Hoverboards exist. The future is now. Well, they’re not quite Back to the Future, but the self-balancing scooters available today are far closer to that future tech than we’ve ever had before. The challenge is finding a model that offers the weight capacity, battery life, and features that fit your needs and budget. There are many, many different models on the market, and they’re far from being created equal.
We bring the 10 best hoverboards together for a head-to-head comparison to help you decide which will be the best choice. After our quick comparison, we offer a detailed review of each hoverboard on our list, and then follow all that up with a comprehensive buying guide to ensure that you’re making a smart, informed decision.
The Best Hoverboard and Self Balancing Scooters
Now that you’ve been able to make a quick comparison between the top hoverboards, it’s time to delve into each model in greater depth. Below, you’ll find detailed overviews of each model, helping you understand how they stack up to one another.
Segway miniPRO
- 【Durable】Made of aluminum alloy, sturdy and durable,comfortable handle,Non-slip
- 【Ergonomic Design】T-handle ergonomic design, All-in-One for both handle bar and knee control
Our top pick, and the least homogenized looking hoverboard on our list, the Segway is a marvel of modern engineering and design. It is made from aircraft aluminum for outstanding strength and durability, while also reducing the overall weight of the scooter. There is also an upright center knee brace to help provide greater stability for riders just learning the ropes.
With a range of 12.5 miles, it is the most capable of the hoverboards on our list. It also offers 10.5-inch wheels, and they are pneumatic, meaning that you’ll get a more comfortable ride than with solid rubber wheels. However, because they are pneumatic, there is the chance to experience a puncture. Some of the other models on our list have solid wheels that are impervious to puncturing. It also offers a 220-pound weight capacity, meaning that it is an ideal option for children, teens or adult riders.
This model offers a top speed of 10 miles per hour, and a “beginner’s mode” that helps new riders learn the ropes. The accompanying smartphone app lets you adjust your riding mode, control your speed, and even comes with anti-theft capabilities.
Note that while this hoverboard does come with larger tires than some other models, it is not really designed for hard off-road use. It is rated for slopes of less than 15 degrees, and for surfaces that range from pavement to packed dirt.
Razor Hovertrax 2.0
- This is where you want to be. Step up on the deck, and you’ll feel it instantly – what our genius engineers call “Nirvana on wheels.” One session on the Hovertrax 2.0, and you won’t be able to wipe that sick grin off your face.
- Designed for fun-loving thrill-seekers like you – with Razor’s EverBalance self-leveling technology and ridiculously smooth ride – Nirvana, at last, can be yours
The Razor Hovertrax 2.0 is an upgrade to the company’s previous hoverboard, the Hovertrax original. The new model features a streamlined design, and new technology and capabilities to help riders go farther and have more fun while doing it. It’s also worth noting that Razor was the first company to offer a self-balancing scooter (hoverboard) in the US, which gives them an edge when it comes to experience in the industry.
The new and improved hoverboard is capable of reaching up to 6 miles per hour. While that is substantially lower than what the Segway can achieve, it is still a respectable speed, particularly considering the nearly two hours of runtime the scooter enjoys with a single charge.
One of the most important advances with the 2.0 version of the Hovertrax is improved stabilization. This model features dual hub motors and advanced gyro sensor technology to help ensure that all riders are as stable as possible while riding which reduces accidents and offers a more enjoyable experience with a shorter learning curve for those new to riding hoverboards. It also begins self-balancing as soon as the power is turned on, which makes mounting the board easier for new riders.
The board offers several different operating modes to help meet different riding needs. Normal mode offers the best balance of power and stability, but you can change modes if you need additional power or speed to handle different terrain or geography.
EPIKGO Sport
- It has 400w dual motors that help it climb slopes as steep as 18 degree and lasts over 1 hour and over 10mile range on a single charge, making it the most powerful balance board on the market.
- The sport features stream-lined racing tires increase speed and provide a faster, smoother ride; rated ip56 for solidness and water resistance; easily maneuver through grass, mud and sand on the board built to do more.
