Great self-balancing scooter for commuting
The Hover-1 H1 is one of the electric hoverboards that changed the attitude towards these self-balancing machines.
Hoverboards were first promoted as novelty toys that made you look cool. But thanks to Hover-1 and others, hoverboards are now practical transport options for commuting to and from work or school - or wherever you're going.
- Motor
Two 250-watt motors - Battery
36 V, 4.3 Ah Lithium-ion Battery (20 cells) - Distance
19.3 km (12 miles) - Recharge Time
2.5 hours - Speed
16 kph (10 mph) - Load Capacity
120 kg (264 lb) - Weight
10 kg (22 lb) - Tyres
Non-Pneumatic solid tyres 16.5 cm (6.5”) -
Extras
- Inbuilt Bluetooth speakers
- Customisable LED headlights
- Mobile app
- 3 skill modes
- GPS tracking
- IPX4 water resistance
- Pros
- Lightweight, durable, and portable
- High maximum load capacity - 120 kg (264 lb)
- Easy to ride (3 skill modes)
- Customisable LED lights
- Bluetooth speakers
- Mobile app
- GPS tracking
- Reasonably priced
- International safety certifications
- Cons
- Not great on rough terrain; ideal for flat surfaces
- Easily prone to scratches
- Users need to download two apps (not a huge negative, but annoyed me a little)
Design and Portability
The manufacturers of the Hover-1 H1 have decided not to experiment with the design of the hoverboard. It's aesthetically pleasing, minimalist and sleek, as well as looking modern - even futuristic! The hoverboard is available in five colours: Black, White, Blue, Red, and Iridescent (futuristic multi-colour).
Hover-1 H1 has ‘premium product’ written all over it (not literally). The compact hoverboard has a sturdy frame that can tow a load of 120 kg (264 lb), which is higher than most other hoverboards currently available. Even the much larger Segway MiniPro has a maximum load capacity of only 100 kg (220 lb).
With a weight of 10 kg (22 lb), the Hover-1 H1 hoverboard is remarkably portable. Adults and even teenagers will have no problem carrying it around with minimum effort. Again, the low overall weight and high load capacity speak volumes of the hoverboard’s design, materials used, and construction.
Speed, Distance, and Battery
Hover-1 H1 is powered by two 250-watt motors that can propel the hoverboard to a top speed of 16 kph (10 mph). Those who are not impressed with the top speed should know that this is a good speed for any hoverboard - not too fast, but not too slow.
The hoverboard is also fitted with a 36 V, 4.3 Ah Lithium-ion battery that delivers a maximum range of 19.3 km (12 miles) at full capacity. The 20-cell Li-ion battery requires less than 2.5 hours of charging time to fully juice up.
The Brake System
Hover-1 H1 features two Non-Pneumatic solid tyres with a diameter of 16.5 cm (6.5”). Fenders protect the tyres and wheel mechanics from rain and prevent dirt spattering at the rider.
The tyres are large enough to ride on roads with small bumps, twigs, and stones. The solid wheels are perfect for riding in any weather conditions. Although we don’t recommend all hoverboards in rain or riding through puddles, Hover-1 H1 can handle it.
Some hoverboard brands out there are just not worth riding. Even the basics like the foot sensors and stability functions do not work as expected.
We haven’t seen this problem with the Hover-1 H1 hoverboard. The foot sensors and Gyro in the hoverboard provide better-than-average automatic stabilization.
This allows for longer rides (up to 2.5 hours - until the battery runs out) without suffering from fatigue or strain on the feet or ankles.
Certification and Safety
The Hover-1 H1 has 2 safety certifications: UL2271 and UL2272 (battery and electronic system), and has been MSDS & UN 38.3 (lithium battery safety) tested.
Hover-1 H1 has an IPX4 rating, which means the innards of the hoverboard – the components and electronics – have adequate protection against elements such as water, snow, dust, etc.
Another interesting safety feature is the lights on the front and rear end of the hoverboard. The bright LED lights can be customised using the app to make the hoverboard look cool during the day and night. The bright ‘RGB’ lights illuminate the board at night and the headlights show you where you’re going.
For some reason there are two Hover-1 mobile apps; one to change the riding mode and the other to customise the lights and control music.
The apps provide various info and functions. The GPS pinpoints the exact location of the rider - great if you want to keep track of where your child is - and tells you if there is enough juice in the battery to make it to where you’re going.
As well as this you can see all the Hover-1's diagnostic information, including statistics, battery charge, and more.
As the Hover-1 H1 has an inbuilt Bluetooth speaker, the app also allows you to control music.
The design, Bluetooth speaker, and customisable LED lights make the Hover-1 H1 a pretty cool piece of tech.
Riding Experience
Hover-1 H1 is very versatile; that is, it’s suitable for users of all ages. The board comes with three riding modes – Beginner, Intermediate, and Experts. Modes can be changed using the app.
The beginner mode curbs the maximum speed to around 7 kph (4.5 mph). Selecting the advanced skill mode lets the riders use the top speed of 16 kph (10 mph).
The Hover-1 H1 hoverboard comes fully charged out of the box. No maintenance is required to get the board going, so you’re up and riding in seconds.
Learning how to ride the hoverboard is easy. Even beginners will take no more than 10 minutes to get the hang of it.
The foot sensors and Gyro make balancing and controlling the board so intuitive – it really is easy to ride.
And if you’re not satisfied with the stability of the board, you can use the mobile app to calibrate the Gyro. You can also check the state of the Gyro and sensors through the app.
The 16.5 cm (6.5”) tyres provide a smooth ride and adequate shock absorption to sail over small cracks on pavements and other concrete.
We don’t think that the Hover-1 H1 hoverboard was designed for unpaved or rough surfaces. If you have to cross some rough terrain, use the beginner or intermediate mode, and don’t expect a smooth ride.
Our Verdict
Riding the Hover-1 H1 is a fun way to commute around the city – and it’s pretty stylish. There isn’t much to learn; it’s an easy-to-use overboard.
It’s lightweight and compact; comes in attractive colours. The customisable LED lighting adds to the modern and stylish appearance. The Hover-1 H1 hoverboard is cool, sturdy, and designed to deliver a solid performance.
Consider this hoverboard a dependable short-distance mode of transport which is easy to carry on the bus, subway, or other public transport systems.
Riding the Hover-1 H1 is also a great way to relax after a tough day at university or in the office. To unwind, just put on a helmet, get on the hoverboard, play your favourite music, and cruise to your next port of call.
The negative points are not many and not exclusive to Hover-1 H1.
The hoverboard is not all-terrain. The board can climb an incline, but it’s not suitable to be driven on bumpy roads or rough surfaces.
All things considered, the Hover-1 H1 hoverboard gives the best bang for your buck.
Overall Rating for Hover-1 H1:
Final Thoughts
The Hover-1 H1 self-balancing scooter may not be all-terrain, but it sure is a versatile hoverboard suitable for users of all ages and sizes.
This last-mile mode of transport is powerful enough to take you where you need to go and compact enough to ride with you on the bus or metro.
It’s the right choice for anyone looking for a dependable electric rideable at a decent price.
Related info:
- Hover-1 H1 User Manual
