Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
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Compare Electric Hoverboards (Self Balancing Scooters): SWAGTRON T580 vs. Razor Hovertrax 2.0
 Razor Hovertrax in action!
(Photo Credits: Razor)
Electric hoverboards are fun to ride, but they can also be dangerous if they were not properly built. Indeed, there have been quite a few cases of exploding or fire catching hoverboards because of cheaply made and not adequately shielded batteries. Nowadays, the UL 2722 certification of electric hoverboards ensures among other things that the batteries are properly built and properly shielded. It is definitely not recommended to buy electric hoverboards that were not able to get the UL 2722 certification. Both hoverboards that we will be comparing here are UL 2722 certified.
Note that the term "hoverboard" is a misnomer, because these fun devices don't really hover, but move on wheels. A more accurate term would be "self balancing scooters". Nevertheless, we will keep using the term "hoverboard" in this article to keep up with the trend. Both electric hoverboards to be considered here represent a self-balancing personal transporter that uses gyroscopic technology that offers a brand-new way to move and have fun. They are electrically motorized, computerized, independently articulated, dual-platform, two-wheeled personal mobility systems. Being electric zero emissions products, they are also environmentally friendly. WARNING: If you plan to acquire either of the electric hoverboards to be compared here, be sure to read thoroughly the user manual that comes with the product and understand well all the warnings and operating procedures therein. Failure to read and understand the user manual increases risk of injury due to falls or other incidents. At the time of this writing, the SWAGTRON T580 and Razor Hovertrax 2.0 electric hoverboards were the most popular among Amazon customers. This article will provide a detailed comparison of these two hoverboards so you can easily make the right choice that corresponds to your needs. Note also that at the time this article was written, these hoverboards had received excellent reviews from most Amazon buyers with an average rating of 4.5 stars each out of 5 stars!.
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Comparing the SWAGTRON T580 and Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboards
The following pictures show the SWAGTRON and Razor hoverboards to be compared below :
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The following table compares the features of the SWAGTRON T580 and Razor Hovertrax hoverboards (please read the table notes that follow for a better understanding of the features offered by each):
Table Notes 1 - 13 Explained:
Note 1:
Battery Voltage:
T580: 25.9 V
Razor Hovertrax: 36 V
Charging Time (approx.):
T580: about 2 hrs / Razor Hovertrax: about 4 hrs
A charger is included with both products.
Note also that both batteries are shielded securely to protect against overheating or fire hazards..
Note 2:
Note that above given numbers are approximate, because many factors need to be considered when determining the actual range per charge:
Note 3:
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 specs do not specify the maximum safe incline that the hoverboard should be used on. Razor recommends to ride the hovertrax on flat surfaces. But some users of this hoverboard have noted that it can be safely be used on up to 30 degree slopes.
Note 4:
SWAGTRON T580 is able to self-balance and safely move thanks to the built-in Dynamic Stabilization/Equilibrium system which uses an internal gyroscope and movement sensors that allow the hoverboard to move based on your center of gravity:
Note 5:
SWAGTRON T580 has a Learning mode and a Standard mode.
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 has a Training Mode and a Normal mode.
Note 6:
Both hoverboards have sensors under the pedals.
When the rider steps on a pedal, these hoverboards will adjust themselves to balance automatically. Note that when riding, you must make sure both feet are touching the pedals so the balance sensors can properly be triggered.
Note 7:
Both the SWAGTRON and Razor hoverboards are equipped with LED indicators to indicate system parameters such as the battery charge level.
The following pictures show each model and the indicators on each of them:
Note 1:
Battery Voltage:
T580: 25.9 V
Razor Hovertrax: 36 V
Charging Time (approx.):
T580: about 2 hrs / Razor Hovertrax: about 4 hrs
A charger is included with both products.
Note also that both batteries are shielded securely to protect against overheating or fire hazards..
Note 2:
Note that above given numbers are approximate, because many factors need to be considered when determining the actual range per charge:
- Speed & Riding Style: Keep a moderate and consistent speed. Frequent starting, stopping, acceleration, and deceleration will reduce riding range.
- Weight: The weight of the rider can influence the range per charge.
- Temperature: Avoid environments that are too hot or too cold, as the engine may decrease power to protect itself, reducing range per charge.
- Topography: Rough terrains or slopes can decrease your range due to engine overuse. For maximum performance, ride on smooth or even roads.
Note 3:
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 specs do not specify the maximum safe incline that the hoverboard should be used on. Razor recommends to ride the hovertrax on flat surfaces. But some users of this hoverboard have noted that it can be safely be used on up to 30 degree slopes.
Note 4:
SWAGTRON T580 is able to self-balance and safely move thanks to the built-in Dynamic Stabilization/Equilibrium system which uses an internal gyroscope and movement sensors that allow the hoverboard to move based on your center of gravity:
- When you lean forward, it will sense your action and accelerate.
- When you need to turn, you slow down and gently shift the weight on your left or right foot to turn towards the opposite direction.
- To stop, you just need to stand in an upright, straight position.
- Finally to step off the hoverboard, you need to make sure the hoverboard is completely stopped, then step back with your dominant foot and quickly step off with the other foot.
- Pressing toes on both feet downward moves the hoverboard forward.
- Pressing heels on both feet downward moves the hoverboard backward.
- To turn left, slightly push your right foot down on the front of the right foot platform; to turn right, push down on the front of the left foot platform.
- To slow down or stop, apply pressure to the rear edges of the foot platforms by pushing down with your heels. When slowing or stopping, if you continue to apply force to the edges opposite the direction of travel, you may not only stop but continue on to reverse your direction.
