The 9 Best Hoverboards for Kids and Adults

Whether you’re looking for a way to get from point A to point B or simply want to have some fun, hoverboards are a popular ride for kids and adults alike. Manufacturers are producing quality hoverboards for a lot less than pricey first-gen models, plus they’ve become safer with self-balancing features. All good stuff, but it’s more challenging than ever to find the right fit for your needs since options on the market have skyrocketed. Fortunately, this also means there’s a hoverboard for everyone out there. Read on for the best hoverboards on the market right now, plus essentials to consider before shopping.

Best Hoverboards

Best Overall for Kids

Razor Hovertrax Prizma

Best Overall for Adults

Hover-1 Titan Hoverboard

Best for Off-Roading

Swagtron T6 Off-Road Hoverboard

Best for Sidewalk Riding

Tomoloo Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker and LED Lights

Best Budget Kids’ Option

Xprit Hoverboard

Best Warranty

Swagtron Twist 3 Hoverboard

Slick Design

Gyroor G11 Hoverboard

Most Compact

Segway Ninebot Drift W1 Hoverboard

Best for Hoverboard Sports

Epikgo Sport Balance Hoverboard

Best for Personal Transport

Segway Ninebot S Hoverboard

What to Consider

Before we dive in, your first consideration should be how to ride safety. Hoverboards are just like skateboards, scooters, and bicycles when it comes to essential protective gear. That means wearing a high-quality helmet (look for ones with MIPS technology), along with elbow and knee guards.

Hoverboards are a newish technology with a bit of a learning curve—including knowing what to look for when buying one. For example, some models are designed specifically for kids with weight limits that top out around 150 pounds, while others are designed for a larger rider.

Where you’re planning on riding will also matter, as certain models with plastic wheels make for great options on paved roads, while others with inflatable tires can handle the rugged terrain that comes with off-roading. Other key features, such as battery life, charging time, and product weight, along with fun features like Bluetooth speakers and LED lights, can also factor in, depending on how you plan to use your new ride.

How We Selected

We reviewed hundreds of the most up-to-date models on the market, keeping in mind everything from budget to intended age range for each. Every hoverboard we feature has an average customer rating of at least 4 stars, and we judged each for safety and overall design, plus nice-to-have extras as mentioned above. We also highlighted the most important specs for each, like top speed, weight, and capacity.

The 4 Best Hoverboards

Are you on the hunt for the best hoverboard? After researching and analyzing dozens of models, we put the top 9 options through rigorous hands-on testing. Throughout our testing, we rated everything from top speed and charge time to maneuverability and ride time. The fruits of our labor are laid out below in an easy-to-use, comparative format. Whether you’re looking for a practical commuter model, a heavy-duty off-road machine, or just a fun board that won’t leave your wallet too light, we are sure to have an option for you.

If the kid in you loves geeking out over cool gadgets, our expert reviews cover everything from zooming electric skateboards and scooters to toy blasters and high-tech goodies like the best drones. If you are looking for a gift for the younger members of your household, you can also check out our best kids tablet review. Always losing your keys? See our picks for the best Bluetooth trackers. Pour over the specs and highlights and feel confident in picking your next fun adventure gadget.

Editor’s Note: On October 26, 2023, we updated the lineup and added new award winners.

Top 9 Product Ratings

Best Hoverboard For Most People

Hover-1 Chrome 2.0

The Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 is a great deal for those looking to get a board for play instead of a vehicle for off-roading or commuting. It has some cool “fun features,” such as LED lights and Bluetooth speakers, and comes in a variety of colors. More importantly, the board is stable at speed, reasonably maneuverable, and has large foot pads, making it more responsive and comfortable. The Chrome 2.0 is light, too, at just 15.2 pounds, so it won’t be too difficult for a kid to handle despite its lack of a carry handle. Additionally, this board does pretty well on uneven terrain despite its smallish 6.5-inch diameter wheels.

Our critiques of the Chrome 2.0 are minimal and assume that potential buyers are not looking for a board for off-road cruising or commuting. This board is a little sluggish when accelerating and struggles a bit with climbing hills. The battery life could be longer, too. As it is, the rider can travel at full speed for about 40 minutes (107 minutes for stop-and-go maneuvering). Additionally, the customer service we received wasn’t great. Yet, all testers agreed the Chrome was a hoot on the obstacle course. All told, this is+ an easy-to-ride board at a good price.

The Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 impressed us as one of the most fun hoverboards to ride. It is stable, with large foot pads, making it comfortable and easy to maneuver. The price is relatively affordable too!

Best for Commuting

Segway Ninebot S

The Segway Ninebot S looks like the black sheep of the hoverboard family. But make no mistake, this machine is all business. The S is nimble, packs tons of power, has a stable platform, and can keep rolling mile after mile. Unlike other models sporting big wheels and claiming off-road prowess, the S has 800 watts of motor power to carry the rider through uneven surfaces at any speed. Segway chose to forgo frills such as onboard speakers; this board is utility-oriented for the commuter with a futuristic bent.

Our test team has lots of experience testing Segway products, including the predecessor of the S. We are disappointed that the design team discontinued the adjustable steering column on the Ninebot S. This one decision was the source of all complaints, particularly from taller testers. In our view, Segway should be adding more adjustability to this critical component, not limiting it. If you want a great offroad model in a more traditional design, check out the Epikgo Classic. It has a higher list price than the Segway but we usually see it sold for less.

The Ninebot S won’t be comfortable for everyone, but if it fits your body it’s a great commuter vehicle.

Best Value and Entry-Level Option

XPRIT Classic

The XPRIT Classic is a great value and ideal entry-level hoverboard. It’s lightweight and among the easiest boards to carry. It is intended for smaller and lighter riders who won’t mind the 165-pound weight limit. While the 75-minute measured run time is in the middle of the pack, it is impressive for a board this light.

This board is not a speed demon and will not go up steep hills. It is also not ideal on rough surfaces or off-road. We don’t recommend trying to max out its speed as it became unstable at the top end. All that said, it comes at an incredible price, plays music, and is likely all a smaller entry-level rider will need. If you want to spend a little more money and get a little more offroad performance, we recommend the Swagtron Swagboard Twist T580.

Best Onewheel Option

Onewheel Pint

The Onewheel Pint is our favorite Onewheel model from our best electric skateboard review. Technically, it is neither a skateboard nor a hoverboard; it is a self-balancing electric unicycle. It is much better offroad than any hoverboard and goes faster and up steeper hills. It has a long enough range to be used as a commuter vehicle and is an apt favorite among pint-sized riders.

The first big downside to the Pint is the sticker price. You can buy a budget hoverboard for much of your neighborhood for the same price as the Pint. In addition, with great performance comes great responsibility. Hoverboards are much harder to crash at high speeds, and when you do crash, you are low to the ground. Not so with the Pint. Even low-speed spills can be harmful, and the Pint allows you to crash at much higher speeds. It is our favorite Onewheel and “hovering board” to take on trails. Check out the Onewheel+ XR for a faster, more aggressive board with a longer range. It handles more technical terrain at higher speeds but is more expensive and generally more than a smaller person, considering a hoverboard needs. That is why we recommend the Pint.

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Why Should You Trust Us?

We have been testing hoverboards for over five years. Our testing consists of practical use tests that are largely conducted on our built-to-purpose obstacle course and also tests out in the wild where surfaces are unpredictable and inconsistent. We also execute highly structured tests that measure hoverboard features such as battery life and hill-climbing capability.

• Fun Factor (50% of overall score weighting)

• Outdoor Capabilities (20% weighting)

• Support (20% weighting)

• Battery (10% weighting)

Our Director of Testing Austin Palmer and Review Editors Genaveve Bradshaw and Nick Miley have extensive experience testing and analyzing electric vehicles. Having ridden over 850 miles (and counting) on hoverboards, electric skateboards, and scooters, Austin is an expert on how they handle and where to look for shortcomings in design or manufacturing. Nick has spent years in university laboratories posing research questions, designing experiments, refining protocols, and documenting results. He provides experimental design and data expertise when he isn’t mounting a board and logging some miles. Finally, Genaveve has spent the last few years researching and testing a variety of specialized products, including the best air purifiers, electric toothbrushes, and top fitness trackers. Together this team combed through every detail, tested every feature, and had a lot of fun producing this review.

