Anyone who has watched the Back to the Future films has at least once dreamt of riding a hoverboard. As soon as these quirky gadgets hit the market, social media was taken by storm. Everything was fun and until the 2016 fiasco when several hoverboards allegedly caught on fire. Thankfully, later on, UL issues safety standard to address the safety risks posed by the previous models.
[tcb-script src=”//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=f79c583b-4080-413a-b11c-2a6aa924adcd”][/tcb-script]Our team has spent 2 weeks relentlessly surveying the market, talking to a few existing customers and hoverboard dealers and lastly, scrutinizing every single feature of over 20 products. Our testers rode the hoverboards on different terrains. We also performed a couple of other tests to evaluate the overall performance and durability of the products. Apart from our in-house testers, we also included 3 hoverboard dealers who have been selling these self-balancing scooters for the past 4 years.
Image » | Product Name » | Color » | Weight » | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
TOMOLOO Hoverboard Bluetooth LED Lights (Best of the Best) | 7 Colors | 22 pounds | ||
XtremepowerUS 6.5″ Self Balancing Hoverboard w/ Bluetooth Speaker | 7 Colors | 19.6 pounds | ||
SWAGTRON T1 – UL 2272 Certified Hoverboard – Electric Self-Balancing | 5 Colors | 23 pounds | ||
Hoverheart Hoverboard UL 2272 Certified Flash Wheel 6.5″ Bluetooth Speaker | 8 Colors | 22 pounds | ||
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard Self-Balancing Smart Scooter | White / Blue | 19.1 pounds | ||
OXA Hoverboard Self Balancing scooter UL 2272 Certified Super Long Range | 2 Colors | 22 pounds | ||
SWAGTRON T6 Off-Road Hoverboard – First in the World to Handle 380 LBS | 3 Colors | 27 pounds | ||
SWAGTRON T5 Entry Level Hoverboard for Kids and Young Adults | Black / White | 18.2 pounds | ||
CHO 6.5″ inch Wheels Electric Smart Self Balancing Scooter Hoverboard | 12 Colors | 18.8 pounds | ||
GOTRAX Hoverfly ECO Hover Board ( Hot Selling Product ) | 7 Colors | 26.4 pounds |
Best hoverboard over dozens of competitive models from different brands listed below:
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Based on our test reports, the TOMOLOO Hoverboard was voted as the best hoverboard by 8 out of 10 members in our group. As clearly evident from the name, the product meets the UL safety standards. We also performed our own tests to ensure that the gadget doesn’t heat up abnormally after constant use. The first thing we noticed about the hoverboard was the weight. It weighs as much as a regular scooter and has a maximum load capacity of 223 lbs.
First, we rode it on a smooth terrain and then on a bumpy street. On the street, our teammate did notice a wee bit erratic movement and vibration. But the good part is- the unit will emit a beep sound if you cross the safe speed limit on the road, a safety measure we all loved. You could hear the same beeping noise when the machine is powered on. However, the sound is so sharp that you’d wish you could manually turn it off.
We would strongly suggest holding onto a wall or chair while getting on and off the hoverboard. What truly makes this product stand out among its competitors are the Bluetooth speakers. If you’re a tech-savvy who loves listening to music while cruising along the street, this self –balancing scooter could be the most useful gadget in your collection. What also left us quite mesmerized was how easy it is to get the hang of the gadget.
It took two of our testers only a few minutes to perfect the balance. These two had the least experience of riding a hoverboard. It also took less time to charge and lasted for more than 3 hours before having to charge again. Another unique feature is that the unit will shut itself off after being inactive for an hour or so. This is a significant feature in the sense that it dramatically reduces the risk of overheating.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
All the products that have made the cut are UL certified, assuring that no part of the hoverboard would explode due to overheating. What puts this product right at #2 on our list is the 8 mph speed limit on the street and over 9 mph on a smooth surface. Solely based on this aspect, the XtremepowerUS is a notch above our top pick. However, the reason why it is not #1 is that the board starts to wobble a little at the peak speed, especially when the weight of the ride is over 220lbs. Whereas, the OTTO Hoverboard 6.5″ held up pretty well under 223 lbs.
It houses two 350 watts powerful motors that ensure a vibration-free, smooth ride. The hoverboard weighs less than 22 lbs. which means you can easily carry it if that becomes necessary. Another fantastic addition is the Bluetooth speakers. For a budget this low, we weren’t really expecting this feature. Moreover, the speakers are not just those cheap quality products. The audio output is almost at par with that of the higher end products. The unit uses two Li-ion batteries that don’t take more than 2 hours to charge.
We observed that the battery runtime depends on the surface you are riding on. In the backyard of our testing center, the battery juice lasted up to 1.5 hours. It reduced to roughly an hour when we were zipping and zapping at the speed of 8 MPH on steep tracks. The weight of the rider also affects the battery life to a certain extent. We also liked the color options available to choose from. From the girly pink to shimmering gold, you are spoilt for choices.