With smooth, racing slick inspired wheels, and a sleek format, the EPIKGO Sport is a powerful hoverboard that offers riders a lot of benefits and tons of fun. Available only in sleek black, with white LEDs on the front underside to illuminate your ride, it offers all-terrain capabilities and other benefits.
The EPIKGO Sport offers a runtime of just over an hour, with a 10-mile range. While that runtime is a little less than you’ll find with some other models on our list, this hoverboard makes up for that lack in other areas. For instance, where the Segway can only handle slopes of 15 degrees or less, this model is capable of handling slopes up to 18 degrees.
It is also significantly larger (by 30%) than other leading hoverboards on the market, meaning that riders have a more stable platform and an easier time with footing. The motors are twice as powerful as other options on the market, and the wheels are 30% larger than other options, too.
Note that this hoverboard is IP56 Waterproof Certified, meaning that it is semi-submersible. While it cannot be ridden in deep water, rain and shallow puddles will prove no deterrent. It is also UL 2272 certified, meaning there is no risk of experiencing a short circuit, or of the batteries/motors overheating.
Swagtron T1
- Input: 100-240VAC,50/60Hz, 1.5A Output : 42V 2000mA
- 42V 2A (also Compatible to 36V 2A) *Indication Light
With a low profile and a brightly colored body, the Swagtron T1 is an interesting hoverboard. Like all other hoverboards on our list, it is UL 2272 certified against overheating and short circuits. It also offers a patented battery management system for further protection and improved battery life.
While the ride time might be just an hour, the T1 delivers a maximum range of between 7 and 12 miles to help you go farther, faster. It also comes with advanced stabilization to help improve cornering, as well as a rider’s ability to navigate hills more easily. Two changeable riding modes mean that beginners have an easier time getting started, but advanced riders won’t suffer a slow start.
Unlike many other options on our list, the Swagtron T1 is available in a number of different colors, including black, blue, yellow, red and pink. All models also feature a number of advanced options, including powerful LED headlights, an onboard battery indicator to tell you the charge at a glance, and rubber bumpers to help prevent damage to the body from impacts with curbs and other obstacles.
Note that the T1 has a slightly less powerful motor than some other models. It produces 250 watts (and there is only a single motor, rather than being equipped with dual motors). In comparison, the EPIKGO Sport mentioned above has 400-watt dual motors.
GOTRAX Hoverfly ECO
- (⚠️Note: ONLY for Lithium ION Battery Capacity 24V ✅ version. NOT for 36V ❌and 42V ❌ version. Someone may have bought it by mistake. Please Check For Compatibility With Your Unit. Thanks.) World Wide Input Voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz OVP, OCP, SCP Protection (OVP: Over Voltage output Protection. OCP: Over Current output Protection. SCP: Short Circuit output Protection). Tested Units. In Great Working Condition. eeTao 30 days Refund. 24 Months Exchange.
- eeTao New Global 29.4V AC / DC Adapter Charger Compatible with GOTRAX Hoverfly E2 / Hoverfly Eco GT-HE-BLA GT-HE-RED 24V DC24V 24.0V 24 Volt 24 Volts 24VDC Lithium-Ion Li-ion Battery Pack 6.5″ Hover fly HoverflyE2 HoverflyEco Model HGSP60VAOW HGSP6OVAOW Jinhua Hengguang Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. +29.4V 1.6A 29.40V 1.60A DC29.4V 1600mA 29.4VDC 29.4 V 29.4 VDC Switching Power Supply Cord Cable PS Charger Mains PSU
For those interested in a low-profile hoverboard, the GOTRAX Hoverfly Eco offers some important benefits. Like the rest of our choices, this one is UL 2272 certified, so you have no worries about overheating or short circuits. However, unlike some of the other options on this list, the Hoverfly is actually designed in the US – in the city of Denver, Colorado, to be exact.
When it comes to speed, you’ll find that the Hoverfly ranks a little under a few of our options. Its maximum sustained speed is 7.4 miles per hour. However, it uses dual 250-watt motors (500 watts total power) to deliver some of the best torque in its class. For those unsure what the difference between torque and speed is, it’s simple. Speed is how fast you go. Torque is how fast you get to that maximum.