Analysis and Test Results

While many hoverboards look similar, they can be divided into two fundamental categories: small and large. Small boards are more toy-like and work best on flat, firm surfaces. In contrast, big boards are designed for more serious riders who want to go cruising, perhaps with some off-roading. Small boards are highly maneuverable machines that can usually be identified by their small wheels, low clearance, and bright colors. Large boards have longer battery life, bigger wheels, higher clearance, and broader standing platforms. They are also usually heavier. Each sector has its trade-offs; large boards offer better all-terrain performance at the expense of maneuverability. The higher demands placed on larger boards require high-end components, especially motors and battery cells. As one might imagine, these upgrades are reflected in the price.

Will My Hoverboard Catch Fire?
Given the not-too-distant history of non-UL-certified hoverboards lighting on fire, you may be wondering whether these products are safe. We understand these concerns. However, the introduction of a safety testing standard for these products, UL 2272, should hopefully put those concerns to rest. The Consumer Products Safety Commission has also endorsed these standards. In keeping with these standards, we have not and will not review any boards that do not pass the UL certification safety test.

Value

We do not consider the price when scoring the performance of products in our reviews. We remove cost from the equation because we want the best products to receive top scores regardless of their price tag. However, we do recognize that price is an important thing to consider before making a purchase, and we grant value awards to the products that provide the best balance of cost and performance.

A value purchase does not equate to the cheapest product on the market. Instead, it is a product that supplies more performance than others for the same dollar amount or offers similar performance for less money. Case in point, the Hover-1 Chrome 2.0. This little filly earns average or above scores in our four evaluation metrics, yet it costs significantly less than several of its peers.

The Chrome 2.0 was quite fun to navigate through the obstacle course as it is stable and comfortable.

Fun Factor

By and large, hoverboards are designed to be fun. As the market has grown, exceptions have arisen. Such is the case with the Segway Ninebot S, a board designed for commuting and utility. These practical models comprise a small portion of the market and are still fun to ride.

Although the level of fun each model provides is subjective, products that perform well at specific tasks give the rider more versatility of movement and self-expression. Speed is a big part of our fun factor metric, so our hands-on testing included time trials to assess the top speed of each model. Then we gather a team of testers to ride each board through our obstacle course designed to evaluate maneuverability, stability, and acceleration.

The future is now. Here our lead tester is bending gravity as he carves a tight turn on the Ninebot S.

The conclusions for the obstacle course accounted for a large portion of the fun factor score, but we also considered maximum speed, add-ons such as color options, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated speakers, compatibility with third-party accessories, and the weight of each board. Why weight? Well, eventually, you’ll have to carry your board, and we think many will agree that carrying heavy things doesn’t evoke joy.

To no surprise, the Chrome 2.0 does well in this category.This model was a favorite among our testers, scoring top marks in most of the fun factor evaluations.

Back-and-Forth Exercise:
You might be wondering why all this back-and-forth business in our obstacle course test matters to the average rider. The board’s ability to power through rapid and repeated direction changes reveals whether there is sufficient pick-up in the motors to re-center the board underneath the rider when momentum is working against them. A more powerful and responsive motor allows the board to rebalance itself quicker and easier, which both beginners and advanced riders will appreciate.

Many of the boards in the fleet land in the middle of our fun factor ranking sheet. The Epikgo Classic and Hover-1 Helix offer comparable, albeit average, fun potential. The Segway Ninebot S is right on their heels, overlapping the previous cohort in several tests.

The Epikgo has a wide, stable standing platform that makes it fun in corners. These same characteristics, however, reduce its agility. Additionally, its max speed is 8-10 miles per hour. Although these speeds are above average for the class, the stability decreases as the speed increases, seeming to fight the rider when trying to cruise near its max speed. Testers observed the standing platform rotating away from the direction of travel, causing their toes to point skyward, compromising their balance on the board. Testers dubbed this phenomenon “pushback” and described it as uncomfortable, even for short periods.

The performance pros and cons of the Epikgo are common to all the larger boards in our review. These boards are stable, powerful, and excel at doing quick back-and-forth circuits. However, they are significantly wider than the other boards and are less maneuverable. Our testers reported difficulties in our obstacle course’s slalom and spin sections. The pushback from the board also negatively impacted the fun factor score.

