Swagtron T3 vs T5 – Find the Best Hoverboard!

Last Updated on March 23rd, 2019 by Natalia Bickell

The hoverboard craze of 2016 ended in a blaze of glory. Literally. Hoverboards everywhere were catching on fire, leading most hoverboard manufacturers to recall their products and go back to the drawing board. The good news is, the resurge in new and improved hoverboard products saw more functionality and cool features than before.

Hoverboard is the term used to refer to two-wheeled scooters. No, they don’t actually hover. We know. But you can’t have everything. Just don’t tell Marty or Doc. You do feel like you’re hovering when you ride one, though. So there’s that.

If you’re looking at getting a hoverboard, Swagway is one of the most reputable brands on the market. They have several models from which to choose, offering a variety of features. Let’s take a closer look at the T3 and the T5 so you can make a better decision about which one is right for you.

Swagtron T3

After things cooled down a bit, Swagway released the Swagtron T3. This is the second generation hoverboard following the recalled Swagway X1. It’s more stable, more easily controlled, and has a UL 2272 certification. Plus, it has a cool design and is loaded with cool features that every kid, and adult who acts like a kid, will love.

Design and Features

The Swagtron T3 comes in black, white, red, blue, pink, or gold. The wheels are 4.5 inches in diameter, and the foot pads feature an extra 6 inches of width from its original version, making the entire platform more stable. The front and back of the scooter feature multicolored LED lights that change from red to blue to green.

The battery indicator has five lights to indicate the battery level and give you a clear picture of how much time you have left. It only weighs 22 pounds, so it’s very light, but a fabric loop on the bottom of the hoverboard allows you to carry it easily.

It can hold up to 220 pounds of weight so almost everyone can ride it. Some individuals report testing it up to 250 pounds, but the official documentation from Swagtron doesn’t advice it. You could break it or hurt yourself, so test these weight limits at your own risk.

Performance

The Swagtron T3 is powered by 300-watt dual motors, and it can go up to 8 miles per hour. Each wheel has its own motor, providing quick acceleration. With a sharp turn radius, you can turn on a dime. It’s not an off-road scooter, so while it can handle small inclines and shallow gravel, it has trouble with deep gravel or hills.

With a top speed of 9 miles per hour, you’ll get plenty of runtime on one charge. If you’re using it in a variety of situations instead of running it down the sidewalk at full speed for 9 miles, you may get even more distance. When it’s dead, it takes roughly 4 hours to charge fully.

The Swagtron T3 comes with a durable plastic housing, but that doesn’t mean it won’t get marked up if you fall off or send it tumbling across the pavement. It does have a couple of rubber strips that you can stick on the edge of the chassis and create a bumper, so it doesn’t look as scratched or dented.

The Swagtron T3 comes with a beginner mode, standard mode, and advanced mode. The beginner mode is excellent for people just starting out, while the advanced mode is perfect for performing tricks.

Software

There is a free Android or iOS app available for users who want to control their hoverboard with their smartphone. You can also connect it via Bluetooth to play music from the hoverboard speakers. The app also contains a battery meter and a speedometer. With controls that allow you to set the maximum speed and steering sensitivity, the Swagtron T3 is also an excellent choice for kids. You can also use the mobile application to see route history, start your hoverboard remotely, or choose your preferred riding mode.

It’s easy to keep your hoverboard under control with these settings. While the highest steering sensitivity isn’t too hard to use and gives your device great response times, it’s best to set it at a lower top speed until you learn how to use it.

Bluetooth can be unreliable, and it shouts at you as it pairs your device every time. The good news is, the speaker is loud, so as you’re cruising along, you’ll definitely hear the music. The bad news is, the sound is no bass and all treble. Sorry, Meghan Trainor.

Another annoyance you may experience is the fact that because the speaker is separate from the board, you can’t run the app and play music through the speaker at the same time. This differentiates the Swagtron T3 from a higher-quality, more professional device, which is not something you want to invest money into unless you’re serious about its application.

