Running, walking, biking, driving…. if you’ve done it all, then it may be time to try to travel – on a hoverboard. Now, unlike Marty McFly (Back to the Future, in case you don’t know), you don’t actually hover above the ground on this device. It’s a cross between skateboarding and riding on a Segway. where you use your weight to move the hoverboard forward. Now, there are quite a number of hoverboards to choose from so finding the right one for you isn’t going to be easy. The good news is we’ve done a fair amount of research and have come up with a list of the best hoverboards in the market today.
Top 7 Hoverboards Of 2020 Reviewed
1. Swagtron T1
Best Hoverboard For BeginnersThe Swagtron T1 is a great hoverboard for beginners because it has two modes – a regular mode and a learning mode. The latter enables beginners to start out at a slower speed so that they can learn at their own pace. Aside from two modes, this hoverboard comes with a 250-watt motor with a 30-degree climbing capacity, system and battery indicators, rubber bumpers, and LED headlights. The hoverboard is UL 2272 certified with an 8 mph top speed, an 11-mile range, and a max weight capacity of up to 220 lbs. However, bumper guards fall off quite easily and it’s quite easy to scuff the plastic. Also, the unit is quite heavy, especially for kids to carry.
Pros:
- Two learning modes
- 30-degree climbing capacity
- System and battery indicators
Cons:
- Bumper guards fall off easily
- Quite heavy
- Can get scratched easily
2. Swagtron T580
Best Hoverboard For The MoneyThe Swagtron T580 is a little similar to the T1. It is also UL 2272 certified with a maximum load of 220 lbs. It also has 2 modes – learning and standard. And it can also climb up 30-degree inclines. The difference is that the T580 only has a max speed of 7.5 mph and a max distance of 8 miles per charge. The battery charges much faster within just 90 to 100 minutes. There’s also a built-in speaker so you can play music while you gad about on your hoverboard. However, some people don’t like the sound of the speakers when the volume is on high. The plastic casing easily gets scratched. And it isn’t ideal for traversing uneven terrain.
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners
- Can go up 30-degree inclines
- Faster charging
Cons:
- Plastic casing easily gets scratched
- Speaker quality isn’t very good
- Not for uneven terrain
3. EPIKGO Classic Self Balance Board
Best Hoverboard For TeenagerThe Epikgo Self-Balancing Scooter is one of the most expensive hoverboards we’ve come across. But there are reasons why it has a very high price tag. This model is 30% larger than most hoverboards. It comes with rubber tires that are designed for all sorts of terrain. It has an IP65 rating which means that this unit is semi-submersible. The 400W dual motors give the hoverboard enough power to climb 18-degree slopes. The hoverboard can travel for about an hour over a distance of 10 miles. And the unit comes with a UL 2272 certification. However, this does not have a training mode and there’s a bit of a learning curve. Also, some owners have reported issues with customer service.
Pros:
- 30% larger
- IP65 rating
- All-terrain tires
Cons:
- A bit of a learning curve
- No training mode
- Poor customer service
4. Segway miniPRO
Best Hoverboard For CommutingThe Segway MiniPRO is perfect for those who want quite a bit of speed on their hoverboard. This baby can go as fast as 10 mph and can easily run over uneven terrain with its 10.5-inch inflatable tires. The 800-watt dual motor also makes it easier for the hoverboard to adapt to different terrains – bumps, slopes, etc. The miniPRO is able to go as far as 14 miles on a single charge, perfect for commuting or going about town doing errands. The padded knee control bar is adjustable, allowing users of different sizes to maneuver the hoverboard comfortably.
There are LED tail lights and automatic headlights to ensure your safety day and night. As an added bonus, there’s even a free app that connects to the hoverboard via Bluetooth. The app features remote control operation, Anti-theft alarm, speed control, customizable lights, and vehicle diagnostics. However, it is expensive and more difficult to learn. It also needs four hours to get fully charged.
Pros:
- Great for outdoor riding
- High-end features
- Adjustable padded knee control bar
Cons:
- Not easy to learn; not for beginners
- Expensive
- Takes a while to charge
5. Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard Self-Balancing Smart Scooter
Best Hoverboard For HillsThe Hovertrax 2.0 from Razor is a UL 2272 certified hoverboard with a top speed of 8 mph and silent 350-watt motors, The hoverboard can travel a distance of 12 miles (1 hour of continuous riding) on a single charge. Charging the battery takes around 2 to 3 hours which is quite the norm with other hoverboards. An LED indicator shows battery power and balance level. The unit also comes with a 15-degree tilt to enable it to climb small hills. However, hills that are any steeper pushes the motor of the hoverboard to its limits. There’s even a handy training mode for people who want to start out slow. Plus, beginners will like the self-balancing feature which makes getting on this unit quite easy. One drawback to this hoverboard, however, is the small platform which isn’t all that comfortable for people with big feet.
Pros:
- Self-balancing feature
- Training mode for new users
- Responsive controls
Cons:
- Small platform
- Cannot go uphill easily
- Expensive
6. XtremepowerUS 6.5″ Hoverboard Self-Balancing Scooter
Best Hoverboard with LED Light Bluetooth SpeakerSpeed around in this futuristic XtremepowerUS 6.5″ Hoverboard Self-Balancing Scooter. You can stunt all day, and now all night, as this hoverboard has LED headlights installed to give you adequate visibility as you glide around when it’s dark out. It’s not just your run on the mill hover device; it has Bluetooth capabilities too. This means it can connect with all your smart devices so you can go with your music everywhere you go. Your friends will be sure to appreciate your playlist.
