the speed of the processors (reading information from them) have increased significantly, which made it possible to increase the sensitivity of the segway and eliminate the steering components from such a device.

Today, segways cannot be called the undisputed leaders in the alternative means of transportation market. On Russian streets, as a rule, you can find just classic hoverboards, which are mainly used by young people or small children. Meanwhile, segways have a number of characteristics that significantly elevate them above other vehicles.

So, the advantages or advantages of hoverboards with a handle.

• Improved handling and agility. An additional handle or steering wheel allows you to control the movement of the segway at 100%. The sensors that are responsible for measuring the position of the platform, thanks to the position of the steering wheel and its commands, quickly determine the set direction - this, in turn, allows you to maximize the maneuverability of such a vehicle.
• Versatility. High-quality segway models have an adjustable steering wheel, which is able to adapt to people with a significant difference in height. This versatility makes the model ideal for use by both adults and children (in the event that the total weight category of all family members does not exceed the weight limit of a particular model).
• Multifunctionality... New Segway models can be equipped with additional functions and devices that work directly from the owner's smartphone - via Bluetooth or external communications. In addition, some segway manufacturers have developed special applications for the operating systems of the phone that can change some of the functions of the segway.
• Speed... High-quality and expensive models of gyro scooters with a handle combine not only ride reliability, but also its speed. Some mini-segway models, for example, are capable of speeds up to 25 km / h, which significantly exceeds the maximum performance of most classic gyro scooters.
• Education... Hoverboards with a handle are ideal for teaching young children to ride. If for learning to ride on standard gyroscooters you need to feel the minimum balance and control the pivot point, then in segways for a person all these procedures are done by the steering wheel.

Despite such a number of indisputable advantages, Segways also have serious disadvantages, which are the reason for the weak distribution of such electric vehicles.

• Low compactness and mobility. Standard hoverboards can be used as hand-held vehicles - lightweight and not particularly large models, after use or after battery discharge, can be simply placed in cases or carriers and easily moved to a new place. In the case of segways, everything is very complicated by the presence of a handle, which can be removed by far from all models of such transport.
• High price. To buy a high-quality, powerful and fast Segway model, you will have to set aside a very large sum. The most budgetary models of such electric vehicles today cost at least $ 300-350. At the same time, you should understand that the cheapest options will not be any better in control and power than classic hoverboards without a rudder.
• The weight. Due to the presence of a steering wheel or a handle for controlling the segway, such an electric vehicle weighs much more than classic hoverboards. This also affects the compactness of the segway and makes it difficult for children to use such models.

Today the market can offer a huge number of segways with very different colors, functions and designs, but not all of them are of high quality. Below is a list of the best hovercraft models with a handle according to internet users.

• Wmotion Q7. This model is considered one of the most powerful (1000-2000 W) and all-terrain among classic segways. The model is presented in a universal black color and is equipped with large wide wheels, due to which it can reach speeds of up to 20 km / h and withstand a load of up to 150 kg.

• Xiaomi Ninebot Mini. This is a popular mini-segway with lower handlebars for children and adults. It is characterized by light weight, white or black body color, and excellent maneuverability on level surfaces. This is one of the best models for getting around city streets. A good power of 700 W allows such a device to accelerate to 15-16 km / h. On a single charge, such a model can cover up to 25 km. The maximum load is 85 kg.

• Wmotion A3. Sympathetic urban segway model with large 14-inch wheels. The engine has a small power of 500 W, and therefore this model usually does not gain more than 18 km / h.

• Ninebot E +. Segways of this type have an extremely elegant design and are capable of picking up speed up to 20 km / h. This is one of the most durable hoverboard models with a handle - up to 60 km on a single charge. Maximum load - 120 kg. Such models are very expensive - up to $ 2,000 per model.

• Airwheel A3. A chic multifunctional model, which, in addition to a speed of 18 km / h and a load capacity of 120 kg, has a comfortable seat with shock absorbers. On such a device, you can travel more than 50 km on a single charge.

A hoverboard with a handle is a rather serious purchase, therefore when buying it, you should rely on a number of specific factors, including battery capacity, power and speed, body material, steering wheel height, and wheel diameter. Each of these factors should be considered in more detail.

Not only the developed speed of the Segway depends on this indicator, but also the control over this vehicle, its cross-country ability, and also the carrying capacity.

In total, there are 4 standard wheel diameters for a gyro scooter.

• 4.5 inches. Wheels with this diameter have extremely weak damping and can only be used on flat surfaces. These are usually the cheapest options for gyro scooters with a handle, which are bought for teaching young children. The maximum speed of such devices is up to 7-8 km / h.
• 6.5 inches. Segways with such a wheel diameter are considered the most common and affordable today. Unfortunately, they have poor cushioning, but relatively good control. With an average speed of up to 10 km / h, these models are ideal for beginners.
• 8 inches. Hoverboards with such a wheel diameter still do not reach speeds of more than 10 km / h, however, they can be operated not only on flat surfaces and flat sections of the road. This model is more suitable for movement within the city, for example, from work to work.
• 10 inches or more. Among all Segways, models with such wheels are real mountaineers or SUVs. Most often they are equipped with inflatable large wheels, which provide perfect shock absorption when driving on any road.

