APRIL 15, 2022 BY AWANISH KUMAR

HOVERBOARDS VS WAVEBOARDS: MAKE YOUR PICK

Some of the hottest transportation gadgets making the news are hoverboards and waveboards. You must be living under a rock if you are unaware of the craze for hoverboards these days. From teens and adults to celebrities and influencers- these trendy transportation devices have set the streets on fire. On the other hand, waveboards are the lesser popular cousin of skateboards. If you are a skateboard fanatic, you might know about the unique shape of waveboards that allows more precise tricks and turns. However, the question is- which is better, hoverboards or waveboards? The article below will discuss hoverboards and waveboards in great detail.

Also, we will cover the differences between these transportation devices.

What is a Hoverboard?

Image Credits : hover-1

If you are a fan of the Back to the Future franchise, you must have watched Marty McFly ride a hoverboard multiple times. However, a hoverboard is different from a fictional hoverboard in real life. Unfortunately, hoverboards do levitate or “hover” as depicted in science-fiction. Instead, they are portable electric devices that move on two wheels. Also known as self-balancing scooters, this transportation device functions like powered skateboards, consisting of a platform for the rider between two wheels and lithium-ion batteries that are rechargeable.

Now you must be wondering- how do hoverboards work? Typically, the rider controls the speed by leaning forward or backward. In addition, a hoverboard consists of major components that work together to ensure the rider stays upright and moves at a controlled speed.
These significant components are the gyroscope, microprocessors, battery, and motor.

A hoverboard might look like a typical skateboard. However, hoverboards offer a unique way of transporting from one point to another.

Additionally, you can perform various cool tricks on a hoverboard and impress your buddies. One of the tricks you can show off is the Spin, which lets you spin in circles.

What is a Waveboard?

Image Credits : ozcelikorme

A waveboard, caster board, or vigorboard is a two-wheeled, manual vehicle for transportation. As the name suggests, it provides a unique street surfing experience. Its functionality is similar to a skateboard but with a different design and shape. In fact, waveboards are a little more professional and upgraded version of skateboards. If you live far from the sea and wish to surf, a waveboard is your best bet. It gives you a surf-like riding experience, allowing you to cruise, carve and perform astonishing tricks.

One of the most distinguishable features of a waveboard is its deck, which has a torsion bar that connects two narrow deck plates. This torsion bar is often built with steel and powers the waveboard’s movement. Also, unlike skateboards, waveboards consist of two wheels- one at the front and one at the back.
Furthermore, these wheels can rotate 360-degrees because they are attached to casters instead of trucks.

Hoverboard vs. Waveboard

Image Credits : ozcelikorme

Now that we know the basics about hoverboards and waveboard, we can move to the next question- which one should you get? As with any transportation device, both hoverboards and waveboards have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we have prepared a list to differentiate between the two devices to make things easier.

Comparison Chart

Specifications	Hoverboard	Waveboard
Frame	Aluminum	Plastic
Speed	6-15mph	Up to 10mph
Average weight	25 lbs	8.02 lbs
Weight capacity	120-220 lbs	220lbs
Lights	LED lights	No
Motor	Electric motor	No
Wheels	Two	Two
Charging	Rechargeable batteries	No
Tilt sensor	Yes	No
Self-balancing technology	Yes	No
Price	$$	$

There are some apparent differences between hoverboards and waveboards, especially in their design and the mode of operation. If you wonder which one is better, there is no clear winner. Hoverboards are popular among kids and adults alike, and their demand increases by the second. Meanwhile, waveboards are favorable for skateboarders who have been in this scene for a while.

Although hoverboards offer a fun and unique riding experience, balancing can be challenging for beginners. Also, you must be at least 44 pounds to ride a hoverboard. Otherwise, the footpads will not trigger proper movement. However, there is no minimum age or weight limit for riding waveboards.

