10 Best Hoverboards and Self-Balancing Scooters 2022 – Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Who doesn’t love hoverboards?  They are one of the hottest birthday gifts (and gifts in general), and one of the overall most fun toys for children and adults alike.

The question always comes down to this: which hoverboards are safe, and which are the very best hoverboards?

We’re here today to break down what you should be looking for in a hoverboard both in function, cost, and everything in between. Strap in, (or step on,) for your look into the ten best hoverboards.

10 Best Hoverboards and Self-Balancing Scooters 2022

Our experts have considered several main factors when ranking our hoverboards:

• Price. The reality is, you can only afford hoverboards that fall within your price range. We look at if the price is worth it (price per performance) and if it offers the best value in the market.
• Performance. A hoverboard isn’t worth getting if it isn’t fun or can’t get you from point a to point b, right? This is actually a multi-faceted factor. We consider things like speed, battery life, outdoor and indoor performance as well as build quality.
• Safety. Safety is of course a huge factor that comes into play. You want to ride your hoverboard knowing that it won’t explode or suddenly become unstable.
• Customer Support and Warranty. Lastly, we judge the customer support and if they uphold the warranty. Hoverboards can be finicky at times, and it’s not uncommon for them to breakdown – especially after a rough outing. You want to make sure that the manufacturer will help you get back on the wheels.

Just remember, a top ten list doesn’t mean that every single hoverboard comes without flaws. We’ve done extensive research to point out any negatives that each hoverboard might have.

Get ready; this is your full, comprehensive guide to hoverboards, with the best models in mind.

1.  Segway Ninebot S – The Best All-Terrain Self-Transporter

Everyone has heard of Segway. Invented by Dean Kamen and brought to market back in 2001, the original Segway led the way in personal human transportation. Through thick and thin, Segway have been revived (and bought) by Chinese firm Ninebot and have made it into the 2022’s as a big market player.

The Ninebot S is undoubtedly the premier Segway model and is the best all-terrain self-transporter you can get.

Unlike other hoverboards and self-balancing scooters, the Ninebot S’ appeal doesn’t solely lie in being used just for ‘fun’. It’s a mode of transport – a vehicle that will take you from point a to point b. Perfect if you live close to work or need to run local errands.

As such, the Ninebot S is extremely safe and reliable to use.

To emphasize safety, you’ll have to go through a training tutorial first (through the smartphone app) and 1 mile of riding at a maximum speed 4.3mph before unlocking the full features.

Where this transporter truly excels in is its off-road capabilities.

The huge 10.5″ pneumatic tires backed by dual 800 Watt motors crush any surface you can ride on. Simply put, no other hoverboard comes close when it comes to off-road stability and power. This self-transporter is of course UL certified and has an IP rating of IP54, making it splash and dust resistant.

There are also some other minor quibbles you should be aware of, which are unpreventable for this type of transporter. Namely, the weight, size, and price. They are all high up on the scales.

This thing is expensive – it’s not a toy. Expect to pay several hundred dollars more than other hoverboards. It’s really an investment in your transporting options. Also, weighing in at 28lbs and sporting the largest wheels of any model on this list, you can’t simply lug the Ninebot S around in your backpack. If you’re traveling anywhere with it, you’re going to be riding or pushing it via a little handle from the top, with motorized assistance.

All in all, if you want a high performing, quality built and safe all-terrain transportation option, the Ninebot S is the best model on the market.

2.  Swagtron T1 Hoverboard – Best Introductory and Budget Hoverboard

If you’ve been searching for hoverboards, there is almost a 100% chance you’ve heard of Swagtron.

They are one of the most popular hoverboard brands and offer a wide range of models for any type of rider.

The Swagtron T1 represents the de facto choice for many people wanting to purchase their very first hoverboard.

Why? Because it offers fantastic value for money. Instead of getting the unnecessary bells and whistles you see in many hoverboards, Swagtron has stuck to the basics – a fun, safe, and awesome hoverboarding experience.

