Road to Navajo Lake reopens
SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – Just in time for recreation season, New Mexico Highway 539 over Navajo Dam has officially reopened. The road, located about 45 miles east of Farmington, had been closed for the last eight months for exploratory drilling.
Docks rebuilt and upgraded at Navajo Lake Marina after storm damage
Officials said road closures are expected to resume later this year after peak season at the lake ends.
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Forbes
40 minutes ago
- Forbes
The Best Hoverboards For Kids Who Are Ready To Ride
A few short years ago, they might have seemed like something straight out of science fiction, but today, the best hoverboards for kids have them zipping down the sidewalk, rolling over fields and even cruising on off-road trails. Hoverboards—despite their name—don't actually hover. Instead, they rely on two wheels, gyroscopes and accelerometers to maintain speed and balance. They sit at the intersection between toy and transport, with skilled riders covering many miles at a decent clip. Our top overall pick, the Hover-1 Dream, works equally well for newbie riders and more seasoned vets, while the Hover-1 My First Hoverboard is designed specifically for young kids to get the hang of it. Hoverboards can be a safe, fun and exhilarating way to get kids outside and on the move. Parents will always prioritize safety, so it's essential to ensure children take proper precautions—wearing a helmet at all times, riding only on suitable terrain, and having adult supervision when needed—to minimize the risk of injury. To ensure we recommend only well-made and safe products, we spoke to toy industry expert, Christopher Byrne of Byrne Communications, better known as The Toy Guy. He reassures us that while there had previously been concerns about hoverboards catching on fire, "significant improvements have been made, and if you purchase a board from an established manufacturer, follow all care, safety, and charging instructions and don't overtax the motors, you've significantly minimized any risk.' As always: safety first, but lots of fun second. These are our top picks for the best hoverboards for kids. Amazon Max speed: 7 mph | Range: 6 miles | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Climb ability: 10 degrees Pros: Cons: The Hover-1 Dream electric hoverboard is a great starter model for youngsters just getting into the hobby, thanks to its highly responsive dynamic stabilization, which makes it easier for them to stay balanced. At the same time, its ability to both support riders up to 220 pounds and reach a decent speed of up to 7 mph, makes it a solid choice for more experienced riders as well. 'For beginners, and perhaps the curious adult or two, I would recommend this self-balancing model, as learning to balance is probably the toughest part of the learning curve for these,' says Byrne. The Hover-1 Dream can roll up grades as steep as 10 degrees at full speed. It's responsive, nimble and has a decent six-mile range. Just note that several reviewers have shared that their hoverboard arrived with visible signs of damage, so be ready to request a replacement if you receive a unit that's not in mint condition. Amazon Max speed: 5 mph | Range: 3 miles | Weight capacity: 80 pounds | Climb ability: 5 degrees Pros: Cons: Hover-1's My First Hoverboard was designed with young riders in mind, and kids as young as five may be able to master it. The range is rather limited here—just three miles—and while that modest 5 mph top speed might be a drag for some young speed demons, many parents will actually see it as a safety blessing in disguise. Priced below $100, it's the perfect starter hoverboard. The My First Hoverboard comes in multiple colors, including pink, blue, black and a multi-color option. A pair of LED headlights illuminates the path ahead and increases the visibility of the rider. Given the name, it may seem obvious—this hoverboard is meant for young kids. Older kids may hit the 80-pound maximum weight capacity quickly and soon need an upgrade. Amazon Max speed: 10 mph | Range: 12 miles | Weight capacity: 220 pounds | Climb ability: 15 degrees Pros: Cons: The Jetson Flash hoverboard isn't playing around with the name 'Flash,' and that's not because it has some pretty bright headlights and colored LEDs on the wheels: this thing is fast. Ten miles per hour might not seem that impressive when you're in a car, but when you're zipping along between two wheels, you'll reevaluate. This hoverboard is recommended for older kids (as in teens) and it's perfectly suitable for adults as well, with a high 220-pound weight limit. Also impressive is the 12-mile range this hoverboard offers when fully charged. For all that speed and power, you'll pay handsomely for a Flash, but the brand is largely well-regarded. 