There is no doubt that hoverboards win by a mile when it comes to technology. While a waveboard is essentially two narrow platforms (decks) on wheels, the hoverboard is a technological miracle. Hoverboards combine innovative technology to offer a unique experience. All hoverboard components work together to control the speed and tilt of the hoverboards, so the rider is balanced and moving at a controlled pace. Each wheel has its gyroscope, tilt, and speed sensor. Once you climb aboard and tilt your balance, the gyroscope controls your hoverboard through the logic board.

Note: The logic board processes the data from various sensors and sends the information to the motors, which provides the required movements, directions, and a balanced device.

In addition, hoverboards include features such as LED lights and built-in indicators to make your ride more convenient. Also, many hoverboards on the market provide Bluetooth technology and speakers on board, which comes in handy if you want to listen to music while riding. Another fantastic feature the hoverboards pack is self-balancing technology. The motors under your feet sense if you lean too much into one direction, and it counterbalances the board so that the rider stays safe.

On the other hand, waveboards require a little skill to ride as you need to keep your legs from leaning side-to-side to avoid touching the ground.

Additionally, the caster board affords an advanced form of boarding and comes with variations in design. Also, it comes in beginner, intermediate and professional models, which require some skills to maneuver.

A waveboard is a good option for riders of all ages looking for a unique riding experience. However, your level of balance and mobility can affect how you learn to ride a waveboard. If you are an experienced skateboarder, learning to ride a waveboard is probably going to be a piece of cake.

Furthermore, it is essential to ride a waveboard the right size and check the weight limit of individual boards.

When you talk about speed, hoverboards generally offer a speed range up to 7.5 to 10 miles per hour. However, some hoverboards on the market can reach a top speed of 15 mph. How amazing is that! It is also safer not to ride your hoverboard at maximum speed, especially when you go downhill.

Meanwhile, the top speed you can reach on a waveboard depends on how hard you push your limits. Usually, you can ride at around 7-8 mph on even terrains, but you can cruise faster than that!

Merits & Demerits of Hoverboards

Merits	Demerits
Portable	Risks of falling
Convenient	Hazards of fire incidents
Environmental-friendly
Easy to learn
Burns down calories
Helps with posture
Enhances your focus skills

Caution: Always charge your hoverboard fully before riding.

Merits & Demerits of Waveboards

Merits	Demerits
Waveboards allow you to carve corners smoothly	Wheels are susceptible to damage
You can perform various tricks	Requires a good sense of balance and skills
360-degree trucks allow more movement
Unique design
Provides more stability and better balance
Portable
Improves posture and balance
Flexible

Caution: Always charge your hoverboard fully before riding.

Conclusion

It is time to determine which one is better: hoverboard or waveboard. Well, there are no clear answers for this one. If you wish to improve your skills and impress your friends with cool tricks, you should consider getting a waveboard. Nevertheless, if you are only looking for an efficient and convenient ride, you can purchase a hoverboard.

We hope we can draw a clear comparison between a hoverboard and a waveboard. Also, we have highlighted important aspects that can assist you in making the correct decision before buying them. However, if we missed any point, you can chime in with your comment.

Tips for beginners

Always wear safety gear to avoid injury. For example, consider wearing a helmet, knee pads, and wrist guards in case you fall while riding.

Practice on a flat and smooth surface for better balance

Determine your dominant foot for easier steering.

Avoid rough terrains like hills and gravelly trails or areas with many objects and people.

FAQs:

Waveboards are easy and fun to ride. All you need to do is twist your body to propel forward. The more you move, the more speed you build.

The infrared sensors (IR sensors) and pressure pads placed below the foot platform send data to the logic board when you are not tilting, which tells the logic board not to run the motor. As a result, the board will not move.

Waveboards usually have small wheels, so they only work on smooth surfaces like cement, asphalt, or skateboard ramps.

The foot placement is the key to a fun waveboarding experience. Things are pretty tricky and different in the case of caster board. You need to place your feet right on the edges for the best balance and acceleration. Also, you should make sure that your weight is equally divided on both sides so that you can maneuver the board.