This no-frills approach pays off. The speed is less than some of the other models on our list, and for good reason; it’s like having a safety switch that’s always looking out for you. With a 220lb capacity, any child and most adults will be able to enjoy this with ease; the lower your weight and the higher the charge capacity, the better handling you’ll have. UL 2272 certification makes for a safe ride, and the downhill traction options are perfect for slight inclines in your driveway, or on your street, so you won’t lose control while heading downhill.

Swagtron are a company that takes safety extremely seriously. Apart from the certification, they also have patented SentryShield technology which physically protects the battery as well as a battery management system or BMS. The BMS closely monitors the battery for any issues, preventing any fires or overcharges. If that wasn’t enough, Swagtron also have a safe stop system which prevents the hoverboard from stopping abruptly if the battery is drained.

Being a more affordable alternative to other hoverboards, the Swagtron does come with some obvious sacrifices.

Like most other hoverboards, the build is mainly ABS plastic and some riders have complained about a lack of protection over the wheels. Is this a big deal? Not really, since the T1 is not meant for off-terrain riding. It’ll serve you well to keep it on paved surfaces or indoors. On the flip side, the light build means the T1 only weighs 22lbs, so it’s easy to carry around.

Powered by 2 motors, you’ll be limited to a top speed of 8mph. It may be slower than some other hoverboards but keep in mind this also makes it safer to ride. Still, this is plenty of speed for all but the most demanding of riders. On a positive note; it does make charging times very short at around 1 hour. Unfortunately; you won’t find any Bluetooth or speaker connectivity. We don’t think you’ll miss it though as riding the T1 is too much fun already.

There is also a concern with a number of reviewers pointing out issues with this model shortly after purchasing. Whether that be a rattling of some of the parts, failure to charge or turn on, or some of the components being damaged after mild usage.

While some of these reviews can be chalked up to customer negligence (for example, extensive riding on rough outdoor surfaces), we are also thinking Swagtron has a bit of quality assurance upkeep to attend to. In any case, they offer great customer support and you should be covered by the warranty they provide.

Overall, with its ease of use, safety features and budget-friendly price, the Swagtron T1 is an excellent introductory hoverboard, for those wanting to dip their feet into the hoverboarding scene.

Pros

• Extremely safe with several safety features – safe stop and SentryShield technology
• Learning and standard modes
• Light build
• Great customer service
• Very easy to ride and balance
• Can go up to 30° inclines
• Quick recharge time
• Fantastic value for the money
  

Cons

• Some models suffer quality assurance issues
• No Bluetooth or app support

Riding Tip #1: There’s usually no front or back to your hoverboard; they’re designed to be bidirectional, so you can hop on either way and get going. All hoverboards have a self-balancing feature that makes it easier to mount and balance right off the bat.

3.  EPIKGO Hoverboard – Best All-Round Choice For Adults

Hoverboards are mostly designed and marketed for children, but we all want to test them out, too!  More and more hoverboard manufacturers have decided to market their models to a new growing market – adults.

EPIKGO brings us a 30% larger hoverboard that brings the weight, capacity, and power an adult needs to get the most out of their hoverboard experience.

Reasons we love the EPIKGO come down to the super tough tires, which can go on any terrain and the 400W dual motors that allow you to go up steep inclines of 18° whilst pushing speeds of up to 10mph. With great motor power comes… well, the bigger risk of damaging your ride. That’s why EPIKGO made their product super durable and stable, but even if you encounter an issue, their warranty and customer service is going to get you out of that hole.

This is hoverboarding in one of its purest forms. It’s a tough ride that skips on flaky extras like a Bluetooth speaker in favor of a top-notch riding experience. The EPIKGO comes with an IP56 rating, making it water and dust resistant. So you can rest assured that the internal circuitry is protected from the elements.

It’s also worth mentioning that the powerful motors combined with an enhanced weight capacity mean you’re using up more of your battery power.  You’ll get an average of 1 hour or 10 miles.  It’s certainly not too shabby when all things are considered.

It’s definitely designed with adults in mind, and more geared towards men than it is towards women. Their safety check exceeds the standard UL 2272, with 159 passed tests, and it’s always nice to know that a company is thinking about your safety beyond their legal requirements. If you’re serious about hoverboarding, this is a great pick, just expect to pay a premium price.