'A Jetson is a good brand for a more experienced hoverboarder. It has a fast top speed… and advertises a long distance per charge. It's very responsive to movement and has a smooth ride," says Byrne. He does note that this isn't the model you'd likely get a young kid or first-timer but it's a 'good ride' for more seasoned riders who want some more speed. Amazon Max speed: 8.4 mph | Range: 9 miles | Weight capacity: 264 pounds | Climb ability: 10 degrees Pros: Cons: The Uni-Sun All-Terrain can indeed handle some off-road terrain well enough, including grass, packed dirt or rougher roads, though it remains at its best on the street or sidewalk. What's more notable about this hoverboard is the built-in Bluetooth speaker, which can turn every ride into a party—and can be considered a safety feature in some ways, too. Byrne warns parents not to let their kids wear headsets or earbuds while riding so they can pay closer attention to their surroundings. "If they can't ride without their tunes, pick a model with a speaker,' he says. The Uni-Sun gets them a decent nine-mile range and a rather zippy 8.4 mph top speed and some bright lights. The hoverboard also has turn signals that activate when it senses the user leaning into a turn, so anyone on the move behind a rider won't be surprised when they break right or left. Amazon Max speed: 6.2 mph | Range: 4 miles | Weight capacity: 176 pounds | Climb ability: 5 degrees Pros: Cons: The Gotrax Edge is an all-around easy-to-use hoverboard, and one that kids of all ages can enjoy, as it has a 176-pound maximum weight limit. (Note that the company also states that riders weighing less than 44 pounds should not use it.) This hoverboard uses an active self-balancing system that does much of the work to keep its rider stable, so it's a good choice for newer or less confident riders. That rather low top speed is also a plus for those not entirely confident enough to take off fast. The range here isn't that good at just four miles, but you can always just recharge it. And you can count on the UL2272-certified battery to last a long time even with regular use and also not to present a fire or combustion risk, even if it's exposed to water. For best practices if that does happen (for instance, if they ride through a puddle), Byrne says, 'After your ride, turn off the hoverboard, don't plug it in, and give it about 24 hours to dry.' Amazon Max speed: 10 mph | Range: 8 miles | Weight capacity: 176 pounds | Climb ability: 30 degrees Pros: Cons: The Gyroor Warrior Off-Road Hoverboard is a beast of a hoverboard, able to handle varied terrain like grass, trails, gravel or even wet roads thanks to large wheels with an aggressive tread pattern and a pair of powerful 350-watt motors. Those motors can power this thing up hills much steeper than any of the other hoverboards on this list, up to a 30-degree grade. And it can do it while playing music and with decent LED lighting, too. Like many more serious hoverboards, this one can easily be converted into a go-kart. However, the Warrior's robust capabilities make it an especially strong choice for the transformation. It's the most expensive hoverboard we cover here, but is the best choice for anyone who wants to go off-road or wants to DIY a sit-down vehicle. The baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted have years of experience covering products for kids of all types, from the best gifts for 10-year-olds to the best iPads for kids to mattresses for teens. We spend hours researching and planning our articles, enlisting the help of experts and firsthand testing when merited. I used several different approaches in choosing the hoverboards featured here, including: Here are some critical factors to consider when shopping for a hoverboard for a younger rider. Safety always comes first, and that means paying attention to features that will help young riders stay stable and be seen. Details like speakers so they're not distracted by earbuds, lights and reflective elements so they're more visible and non-slip footpads all help keep kids safe. Hoverboard safety also largely means looking beyond the hoverboard itself. 'Wear helmets at all times,' says Byrne. 'This is important. On one of my first rides, I hit a bump and fell backward, hitting my head. I was wearing a helmet, which got quite the ding, but other than seeing stars and being embarrassed, I wasn't hurt.' Knee pads and protective wear for the hands are a good idea, too. It's easy to wear out a hoverboard's motors if a rider who is over its weight limit rides it, and, in fact, a larger rider above the maximum weight capacity can even crack a hoverboard. 'Pay attention to the weight grading on your hoverboard,' Byrne says. 