In terms of distance, you’ll get up to 12 miles per charge with this hoverboard. There is also a simple, one-button mode change to switch from normal to beginner mode and ensure that new riders have an easier time mastering riding on two tandem wheels. Nonslip footpads offer enhanced grip on the riding surface, and new technology offers 0-degree turning capabilities.
Perhaps the most interesting things about this particular hoverboard are the customization options. You can choose from six different chassis colors (black, blue, grey, green, pink, red and purple), but you can also take advantage of quite a few visual perks, too. These include “Lunar LED lights, which also double as charge indicators.
Swagtron T580
- (⚠️Note: ONLY for 29.4V ✅ version. NOT for 36V ❌and 42V ❌ version. with 3-Prong Connector. Someone may have bought it by mistake. Please Check For Compatibility With Your Unit. Thanks.) World Wide Input Voltage 100-240VAC 50/60Hz. OVP, OCP, SCP Protection (OVP: Over Voltage output Protection. OCP: Over Current output Protection. SCP: Short Circuit output Protection). Tested Units. In Great Working Condition. UpBright 30 days Refund. 24 Months Exchange.
- UpBright Global 3-Prong Connector 29.4V AC / DC Adapter Compatible with Swagtron Swagboard T5 T5-U SBW-STRON-T5-2-F Hoverboard Urban Rider Hands Free Smart Board 29.4Vdc. 2A 67.34Wh Swagtron Vibe T580 Hoverboard Scooter Bluetooth 2 wheel Scooter 24V Li-Ion 24VDC 24 VDC 24 Volt 24 Volts Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery Electric Scooter Hoverboard Hover board Swag tron Swag board 29.4VDC 1.5A – 2.0A DC29.4V 1500mA 2000mA 29.4 V 29.4 VDC Switching Power Supply Cord Cable Battery Charger Mains PSU
The second Swagtron model to make our list, the T580 delivers superior performance and app connectivity, coupled with a unique two-color form factor and bright LED lights. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to control the hoverboard from your smartphone, including features such as:
- Playing music through the onboard speakers
- Changing riding modes
- Checking battery capacity
- Using the built-in map
This hoverboard is UL certified, so you have no worries about overheating or short circuits, and the dual 150-watt motors do a good job of moving you along at a decent clip, although they are less powerful than some options on our list. The maximum weight is 220 pounds, which means that even adults will have fun on this hoverboard.
Another interesting benefit of the Swagtron T580 is its ability to tackle very steep slopes. Compared to the Segway we discussed first, which can handle slopes of less than 15 degrees, this hoverboard can handle up to 30 degrees – more than double the Segway’s capacity. However, the smaller motors do mean a lower top speed; 7.4 miles per hour in this case.
The tires measure 6.5 inches, which means the ride is lower and closer to the ground. You’ll find that while it is excellent for use on pavement and sidewalks, it’s not really designed to handle off-road obstacles. The tires are made from hard rubber, though, so you do not have to worry about punctures.
The maximum ride distance with this hoverboard is around 8 miles per charge, and there are three riding modes available to help ensure that you’re able to find the sweet spot for you, personally.
MegaWheels Hoverboard
- 【Best Cool Birthday Gifts】 Searching for the perfect birthday gift for your son who has everything but is always looking for something new to play with? Or perhaps a unique birthday gift for your adventurous daughter who loves a good challenge? Look no further! Our self-balancing hoverboard with Illuminated tires is the ideal gift for kids ages 6-12. It’s sure to wow them and provide endless hours of fun!
- 【Illuminated Tires & Built-in Music Speaker】Trinity Max hoverboards feature a unique design that allows colorful lights to shine through clear solid rubber wheels and rims, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. With a built-in music speaker, you can enjoy your favorite tunes while riding, enhancing your overall riding experience.
The MegaWheels hoverboard offers an interesting mix of characteristics. While it might not rank at the top of our list, it comes in solidly in the middle, thanks in large part to the price. In comparison, our top-rated hoverboard, the Segway, comes with a price tag of around $500. The MegaWheels hoverboard, on the other hand, retails for under $200. That’s a significant difference to your wallet.
