For a time there, hoverboards became the center of attention for all the wrong reasons, with reports of these personal mobility devices catching fire. But there is no denying that a hover board is a lot of fun to use and it offers convenience and portability, too.
You can easily go from one place to another and at a faster rate than walking. It can easily replace skateboards, plus it’s very easy to navigate.
The good news is that there are now safe hoverboards you can buy. These safe hoverboards are UL 2272 certified or, in layman’s terms, the construction and the electronics are certified to have met stringent requirements. One of the best and most affordable UL 2272-certified hoverboards is the Swagtron T5 Hoverboard.
The Basics about the T5
The Swagtron T5 Hoverboard uses dual 200-watt motors, which means that each wheel has a 200-watt motor to power it.   This gives you top speeds of 7 miles per hour and a range of 7 miles. It can also support an individual weighing up to 187 pounds.
It also uses gyroscopic technology, wherein your body weight is applied for the hoverboard to move forward or backward and where you can use your balance to stop it. You do not look awkward on the T5, and it is very easy and simple to steer, control, and operate. Beginners would be able to learn how to ride a hoverboard using the learning mode.
Battery indicators have also been added, letting you know when the battery is about to run out of energy. The battery takes one hour to be fully recharged.
The Swagtron T5 Hoverboard comes in two colors: black and white. And as for dimensions, it measures 7 inches x 3.8 inches x 24 inches and weighs 18 pounds, making it virtually the same as most hoverboards in size, but a few pounds lighter.
UL 2272 certification
The Swagtron T5 Hoverboard is UL 2272-certified, which is to say the product meets all the construction, safety, labeling, user instruction, and marking requirements. In short, it meets the standards when it comes to personal e-mobility products such as hoverboards, giving you the guarantee that it is fire-safe and all the electronics on board are working properly. While it does not guarantee rider safety and you still have to wear protective gear and observe safety precautions when using it, you can be sure that your Swagtron T5 Hoverboard will not explode while charging nor catch fire when you ride it, as what reportedly happened to several hoverboard brands in the past.
What makes the Swagtron T5 Hoverboard special is that it is a very affordable UL 2272 certified hoverboard selling for a good price, while other UL 2272 certified brands start off for a bit more.
Pros of the Swagtron T5 Hoverboard
Even with its UL certification giving you peace of mind as to how safe and well-constructed this particular hoverboard is, you would be paying less money with the Swagtron T5. At its price, this is one of the most affordable UL 2272-certified hoverboards out there. Yet, even with its lower price tag, it still performs better than some more expensive hoverboards. More importantly, you can be sure that the materials and the construction are top-notch and adhere to standards set forth by UL.
You will also love the Sentryshield Multilayer Protection for its battery, which makes it durable and able to withstand scratches, heat, and hard impact.
Furthermore, riding the Swagtron T5 is great for the environment as it has zero emissions and does not release greenhouse gases that would contribute to air pollution. Another plus for the T5? Swagtron offers a one-year warranty that would cover any manufacturing defects. That means that if something goes wrong with the electronics or if you encounter any technical issues within one year since the date of purchase, you can ask for a replacement unit.
The Swagtron T5 is also lighter than your typical hoverboard. Moreover, the T5 is four pounds lighter than the Swagtron T1 and the Swagtron T3. This lighter weight is something you will appreciate when you have to carry it around, and more especially if you buy it for your kids.
Speaking of kids, the learning riding mode allows them to learn how to ride a hoverboard safely. This is also good for adults who are just taking their first step on a hoverboard.
Cons of the Swagtron T5 Hoverboard
On its own, the Swagtron T5 has an acceptable range of 7 miles and top speeds of 7 miles per hour. That is a great range and a great maximum speed for a hoverboard, but they can be better. For instance, other hoverboards from the same company can easily go for 12 miles on a single full battery charge with top speeds of 8 miles per hour. More on that later.
The T5 can also accommodate a maximum load of 187 pounds, and that could be lower depending on the terrain you’re riding it on.
There are also reports that the company’s customer service is not up to par, which means that if you need help with your hoverboard, you might find the service disappointing.
Swagtron T5 Hoverboard vs Others
Like the T5, both the T3 and the T1 have the same gyroscopic technology, uses the same Sentry Shield to protect the battery, have rubber bumpers, and have nearly identical designs. This means that the T5 is basically as durable and as well-designed as T1 and T3.  All three models have UL 2272 certification.
What are their differences then? For one, the T5 is the most affordable of the three Swagtron models. The lower price tag is because of its smaller motor, which only allows you to go as fast as 7 miles per hour, unlike the T3 and the T1 that can both go as fast as 8 miles per hour. Range is also shorter with the T5 at 7 miles on every full charge, while the other two models can go as far as 12 miles before you need to recharge.  The T5 is also available in two colors, while the T1 and the T3 offer four additional colors for you to choose from.
Meanwhile, the most expensive of these three is the T3 and that is because of its additional features. The T3 has a built-in carry strap that you can use to easily transport your T3 when you are not riding it, or if you run out of battery juice. It also has three riding modes: learning and standard modes, which you could also find on the T5, and the advanced mode. The advanced mode gives users more acceleration so that they could go faster and reach full speed. This is also great for tricks. The T3 also has Bluetooth speakers that you can pair with your mobile device, allowing you to blast your favorite music while you ride. More importantly, the T3 has a mobile app for both Android and iOS devices. Pair your phone with the hoverboard using Bluetooth and you can use the mobile app to show you battery status, temperature, and other information. You can also use the mobile app to see your route history, or operate the hoverboard such as starting it remotely, choosing your preferred riding mode, or adjusting the steering sensitivity.
Swagtron T5 vs T3 vs T1
This side-by-side comparison should give you an easier view of how the Swagtron T5 compares against the T1 and T3.
| Â | T3 | T5 | T1 |
| Price | Check here for latest | Check here for latest | Check here for latest |
| Dual motors? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rated wattage (watts) | 300 | 200 | 250 |
| Max speed (mph) | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Range (miles) | 12 | 7 | 12 |
| Max weight (lbs.) | 220 | 187 | 220 |
| UL 2272 certification | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sentryshield Multilayer Battery Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile apps | Yes | No | No |
| Standard riding mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Learning mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Advanced riding mode | Yes | No | No |
| Built-in Bluetooth Speaker | Yes | No | No |
| Available colors | 6: Gold, Black, Blue, Dark Red, Pink, White | 2: Black, White | 6: Gold, Black, Blue, Dark Red, Pink, White |
Final Spin: Is the Swagtron T5 Hoverboard Worth it?
If you are looking for a suitable hoverboard for kids, then the Swagtron T5 is the perfect one for you. The learning riding mode can teach them how to operate and steer a hoverboard while going at very slow speeds.  Plus, you do not have to worry about them going too fast because of the maximum speed of only 7 mph, which is slower than the top speeds of most other hoverboards. With its price point, this is a good hoverboard for beginners and for kids.
There are a few negatives, however. Older hoverboard riders might want to go faster. It can also be a problem for those who are on the heavy side because the T5 has a smaller max load than most other hoverboards. Plus, you might suffer from undue stress while talking to their customer service. But as you can see, none of these minuses are deal-breakers.
You can consider the T1, which is more expensive, for a faster hoverboard that can accommodate a heavier load. Or if you want more features such as Bluetooth speakers, a companion mobile app, and a view of your route history, you will need to pay more for a T3.  Both of these models have a stronger motor than the T5.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for a capable hoverboard that does everything that a hoverboard should do, along with durability and ease of use, the Swagtron T5 should be a good choice.
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