Pros

• Some of the strongest motors in any hoverboard
• 265lb maximum weight
• Fantastic lights for maximum visibility in darker areas/nighttime setting
• Durable design with rubber tires
• Splash-proof and dust resistant
• Smart battery for extended play
• Great off-road performance

Cons

• The price is definitely steep, though it is appealing to the adult hoverboard user market

Safety Tip #2: Practice before going out into the street or park. It’s going to be essential for your safety, and the saftey of others.

4.  Halo Rover X – Best Off-Road Hoverboard

The Halo Rover X is a premium hoverboard meant for those wanting to experience off-road hoverboarding at its finest.

It’s widely considered one of the best – if not the best – off-road hoverboard you can get your hands on today.

You’ll have no trouble traveling over sand, grass, gravel, or dirt. The truth is, it’s great for any surface – paved or not, indoors or outdoors.

The Halo Rover X offers a top speed of 10mph with a range of 10 miles. The quality speaks for itself. This beast of a hoverboard weighs in at hefty 32lbs and features aluminum wings around the wheels for added protection. The wheels are especially impressive. They are all-terrain and feature massive treads and never-flat tires that will allow you to incline slopes up to 20 degrees.

Don’t be afraid to also take the Rover X for a spin on wet surfaces. It’s IPX4 water-resistant. It’s basically splash-proof. And if you’re a little on the heavy side, no need to worry since it can support up to 260lbs.

There is a mobile support app that tracks metrics like speed and distance. And for those just beginning their hoverboarding experience, you’ll also have the option of utilizing up to 3 training modes – beginner, normal, and advanced. On top of this, you can also use the inbuilt Bluetooth speaker with your phone if riding and listening to tunes is your jam.

The Halo Rover X is safe for anyone aged 7+ and passes all the required UL certifications so you can rest assured that your child will be safe.

Speaking of children, whilst your little ones can ride this board, we wouldn’t make it the first choice. Yes, it does have amazing controls – thanks to the ride assist technology and traction tires – but the sheer size and weight mean a smaller person will have a harder time maneuvering. We’d recommend reserving this model for teenagers and adults.

If you think of off-road riding when you think of hoverboards, you can’t look past the Halo Rover X. It’s our top choice and should be yours as well.

Pros

• Dual 400 W motors
• 3 training modes
• Dust and Water resistant
• Rugged design and very durable
• Very stable on off-road terrain
• Bluetooth and app support
• All rubber tires
• Firesafe battery techology
• High battery life

Cons

• Not the best for small and lighter riders

Riding Tip #2: It’s just like you would expect—you lean forward to propel yourself forward, and backward to move back. While the buttons of the hoverboard play into the motion, your body’s position can either build or decelerate your momentum.

5. TOMOLOO Hoverboard – Top Choice for Children

One of the best brands out there that emerged with the inception of hoverboards is, without a shadow of a doubt, TOMOLOO. They weren’t among the few companies who encountered issues in the beginning, because they take safety first.

Let’s get to the main reason you want a hoverboard—they’re amazing and fun.

TOMOLOO’s model comes with a UL 2272 certificate of approval by the CPSC. More than that, you’re going to get one of the most strict production processes there is—full inspection and hundreds of thousands of tests in regards to safety. You get up to 7.5mph, and up to 12 miles on your battery. The motor is completely silent and carries up to 165 pounds; if you’re son or daughter is planning on taking this for a stroll, they could also carry their backpack with them no problem

When it comes to the Bluetooth speaker, if this is a gift for your son or daughter, they’re going to be the talk of the block. Their friends will know you grabbed them a hoverboard as you jam out to the Billboard Top 40 while cruising on their RGB lights. You can connect your phone or a nearby laptop to the Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity to blast tunes up to 33 feet away. That’s power!

Everything comes with its perks, and its kinks. The inherent disadvantage of the Tomoloo is that it is geared towards kids and not adults. Hence the lowish weight limit and small 6.5” wheels. As such, this model is also not waterproof with users complaining of issues once the wheels do get wet. You want to keep hoverboard inside or only use it outside on paved, dry ground.