In terms of features, you’ll find that MegaWheels’ offering is pretty standard. It delivers a maximum speed of 7.5 miles per hour, with a maximum travel distance of just over 8 miles. It’s also capable of handling passengers up to 220 pounds, and it relies on two 250-watt electric motors. That means it offers plenty of power for going uphill.
If there is a flaw with the MegaWheels model, it is the low-slung stance. Because of the height of the tires, the hoverboard is really only suited for use on paved surfaces, such as tile floors, concrete sidewalks and asphalt surfaces. It is not designed for use in grass, mud or in any other off-road conditions.
There are a few nice additional features available with this hoverboard that are not found with some of our other options. One of those is the built-in overspeed alarm to help foster safer riding in downhill situations. There is also a built-in loudspeaker that allows you to play music streamed from your phone via Bluetooth, and there is built-in low-speed protection, too.
TOMOLOO Hoverboard
- Off Road Hoverboard – Dual 250W motors offer powerful performance allowing it to climb 15 degrees at a top speed of 7.75 mph. Non-slip rugged 6.5 off-road rubber tires make it easy for riders up to 176 pounds to travel through dirt, turf and even gravel on a variety of surfaces.
- Light Your Way – Cool LED lights on the wheels of the hoverboard for kids ages 6-12 and bright dual LED headlights illuminate the road ahead, completely attracting the attention of the children and making the riding more fun for the children. Kids adult hoverboard has a 37V/2Ah lithium-ion long-lasting battery and can travel up to 8 miles on a full charge.
Bright, bold, and built with modern technology, the TOMOLOO hoverboard features the capabilities that riders want, and the style that younger riders will definitely demand. It is UL 2272 certified for safety, and it features built-in Bluetooth connectivity so you can connect to it with an app on your smartphone.
The hoverboard comes with dual speakers for true stereo sound, and each wheel features five different lights that pulse in time with the tunes. The lights also change randomly while riding. LEDs built into the front offer illumination in low-light situations, as well as a touch of fun.
In terms of weight capacity, the TOMOLOO board can carry up to 220 pounds, but it is only able to handle slopes of 15 degrees or less. It also has a 10-degree turning radius, which is less impressive than some of the other models on our list. The tires are made from hard rubber for better durability, and measure 6.5 inches, so this is primarily designed for riding on hard/paved surfaces.
The maximum speed of this board is around 8 miles per hour, and offers a ride time of roughly one hour. However, it does have a long recharge time, so be prepared to wait for the charge indicator to turn green before taking it off the charger.
GOTRAX Hoverfly XL
- HOVERBOARD GO KART – Easily convert your hoverboard into a go-kart with Gotrax HoverflyKart. Equipped with an ergonomic seat would be easier to keep balance and ride stable. It’s an all new way to have fun with your favorite hoverboard. Note: Hoverboard not included, If you have any questions or need help, please contact us without hesitation, we will handle it within 24 hours.
- WIDELY COMPATIBLE – HoverflyKart works with Gotrax NOVA, NOVA PRO, E4, E5, and most other hoverboards. The adjustable nylon straps can fit the most common wheel sizes from 6.5″ to 10″, and the hoverboard pedals should be larger than 16.33″. Max load is determined by your self-balancing scooter.
Looking for a hoverboard that can take you anywhere, even off road? Then the GOTRAX Hoverfly might be just the ticket. One of only two off-road specific hoverboards, this model offers aggressive tire tread to handle grass, dirt and even mud.
Like the standard GOTRAX Hoverfly we discussed previously, the XL model is designed in Denver, Colorado, and it comes in a wide range of colors. Black is the most popular, at least with those taking their hoverboard off the pavement, but other options include aqua, “galaxy”, green, pink, purple, and red. This model also features super bright front facing LEDs to illuminate the path.
In terms of speed, you’ll find that this model comes in at 7.4 miles per hour, which is slightly under the top speeds of other models, but the tremendous torque means you get faster times off the starting line. There is also the fact that this model relies on dual 350-watt motors, giving it a total of 700 watts of power, more than most others on our list. The tires are 8.5 inches in diameter, and are solid rubber for outstanding durability. As mentioned, they are also aggressively designed for better traction on unpaved surfaces.