Each Segway model has an indicator that is responsible for the maximum weight that this model can withstand. If we talk about models of gyro scooters with a handle for children, then models that can withstand up to 25 kg are usually chosen here. If you are choosing a segway for an adult, then it is best to buy options with a maximum load of up to 100 kg. The strongest variants of the Segway can carry up to 150 kg. When choosing a model of a hoverboard with a handle, you need to focus on the weight of the heaviest member of your family.

The fact is that segways are equipped with two electric motors at once, which affect not only the maximum speed of movement, but also the efficiency of overcoming obstacles - the so-called cross-country ability of the model. It is believed that the higher the power rating of the battery, the faster the segway will be able to move off-road.

For children, models with a total battery capacity of no more than 500 watts are usually selected. If we talk about the younger generation and adults, it will be most convenient here to use segway more powerful than 700 watts.

Unlike classic vehicles, segways do not need any gasoline - these vehicles run on electric energy, which is supplied from built-in lithium-ion batteries. The advantage of such batteries is their low weight, which makes it possible to carry hoverboards more efficiently. The main disadvantage is the inability to use it in cold seasons with subzero temperatures, as well as the prohibition of storage on loggias and balconies.

If we talk about the power indicators of accumulators in such hoverboards, then usually it does not exceed 4.4 Ah. In expensive segway models, as a rule, batteries are installed from proven well-known brands like LG or Samsung, but if we talk about budget models, then you will most likely find cheap Chinese counterparts there.

Typically, the battery capacity of the Segway is enough for no more than 20 kilometers of quiet driving on a flat road.

Usually, all functions of the segway are controlled by as many as 3 motherboards (if we talk about expensive models). Two boards separately regulate the operation of the wheels, and the third one already controls their operation and is responsible for controlling the entire gyro scooter.

In models of the budget segment, only 2 boards are usually installed., where only one board regulates the operation of two wheels at the same time. Unfortunately, these models usually have very poor control and maneuverability, and also break down very quickly.

Among the proven firms for the production of high-quality motherboards for gyro scooters and segways, one can single out the manufacturer TaoTao. This company is engaged in the production of the best "fillings" for a hard ride on expensive hoverboards.

Usually, in the manufacture of electric vehicles, a material such as polystyrene is used, however, its quality, type and strength vary greatly depending on the quality of the model for which it is used. For example, in creating the cheapest and cheapest segway models, manufacturers usually use cheap polystyrene material, in other words, PS. This is a very fragile and brittle element that cannot be restored and usually breaks down from the slightest physical exertion.

If we are talking about professional hoverboards with a handle, then HIPS type polystyrene is used to create them.... It is a more durable material that is resistant to cracks, chips and wear.

This indicator is especially relevant when choosing a segway model for a growing child or for the whole family. It is most reasonable to buy a gyro scooter with a telescopic or retractable handle and a folding mechanism (or with a removable handle). The first function will allow you to adjust the height of the steering wheel to suit any family member, and the second will provide the model with more compactness. Alternatively, you can buy a segway model with a short lower handle instead of a long one. Such models are called mini-segways - they can be both adults and children.

It should be remembered that models of segway with folding handles are not suitable for off-road driving.

It usually takes no more than half an hour for beginners to learn how to operate a Segway. These devices do not require a perfect sense of balance, like gyro scooters, and therefore are suitable for teaching children and adults. In general, the whole science of comprehending this electric vehicle is to understand how the device reacts to changes in the position of your body.

There are a few rules to follow when learning to ride a segway.

• In your first workouts, be sure to ask someone to insure you if you lose your balance. In addition, for training, it is better to choose only flat areas or sidewalks with a minimum number of people.
• In order for the training to be as painless as possible, be sure to buy protective ammunition in the form of a helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. In addition, for training, you need to choose lightweight, breathable clothing that will not hinder your movement.
• At first, you just need to stand on the segway platform and, keeping your balance, try to grab the steering wheel with both hands. If the device is on, simply lean forward slightly to start driving on the sidewalk.
• The main condition when driving a segway is to keep the movements smooth. All turns and shifts in the center of gravity should be as slow and consistent as possible. Any sudden turn or brake can result in a complete loss of control of this vehicle.
• Unlike some hoverboards, segways are a technique that cannot be used to reverse - especially if you need to go somewhere. It is very rare in the models that there is a special mode for reverse, but it is installed only in a few models.

Precautions when driving a segway.

• Under no circumstances should segway be used when driving on wet and slippery surfaces.
• In the early days of using the Segway, avoid descending the hills - at high speeds, the built-in gyroscopes and motherboards may not work correctly.
• Segway is not a hoverboard or skateboard, you should not try to do tricks with it.

See the following video for unboxing and review of the Xiaomi Ninebot Mini Plus Segway.