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Jetson Flash Review

A budget-friendly hoverboard with self-balancing capabilities, Bluetooth connectivity, and a smartphone app
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Jetson Flash Review
Credit: Jetson
Price:  $230 List
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Manufacturer:   Jetson
By Hayley Thomas ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 19, 2021
44
OVERALL
SCORE


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

Our Verdict

The lightweight Jetson Flash is a cheap hoverboard in both performance and price. Fun features like the Bluetooth-connected smartphone app for ride tracking and rider mode settings make the Flash somewhat modifiable, although the app does not always work. The self-balancing feature comes in handy if you fall off, but the low clearance leaves the bottom of the board vulnerable to scratches. Unfortunately, this board also does not run for very long, and the ride is somewhat unpredictable, ultimately lowering the overall value. The Flash is an option for those whose main priority is price, but other options in the same price range are more reliable.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Inexpensive
Self-balancing
Bluetooth connectivity
Smartphone app
REASONS TO AVOID
Unpredictable ride
Long charge time
Short battery life

Compare to Similar Products

 
jetson flash
This Product
Jetson Flash
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Hoverboard For Most People
Best Buy Award
Best Value and Entry-Level Option
  
Price $230 List
$172.45 at Amazon
$230 List
$179.99 at Amazon
$150 List$180 List$180 List
$114.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line A hoverboard complete with Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone app at a budget-friendly priceThis 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 Flash Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 XPRIT Classic Swagtron Swagboard... Hover-1 Helix
Fun Factor (50%)
4.0
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%)
4.0
6.0
6.0
2.0
3.0
Specs Jetson Flash Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 XPRIT Classic Swagtron Swagboard... Hover-1 Helix
Measured Run Time 60 min 107 min 75 min 37 min 44 min
Measured Weight 16.8 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 3.7 mi 3.3 mi 4.5 mi 2.4 mi 3.68 mi
Measured Charge Time 3 hours, 30 minutes 4.5 hours 4 hours 41 minutes 3+ hours (manufacturer says not to charge longer than this) 6 hours
Weight Limit 220 lbs 220 Ibs 165 lbs 185 lbs 160 lbs
Wheel Size 6.5" 6.5" 6.5" 6.5" 6.5"
Bluetooth Yes; app and music 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 Flash is an inexpensive option best used indoors and for short periods.

Performance Comparison


jetson flash - the flash is sleek and lightweight.
The Flash is sleek and lightweight.
Credit: Laura Casner

Fun Factor


This metric is made up of and measured by several attributes such as Bluetooth capabilities, speed, weight, color options, accessories, and obstacle course maneuverability.

The Flash offers an average performance in this realm. The Bluetooth-connected app not only tracks your ride but it allows you to change rider mode settings like top speed, driving force, and steering sensitivity. The app is an awesome feature, but we experienced some issues with top speed adjustments during our testing. Speaking of speed, the manual states a top speed of 10 miles per hour, but our average was 7.5. Once you get your speed up closer to 10 miles per hour, the Flash feels less stable and almost dumps the rider off. At 16.8 pounds, the Flash is a lightweight option, but the absence of a carry handle can make long walks a little cumbersome.

While we find that most hoverboards offer some amount of fun, not all are created equal. The Flash offers a somewhat unpredictable ride. It may easily tackle a small speed bump on an otherwise smooth road with no difficulty once and then struggle with that same bump later. This keeps the rider on edge, offering a more stressful than enjoyable experience.

jetson flash - this model becomes increasingly more difficult to ride the faster...
This model becomes increasingly more difficult to ride the faster you go.
Credit: Laura Casner

Outdoor Capabilities


If you are in the market for a household hoverboard, then this metric is less consequential. However, many hoverboard riders prefer an option that can be used both inside and outside.

The Flash performs very poorly on inclines. Despite the manual's claims regarding its ability to tackle a 15-degree incline, it only makes it about 10 feet before giving up. It performs about the same across grass, hard-packed dirt, cracks, and bumps. Overall its abilities are unpredictable, making this model a difficult one to count on when riding outdoors.

jetson flash - the flash doesn't make is very far on steeper inclines.
The Flash doesn't make is very far on steeper inclines.
Credit: Laura Casner

Support


The Flash fell short across this metric too. Here we took into account how each model handles and avoids crashing and the support offered by the manufacturer. Like many Jetson models, the Flash is self-balancing, meaning that it will stay upright if you happen to fall off. This feature helps keep your hoverboard from tumbling, although the low clearance allows the bottom to be easily scratched. As for the manufacturer's support, the lack of a phone number makes things take a little longer, but they are very responsive via email and offer a limited one-year warranty.

jetson flash - here you can see how the low clearance may affect the flash's...
Here you can see how the low clearance may affect the Flash's ability to avoid small obstacles outdoors.
Credit: Laura Casner

Battery


During our battery testing, we took into account range, run time, and charge time. The Flash runs for roughly 4 miles, although the manual claims a 10-mile range. After a measly a half-mile, the Flash warns the rider of a low battery and becomes difficult to control. The charge time is a lofty three and a half hours, which is a long time to charge for a half-mile of quality riding.

jetson flash - the short battery life directly affects the longevity of your ride.
The short battery life directly affects the longevity of your ride.
Credit: Laura Casner

Value


The Flash falls on the cheaper end of the price range, and sadly, its performance reflects that. Our test suite has other options around the same price that perform significantly better, ultimately rendering this model a poor value.

Conclusion


The Jetson Flash falls short of average in every department. Our biggest gripe is the lack of predictability that this model offers. While it is on the less expensive side of the spectrum, there are plenty of higher-performing options in a similar price range.

Hayley Thomas