This hoverboard is UL 2272 certified, so there are no worries about shorts or overheating. Not that the wheel hubs are made from aluminum for better durability and lower weight, and that this board offers a 0-degree turning radius for excellent performance. The front LEDs act as charge indicators, as well.
Swagtron T6 Off-Road Hoverboard
- FOR ALL RIDERS – The T6 can handle up to 420 lbs., making it the best choice for riders of all shapes and sizes!
- ALL TERRAIN – Roll over bumps and inclines up to 30° as you travel through mud, grass, rain, and even gravel.
Last but not the least, we have the third Swagtron model to grace our list. The T6 Off-Road is designed for, you guessed it, off-road riding. It is bigger, bulkier, and more capable than any other board on our list. However, those capabilities are reflected in the price – around $400. With that being said, the additional go-anywhere capabilities make this an excellent option for anyone who wants incredible performance.
The T6 manages to double the weight capacity of other boards on our list, with a carrying capability of 420 pounds. It is also capable of reaching speeds up to 12 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest boards on the market (and on our list), with a 12-mile riding range. Those capabilities come directly from the dual 300-watt motors powering the board (one per wheel).
It’s also designed specifically to handle anything that the road might throw your way. It can tackle slopes of up to 30 degrees, and the aggressively treaded oversized tires can handle mud, grass, gravel, dirt, and rain with equal aplomb. Those tires measure 10 inches, and they are tubeless for better performance and protection.
In terms of upgrades and additional features, you’ll find that the T6 offers bright front-facing LEDs to illuminate the trail ahead. It also includes built in Bluetooth speakers so you can play music from your phone while riding on the road or trail. The app can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple’s App Store, and it allows you to check your speed and battery life, as well as how far you’ve traveled in addition to playing music.
In Summation
As you can see, there’s a lot to be said for all 10 of the options we have listed. Whether you’re looking for fun and excitement, speed and performance, off-road capabilities, or something else, there’s a model here for just about everyone. Of course, it does help to have a bit more information about what different features, functions and specs mean. What are the key things to consider when buying a hoverboard in the first place? Our robust buying guide below will explain what you need to look for, what you need to avoid, and more.
The Buying Guide
If you’re in the market for a hoverboard, whether for yourself, your child, or someone else, you have a very broad range of options. There are low rider style boards, off-road boards, light-up boards, and more. There are different wheel sizes, motor capacities, charging times, and other factors at play here, too. How do you sort your options? How do you ensure that you’re making a smart, savvy decision with your purchase? Our buying guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What’s a Hoverboard, Anyway?
For those unsure what a hoverboard actually is, it’s pretty simple. Imagine a skateboard, but positioned so that you ride with your feet side by side, and with only two wheels, rather than four, and you’re on the right track. However, there’s more to it than just a change in form factor. We’re talking about a significantly greater difference than that between, say, roller skates and inline skates.
A better name for the modern hoverboard is a self-balancing scooter. This is for a couple of reasons. One of those is that it’s closer to an electric scooter than it is to a skateboard or roller skates. The scooter has at least one electric motor that powers the wheels, although dual motor designs are becoming the most common today. Those motors are powered by advanced, rechargeable batteries and work in tandem to do more than just provide forward momentum, though.
The motors rely on gyroscopic systems built into the hoverboard to sense balance. Small, incremental adjustments to torque and wheel speed allow the boards to keep the riding surface flat while in motion, ensuring that riders only need to worry about starting, steering and stopping, rather than trying to manually maintain their balance while they are at it.
So, to sum up, hoverboards are essentially skateboards turned on their side, with one wheel at each end, powered by rechargeable batteries and electric motors. They’re capable of keeping you upright and balanced while you navigate your way through whatever environment you might find yourself in.
What They Are Not
Because hoverboards are relatively new to the market, there is some confusion over what does and what does not fall into this category. Hoverboards and self-balancing scooters both qualify. However, you’ll notice that some manufacturers and retailers attempt to “game the system” by classifying other types of vehicles in this category. Kick scooters of any type should not be considered in the same category. Even with the vast difference in format and style, hoverboards are self-powered. Kick scooters are not.