It has 360-degree spin and a nil-degree turning, which ensures all your movements and turns feel good and look cool. It’s sensitive to your mild feet nudges, so control has been optimized even to be used by teens and kids. The Lithium battery is rechargeable and offers run-time of up to half an hour. Not to mention, it’s is approved by all the regulating bodies as it has passed every electrical, battery, and charger system test earning an SGS safety standard. It takes between 2 and 3 hours to charge up from 0 percent.
Pros:
- Looks really cool
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Safe for the kids
Cons:
- Small run-time to the charge-time ratio
- Limited Bluetooth range
- Speakers aren’t really loud
7. Swagtron T6
Best Hoverboard For Off-roadYes, we’ve got another Swagtron on our list. The T6 is the most expensive of all three models on our list. It is also the biggest with dual 10″ tubeless, air-filled, and nylon-infused tires for shock absorption, stability, and comfort when riding over rough terrain. Because this is specifically designed for off-road riding, the unit is splash and dirt resistant. The non-slip pedals ensure you always stay on top no matter how bumpy the ride.
The hoverboard can go over inclines up to 30° and even allows you to play music while you ride. It can reach a speed of 12 mph and has a 12-mile range. Turning signals and battery LED indicators are included. Plus, it comes with three riding modes – learning, standard, and advanced. However, it is pretty heavy at 30.55 lbs. It does cost you quite a bit of money. And some reviews report durability issues.
Pros:
- 3 riding modes
- Splash and dirt resistant
- Perfect for off-road riding
Cons:
- Very heavy
- Very expensive
- Durability issues
How to Choose the Best Hoverboard: The Ultimate Buying Guide
Your kid has been asking for a hoverboard for ages. And you have finally relented. Or, you want to have an alternate way to travel which is why you’re thinking of getting a self-balancing scooter. Whichever the case may be, you’re going to need to learn a lot about hoverboards before you can make the right choice. Our buying guide should not only help you get the lowdown on all things hoverboard, but it should also point you in the right direction.
Are hoverboards safe?
You may or may not have heard about hoverboards catching on fire a few years ago. Yes, there was a time (around 2015 to 2016) where these units were considered unsafe and even got banned in some countries. Amazon even stopped selling hoverboards for a bit because of the danger they posed to users. However, things are different now. To ensure the safety of these units, Underwriter Labs which is a third-party safety science certifier created a voluntary, safety standard, UL 2272.
The UL performs electrical and fire-safety testing on hoverboards and those that pass are given the certification. If you’re planning to buy a hoverboard, you should only consider models that have this certification. Or, pick one from our list above since all of the models are UL 2272 certified. Take note that this certification is not for riding safety.
What Tire size do You Need?
Obviously, you’re going to be riding your hoverboard outdoors. But there are different terrains that you can ride on – sidewalks, malls, grass, rough ground, etc. The tire size of your hoverboard will determine what sort of terrain it can ride smoothly over. In general, the bigger the tire, the more types of terrain the hoverboard will be able to handle. If you just plan on using your hoverboard for a bit of sidewalk surfing, something like the Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard Self-Balancing Smart Scooter will do the trick. For some off-road fun, then you might want a model with 10-inch tires or bigger like the Segway miniPRO.
What is the Battery Life and Charging Time?
Obviously, you’ll want a hoverboard that runs for quite a while. But a long battery life won’t do you any good if the hoverboard won’t go any faster than 5 mph. You might be able to get where you’re going faster on foot. Aside from speed, you’ll also want to balance battery life with distance. A great range means being able to go to more places. In short, look for a model that gives you good battery life, speed, and distance such as the Swagtron T1 which can run up to 11 miles on a single charge at a speed of 8 mph.
Aside from battery life, you’ll also want to consider how fast the unit charges. After all, you don’t want to have your hoverboard charging half the day only to be able to use it for a measly hour. The Swagtron T580 is one of the fastest charging models we’ve ever tested.
How Well is it Constructed?
You’re going to be out and about on your hoverboard so you’ll want to make sure that you choose a unit that features a rugged frame that will last a good, long while. You don’t want something that will get scuffed up the first time you take it out.
That being said, you don’t want a hoverboard that’s too heavy. While durability is key, there should be a balance between that and weight. Remember, once you run out of battery, you’ll be carrying the hoverboard home. Some models are solidly constructed but weigh a hefty 25 to 30 lbs. Others are more lightweight in design but possibly not as long-lasting.
Any Extra Features to Consider?
As we’ve mentioned, not all hoverboards are created equal. Some models come with a host of extra features that increase safety, comfort, and/or the experience of the user. For example, the Swagtron T580 comes with built-in Bluetooth speakers and 2 riding modes. The Swagtron T6, on the other hand, features the same plus turning signals and battery level indicators. It also comes with a free mobile app that allows you to remotely control the unit among other things.
What’s Your Budget?
Hoverboards range from $100 to $700 but a higher price tag does not immediately translate to a better quality. Then again, the more features a unit has, the higher the cost. If you want a basic hoverboard that won’t break the bank, the Swagtron T580 is a good choice. If you’re someone who wants a feature-rich model, then the Segway miniPRO is what you’re looking for.