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Jetson Spin Review

An average-performing hoverboard with self-balancing capabilities at a fair price for the casual rider
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Jetson Spin Review
Credit: Jetson
Price:  $180 List
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Manufacturer:   Jetson
By Hayley Thomas ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 19, 2021
47
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 9
  • Fun Factor - 50% 5.0
  • Outdoor Capabilities - 20% 4.0
  • Support - 20% 6.0
  • Battery - 10% 2.0

Our Verdict

This average-performing hoverboard is a great option for those looking for a beginner model at a less committing price. It is self-balancing which helps keep it from breaking while learning to ride, and its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry around. Surprisingly, this model is quite maneuverable, offering a responsive and enjoyable ride when the battery is fully charged. However, it becomes harder to control as the battery is depleted. While it lacks power and offers a shorter battery life, the Jetson Spin is still a great budget-friendly option for casual indoor users rather than those looking to commute or ride rougher terrain.
REASONS TO BUY
Budget-friendly
Self-balancing
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Lacks power
Short battery life
Hard to control at low charge
Low clearance

Compare to Similar Products

 
jetson spin
This Product
Jetson Spin
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Hoverboard For Most People
Best Buy Award
Best Value and Entry-Level Option
  
Price $180 List
$124.50 at Amazon
$230 List
$149.99 at Amazon
$150 List$180 List$180 List
$131.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A budget-friendly hoverboard for indoor use, complete with self-balancing capabilitiesThis affordable board has comfortable foot pads and decent maneuverability but can't cut it off-roadDespite this board's so-so durability, its budget-friendly price and beginner-friendly ride will maintain appeal for certain ridersThis board offers decent stability for new riders but lacks standout features such as Bluetooth connectivityThis board is fun to ride indoors, but its inconsistent performance on any outdoor terrain limits riding freedom
Rating Categories Jetson Spin Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 XPRIT Classic Swagtron Swagboard... Hover-1 Helix
Fun Factor (50%)
5.0
7.0
5.0
5.0
6.0
Outdoor Capabilities (20%)
4.0
5.0
3.0
5.0
4.0
Support (20%)
6.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
Battery (10%)
2.0
6.0
6.0
2.0
3.0
Specs Jetson Spin Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 XPRIT Classic Swagtron Swagboard... Hover-1 Helix
Measured Run Time 50 min 107 min 75 min 37 min 44 min
Measured Weight 14.3 lbs 15.2 Ibs 13.1 Ibs 14.7 Ibs 13.1 Ibs
Measured Speed 7.5 mph 7 mph 6.5 mph 6.3 mph 7.7 mph
Measured Range 2.8 mi 3.3 mi 4.5 mi 2.4 mi 3.68 mi
Measured Charge Time 2 hours, 20 min 4.5 hours 4 hours 41 minutes 3+ hours (manufacturer says not to charge longer than this) 6 hours
Weight Limit 200 lbs 220 Ibs 165 lbs 185 lbs 160 lbs
Wheel Size 6.5" 6.5" 6.5" 6.5" 6.5"
Bluetooth No Yes; app and music Yes; music No Yes; app and music
Warranty 12 months limited 90 days 90 days 5 years (battery)
1 year (manufacturer)
90 days

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Jetson Spin is an inexpensive option perfect for casual indoor use or beginner riders.

Performance Comparison


jetson spin - a simple budget-friendly hoverboard.
A simple budget-friendly hoverboard.
Credit: Laura Casner

Fun Factor


While hoverboards can be used for short commutes, they are more often used for fun. During our fun factor testing, we paid special attention to each model's Bluetooth options, speed, weight, accessories, color options, and obstacle course capabilities. The Spin offers a somewhat average performance in this department.

With no Bluetooth capabilities and an average top-out speed of just 7.5 miles per hour, the Spin isn't particularly impressive. It performs well at its top speed, although bumpy terrain feels scary and unstable. You can push it closer to 8 miles per hour, but that speed is difficult to reach and nearly impossible to maintain.

jetson spin - it may not be the highest performing hoverboard, but we clearly have...
It may not be the highest performing hoverboard, but we clearly have fun while riding the Jetson Spin.
Credit: Laura Casner

The Spin weighs in at 14.3 pounds which makes it very portable. Unfortunately, the lack of a carry handle forces the user to hold it by the middle, which can be cumbersome for those with smaller hands. That aside, we were pleasantly surprised by the maneuverability of this model. It has more torque than expected, turns on a dime, and long slalom-style s-turns are mostly smooth. The biggest downside is that it becomes increasingly harder to maneuver as the battery dies.

jetson spin - the spin can be a little awkward to carry for those with smaller...
The Spin can be a little awkward to carry for those with smaller hands.
Credit: Laura Casner

Outdoor Capabilities


We take the time to test out each hoverboard on various inclines, grass, packed dirt, and bumpy or cracked pavement. Again, the Spin performs right around average in this department.

jetson spin - the spin struggles on a lot of outdoor terrain.
The Spin struggles on a lot of outdoor terrain.
Credit: Laura Casner

We barely made it 20 feet up our test hill, which was at a 14% grade. The Spin bottomed out easily and didn't offer the smoothest ride on bumpy terrain, but it will still get the job done for the casual rider. Its lack of clearance and power make riding on loose dirt and deep or muddy grass difficult, but smooth ground or short golf course grass are a non-issue.

jetson spin - the spin also struggles with slight inclines.
The Spin also struggles with slight inclines.
Credit: Laura Casner

Support


Our support metric assessed how well each model avoids and handles crashing, the general support offered by the company, and the included warranty.

The Spin is self-balancing, so it stays upright when you fall off. That's not to say that it can't flip over if you take a big enough spill, but generally speaking, it remains on its feet, even if you don't. There is no support phone number offered, and when we emailed about a problem with the battery life, we were instructed to fill out a warranty claim to receive a new device.

jetson spin - the self balancing features helps keep this model from crashing when...
The self balancing features helps keep this model from crashing when you do.
Credit: Laura Casner

Battery


Riding a hoverboard with a low battery not only affects the amount of fun you can have, but it can be dangerous as they are harder to control. This metric calls attention to the battery's range, run time during stop and go riding, and charge time.

jetson spin - charging up the spin is easy but the battery doesn't last long.
Charging up the Spin is easy but the battery doesn't last long.
Credit: Laura Casner

At 2.84 miles and 27 minutes, our Spin began to lose power, which resulted in a loss of stability. This ride time is far less than the advertised seven miles per full charge. When riding around our test space in a stop-and-go fashion, this model can last up to 50 minutes, and the charge time is 2 to 2.5 hours. Sadly the Spin does not give us much to be excited about in the battery department.

jetson spin - this little green light depicts how full the battery is.
This little green light depicts how full the battery is.
Credit: Laura Casner

Value


The price of the Spin matches its performance, so if you are looking for a fun around-the-house toy, it is of good value. That being said, if you are in the market for a device that you can commute a few miles on or prefer a long-lasting battery, you will likely be replacing this one with one of its more expensive competitors.

Conclusion


This budget-friendly model may not be the most responsive, the fastest, or have the longest-lasting battery, but it is still a good option for casual users. Its low clearance makes riding on bumpy, squishy, or loose ground difficult, but it fairs well on hard-packed dirt, short grass, or smooth ground. If you are looking for an indoor option or something to ride around on smooth pavement that won't break the bank, the Jetson Spin is a fine choice.

Hayley Thomas