As with any new product craze, there are a ton of myths and plenty of misinformation going around about self-­balancing hands­-free boards. Things are repeated out of context, rumours spread, and before you know it, a myth is born. So, here are some of the top myths about balance boards—debunked!

1. All brands of hover boards are basically the same 
   This myth comes from the fact that most hover boards are assembled in China, and that some brands are featuring very similar models. However, there are numerous different manufacturers of hover boards and they are working with different materials, using different plans.
   
   A balance board from one brand may well be very different than that of another brand. The most reputable brands will also, undoubtedly, continue to diverge from one another as they make improvements to their boards. It’s important to research the Swegway boards you’re interested in beyond just looking for the least expensive. That doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive board, but you should be looking for a Swegway board from a company that’s not a fly-by ­night.
   
   
2. All Swegway balance boards are inherently dangerous
   All Swegways aren’t inherently dangerous unless you consider riding a bike, roller blading, and skateboarding to be inherently dangerous. Balance boards are so relatively new that it’s difficult to compare numbers directly, but they may very well be much safer than some of those things. As with any activity that could result in spills or falls, it’s wise to wear safety gear as a precaution, including helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. Most activities in our lives are as dangerous as we let them be—hover boards are no exception.
   
   
3. All Swegway balance boards catch on fire
   Recently there have been news reports of self­-balancing boards catching on fire, exploding, and so forth. These reports have, understandably, made many people uncertain about these products. Remember: not all boards are created equally or by the same manufacturer, contrary to rumour.
   
   “Why” those boards were prone to catching fire is not a mystery: they had substandard built­in batteries with insufficient protections, and they may have also had substandard chargers. This is not the case with top brands. Top brands like iSwegway use brand name batteries and reliable chargers that comply with safety regulations. 
   
   It’s simply not worth it for a reputable dealer to cut corners on something as critical as the battery, because they intend to be around for a while. Companies that are just trying to make a quick buck during the craze, however, are a different story.