Walking is so 2010.
Just ask the millennials who are increasingly taking to the streets and sidewalks on a variety of personal mobility devices. Though many people call them "hoverboards," none float à la Marty McFly's iconic ride in Back to the Future Part II. The only thing they really have in common is that they're battery-powered. Some even pair that with a level of robotic intelligence.
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If you're ready to start rolling like the kids do, you'll want to know which of these personal mobility devices to buy, and why. Here are our picks for what to get your aspiring hoverboarder this holiday season.
Good: Verrado Drift Trike
Price: $1,199
Why we like it: This all-electric “tricycle” has excellent handling, takes no training and has an almost shocking level of power. The Verrado Drift Trike is a sheer joy to ride. Plus, if you get good enough, you can drift just like a real race-car driver. Drifting means the rear wheels, which are covered with a special hardened rubber, spin out sideways. Overall, the Verrado Drift Trike is great for racing, tricks and just tooling around the neighborhood. One tip, though: Never take your hand off the brake.
Who it's for: Teens, speed demons, midlife-crisis sufferers.
Goes great with: A pair of Black Diamond Telekneesis kneepads to protect your legs when you stick them out during an extended drift.
Better: Swagway
Price: $400
Why we like it: It’s one of many so-called “Hoverboard” devices on the market, and just like the rest of them, the two wheels are actually firmly on the ground. The Swagway, though, sets itself apart as an excellent value. It’s a bit tricky to ride -- at first -- but if you learn a couple of simple tricks, like always step back (not forward) with one foot when it’s time to stop riding, you’ll master it in no time. It’s fun, fairly rugged, stable, surprisingly responsive (pressure-sensitive pads under your feet control speed and direction), and can go 1 mph, 10 mph and everything in between. The Swagway also has excellent battery life. It’s the closest thing to hovering above the ground on a budget.
Who it's for: Children 12 and up (and that includes adults).
Goes great with: Triple Eight Hired Hands Protective Skate Gloves to protect your palms and wrists when you pitch off the Swagway and catch yourself with your outstretched hands. ($48).
Best: InMotion MoHawk V3
Price: $699
Why we like it: If you’ve ever ridden a unicycle, you have a little idea what it’s like to ride InMotion’s MoHawk V3. Unlike the Swagway, you have to get on quick and start moving or it tips over (though it can balance itself when you’re not on it). Still, it’s fast (11 mph), fun and, because of its narrow frame, highly maneuverable on city sidewalks. The MoHawk is definitely tougher to learn than a Swagway, but totally worth the effort. Also: It doubles as a Bluetooth speaker.
Who it's for: Commuters and teens with a sense of adventure.
Goes great with: The biggest pain when you’re riding a bike, scooter or skateboard in the city? Carrying a helmet in your backpack or briefcase. Nothing’s going to stop you from riding the Mohawk into work, so why not pair it with (finally!) a foldable, compact helmet from Morpher (below, $150).