'This probably has more to do with adults riding a kids' board, but exceeding the recommended weight limit overtaxes the motor and can cause it to overheat. If you're planning on sharing a hoverboard within the family, get one graded for the heaviest person who will be riding.' When choosing the best hoverboard for a kid, keep in mind that a fast top speed may not actually be such a good thing. You might want to opt for a board with a slow top speed in the name of safety—at least when the kids are younger or are just learning to ride. While most kids likely won't need a hoverboard with a 10- or 12-mile range, do note that a short range per charge might be an issue. Along with noting range, check to see if a hoverboard you are considering has a reasonably fast charge time. When kids see bright LED lights on a hoverboard, such as lights that flash in the wheels as the board rolls along, they might think it's all about fun—and in many ways it is. But good lighting is also an important safety feature. A hoverboard that properly illuminates the path ahead can be safe for use at dusk or even in the dark, and all those bright lights also help the rider be much more visible to others, potentially keeping kids safer from cyclists or motorists. How Do Hoverboards Self-Balance? Hoverboards use a series of sensors, gyroscopes and motors to allow them to self-balance. A gyroscope detects the tilting of the board as the rider leans one way or another, and a logic board calculates the needed adjustment for the motors to make to keep the rider balanced while also keeping the hoverboard in motion. Can Hoverboards Go Backwards? Yes, most can go backwards easily. The rider just needs to lean back, but it can be much more difficult to safely control the device while moving in reverse, so it's best to roll backward only for a moment as one course corrects. Can Hoverboards Go Off Road? Some can, but most need a relatively flat surface. 'For the most part, hoverboards are designed to be used on smooth or relatively even surfaces,' says Byrne. 'That's not to say that they can't go on blacktop or sidewalks that have a little grain to them. However, because the 'magic' of a hoverboard is about being able to balance upright, if you ride on uneven terrain, the hoverboard isn't designed to compensate for that.' Only select 'all-terrain' hoverboards with much larger tires can handle real off-road riding.
Motor 1
2 hours ago
- Motor 1
First-Time Shopper Buys Her ‘Dream Car.' Then the Salesman ‘Scams' Her out of Her Audi
One Houston woman says she had a nightmare experience trying to custom order her dream car, only to be steered toward something else entirely by an unscrupulous salesman. Creator Jenna Bowdary (@jennabhee) claims she got the runaround at an unnamed dealership during her recent attempt to trade in her aging sedan for the car she had her heart set on: a black Audi Q5 Sportback Legacy Edition. In two TikToks—the first of which has more than 197,000 views—she details her months-long experience with a salesman named Billy. Bowdary said she made it clear from the beginning that she was ready to buy, had a firm monthly budget and a preference for sporty styling and a modern, premium interior. Instead, she claims she got the bait-and-switch. Billy initially seemed eager to help but quickly steered the conversation into increasingly vague territory, Bowdary says. He told her the model she wanted wasn't available for her budget, but assured her that a new version was about to drop. He claimed the new Audi Q5 combines the exterior style she loves with the panoramic tech-forward interior she'd seen in one of Audi's EVs. There was just one catch: it wasn't in the United States yet. But it would be soon, Bowdary claims he said. Probably. Maybe. In April. Or May. Billy assured her that the new Audi Q5 was definitely worth the wait. Designing the perfect car Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Bowdary agreed to pre-customize the Audi. She chose a black-on-black Q5 Sportback with the Black Optic package. She said Billy repeatedly reassured her that she wasn't locked into anything—no credit pulled, no money down—and that if the vehicle arrived and didn't match her expectations, she could walk away. The build sheet made it sound perfect. The communications that followed, however, did not. As the weeks went by, she kept checking in. Billy rarely responded, she said, and when he did, it was vague. He offered no updates on pricing, no clear delivery window, no firm specs. The Audi arrives at long last Bowdary says that when the vehicle finally arrived, it was nowhere close to what she ordered. The trim was gray instead of black. The body style was a different shape. The grill and rims didn't match her specs. The sleek, sportback silhouette she'd fallen in love with was nowhere to be seen. In her words, 'Imagine ordering a Maybach and getting a… Lamborghini.' Bowdary also claims the price was $500 a month more than her stated max. This was after she'd spent two months waiting for the Audi Q5 while driving a 'hoopty' with busted windows and a gas pedal that made the whole car shake. Misleading car salespeople Trending Now Man Buys $70,000 Ford After Dealership 'Played With the Numbers' for Him. 2 Years Later, He's Speaking Out Woman Gets Dealership Oil Change For Her Brand-New Toyota Tundra. Then She Catches the Technician In a Lie As it turns out, the Black Optic package isn't even available