Although the Segway Ninebot S shares the same pushback issue as some other large boards, it has a few unique features that set it apart. To start, the Ninebot employs a unique steering mechanism, a padded bar situated between the legs. Riders can change directions by pushing it toward one wheel or the other with the inside of the knees. This is in contrast to the foot-pivoting system utilized on every other board in our lineup. The Ninebot’s steering mechanism makes it difficult to navigate sharp corners or make rapid changes in direction because the steering column is narrow and shifts out of place while the board is suffering pushback at speed. Steering issues aside, this board offers a capable and cushy ride with its pneumatic tires and ample footpads. As such, it’s best suited to covering lots of ground as one would do during a commute.

The unique steering column is not adjustable, a change from the Ninebot S’s predecessor that taller testers do not appreciate.

Outdoor Capabilities

We conduct most of our fun factor testing on ideal surfaces — smooth and flat, with no debris, bumps, or cracks. Unfortunately for hoverboard enthusiasts, the world isn’t covered in perfect pavement. Accordingly, we also focused on the products’ ability to perform on hills, push through cracks, thresholds, and other obstacles that users may encounter when riding.

During our testing, we ride over plenty of dirt, sand, and grass to gather data about the outdoor capability of each model. We also take into account each model’s performance on inclines. We use a hill with a 14-percent steepness grade for 750 vertical feet for our ascending and descending tests. This test allows us to assess the hill-climbing power and the electronic motors’ ability to control speed on steep descents. We then look at how stable they are when crossing cracks, bumps, and threshold weather strips. Only a few of the boards in our test suite are designed to handle these obstacles — they are easy to pick out as they all have large, knobby tires and generous standing platforms. The larger, all-terrain boards make up a small portion of the market, although they are increasing in popularity. Consequently, this metric makes up just 20 percent of the overall score of each product.

The top performer in this category is the Segway Ninebot S with its pneumatic tires and the class’s largest wheels (10.5 inches). The S crushed this metric by zipping over cracks and bumps and rallying over grass and dirt. This model also excels at steep inclines, so it is a great option if you live in an area with lots of hills.

Up at the top with the Ninebot S is the Epikgo Classic, which also delivers impressive off-road performance, albeit far less than the Ninebot. It got to the top of our test hill without any noticeable signs of struggle, though the S was a little easier to pilot.

The remaining large-wheel board, the Epikgo Classic, doesn’t perform as well as the S on cracks and thresholds. However, these two boards are nearly matched when it comes to steep hills and traveling over dirt and sand. But, while the Classic lags slightly behind the S in terms of performance, our testers find it to be a bit more fun.

The boards that feature small, solid tires and motors aren’t appropriate for rough terrain. So, if your primary goal is to head off the beaten path on your board, be sure to look critically at the type of tires, wheel size, and motor specs.

Support

The support metric primarily evaluates hoverboard manufacturers rather than the products they produce. We wanted to know how easy it is to contact these companies, how long it takes for them to respond to inquiries, and how helpful they are in their responses. Moreover, we wanted to assess what their warranties would cover and the duration of coverage. For many people, these boards are not a trivial investment, and it can be disappointing to hand over your hard-earned cash to a company that will be difficult to contact if a problem were to occur — and problems do occur. During our testing, we broke one board and several other products required us to contact the manufacturer with questions and concerns.

To test the response time and the quality of the response, we sent a basic (though technical) question to each manufacturer. Segway, Swagtron, and Epikgo were all standouts in their timing or responses.

The Segway team responded quickly with detailed instructions on how to resolve our issue and included a statement about their warranty program. Swagtron’s response time and helpfulness varied — there are a number of their products in this review, so we ran this test more than once. Sometimes they were prompt with their response but not particularly helpful. Other times, they took several days to get back to us, but the response was detailed and accurate. Although we only ran this test on Epikgo once, they provided the best customer support of the bunch. Their team replied to our inquiry in an hour and a half and had accurate, helpful advice to resolve our problem. The Epikgo Classic, however, incurred an inordinate amount of body damage throughout our testing. This damage knocked the Epikgo down to the middle tier of this metric.

The Epikgo is among the burliest boards in our lineup. Still, we test boards extensively and were able to crack the board.