Swagtron T3 Pros:

• Loud speaker

• Lots of color choices

• UL 2272 certified

• Mobile app

• Maximum speed and steering control settings

• Bluetooth enabled

Swagtron T3 Cons:

• Gets scratched easily

• Not street legal

The Verdict

The Swagtron T3 is a fun, party device. It’s great for zipping around the park or your neighborhood, but keep in mind that it’s not street legal. The lights are bold, and the speaker is a bit ridiculous, but these things just add to the hilarity of using the device. It comes from a reputable brand you can trust and has the certifications it needs to keep you safe.

Swagtron T5

The Swagtron T5 (read my full review here!) model is considered a beginner model and is great for that purpose. The gyroscopic steering technology makes it easy to control and steer. All a person has to do is apply their body weight to move forward or backward and balance to stop. Beginners can use the learning mode to start out and then turn learning mode off as they increase in skill.

Design and Features

The Swagtron T5 comes in black and white, so there aren’t as many color options as other models, but it also doesn’t cost as much either. It is the same size as most other hoverboards, but it only weighs 18 pounds, so it’s a little lighter.

The battery indicator lets you know how much battery you have left, and it only takes one hour to charge. The UL 2272 certification gives you peace of mind that it won’t explode and keeps you or your child safe as you’re riding. All of the electronics on board have been thoroughly tested to ensure its safety, although you should always wear your own protective gear and follow the necessary safety guidelines while riding.

The battery comes with Sentryshield Multilayer protection, making it more durable. It can withstand heat, impact, and scratching. It minimizes the visibility of wear and tear and prevents it from overheating and causing the same problems as hoverboards in the past.

Performance

With dual 200-watt motors, the Swagtron T5 has a top speed of 7 miles per hour and can travel for a distance of 7 miles on a single charge. It holds up to 187 pounds, so while it’s great for kids and beginners, it’s not ideal for large adults.

The materials and construction are high-quality, so you can count on excellent performance from this device. It doesn’t have any emissions, like most battery-powered hoverboards, and it’s also lightweight, so when you’re not taking advantage of this performance, it’s easy to carry.

Software

The Swagtron T5 beginner model doesn’t boast the same software compatibility as the T5. There is no mobile app or Bluetooth integration. However, if you’re giving it to a child or a beginner, those distractions won’t be in the way of learning.

It does come with a learning mode for beginners. It is in beginner mode out of the package, but you can turn it off once your skills increase. The gyroscopic technology makes it even easier and more responsive, so there’s no need for extra technology to make this hoverboard great.

Swagtron T5 Pros:

• UL 2272 certification

• Affordable

• Great for beginners

• Durable construction

• Lightweight

• Fast charging

Swagtron T5 Cons:

• Only comes in black and white

• Shorter distance on one charge

The Verdict

The great thing about the T5 is that it’s affordable and great for beginners. It’s lightweight with easy controls but doesn’t come with the advanced technology of other hoverboards. The top speed and distance aren’t quite as far as others, but the time to recharge is quicker. This is a very basic, but reliable hoverboard.

Comparison Chart

Final Word

If you want a hoverboard for your kids, the Swagtron T5 is perfect. It’s affordable, lightweight, and easy to control. They can use learning mode and very slow speeds to get a handle on how it works before letting loose on the standard mode. The lack of an advanced mode protects them from going too fast.

The Swagtron T3 is the better option if you’re looking for a scooter that has some advanced technology options. With Bluetooth integration and a mobile app, the T3 is fun and easy to ride. It also has an advanced mode for higher speeds and doing tricks.

Both offer gyroscopic technology, making them easy to steer, and they are both quality hoverboards that are UL 2272 certified. You get to decide whether you want a more affordable hoverboard for beginners or a more advanced hoverboard with all the bells and whistles. And as always, check your local regulations to ensure hoverboards are legal before you spend your money on something you can’t use.

Further read:

• Swagtron T1 vs T5