until August, and the model she ordered may have been phased out altogether. Bowdary says that none of that was disclosed until she was standing in front of a car she didn't recognize, looking at a salesman who had suddenly gone silent. The way Bowdary describes it, the entire process seemed designed to exhaust her into saying yes. From the start, Billy told her no other cars were available in her budget, which wasn't true. He promised features that aren't even shipping yet, dangled vague timelines to keep her from shopping elsewhere, and ignored her budget. Car salespeople are notorious for strong-arming people into buying. Some of the most common tropes include: "The Only One in Your Budget" Trick: Telling a buyer that only one vehicle fits their criteria, even when others may be available, to steer them toward specific inventory that needs to move. Edmunds has documented this tactic in detail. "The Phantom Car" Strategy: Hyping a vehicle that isn't yet available — or may not even be real — to keep buyers engaged and emotionally committed. This leverages anticipation to bypass skepticism. "Payment Packing": Quoting monthly payments that include extra fees or hidden add-ons, hoping the buyer won't notice the inflated total. "Gender-Based Suggestion": Making patronizing recommendations based on gender, which continues to be an issue despite industry efforts toward equity. These tactics are often employed to direct the buyer toward a deal they didn't intend to make, under terms they didn't fully agree to. Finally the right car for the right price Bowdary refused to buy the Audi Q5. Instead, the next day, she says she walked into a nearby Mercedes-Benz showroom and bought a new black sedan on the spot. 'There's no amount of questions you can ask to avoid a shady deal,' Bowdary says in closing. 'Always have a plan B.' Bowdary didn't immediately respond to an email sent Tuesday morning. Motor1 reached out to Audi for comment via email. We'll be sure to update this article if either responds. More From Motor1 The New Base Audi E-Tron GT Is Still Plenty Powerful Fiat Finally Makes a Cool Car, But You Can't Buy It Yet Tesla Prevented Lease Buy Outs to Sell Used Cars at a Profit Dealerships, Desperate to Survive, Could Use Robotic Salespeople Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor 1
2 hours ago
- Motor 1
The New Nissan Leaf Is Torquier. But That's Not Even Its Biggest Upgrade
Nissan has been teasing the new Leaf since the end of March, when the first official image was at the center of the company's product onslaught. Since then, we've learned that it will be the company's most aerodynamic production model, although the version for the United States won't be as slippery as its European counterpart. Ahead of its full release later this month, the third-generation model is making headlines for its hardware improvements. Still a front-wheel-drive, single-motor affair, the new Leaf soldiers on with 214 horsepower but gains more torque. It now makes 261 pound-feet instead of 250 lb-ft. It's not a major upgrade, but it does offer other benefits. The crossover's powertrain is 10 percent smaller than that of the hatchback it replaces, making room under the hood for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Relocating the AC from behind the instrument panel has made the cabin more spacious. Photo by: Nissan But probably the most notable upgrade is at the back. The third-gen Leaf ditches the basic torsion beam suspension and switches to a more sophisticated multi-link setup. The independent rear suspension should make the EV more engaging to drive and better at soaking up road imperfections. Nissan has an even smaller electric car on the way with IRS, considering the latest Micra supermini is essentially a Renault 5 in disguise. The Leaf itself also has a French connection, using the same CMF-EV platform as the Megane E-Tech. Nissan claims it also tweaked the rack-mounted electronic power steering system to make the Leaf more maneuverable. The turning radius has been reduced by approximately 0.3 feet to 17.3 feet, despite the use of larger 19-inch wheels. Lateral stiffness is up by 66%, while the powertrain is quieter and smoother than before. At 31 mph, the interior is two decibels quieter compared to the preceding model. Elsewhere, the air-cooled batteries of past generations have made way for a liquid-cooled pack. A new thermal recovery system captures the heat produced by the onboard charger and uses it to warm the battery, enhancing its performance in colder climates and improving range. Nissan previously said 14 minutes of charging would yield a driving range of 155 miles. We'll know everything about the new Leaf when it breaks cover in the coming weeks, before it goes on sale later this year. The Latest On The New Leaf Why The New Nissan Leaf Is Less Aerodynamic In America The New Nissan Leaf Will Also Be a Mitsubishi 2026 Nissan Leaf preview 20 Source: Nissan Source: Nissan Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