Users will also love the big wheels that provide a better balance while cruising uphill or downhill. In conclusion, we believe that this product is best suited for the beginners. If you are into extreme off-road stunts, better look for an alternative option.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
At #3, we have a product that is designed using a unique, fire-proof aluminum chamber. This means, in the event of any potential fire hazard, the battery pack guarded by multilayer protection will remain unaffected. Top-notch safety aside, this hoverboard is a bliss to ride and a delight to look at. We also kept the machine on charge for an hour longer than the recommended time to find out if it would overheat.
You will be glad to know that the result was negative. Just like our top pick, it also incorporates a safe stop technology SWAGTRON has revved it up a bit more. It will not only emit a beeping noise when the battery is too low but will also reduce the speed at the same time. This will prevent the uncontrollably jerky movement one might otherwise have to deal with.
We also liked the addition of no-slip footpads, ensuring a quality ride without losing your balance. The top speed limit of this bad boy is nearly 12.8 mph which is absolutely unbelievable given the price-point. While it does take a bit of practice to get used to, once you get the hang of it, you will feel like you are floating in the cloud just like we did.
If you are a thoughtful parent who is bugged by the thought of nasty injuries a hoverboard may cause to your child, here’s a good news for you. The uber cool SWAGTRON T1comes with a special learning mode for the beginners. Using this mode, your child can slowly learn how to keep balance on the wheels before you get accustomed to hoverboards.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
Upon receiving the product, the first thing that took our breath away was the premium look of the hoverboard. The impressive chrome paint job along with the contemporary print pattern makes it appear far superior to the run-of-the-mill hoverboards at similar price-point.
The design is further enhanced by the addition of LED lights at various parts. The LED headlights on the wheel rim and wheel hubs make it completely safe to ride in a dark environment. Needless to say, it takes the cool quotient of the gadget several notches higher.
One of our hoverboard experts who weighs exactly 220 lbs. told us that the hoverboard didn’t feel labored under his weight. The rugged build and big wheels are a plus if you have a thirst for on and off-road adventures. It can reach a speed of 10mph tops. This is not fast as heck but surely guarantees a thrilling ride. We took the self-balancing scooter uphill and did not struggle to balance at all.
In fact, we have unanimously agreed that this is the best hoverboard for off-road riding. Even at its peak speed, it lets you swerve with ease. Coming to the battery, it takes exactly 3 hours to charge. The run time will depend on the surface and the weight of the rider. For folks of average build riding on the countryside, the battery should hold up for about an hour.
Last but not the least, it also tags along a pair of decent quality Bluetooth speakers. Not the best quality speakers you can have on a hoverboard but good enough if you just want to get into the groove while hovering. Nonetheless, the product didn’t perform very well in a bad weather. So, if it’s raining or snowing outside, you better not take your Hoverheart out of for a spin.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
We bet there’s no hoverboard enthusiast who is not familiar with the brand Razor. The sleek and contemporary design is not only great to look at. When you touch the board, it feels sturdy, precisely what rough terrains demand. The EverBalance technology incorporated in this device is undoubtedly one of the most advanced technologies used in the Hover world.
This feature automatically adjusts levels of the board based on the inclination, resulting in a fun-filled, smooth and worry-free ride. It uses extremely powerful yet silent 350 watts motor that yields a mileage of up to 8 mph. Sure this is not the fastest hoverboard around but the smoothness of the ride mitigates this flaw to some extent.
Both the speed and the battery depend on the slope of the road and weight of the rider. For an adult of average built meandering through the countryside or on a yard, the battery should last for about an hour which is not bad. Like our previous pick, this one too boasts of Bluetooth speakers and bright LED lights to make your rides safe and breezy.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The biggest strength of OXA hoverboard is the load range it is capable of handling. From a child weighing below 11 lbs to a well-built adult weighing almost 330 lbs., this beast equates to an ideal self-balancing scooter for people of various age groups and weight range. We absolutely adored the sensitive pressure pads on the board. It helps you feel every movement, thus allowing the users to adjust the direction and speed with ease and precision.
There are two-speed modes to choose from, the non-self-balancing mode for the beginners and the self-balancing mode for the seasoned hoverers. With full charge, the unit provides a mileage of over 8-13 mph. It took a little more than 3 hours to fully charge the system. This is subject to change depending on the inclination, bumpiness of the road and of course, the rider’s weight.
Thanks to the excellent stabilizing technology and powerful engine backup, you can swerve up to 45-degree slopes nimbly on the scooter. It also features a set of 2 bright LED lights to make riding in the dark safe and easy. The Bluetooth speakers are a bonus if you prefer taking your music to the go.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The T6 is an extremely powerful all-terrain hoverboard that is suitable for everyone. It can handle a maximum of 420 lbs of weight, making it the best hoverboard in terms of weight carrying capacity. Worried about bumps? They won’t be a problem with the Swagtron T6 beneath your feet! After extensive testing for over 3 days, we can confidently say this.