Note 5:
SWAGTRON T580 has a Learning mode and a Standard mode.
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 has a Training Mode and a Normal mode.
- Learning & Training Modes: They are ideal for new or inexperienced riders. They control the maximum reachable speed of the hoverboard, so you can practice balancing and general movement.
- Standard & Normal Modes: They should be selected by more experienced riders. They remove the learning and training modes restrictions and allow the unit to reach higher speeds.
Note 6:
Both hoverboards have sensors under the pedals.
When the rider steps on a pedal, these hoverboards will adjust themselves to balance automatically. Note that when riding, you must make sure both feet are touching the pedals so the balance sensors can properly be triggered.
Note 7:
Both the SWAGTRON and Razor hoverboards are equipped with LED indicators to indicate system parameters such as the battery charge level.
The following pictures show each model and the indicators on each of them:
Note 8:
The chassis (casing) material for both hoverboards considered here is durable hard plastic.
Note that they are rocklike solid for being plastic. If their casing were metal, it would have been difficult to carry as the internal axle and battery make them heavy as it is.
Note 9:
Both hoverboards are equipped with LED light bars.
The LED light bars (kind of headlights) let others see you when you are moving.
- SWAGTRON 580 has blue LED light bars across the front and red LED light bars across the back.
- Razor Hovertrax 2.0 has only front LED light bars that are bright blue.
Not 10:
Both hoverboards are equipped with hard rubber tires and aluminum-rimmed wheels.
Note 11:
SWAGTRON T580 is equipped with speakers and support Bluetooth connectivity. So the hoverboard's speakers can use Bluetooth to play music directly from your phone while you ride.
Note 12:
With SWAGTRON T580, you can download to your smartphone the free SWAGTRON App which is available in both the App Store and Google Play Store. You can use the App to select the riding modes, check your speed, monitor battery status, play music, etc.
Note 13:
UL 2722 is a specific certification targeting electric hoverboards. The certification specifically marks hoverboards that are not in danger from exploding or catching fire due to internal complications. In other words, UL 2272 certification enables the sale of quality standing safe hoverboards. If the hoverboard you are considering is not UL 2722 certified, you should not buy it as it may catch fire under certain conditions and situations.
Now that you have all the characteristics of all these two electric hoverboards, you should be able to select, in the Amazon products section below, the one that best matches your requirements or the needs of your child or teenager.
So, which electric hoverboard is best for you?
Both electric hoverboards considered here are UL 2722 certified quality products that have received mostly great reviews from Amazon customers. By carefully reading the above comparison table, you should be able to decide which will best suit your needs. But keep in mind the following before you decide which to select:
- If you want to control your hoverboard using your smartphone, or if you want to listen to music coming out of your hoverboard's speakers, you should consider either SWAGTRON T580.
- If you want your hoverboard to be equipped with movement indicating lights, you should consider SWAGTRON T580 which has blue LED light bars across the front and a red LED light bars across the back.
The blue LED lights on the Razor Hovertrax are only on the front of the hoverboard and they don't change colors. - On the other hand, if you are looking for a more powerful hoverboard, you might want to consider the Razor Hovertrax 2.0 which is equipped with 350W dual hub motors as opposed to the 150W dual hub motors on the SWAGTRON T580.
Some important recommendations for users of electric hoverboards:
Please respect the following recommendations to avoid accidents:
- Wear appropriate clothing and safety gear including knee pads, elbow pads, and an ASTM safety certified helmet for all riders of all ages at all times.
- Avoid wearing anything that can drape over or get caught into/under the wheels.
- Wear flat shoes to maintain flexibility and stability.
- When going through entryways, remember that you are taller.
- Keep your feet on the pedals. Taking your feet off the hoverboard while riding is incredibly dangerous.
- When riding near others, keep a safe distance to avoid collisions.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Your eyes are your best tools for safely avoiding obstacles and unsafe surfaces.
- Ride on even pavement or smooth roads. While riding, relax your legs and keep your knees slightly bent. This helps maintain balance when you encounter uneven ground.
- Stay in open spaces and flat areas. Avoid steep slopes or high traffic areas until you’re familiar with riding.
- Ensure your speed is safe for yourself and others and be ready to stop at any time.
- Your hoverboard can only support the weight of one person at a time.
- Remember, only ride your hoverboard where it is permitted. You must comply with local laws and give way to pedestrians.
- Read carefully the hoverboard's user manual and all the safety recommendations described therein before riding your hoverboard for the first time .
Compared SWAGTRON and Razor Hoverboards on Amazon
SWAGTRON T580 abd Razor Hovertrax 2.0 hoverboards are offered below on Amazon.
Note that if Razor Hovertrax 2.0 is not available, you might want to consider Razor Hovertrax 1.5 instead, which is also offered below and which has very similar features to Razor Hovertrax 2.0.
Note that if Razor Hovertrax 2.0 is not available, you might want to consider Razor Hovertrax 1.5 instead, which is also offered below and which has very similar features to Razor Hovertrax 2.0.
SWAGTRON Hoverboard T580
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Razor Hovertrax 2.0 & 1.5
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Protective Helmets, Knee Pads and Elbow Pads on Amazon
ASTM Certified Helmet
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Protective Adult & Child
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Please note the following alternative to Hoverboards you might be interested in:
If you'd rather have an electric scooter, you might want to consider also the Razor electric scooters:
For a comparison of Razor electric scooters, please click: Comparing Razor Electric Scooters.
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