Battery

Unlike an electric skateboard, scooter, or bicycle, these boards are unrideable when they run out of power. And, as discussed in the fun factor section, some models are pretty heavy and unpleasant to carry.

Riding these boards to the limits?
Be careful when your board’s low battery indicator sounds an alarm. When the battery does die, these boards immediately stop self-balancing and tip over, which can buck a heedless rider.

We split this category into three sub-metrics to test the batteries: range, run time, and charge time. We fully charged each model’s battery for the range test and then rode it on our flat ground test course until the batteries died. We then tallied the laps completed to determine the total distance traveled. This is a rough estimate of how many miles these boards can traverse in ideal conditions. With the batteries completely drained by this test, we then measured the time needed to recharge each unit completely. With full batteries, we proceed to the obstacle course. In this final test, each board had to start, stop, spin, and change directions frequently. These maneuvers are more practical representations of how most people will use their board out in the real world. We recorded the amount of time the boards could continue the obstacle course rather than the number of miles traversed. We refer to this sub-metric as run time.

The Epikgo Classic was at the top of this metric, lasting nearly for two hours in our obstacle course. Surprisingly, the dark horse Hover-1 Titan came in just 10 minutes after the Classic, which is remarkable considering that it’s much more affordable.

A rankings pattern was not that similar to that of run time emerged in our range tests. The Ninebot S led the pack, cruising for 11.3 miles before the battery was finally drained. And once more, the budget-friendly Titan impressed us with an excellent range of 10.6 miles.

The final aspect we looked at in this metric was charging time. Experience has taught us that we can’t regularly rely on the manufacturer’s claims, and charging time is no exception. At 2 hours 20 minutes, our tests indicated the fastest charging board is the Jetson Spin. Several other models take slightly longer, such as the Hover-1 Helix at approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. On the other end of the spectrum is the Hover-1 Helix at 6 hours.

An on-board battery-life indicator, as seen here on the Ninebot S, is a real boon for those logging lots of miles on their board.

Conclusion

Given the number of hoverboards on the market, it can be challenging to pick one with confidence. That’s where we come in. We bought all the best boards and took them to their limits with our testing regimen. Our analyses render an accurate comparative breakdown of the different types of boards on the market with details such as the terrain and activity each board is best suited to and the travel radius of each model. With this information, you can choose your board with confidence and know you’re getting the best product for your needs and budget.

Best Hoverboards

Popular model by a trusted name that caters to a wide range of users with reliable, powerful performance.

Safely and durably made; can travel up to 12 miles on a single charge with a max speed of 7 mph. Available in a few different colors. Powerful battery charges quickly. Welcomes beginners with self-balancing design.

This sturdy hoverboard works on driveways and dirt paths alike with colorful lights that will get you noticed.

The lights sparkle as the wheels spin. It’s designed for all levels, from newcomers to veterans. The anti-slip grip keeps you balanced and secure as you go. Contains rear brakes that are easy to figure out. Good for adults who seek a new adventure hobby.

Battery life is a bit short, so longer excursions aren’t advised.

With its ergonomic design and rock-solid build, this is the ultimate hoverboard for grownups.

Uses knees to steer rather than just the feet, adding to stability. Includes a beginner mode for those just learning. The latest update has removed an annoying beeping at maximum speed. Can reach a speed of 10 mph. Can run up to 13.7 miles on a single charge.

Smaller battery reduces the scooter’s range by about 1.5 miles. Auto slowdown at 10 mph is jerky. Weighs 28 pounds.

Well-priced hoverboard offering safety and fun for kids and beginners.

With a top speed of 7 mph and a weight limit of 220 pounds, this hoverboard is made for youngsters to get around on and have fun. Made by a trusted name in hoverboards. The LED lights provide both safety and excitement. Some water resistance.

Charge time can take up to five hours. Older users may want more power and speed.

With sporty looks, LED light wheels, and powerful performance, this hoverboard made it on our list of favorites.

Features 6.5-inch LED wheels that produce a smooth ride. Achieves a maximum speed of 6.2 mph. Durable build with a speaker so you can play songs while you ride. Has a 250-watt motor. Most experienced users find it fairly easy to balance. Suitable for riders weighing 44 to 176 pounds.

