While the film Back to the Future might have given you some big ideas about hoverboards, what we now refer to as hoverboards are still great fun to ride. Sure, they don't actually hover, but these self-balancing scooters let you zip around using your bodyweight to control them. Some people use them to get from point A to point B more quickly than walking, but they're primarily just for fun. While generally unsuitable for young children, hoverboards are popular with older kids and teens. However, the vast majority of options can be used by adults, too.

There's plenty to consider when purchasing a hoverboard, from the top speed and range to the wheel size and capacity for use on uneven terrain. It's important to select a model that will work with any requirements you have; for instance, if you want to ride it a mile to work and back, it will need at least a two-mile range.

Hoverboard wheel size is generally given as a measurement of the diameter — the distance from one edge of the wheel to the other through the centre. The standard diameter of a hoverboard wheel is 16.5 centimetres. Wheels of this size give you excellent control on smooth surfaces. However, if you want to ride your hoverboard off-road on uneven terrain, a larger wheel is better. Look for options with wheels of between 20 and 25 centimetres in diameter.

The average top speed of a hoverboard is around 15 kilometres per hour, but the most powerful models can reach up to 25 kilometres per hour. Most hoverboards designed for younger riders have lower maximum speeds for safety, usually no more than 10 kilometres per hour. Bear in mind, however, that the maximum speed listed is the absolute fastest that the hoverboard can go under optimum conditions. Your board will probably be slower.

Most hoverboards have a battery life of around an hour. This means you can't ride your hoverboard for extended periods of time unless you carry a spare battery or two. The range is related to battery life, since it's essentially the distance your hoverboard can travel before it runs out of juice. If the range isn't listed in the specifications, you can estimate it by comparing the maximum speed and the battery life. For instance, a hoverboard with a 60-minute battery life and a top speed of 19 kilometres per hour will have a range of around 19 kilometres, but only under ideal conditions.

Hoverboards weigh anywhere from 4.5 to 14 kilograms. You might be drawn to a lighter hoverboard, thinking it would be easier to carry home when the battery runs out, but lightweight models can be flimsy or forgo some handy features in order to bring the total weight down. As such, you need to find the right balance for you. Choose a model that isn't too heavy for you to carry comfortably but also isn't so light that it lacks durability.

A large number of hoverboards have Bluetooth and can connect to your smartphone so you can use them with a compatible app. These apps can control and monitor a number of factors, including power levels, speed, steering sensitivity, battery life, and GPS, adding a whole extra dimension to your riding experience.

It's also fairly common for hoverboards to have built-in speakers. These connect to your phone via Bluetooth so you can cast music to them using your favourite streaming service or play music stored on your phone.

Many hoverboards have LED lights either built into the body of the board or on the wheels. LED lights aren't just for fun — though they do look cool — they also improve your visibility in low light, so drivers can see you crossing roads or pedestrians can spot you on the sidewalk. This can help prevent accidents, but you should still pay close attention to your surroundings.

Inexpensive: You can find basic hoverboards that cost as little as $100 to $150, but these don't tend to be of very high quality and are generally aimed at young people.

Mid-range: Hoverboards in this range generally cost $200 to $300. These are great for riding on sidewalks and other smooth surfaces, but they’re not built for rough terrain.

Expensive: High-end hoverboards are priced between $400 and $600. Models in this price range generally have large tires with plenty of traction, making them well suited to off-road use.

Wear safety gear when riding your hoverboard. It's easy to fall off a hoverboard, especially when you're learning, so it's important to wear safety gear. You should at least wear a helmet, but you may also want to use elbow pads, knee pads, and/or wrist guards.

Know how long your hoverboard takes to charge. Some models can be fully charged within an hour, but others take far longer.

Be careful about using a hoverboard in hilly areas. Hoverboards have some issues with hills and slopes, so you'll need to check the maximum degree of incline that your hoverboard can handle.

Q. Are hoverboards safe?

A. You may have heard reports of hoverboards catching on fire. This is true, but new safety regulations mean that the vast majority of hoverboards on the market today are free from these issues. We recommend only buying a hoverboard with the UL 2272 safety certification. In order to gain this certification, a hoverboard must pass over 150 safety tests, so any dangerous malfunctions are highly unlikely.

Q. Is it hard to ride a hoverboard?

A. We wouldn't say it's hard to ride a hoverboard, but it can feel that way at first. Don't expect to hop on a hoverboard the first time and zip around like a pro. While it's fairly intuitive once you get the hang of it, there's certainly a learning curve involved.

Q. Are hoverboards suitable for kids?

A. We can understand why kids want to ride hoverboards — they're great fun! However, due to the high maximum speed and potential for taking a tumble, we wouldn't recommend them for any children under the age of 12. In fact, the fastest hoverboards are best for adult use only.