Are Hoverboards Safe?
When hoverboards first hit the market several years ago, they were available from a couple of different sources. US and EU made boards were just fine in terms of safety. However, some manufacturers from Asian countries, notably China, skimped when it came to quality, testing and safeguards. There were several instances in which batteries caught fire, or exploded due to overheating or damage.
So, to answer the question posed above, yes, some hoverboards were dangerous early on. However, things have changed dramatically. The US and retailers doing business with consumers in the US moved quickly to ban unsafe hoverboards, and the number of models with safety issues quickly plummeted. Today, most models available to US consumers are safe.
With that being said, it’s still important to do your due diligence. Proper safety testing is a vital part of the manufacturing process, but that has never kept unscrupulous companies from finding ways around it. To ensure that you are buying a completely safe board for your use or as a gift for someone else, make sure that the model you purchase is UL 2272 certified.
To clarify, UL certification means that the product, whatever it is, has gone through rigorous testing with Underwriters Laboratories, one of the world’s recognized leaders in safety testing. This certification applies to the batteries on hoverboards, but also to the entire device as a whole, meaning that the entire hoverboard has been tested strenuously, and has performed to or above manufacturer expectations.
So, buying a hoverboard with UL 2272 certification means that the board is a better purchase overall than one that only offers safe batteries. Note that all of the boards listed in our 10-best list and product reviews are UL 2272 certified for this reason. Safety should trump any other consideration here.
Key Considerations in Your Purchase
Now that we have established what a hoverboard is, and dispelled some of the rumors surrounding their safety, it is time to turn our attention to additional factors that should play a role in your buying decision. Below, we will discuss some of the “must have” features when buying a hoverboard, and what they mean for the riding experience.
UL Certification
We discussed UL 2272 certification above – this is a must have. If the board is not UL 2272 compliant, our recommendation is to choose another model. Truly, this certification is the most important when it comes to ensuring overall safety and performance – it is not related only to the batteries. It covers all areas of the board and its performance, from chassis durability to motor overheating, and everything in between.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is the limit to what the board can carry. Most of the boards on our list maxed out at 220 pounds, which is something of an average for mid-range boards in the industry. However, one of them only carried up to 196, and one of them carried double the average – 440 pounds. This goes to show you that while most boards can carry up to 220 pounds, there’s a lot of variety out there.
The higher the max weight capacity, the stronger the motors moving the board along, but also the stronger the board itself will be. You should also be aware of minimum weight allowances. Most of the boards we listed have a minimum weight of 44 pounds, meaning that they are not usable by those who weigh under 44 pounds. It’s important to pay attention to weight capacity (both minimum and maximum) when buying a hoverboard to ensure that you’re getting the right one for your needs.
It’s also important to note that the maximum weight is not just the weight of the rider, but also the weight of any safety gear worn, and anything that the rider might be carrying. So, a high-school senior who weighed 180 pounds, wearing full safety gear, and carrying a backpack loaded down with textbooks, might overburden the board.
Speed
Speed is the maximum rating of how fast the hoverboard will move. Most of the boards on our list maxed out between 8 and 10 miles per hour. Again, this seems to be something of an unofficial middle ground in the industry. However, there were a couple of models on our list with a max speed of less than 8 miles per hour, as well as one or two with a max that topped out over 10 miles per hour.
There are several things to keep in mind about maximum speed. First, it is often related to battery charge, but not always. Some boards use older battery technology, which means that as the charge depletes, the maximum speed attainable drops.
However, newer boards on the market are able to maintain their maximum speed until the charge is completely depleted. This can take some riders by surprise, which makes it necessary to watch the built-in battery gauge, or use the accompanying app so you are not stranded with a dead battery.
You also need to understand that weight will impact maximum speed. Riders who approach or exceed the maximum weight rating of the board will see lower maximum speeds than riders who weigh less.
Range
Range is the maximum distance that your board can travel on a single charge. To avoid being stranded with a dead battery, know your maximum distance, and make sure that all legs of your trip, including the return to home or wherever your charger is located, do not add up to more than that.