Battery life isn’t as long as expected. Has a peculiar chemical smell when it’s new that tends to linger.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested the Swagtron Swagboard Warrior XL Off-Road Hoverboard to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best hoverboards

Whether you want to get around more quickly or you’re just looking to have some fun, a hoverboard lets you zoom at speeds of up to 12 miles per hour. While you aren’t actually hovering off the ground, the self-balancing mechanism makes hoverboards tons of fun to ride.

When shopping for a hoverboard, you’ll want to consider factors like the maximum speed and how many miles it can travel on a single charge. Wheel diameter is also important because larger wheels (especially inflatable ones) give you a smoother ride over rough terrain. And just like riding a skateboard, it’s imperative to wear a helmet for safety.

We’ve researched hoverboards and found the Hover-1 Helix to be the best, and it’s reasonably priced to boot. Solidly built and reliable, it has a top speed of 7 miles per hour and can travel around 3 miles in total. The Jetson Spin All-Terrain Hoverboard is another favorite, offering all-terrain tires and great value.

Our list: The best hoverboards

Jetson Spin All-Terrain Hoverboard

The 6.5-inch wheels on the Jetson Spin have plenty of traction, making them suitable for a range of terrain types. It has both headlights and LED wheel lights to make you more visible to traffic and pedestrians. The hoverboard connects to an app that lets you control certain features, such as lights and speed. This model can reach speeds of 7 mph and has a 7-mile range, meaning the battery lasts for around an hour. This durable board weighs 15 pounds, so it isn’t too heavy to carry home if it runs out of battery.

Hover-1 Titan Hoverboard

This board’s 10-inch pneumatic wheels make it great for rougher terrain and an extremely smooth ride on sidewalks and tarmac. The bright LED headlights make it easier to spot by others, which is great for nighttime use. The app lets you choose between beginner, intermediate and experienced rider modes. You can go up to 8 mph, and the battery lasts around an hour, with a maximum range of 8 miles. Weighing in at around 30 pounds, you wouldn’t want to have to carry this hoverboard long distances, but it is rugged and well-made.

Swagtron Swagboard T580 Twist

This hoverboard is designed for kids ages 8 and up, with a modest 6 mph top speed that’s perfect for younger riders. The 6.5-inch solid wheels are great for smooth surfaces and don’t require any maintenance. Plus the multicolored LED lights on the wheels look cool and increase visibility. The front headlights also help the rider be seen and stay safe in low-light conditions. This hoverboard has a range per change of around 3 to 5 miles, and at 14 pounds, it isn’t too heavy to carry if the battery goes flat.

Segway Ninebot S

The maximum speed of 10 mph makes this model great for anyone hoping to get around using their hoverboard. It’s solid and well constructed, and the air-filled 10.5-inch tires make light work of uneven surfaces. The bright LED headlights increase your visibility when you’re out and about. And this model links to an app for real-time monitoring and firmware updates. This hoverboard has a maximum range of 13.7 miles, so you can get a fair distance before you need to recharge, but it weighs a hefty 28 pounds, so you wouldn’t want to run out of juice too far from home.

Razor Hovertrax Prizma Hoverboard

The 6.5-inch wheels on this hoverboard are great for everyday riding on smooth surfaces. And this board is relatively zippy, with a maximum speed of 9 mph. It has colorful lights on the wheels and the front of the deck, which not only look good but also improve your visibility. The app lets you switch between normal mode and training mode, so it’s easy for beginners to learn the ropes. The battery lasts for 40 minutes, giving it a range of up to 6 miles. At 13 pounds, it’s a lightweight choice that isn’t too tough to carry when needed.

Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw Off-Road T6 Hoverboard

If you’re searching for a hoverboard to ride off-road, consider the Swagtron Outlaw. This solidly built model has big 10-inch wheels that roll smoothly over all kinds of surfaces and provide plenty of traction. It can reach an impressive 12 mph, which is perfect for riders with a need for speed. The LED headlights increase your visibility, while the app lets you control a range of modes and features. Thanks to the built-in Bluetooth speakers, you can listen to music while you ride too. The battery lasts around an hour, giving it a 12-mile range. This hoverboard weighs 32 pounds, so it wouldn’t be too fun to lug home if it runs out of juice.

Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 Hoverboard

This hoverboard’s 6.5-inch solid wheels are perfect for riding on roads and sidewalks and don’t need pumping or other maintenance. The LED lights on the wheels and built into the deck make it easy to see in low light. The Bluetooth speakers link to your phone so you can blast music while you roll around town. With a top speed of 7 mph and a 6-mile range, you can ride for almost an hour on this board before you need to stop and recharge the battery. At 14 pounds, this model is fairly light, so carrying it home won’t be much of an issue if you misjudge the range.

Gyroor G11 Hoverboard

This hoverboard’s 6.5-inch wheels are perfect for everyday riding, and they light up with six-color LEDs. There are also lights built into the deck, making the rider more visible to traffic and pedestrians to help avoid accidents. The app enables you to change settings, and the Bluetooth speakers let you play music wherever you go. This hoverboard has a maximum speed of around 8 mph and goes up to 7.75 miles on a full charge. At 18 pounds, this solidly built board isn’t exceptionally heavy, which is good news if you run out of battery before you get home.

What to know before you buy a hoverboard

Wheel size

The size of hoverboard wheels is generally given as a measurement of the diameter, the distance from one edge of the wheel to the other through the center. The standard diameter is 6.5 inches. Wheels of this size give you excellent control on smooth surfaces. However, if you want to ride your hoverboard off-road on uneven terrain, larger wheels are better. Look for boards with wheels between 8 and 10 inches in diameter.

Speed

The average top speed of a hoverboard is around 10 miles per hour, but the most powerful models can reach up to 15 miles per hour. Most hoverboards designed for younger riders have a lower maximum speed for safety, usually no more than 6 miles per hour. Bear in mind that the maximum speed listed is the absolute fastest that the hoverboard can go under optimum conditions. Your board will probably be slower.

Battery and range

Most hoverboards have a battery life of about 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 example, a hoverboard with 60-minute battery life and a top speed of 12 mph will have a range of around 12 miles, but only under ideal conditions. Likewise, you can work out the rough battery life from the range. If a board’s top speed is 6 mph and it has a 3-mile range, its battery will last 30 minutes.

Weight

Hoverboards weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds. You might be drawn to a lighter hoverboard, thinking it will be easier to carry home when the battery runs out. But lightweight models can be flimsy or forgo some handy features in order to lower the total weight. With that in mind, you need to find the right balance for you. Choose a model that is light enough for you to carry comfortably but not so light that it lacks durability.

Additional features

App connectivity: Many hoverboards have Bluetooth that can connect to your smartphone so you can use the boards with a compatible app. The app controls and monitors a number of factors, including power level, speed, steering sensitivity, battery life and GPS, adding a whole extra dimension to your riding experience.

Built-in speakers: 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 favorite streaming service or play music stored on your phone.

LED lights: Many hoverboards have LED lights built either into the body of the board (usually called headlights) or 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 and pedestrians can spot you on the sidewalk. This can help prevent accidents, but you should still pay close attention to your surroundings. Some boards have colored lights that you can program to pulse or change color as you ride.

Tips

• 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 proper safety gear. You should at least wear a helmet, but you may also want to use elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards.

• Know how long your hoverboard runs on a charge. You don’t want to get stuck miles from home without a spare battery. Also know how long it takes to charge the battery. Some models can be fully charged within an hour, but others take far longer.

• Be careful using a hoverboard on hills. Hoverboards have some issues with hills and slopes. Check the product information for the maximum degree of incline that your hoverboard can handle.

• Watch out for inclement weather. Although many hoverboards are waterproof and safe to ride in the rain, they can lose traction when the ground is wet, making it more likely that you’ll fall off.

FAQ

Q. How much do hoverboards cost?

A. Basic hoverboards cost around $80 to $150. These are fun for young people or for playing around on occasion, but if you’re serious about hoverboarding, you’ll want to pay $200 to $300 for a mid-range board or $400 to $600 for a high-end one.

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 of this issue. 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. It isn’t exactly hard to ride a hoverboard, but it can feel that way at first. Don’t expect to hop on one the first time and zip around like a pro. While it’s fairly intuitive once you get the hang of it, there’s 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, the high maximum speed and the potential for falling mean we wouldn’t recommend them for young children. In fact, the fastest hoverboards are best for adult use only. Check the minimum rider age on whichever hoverboard you’re considering.

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