It’s a true all-terrain hoverboard, which means it can roll through mud, grass, concrete, and even gravel! Not only that, it can also climb inclines of up to 30 degrees without breaking a sweat. Coming to its range, it’s got a pretty good range of 12 Miles, and can reach a maximum speed of 12 mph. In our opinion, both are extremely good for an all-terrain hoverboard designed for everyday use. The SentryShield Li-ion battery takes just around 2 hours to get fully charged from zero.
What makes this possible? The 10” sturdy-as-a-tank tires. These rugged tubeless tires are built to roll on and on without pausing. Not only are they significantly less prone to leaks due to the tubeless design, they also last more than its tubed counterparts. The 10-inch size is just about perfect for everyday commutes as well as occasional off-roading. The T6 also comes with metal guards for your feet, so that you never suffer an injury due to an accidental collision or a rapid speed change.
To top it all off, the T6 comes with Bluetooth-powered speakers, as part of its ‘rock while you ride’ feature. The speakers are paired with a pair of responsive lights. You can be worry-free about the electronics because this hoverboard is protected by the UL2772 certification.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The T5, also from the house of Swagtron, is an entry-level hoverboard meant for kids and young adults. This is great as a beginner hoverboard, as it comes with a ‘learning mode’. In this mode, speed and movements are limited, so that there’s virtually no risk of accidents. This added safety net can inspire more confidence in the minds of people just getting started with hoverboards.
Even in the standard mode, this model can reach a max. speed of only 7 mph, which is still super safe for kids and young teenagers. This motorized scooter is extremely lightweight at just under 19 lbs, which makes it much easier to carry around than more advanced and bulkier models. Despite being this light, it can safely handle weights of up to around 190 lbs, which is more than enough considering its target audience.
Another strong point of the Swagtron is the unique design that makes it look cool to the young users. It features a cool-looking emblem on both of its pedals, which reflects light and looks cool in the dark. As part of our testing, we asked 8 kids of various ages about their opinion of the looks of this hoverboard, and all of them except one said that they absolutely love the looks of it!
The sturdy Aluminium-alloy reinforced body is certified according to UL2272 standards, further proving its reliability. It also features BMS monitors that protect against possible hazards. The smaller footpads and smaller 7” wheels are perfect for kids of all ages, and they don’t affect the efficiency of the hoverboard as much as even smaller wheels as seen on even more kids-focused cheaper hoverboards.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
CHO 6.5″ inch Wheels Electric Smart Self Balancing Scooter Hoverboard is a super safe UL2272 certified hoverboard meant for all age groups. It specifically features a low battery protection, slope protection, speeding protection, and a low weight protection. It’s compact and quite light at just 22 lbs, so you can take it with you on a bus or subway very easily. This way, you can travel freely between your short destinations without having to take your car out, or walk all the way.
It comes with an accelerometer sensor and a professional gyroscope. It can climb slopes of up to 15 degrees without a problem. The shock-absorbing, non-skid tires also feature ABS for added safety. The body of this hoverboard is reinforced using premium Aluminium-alloy.
It features dual 350W motors which help this hoverboard reach a maximum speed of around 6-7 mph. These motors are tested hundreds of times in the factory before they’re deemed ‘fit’ for inclusion in a retail hoverboard, to ensure that they’re least likely to fail in the middle of the road.
As per our testing, this hoverboard can keep going for almost 2.5-3 hours at a stretch on a single charge. It takes just over an hour to get fully charged, which is not too long considering the overall utility and longevity of usage per charge.
More photo & price on Amazon.com
The 2nd-generation Megawheels hoverboard is an extremely capable unit, as we’ve found out in our prolonged testing period. GOTRAX claims that consumer safety is their top priority, and the UL2272 certification of this hoverboard confirms the same. It’s waterproof, fire-resistant, explosion-resistant, impact-resistant, and non-slippery.
It comes with two powerful 250W motors that help this self-balancing scooter attain a max. speed of around 8 mph. The body of this hoverboard is so sturdy that it can hold a person of up to 242 lbs weight. You can ride for around 12 miles per charge, which is not too bad for a mid-range hoverboard. Enjoy balance scooter speeds of up to 7.4 mph with powerful dual 250W motors.
The 6.5” hard-rubber tires are beneficial for quite a few different reasons. Firstly, they are extremely durable. Secondly, as they are hard-rubber tires and not tube-based ones, you don’t have to worry about leaks. And finally, due to hard-rubber construction, the grip you get with these tires is just phenomenal. So, accidental slips are very unlikely unless you plan to ride it on extremely slippery surfaces like tiles.
Buying the best hoverboard is no easy feat, especially if it is the first time you are hearing about this gadget. It is vital to take into consideration the weight of the user and the kind of roads you travel by before choosing a product. No matter how tight your budget is, never opt for a system not in compliance with the UL standard. Last but not the least, compare and contrast the features and design of all the 10 products side by side to make an informed decision.