For instance, suppose your board has a maximum distance of 10 miles. You ride it 5 miles to the store, then 1 mile to another store, then 2 miles to the library, leaving you with three miles from the library to home. You’ll be stuck about halfway back to the house, because the last leg of your journey is farther than the remaining range on your battery.
To help avoid this issue, carefully plan out your routes. Know the distance from point to point that you travel. It also helps a lot to use smartphone map applications. Some of the models we mentioned in our list include such apps from the board manufacturer, but you can also use other apps, such as Waze, Apple Maps, and Google Maps to achieve the same goal.
Know your range. Know your battery charge. Know the distances you are traveling. It’s as simple as that.
Charging Time
Charge time is self-explanatory. It’s the amount of time that your board’s battery must be connected to a power source to fully recharge. However, a number of different factors can affect this. Obviously, different batteries require very different charge times. The greater the battery’s capacity, the longer it will take to charge in most instances.
However, that is not true across the board. Some hoverboards have relatively short ranges comparatively speaking, but long recharge times. Most hoverboard manufacturers do not list their recharge time on ecommerce websites. You will need to research customer reviews, or read the owner’s manual supplied by the manufacturer.
There you have them – some of the more important considerations when comparing the various hoverboard models on the market. However, while they might be critical elements, they are not the only things you’ll want to bear in mind. In the next section, we’ll cover some of the other important areas of comparison and things that you should know.
Additional Considerations and Features
When they first hit the market, hoverboards were pretty barebones. They offered few bells and whistles. Today’s boards are different, and they can be equipped with a lot of extra features that offer more convenience and enjoyment. We discuss most of those below.
Lights
Most of the boards we covered in our 10-best list have at least a pair of front-facing lights. These are always LEDs to help reduce power consumption and improve visibility. On some models, the front-facing lights also double as battery charge indicators, but that is not true for all of them. Some have separate battery gauges, or show the remaining charge through an app. You’ll also find that some hoverboards offer very creative, even bold, lighting schemes.
Some models offer four or five LED lights on each wheel that pulse in time with the beat of music streamed from a smartphone, or change while the wheels turn. Others have lighting on the riding surfaces, or on the back of the board for better visibility. Lights can be almost any color, from pure white to cool blue to rainbow hued, as well.
Bluetooth Connectivity
These days, it seems like Bluetooth connectivity is everywhere. It’s a definite part of modern life, and a key component of the Internet of Things. You’ll find it available with many (but not all) hoverboards, as well. This technology serves a number of important purposes with hoverboards, and work with the embedded computer chips and battery systems to provide additional functionality.
In most cases, Bluetooth allows you to connect your smartphone to the hoverboard to play music through an onboard speaker. Some boards offer stereo speakers, but others may only have a single speaker for playback. Another use for Bluetooth is to access the board’s remaining charge, speed, and even location through a built-in map app. More advanced boards allow you to adjust battery consumption and performance through the app, change riding modes, and more.
Wheel Size
There are few things more important to the performance of a hoverboard than wheel size. The larger the wheel, the higher the board will stand off the ground, meaning that a board with larger wheels will have better ground clearance. This allows these boards to easily clear obstacles and debris that might be in their path. For this reason, most boards designed to be ridden off road have larger wheels – think 8 inches or so. Some offer truly massive wheels that measure 10 inches or more. These provide the best in terms of ground clearance.
However, tire size comes with a tradeoff. You’ll find that the larger the wheels are, the more energy motors must expend to turn them. Larger wheels also have a wider turning radius, although some manufacturers offer a 0-turn radius system that can reverse one wheel while turning the other wheel forward, similar to the way tank treads work.
Tire Type
If you’re just starting out with a hoverboard and only want a basic model, you do not need to concern yourself with tire type too much. However, if you’re upgrading to a new board, or want to enjoy a specific type of riding, then you will need to pay attention to the type of tires that come with your board. There are three types of tires on the market:
- Hard Rubber: Hard rubber tires are extremely durable, and are the most common options with the majority of hoverboards out there. They are solid rubber, with no need for air. This means that punctures pose no problem for them – they’ll keep running. The only real wear and tear related issue would be developing flat spots from skidding or if part of the tire were cut away. Hard rubber tires do not equate to the most comfortable ride, though, and can be harsh on rough terrain. They also do not provide that much in the way of grip – they’re generally not well suited to use off the pavement.
