Buying guide for best hoverboards
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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 Gyroor G13 Hoverboard to be the best. Solidly built and reliable, it has a top speed of 8 miles per hour and can travel around 8 miles in total.
Editors’ picks
Gyroor G13 Hoverboard
Editors’ Favorite
Max Speed: 7.75 mph | Max Range: 8 miles | Weight: 13.6 lb | Special Features: LED Wheels, Bluetooth Speaker
The Gyroor G13 is built to handle dirt, grass, turf and gravel, making it one of the most versatile hoverboards. With an 8-mile riding range and self-balancing function, it's super easy for kids or adults to ride, even if they’re inexperienced.
The sturdy frame protects the battery from bumps and weather, and the dual 250-watt motors let you travel up to 7.75 miles per hour, making it suitable for urban riding. It also boasts neat additional features, such as Bluetooth speakers for listening to your favorite tunes as you ride and light-up LEDs so you can ride in dimly lit environments in style.
It’s great for kids as young as 6 years old who want to learn to ride a hoverboard, as it makes balancing easy and handles cracks and bumpy terrain well.
Gotrax Edge Hoverboard
Great Value
Max Speed: 6.2 mph | Max Range: 2.5 miles | Weight: 13.2 lb | Special Features: LED Wheels
The Gotrax Edge Hoverboard is an excellent value pick for anyone who wants an affordable yet reliable hoverboard for recreational riding.
With powerful dual 200-watt motors, this hoverboard can propel you as fast as 6.2 miles per hour and offers up to 2.5 miles of riding distance on a single charge. The LED wheels and headlight make riding in low-light conditions safer, and the 6.5-inch rubber wheels are built to handle gravel and other bumpy terrain. Plus, the thick antislip footpad helps keep riders’ feet planted for added safety.
Its self-balancing system makes it a great starter hoverboard for kids who want to learn the basics. With long-lasting battery life and a sturdy frame, this is one of the better picks for those looking for a budget-friendly hoverboard.
Gyroor Warrior 8.5-Inch Off-Road Scooter
Best All-Terrain Hoverboard
Max Speed: 7.5 mph | Max Range: 12 miles | Weight: 30 lb | Special Features: LED wheels, Bluetooth speaker
Not all hoverboards can handle rugged terrain, so if you’re looking for one that can get you over grass, gravel and other non-smooth surfaces, the Gyroor Warrior is one of the best hoverboards to consider.
With its 8.5-inch wheels, you’ll get a smooth riding experience over different outdoor surfaces, and its self-balancing system lets you step onto it and ride along without worrying about constantly trying to find your balance. Music lovers will appreciate the built-in Bluetooth speakers, and the smart app lets you adjust speed, light modes and more.
It’s a feature-packed hoverboard with an impressive riding range, delivering up to 12 miles on a single charge. It goes up to 7.5 miles per hour and makes riding up slopes more manageable than on other boards.
Hover-1 Chrome Electric Hoverboard
Best Light-Up Hoverboard Under $200
Max Speed: 6 mph | Max Range: Not available | Weight: 10 lb | Special Features: LED wheels, flashing lights, Bluetooth speaker
One of the most stylish hoverboards, the Hover-1 Chrome Electric Hoverboard is a fantastic option for anyone looking for something that oozes personality.
It supports riders up to 220 pounds and can reach a maximum speed of 6 miles per hour for efficient urban riding. An IPX4 protection rating makes it suitable for riding in the rain, and LED wheel lights combined with the headlights make nighttime riding safer. Plus, nonslip pedals make it easy to stay focused and keep feet firmly planted on the surface.
The flashing lights and pink chrome frame give this hoverboard an ultra-stylish design that you won’t see with many other hoverboards. It might take a few hours for kids to get the hang of it, but sensors on each side make balancing much more manageable than cheaper boards.
LIEAGLE 6.5-Inch Self-Balancing Hoverboard
Best with Bluetooth
Max Speed: 7.5 mph | Max Range: 8.5 miles | Weight: xx lb | Special Features: LED, Bluetooth Speaker
Boasting a sleek design and dual 300-watt motors that let you ride up to 7.5 miles per hour, the LIEAGLE Self-Balanceing Hoverboard has a stable balancing mechanism to keep you upright without having to worry much about your weight distribution.
The wireless built-in speaker connects quickly to your phone so you can play your favorite songs while riding, and stable control lets you go in any direction you want with ease. The 6.5-inch wheels are built to handle pavement, grass, turf and even gravelly surfaces, so you can ride even when surface conditions aren’t ideal.
The light-up LED wheels are a nice touch, and the self-balancing design makes it a great hoverboard for younger or inexperienced riders to learn to stay balanced without stressing out.
How we analyzed
We looked for hoverboards built to handle various surfaces and with great specs for riding range and top speed. We wanted to include boards that are suitable for both kids and adults, as well as models with neat features, such as light-up wheels, water resistance, headlights and even smart app control.
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 6.5 to 8 miles per hour, but the most powerful models can reach up to 12 miles per hour. Most hoverboards designed for younger riders have a lower maximum speed for safety, usually no more than 5 miles per hour. Bear in mind that the maximum speed listed is the absolute fastest that the hoverboard can go under optimum conditions.
Battery and range
Range is related to battery life, since it's essentially the distance your hoverboard can travel before it runs out of juice. Some hoverboards, such as the Gyroor G13 Hoverboard and the LIEAGLE 6.5-Inch Self-Balancing Hoverboard, offer a max range of about 8 miles. 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. However, lightweight models can be flimsy or forgo some handy features 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, such as the Gyroor Warrior 8.5-Inch Off-Road Scooter, have Bluetooth connectivity that lets you connect to your smartphone and use the boards with a compatible app. The app controls and monitors several factors, including power level, speed, steering sensitivity, battery life and GPS, adding an extra dimension to your riding experience.
Built-in speakers: It's also 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. Some hoverboards with built-in Bluetooth speakers include the Gyroor Warrior 8.5-Inch Off-Road Scooter and LIEAGLE 6.5-Inch Self-Balancing Hoverboard.
LED lights: Many hoverboards, such as the Gyroor G13 Hoverboard and Hover-1 Chrome Hoverboard, 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 kids 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. High-end models can cost anywhere from $400 to $600.
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.
