Hoverboards took the gadget market by storm in 2015, and it certainly does not seem like this fad is dying out in 2018. More and more adults and children are taking advantage of this exciting device which offers the ability to swiftly and conveniently move at home or outside. Not only this, but advanced hoverboard users can also perform a variety of tricks, making the experience much more entertaining.

If you are looking into the hoverboard market, then you might be looking for advice on how to pick out the best hoverboard for you. Making the right choice is not much different compared to other gadget purchases – you need to take into consideration the manufacturer, price, accessories, and other properties in order to ensure that you will make the best purchase according to your needs.

Size, Weight, and Functionality

Typically, hoverboards come in three wheel sizes, 6.5”, 8”, and 10”. The smallest ones are only suitable for very flat surfaces, and they tend to be more mobile therefore making them the perfect choice if you are planning to look into hoverboard tricks. Also, 6.5” hoverboards are easier to carry due to their overall size and weight. In the meantime, the 10” models are more stable and bulkier, but they easily deal with uneven surfaces or even rough terrain. As you can probably guess, the 8” models stand in the middle and offer the best of both worlds. Do note that there also wheels made of different materials – inflatable ones for rough surfaces, and solid ones for perfectly flat surfaces.

Another thing to consider is the weight that the hoverboard of your choice supports. In general, the minimum is around 40kg, while the maximum is about 100kg. There are specific reinforced models that may be able to withstand more weight, so you might look into them if you are on the heavier side. Do keep in mind that the 6.5” models are considered to be child-friendly, so you should check them out if you are planning to surprise your child with a gift they are guaranteed to love.

Overall Safety

The first hoverboard models that came out in 2015 used to have various issues, especially in the battery department. It is not advised to use outdated models or second-hand hoverboards since you might end up getting your hands on an unsafe gadget. The best way to stay safe is to buy from reputable companies and resellers, as well as to make sure that you stay away from shady manufacturers. If the price of one hoverboard is too good compared to models with similar features, then you should certainly look into it and see if there is a reason why it is like that.

Compatibility with Accessories

You might be surprised to hear this, but hoverboards may pack more features and accessories than you can think of. Some models are sold with the so-called ‘hoverkarts’ which are a great way to move things around. Furthermore, you can take advantage of integrated Bluetooth speakers which can turn your hoverboard into an entertaining speaker. Models also come with various LED lighting options that can make your hoverboard tricks even more attractive.

Do Not Spend Too Much

There’s a price point where the improvements in the more expensive model are not worth the money. Calculate your budget well, and do not go for the high-end models unless you really have a lot of disposable income. Of course, you should not cheap out entirely, since lower-priced models may be outdated (and suffer from the problems mentioned in the first paragraph) or they might be made with cheap materials, therefore significantly reducing their durability.

Independent Reviews Are Your Friend

This is probably the most important tip because there is nothing more helpful than an independent review from either a happy or disgruntled customer. You can find out more about model-specific advantages and issues, as well as learn more about the overall durability of the model you have chosen. Please do note that you should only look for non-moderated reviews – if you go to the manufacturer’s website looking for feedback, you are likely to come across hand-picked reviews that praise the product in question. The best place to look for reviews is in the product pages of popular resellers.

Hoverboards can be a rather expensive product, so we advise you not to rush with your decision. Make sure to research plenty of models and read reviews that will help you lean towards the best product according to your requirements.

NEMT is a form of medical transportation that enables safe and comfortable transfer in non-emergency situations. Remember that NEMT is different from an emergency ambulance service and is appropriate for persons not requiring critical emergency care.

NEMT services are booked in advance and are suitable for medically stable persons who may or may not need the assistance of a qualified medical professional for intra-city, intercity or interstate transportation.

NEMT is useful for people with limited physical mobility due to injury, surgery or a medical condition, and those with sensory disability who require in-transit medical support.  It allows freedom from dependency on others for routine hospital visits, attending personal events and doing other activities for which transport assistance is required.

Here are the most important questions to ask an NEMT provider before you decide to hire them.

Are you a certified and insured NEMT services provider?

It is important to ask your medical transporter if they have the necessary licenses and certifications and also if their services are adequately covered by insurance.

Do you offer bedside-to-bedside patient transport?

Bedside-to-bedside transport ensures that the person being transferred receives uninterrupted medical assistance throughout the process. To make bed-to-bed transfer possible, the transporting team needs to be well-trained in the careful transfer of patient from bed to wheelchair or transfer board, and vice versa. Not all companies are equipped to provide this service, so check beforehand if this is what you need.

Is there adequate space for family members accompanying the person being transferred?

NEMT minivans generally have space to accommodate one caregiver or companion. However, the comfort of travel varies with the type of vehicle. So it’s important to check which vehicle will be used for the transfer. If travelling long distance, you would want to look for a service that operates spacious vehicles with comfortable sitting and sleeping space for the caregiver.

Are your drivers qualified and licensed to drive an ambulance?

Don’t hesitate to ask the NEMT you’ve chosen about how they ensure driving safety of their vehicles. Check if the drivers are trained in first aid and CPR and also how the company ensures the driving crew is following the rules while on duty.

The patient will need oxygen during transit. Do you have the facility?

A good non-emergency medical transfer service has all the required permits and equipment to fulfil your specific needs. Check if the service provider has the resources to customize their offering according to the special needs of your loved one being transported.

For instance, ACC Medlink is an award-winning NEMT provider that offers both road and air transfer of persons in need of in-transit medical care for various reasons.

How much will the transportation cost and what all is included in your quote?

To ensure that you know of all possible costs that you may be billed for, ask for a breakdown of the services included in the final price. The usual inclusions are pick up fee, per mile transfer cost, medical assistance on board, meals and entertainment (in a luxury service), and any additional charges (such as for oxygen).