Gotrax Hoverfly Eco Hoverboard Review 2023: Best Budget Self-Balancing Scooter?

Our Rating
3.6/5
Our Rating
3.6/5
Build Quality
4
Top Speed
3
Range
3
Features
3
Braking and Safety
4
Value for Money
5

Top Speed:

7.4 MPH

Range:

4 miles

Weight:

23.3 LBS

Price:

$

Pros

  • Extremely affordable
  • UL 2272 certified
  • Suitable for beginners and children
  • Runs at safe speeds

Cons

  • Poor range
  • Long charging time

When hoverboards first came out, they were not as affordable as they are today. With more companies manufacturing hoverboards, the prices are getting more competitive. 

Before, cheap hoverboards actually existed, but production was stopped due to safety issues. Reports say that hundreds of thousands of these hoverboards were recalled because of risks of explosion or fire (1).

Good thing, the problem had been resolved and the hoverboards that are in production these days are in optimum condition.

The Gotrax Hoverfly ECO is one of the most affordable hoverboard options that are definitely safe to use. Because it is UL 2272 certified, you can rest assured that the board will not overheat, or worse, explode. 

Is it worth buying? 

Let’s take a look into its specs and performance in this in-depth Gotrax Hoverfly Eco Hoverboard Review.

Speed and Power output

With its two 200-watt motors, the Hoverfly ECO is not the fastest hoverboard in the market, but it is not actually the worst thing. The max speed of this hoverboard is 7.4 miles per hour, which is a safe speed that is ideal for children and beginners alike. 

For a cheap hoverboard, the speed is quite reasonable. Because of its budget-friendly price, you wouldn’t expect this board to have high-end specs. It may not be fast enough for experienced riders, but the power output is consistent. It can climb slopes at a 15% grade while carrying a maximum load of 220 lbs.

Range and Battery Performance

The battery is not that impressive as it can only reach a 4-mile distance on a single charge. Another downside is the charging time. A full charge takes up to 4 hours, which is quite a long time considering its short range. 

The battery is UL certified (2), which means you don’t have to worry about overheating and fire hazards, which is a win for this hoverboard. 

Design & Construction Quality

Gotrax chose a minimal approach with the Hoverfly Eco’s design. The board may be cheap, but it does not look or feel cheap at all. Plus, you can get this hoverboard in seven different colorways such as:

  • Black
  • Pink
  • Teal 
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Red
  • Galaxy print

At first glance, you can tell that they used high-quality materials into building this hoverboard. 

‏Board:

When you mount the Hoverfly Eco Hoverboard for the first time, you will notice that it is sturdy and well-built. The non-slip pads work really well in keeping your feet secured in position. The deck is not too narrow for adults, and not too wide for kids. It is just the right size for a comfortable ride. 

Assembly:

The board will arrive at your doorstep pre-assembled, so you can try it out right out of the box. It might need to be charged first before using, but most units will come with a pre-charge, so you can try it out for a while. 

Make sure that you check if there aren’t any loose screws when you first get the board to ensure safety. 

Additional Features:

The Hoverfly Eco Hoverboard is a basic board. It does not have a whole lot of features such as a Bluetooth app or speakers, but it has everything it needs for essential functions. 

It is equipped with LED lights that change color when you move in different directions, which is honestly pretty cool. 

The hoverboard does not have a smartphone-integrated app, but you can find other models with such a feature.

Tires & Braking System

The Hoverfly Eco is equipped with 6.5-inch solid rubber tires that provide the right amount of grip. These tires are not ideal for riding on rough terrain, but it does ride well on smooth surfaces. 

Accelerating and braking are precise and predictable, which is one of the best characteristics of this board. Some hoverboards in this price range would have navigation controls that go all over the place, but the Eco somehow did a great job with its handling. 

Safety

The Gotrax Hoverfly Eco self-balancing scooter shines the brightest in safety, which is probably the most important factor to consider when buying a hoverboard. When looking for a hoverboard, especially for kids, you should always check if it is UL 2272 certified. 

This means the hoverboard went through a series of rigorous tests to ensure it is safe before being released to the public. The board, the battery, charger, and electrical components met all the requirements and safety standards for worry-free riding. 

Other safety features included are the bright LED lights that make the board not only look cool but also make the rider visible in low light conditions. 

Brand & Customer Service

Gotrax is committed to creating quality products that are affordable and accessible. Their mission is to create innovative rides that would make for a smarter, greener, and exciting traveling experience. 

If you are not satisfied with the product, you can return them within 30 days of purchase. Make sure you don’t throw out the original packaging for a chance to get a full refund. 

The 90-day warranty (3) is limited. It will only cover defective parts and units due to manufacturing.

If you ever experience issues with the product, Gotrax has a reliable customer service team that is present most of the time to address your concerns.

Whether you have questions about the product, the warranty, or have other concerns, you can send them a message through their website. They usually reply within 24 hours. You can also call their customer service line at 844-4GO-TRAX. Their CS representatives are polite and very helpful. 

Downsides

  • Takes too long to charge
  • Limited features
  • Poor range

Who Should Buy the Gotrax Hoverfly Eco Hoverboard?

The Gotrax Hoverfly Eco is the ideal choice for beginners and kids. It would also be a good choice for people who just want to experience riding a hoverboard without spending too much. 

The Hoverfly Eco, however, is suitable for short and fun cruises around your neighborhood or the city streets with preferably smooth pavement. Also, it is fairly lightweight, making it easier to carry around if it ever runs out of juice in the middle of a ride. 

If you are looking for a fast hoverboard that you can use for commuting purposes, the Eco is not the board for you. There are other options for commuting and all-terrain purposes.

This hoverboard is hands down, one of the best affordable hoverboards we had the pleasure to try out. 

Final Verdict

The Gotrax Hoverfly Eco self-balancing scooter is a pretty decent board considering the price. Despite its shortcomings, we gave this self-balancing scooter an overall score of 3.6 out of 5 for being a great affordable option. 

This hoverboard may not have a whole lot of features, but it makes up for it with its precision handling and solid quality. It is a safe choice and it would make an excellent gift for your loved ones. 

Gotrax Hoverfly Eco Hoverboard Video Review

Our Rating
3.6/5
Gotrax Hoverfly Eco Hoverboard Specifications
Top Speed 7.4 MPH
Motor 400 watts
Range 4 miles
Battery 24 Volts
Charge Time 3 to 4 hours
Max Load 220 LBS
Weight 23.3 LBS
Wheel Size 6.5 inches
Brake System Electronic braking
Warranty 90-day limited warranty
Price $

FAQs

References

  1. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/07/06/484988211/half-a-million-hoverboards-recalled-over-risk-of-fire-explosions
  2. https://www.ul.com/hoverboards
  3. https://gotrax.com/pages/warranty

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Our Rating
3.6