Gotrax Hoverfly XL Off-Road Hoverboard Review 2023: Best Cheap Off-Road Self-Balancing Scooter?
Pros
Cons
Hoverboards are one of the most notable inventions in the past decade. Within a year after its release, almost everyone knew what a hoverboard was, and people wanted to get their hands on one.
The hype and interest of many made companies develop more hoverboards as the supply increases, and a lot of companies have developed innovations to make their product stand out.
The Gotrax Hoverfly XL self-balancing scooter, for one, is an affordable off-road hoverboard option. First of all, it is certified to be safe, and safety is the first thing you should consider when looking for a hoverboard. Because of all the fire incidents in the past, people are being more careful, which is how it should be.
With that being said, what else can the Hoverfly XL offer aside from safety?
Let’s find out as we dive deep into its features in this Gotrax Hoverfly XL Hoverboard review.
Speed and Power output
The Hoverfly XL is equipped with dual motors that add up to 470 watts of power. It allows the board to run at a max speed of 7.4 miles per hour. Compared to an electric skateboard or scooter, this speed is quite slow. However, it can still be exhilarating considering it only has two wheels.
Range and Battery Performance
As for range, this hoverboard can reach a max distance of 12 miles on a single charge, making it suitable for running errands and for doing short commutes. Charging time is a bit long, as it takes up to 4 hours to get a full charge.
Design & Construction Quality
Now that you know everything about the speed, power, and range, let’s move onto the Hoverfly XL’s very functional design. The board is not too flashy, but not too dull either. It comes in seven different colors, and you can also get one in the limited edition galaxy print.
At first glance, you would notice that the board is built with quality in mind. The manufacturers used reinforced high-quality plastic materials to build the frame to make it suitable for heavy-duty off-road usage.
Board:
The board itself is pretty sturdy. The non-slip rubber pads work well to keep your feet secure when riding, which is an important feature for an off-road hoverboard. The deck is wide enough to accommodate your feet without feeling too awkward.
Assembly:
The board will arrive pre-assembled and ready to ride. However, you should check for any loose screws and spare parts just to be safe. It will come with a little bit of battery life so you can test the unit before doing the initial charge. In the box, you will find everything you need such as the charger and manual.
Additional Features:
The Hoverfly XL hoverboard is equipped with cool features to make the ride more enjoyable. While cruising, you can listen to your favorite jams with its built-in speaker. The speakers actually sound pretty decent and loud enough to fill a room.
It also comes with a smartphone-integrated app where you can configure different settings, such as change the ride mode and recalibrate the hoverboard. The app will also display useful diagnostics, such as speed and battery life.
Tires & Braking System
The Hoverfly XL is equipped with 8-inch rugged solid rubber tires that are suitable for off-road adventure riding. Because they are airless, you don’t need to worry about getting a flat or tire maintenance. The tires offer the right amount of shock absorption and ride comfort even when riding on rough terrain.
With these tires, you can take your riding from the streets and explore the woods, maximizing your hoverboard experience. Even if you don’t plan on riding through the woods, these tires can run smoothly on concrete sidewalks and roads.
Stopping on this hoverboard is pretty comfortable. Even when coming from max speed, the hoverboard will gradually slow down to a safe stop, keeping you safe from getting thrown off. Because of its innovative gyroscope technology, the board handles really well.
Safety
Fire-related incidents from hoverboards in the past prompts buyers to only purchase hoverboards that are UL 2272-certified (1).
Fortunately, the Gotrax Hoverfly XL has met the safety requirements to pass for a UL certification. This product went through a series of safety tests to ensure that the electrical components, battery, and charger system are safe.
Aside from being certified as safe, the Hoverfly XL is also equipped with safety features, such as bright LEDs that make the rider visible, especially when riding at night.
Overall, this hoverboard is safe to use. It runs at safe speeds and has smooth braking and acceleration, which makes it easy to handle. Don’t forget to wear a helmet and the recommended safety gear for additional safety when riding off-road.
Brand & Customer Service
Gotrax is a company that manufactures innovative products, such as electric scooters and hoverboards, and sells them at an affordable price. Part of their mission is to make e-rides more accessible to people, which is why they try to keep their pricing competitive without compromising on quality.
Of course, you cannot really compare their products to high-end options. However, their products are made with the consumer’s satisfaction in mind.
Each electric product, such as scooters and hoverboards, has a 90-day limited warranty (2) that will only cover defective parts and units due to manufacturing. They also have a 30-day return policy that allows you to get a refund if you are not satisfied with the product. Make sure you don’t throw out the original packaging and the hoverboard is still working if you want to return it for a refund.
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.
If you have questions about the product, the warranty, or any other concerns, you can send them a message through their website. They usually reply within 24 hours. You can also call their very helpful and polite customer service team at 844-4GO-TRAX.
Downsides
- Could use a little more speed
- The board is too heavy for children
- Charging takes a while
- Sluggish acceleration
- The app is difficult to pair at times
Who Should Buy the Gotrax Hoverfly XL Hoverboard?
The Hoverfly XL is an off-road hoverboard that is suitable for beginners, kids, and anyone who is looking for a cheap but more than decent off-road hoverboard option. It is equipped with the essential components for adventure-riding, such as large rugged tires and aluminum hubs for extra durability against outdoor elements.
It may be a little too heavy for kids, but because of its safe max speed, anyone can learn how without worrying about it being too fast. Beginners can also learn quicker with its training mode. Plus, kids and teens will appreciate its extra features, such as LED lights, smartphone-app integration, and built-in speakers.
The Hoverfly XL is an excellent choice for riders of any skill level. It does not disappoint when it comes to riding quality and extra features, and the best thing about it is its affordable price tag.
Final Verdict
The Gotrax Hoverfly XL self-balancing scooter is a well-rounded product. Considering its affordable price, it is a decent choice for off-road riding. There are some better ones out there but you won’t find anything better at this price.
Just like any product, the Hoverfly XL has its downsides. This board could have got a better review if it was a little bit faster or lighter. Since it is an off-road hoverboard made for heavy-duty use, we will let the weight issue slide.
We gave the Gotrax XL Hoverboard a solid 4 out of 5 on our score chart for having everything you need in a hoverboard and more. Because of its excellent ride quality and performance, we do recommend this board for anyone looking for a budget-friendly all-around hoverboard.
Gotrax Hoverfly XL Hoverboard Video Review
| Gotrax Hoverfly XL Off-Road Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 7.4 MPH |
| Motor | 470 watts |
| Range | 12 miles |
| Battery | 36 Volts |
| Charge Time | 3 to 4 hours |
| Max Load | 220 LBS |
| Weight | 32.9 LBS |
| Wheel Size | 8 inches |
| Tires | Rugged solid rubber tires |
| Brake System | Electronic braking |
| Warranty | 90-day limited warranty with a 30-day return period |
| Price | $ |
FAQs
References
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