Need A New Hoverboard Charger? Your Safe Buying Guide
Lost or broken hoverboard charger? Going for the first and cheapest replacement online is tempting, but that's a bad idea.
TL;DR
- Only get a replacement charger from the official hoverboard brand/manufacturer.
- Third-party chargers are risky. They can damage the battery, create fire hazards, and void your warranty.
- If you can't get an official replacement, always ensure the charger voltage (V) and amperage (A) match the original charger exactly. Find requirements on the hoverboard itself, the charger, the manual, or the manufacturer's website.
- Only buy certified chargers (UL, CE, CCC)
This guide explains why official chargers are crucial for safety, how to find your charging specifications, and what to look for if you absolutely must use a third-party alternative.
So, why isn't this a "top 10 best replacement chargers" list?
Simple: because the best charger for your hoverboard is the official one. Going official eliminates all the risks of mismatched voltage, amperage, or connector compatibility issues.
Why Official Chargers Are Always Your Best Bet
Reason 1: Guaranteed Compatibility
Even if they use the same charging plug, all hoverboards aren't created equal.
Some have higher battery voltages and charge faster than others. Multiple electrical parameters (e.g., voltage and amperage) must match for safe charging. With an official charger, you eliminate guesswork and compatibility issues that could be unsafe.
Reason 2: Safety First
Official chargers are built and tested to meet the specific safety requirements of the hoverboard model. They have safeguards designed to work with your board's Battery Management System (BMS) to prevent:
- overcharging
- overheating
- short circuits
- fire hazards
Reason 3: Warranty Protection
Using an unapproved, third-party charger can void your hoverboard warranty. If something goes wrong with the board (even if it seems unrelated to charging), the manufacturer might deny a warranty claim if they find out you've used a different charger. Don't risk losing that protection.
The Essentials: Voltage vs. Amperage
Okay, let's talk specs. You'll see two key numbers on chargers: Voltage (V) and Amperage (A, sometimes mA for milliAmps where 1000mA = 1A).
Understanding these is crucial, especially if you're considering a non-official charger. Think of Voltage (V) like water pressure in a pipe – it's the electrical "push." Think of Amperage (A) like the width of that pipe, or the flow rate – it's the amount of current flowing.
These two factors determine the power (measured in Watts, W) delivered: Watts = Volts x Amps. Your hoverboard's battery needs the right pressure (Voltage) and is designed to handle a certain flow rate (Amperage). Getting these wrong can cause problems.
How to Find Your Hoverboard's Charger Specs
If you've lost your original charger and don't remember the specs, don't panic. Finding the right voltage (V) and Amperage (A) is usually straightforward.
First, check the hoverboard itself. Look for a label directly on the board, often near the charging port or on the underside. It should list the required "INPUT" voltage and sometimes amperage. This is typically the most reliable source for what the board needs.
Note: If you still have your old broken charger, look for the "OUTPUT" voltage/amps listed on it.
If there's no label on the board, check the user manual - In most cases, the correct charger specifications are listed there. Sometimes, the manual is available on the manufacturer's official website, too.
If all else fails, contact the manufacturer or customer support where you bought the hoverboard.
Pay attention to the connector type as well! Even if the V and A match, the plug needs to physically match your hoverboard's charging port. 3-pin XLR ports and DC barrel connectors are the most common.
Don't Be Confused By Nominal Voltage
A common point of confusion is seeing a '36V battery' that requires a '42V charger.' This isn't a mistake or mismatch! The 36V is the battery's nominal (average) voltage during use, while 42V is its maximum charged state.
Always match your charger to the required charging voltage, not the nominal battery rating. Using a charger that only outputs the nominal voltage (like a 36V charger for a 36V battery) will never fully charge your hoverboard.
| Battery Type (Nominal) | Fully Charged Voltage | Required Charger Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| 12V | 16.8V | 16.8V |
| 24V | 29.4V | 29.4V |
| 36V | 42.0V | 42.0V |
| 48V | 54.6V | 54.6V |
Choosing a Third-Party Charger (If You Must)
We'll repeat it: the official charger is best. But what if it's discontinued or unavailable? If you absolutely must buy a third-party charger, proceed with extreme caution and follow these non-negotiable rules:
Rule 1: Voltage (V) MUST Match EXACTLY
This is critical. Using a charger with the wrong voltage is like trying to inflate a bicycle tire with a high-pressure air compressor – you may cause serious damage.
Too high voltage can fry your hoverboard's charging circuit and battery, while too low voltage likely won't charge it effectively, if at all. No exceptions here – match the voltage precisely.
Rule 2: Amperage (A) Should Ideally Match, But Lower is Usually Okay
Matching the original amperage ensures the charging speed is the same as the manufacturer intended.
Using a charger with lower amps is generally safe, but be prepared for a slower charge (e.g., a 1A charger might take twice as long as a 2A original).
However, using a charger with higher amps is risky. While some devices support "fast charging," hoverboard Battery Management Systems (BMS) generally aren't designed for it. Pushing too much current (Amps) into a battery not designed for it can overwhelm the BMS, potentially leading to overheating, reduced battery lifespan, or even failure.
Unless you know your hoverboard supports faster charging and the charger explicitly states compatibility, stick to the original amperage or lower.
Rule 3: Connector Compatibility Must Be Confirmed
Before buying, double-check (and triple-check!) that the plug on the third-party charger is the correct size and type for your hoverboard's port.
Compare it visually to pictures if possible, or check the connector specifications if listed by the seller. An incorrect plug is useless, even if the electrical specs match.
Always Check for Safety Certification
This is arguably the most crucial check for any charger, but especially third-party ones. Always look for a certification mark from a recognized, independent safety testing laboratory.
What is UL? UL stands for Underwriters Laboratories (now UL Solutions). They test products against established safety standards. A UL-listed mark means the charger has been rigorously tested for potential risks like electric shock, overheating, short-circuit protection, and fire hazards.
Why is it Important? Chargers handle electricity directly from your wall outlet. A poorly designed one can overheat, short-circuit, cause fires, or deliver unstable power that damages your hoverboard. UL certification (or CE in Europe, CSA in Canada, etc.) is your assurance that the product meets safety benchmarks.
Where to Find It? Look for the official UL logo (often a circle with "UL" inside, sometimes with "Listed" nearby) printed or molded directly onto the charger's casing or label.
If a third-party charger doesn't have a safety certification mark like UL, do not buy it. The potential savings are not worth the risk.
Best Practices for Charging
Even with the correct charger, there are do's and don'ts.
- Use an official charger or certified replacement with matching specs.
- Charge on a flat, non-flammable surface in a dry, well-ventilated area.
- Never leave a charging hoverboard unattended, especially overnight.
- Inspect cables and connectors for damage before each charge.
- Unplug when fully charged, and avoid charging in extreme temperatures.