- Pneumatic/Tubeless: Tubeless tires are filled with air, which means a couple of things. First, they are less durable in some instances. This is particularly true when it comes to punctures. A nail through the sidewall will leave you with a flat tire. However, they are better suited for many different things. One of those is providing a more comfortable ride quality. Because they contain air, tubeless tires are springier than solid tires. This leads to a less jarring ride when the hoverboard is ridden over bumps or rough surfaces. Tubeless tires also offer better grip on softer riding surfaces, making these better choices for boards designed to get you off the beaten path.
- Pneumatic/Tubed: Tubed tires perform exactly like tubeless tires, but they have an innertube that is inflated, rather than the tire itself being inflated. As such, they offer a more comfortable ride than solid rubber tires, as well as better grip in off-road riding situations, but they are not as difficult to deal with as tubeless tires if there is a puncture. In most cases, a puncture just means replacing the innertube, rather than the entire tire, although many punctures can be repaired with a seal kit. With all that being said, tubed tires are a rarity in the industry. Most tires are solid rubber, and those that are not are primarily tubeless pneumatic tires.
Turning Radius
Turning radius is a measure of how tightly a particular hoverboard can turn. The higher the number, the wider the turn must be. As a general rule, smaller tires enable a hoverboard to make tighter turns. However, there are some systems on the market, such as the T6 that occupied the tail end of our list, that offer large tires but are able to make a 0-degree turn by reversing one tire while the other tire rolls forward, thereby turning the entire hoverboard.
App
Many hoverboards today come with accompanying smartphone apps. These allow you to stream music through onboard speakers, control lighting, change riding modes, check the charge on your battery, and a great deal more. However, not all apps are created equal. If app connectivity is important to you, verity what features and functions are available through the app prior to purchasing a hoverboard.
Now that we’ve explored features and functions available with some of the better quality hoverboards on the market, we need to say a word or two about safety.
Related: How to Ride a Hoverboard
Safety Considerations with Hoverboards
Hoverboards are moving vehicles. Despite the fact that they are self-balancing, accidents are still possible. And, because the vast majority of such boards are designed to be ridden on pavement, there is a significant chance for injury. It is highly recommended that anyone riding a hoverboard use basic safety equipment, including:
- A helmet
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Wrist and hand protection
Essentially, any gear that you might wear when riding a skateboard should be used when riding a hoverboard.
There are additional safety precautions that you need to follow due to the electronic nature of these boards. Because they are not completely manual devices, like skateboards, you cannot simply “hop on and ride”.
Turn the board on, and make sure that the foot panels are level, and that the wheels respond to small amounts of pressure applied to the chassis. If they do not activate, you will need to restart the board and start the process over again. Never get on a board if the wheels are not activating, as it could lead to damage to the motors, or injury to yourself.
Stepping onto a hoverboard can be tricky until you get the hang of it. With the board flat and level, step onto it with your dominant foot first (right if you’re right handed left if you’re left handed). Place your foot as close to the fender as possible so that you can take a wider stance. When your foot is firmly positioned, bring your other foot up and place it on the foot pad, close to the other fender. When bringing your second foot up, make sure to keep your first foot flat. You want to avoid shifting your weight too much forward or backward, as this will cause the board to move. When first learning to get on your board, you might need to use a wall or table as a support to help provide stability.
You’ll follow the reverse procedure to get safely off the board. Bend your knees so that you squat slightly, and then step off with your non-dominant foot. Follow this with your dominant foot and keep your balance level while doing so.
Finally, riding the board can also be challenging. It is not at all like riding any other device on the market. Moving forward is accomplished by shifting your weight toward the front of the board. Moving backward requires you to do the opposite. Turning is perhaps the most difficult – you’ll need to master opposites. If you wanted to turn right, you would press forward with your left foot. Turning left would require you to press forward with your right foot.
Ultimately, the right hoverboard, the right safety gear, and a bit of time to practice is all you’ll need to start enjoying this exciting new sport.