Product consumers and reviewers alike agree—TOMOLOO has become one of the best and biggest hoverboard brands around, and it’s clear to see why. This is just pure fun without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Well priced
• Changing RGB lighting on the wheels and body
• Very safe
• Light build
• Loud Bluetooth speaker
• Good range
• Made for children
• Several colors to choose from

Cons

• Not suitable for adults

6.  Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard – Top Middle Of The Road Choice

The first US brand to gain UL certification, Razor prides itself on innovation and creating its own unique hoverboarding experience.

Perhaps one of the most technologically-advanced hoverboards on the market, the Hovertrax 2.0 improves on its predecessor – the Hovertrax 1.0 – in several ways:

• 100% UL 2272 certified. Back in 2016, Razor actually had to recall 28,000 Hovertrax 1.0 hoverboards in order for them to be tested and certified by this new standard. Rest assured all Hovertrax 2.0’s have passed certification.
• Addition of headlights. Now you can easily move in darker environments. You’ll be able to see better whilst others will be able to see you.
• The deck where your feet stand has an anti-slip rubber traction platform for improved stability.
• The speed tops up at 8mph compared to 6mph.

We are a bit skeptical labeling this the most technologically advanced hoverboard, after all, the label was applied by Razor. Still, there is impressive tech inside the chassis that puts the Hovertrax 2.0 above other hoverboards.

Razor wanted to bring their name back from the dead, and that’s exactly what they did. The Hovertrax 2.0 is a step in the right direction and has pushed the company to be one of the more popular hoverboard choices. Still, nothing is without faults.

On top of this, the EverBalance technology we mentioned earlier can sometimes result in a ride that is too precise. Slight nudges can turn into over-sensitive turns that can push you off the hoverboard. While some riders will love this, others will find it a bit too touchy.

In the Hovertrax 2.0, Razor have tried to create a hoverboard with state of the art balancing technology. The question is have they succeeded?

Many riders will say yes, but for others, the sometimes too sensitive controls will be an annoyance. It’s why we’ve decided to put Razor as the middle of the road choice. You’re either going to love it or hate it. In any case, being an American brand, you’ll get to enjoy top-notch support from the team if any issues arise.

7.  SWAGTRON T6 Off-Road Hoverboard – High Performing Off-Road Hoverboard

If you’ve got to get your hands on a Swagtron hoverboard but need one that is suitable for all-terrain types, the T6 is your go-to solution.

Unlike the T1 or T5, this model is more geared towards adults and outdoor usage.

With an ability to carry 420lbs, there’s an immense amount of power behind these motors to get past just about any terrain: gravel, thick mud, sand. The T6 can handle it all.

Safety is always a big priority for Swagtron, and the T6 does a good job of representing these values. You get their universal SentryShield casing to protect the battery as well as IPX4 rated build. Any water splashing will pose no threat. Build for adults, it also comes with wide non-slip foot grips to promote stability.

You don’t have to pay extra money to swap the design or colors, but you should note that the tires are air-filled compared to all rubber tires of the Halo Rover or Gyror Warrior. Going over sharp rocks and such is still a bit of a risk.

So why isn’t the T6 higher ranked?

Other minor issues are pretty much found with other hoverboards in the same class. This thing weighs a hefty 32lbs, and so is best ridden and not carried. Though if you must, it does come with handles.

Overall, if you get a model with no quality issues you’ll be greeted with the best in class performance. Once Swagtron fix this problem, there models will not doubt be further up our list.

8. Gyroor Warrior – Best Budget Off-Road Hoverboard

A relative newcomer to the hoverboard realm, Gyroor has been around since 2012 and base themselves in Shenzhen, China.

Whilst other Chinese brands have come and gone, Gyroor has been steadfast and has built a loyal and happy customer base.

If you need an affordable hoverboard that is meant for off-terrain usage, look no further than the Gyroor Warrior.

The Gyroor Warrior also comes with several other features that can be controlled via the app. There is an adult or child mode depending on your skill level, anti-theft alarm and you can also connect your music to the Bluetooth speakers. And that all comes with UL2272 certification.

What’s not to love? Well, a couple of things.

So what’s our final verdict? It’s a great off-road hoverboard for those that are budget-minded. In fact, if the halo rover is too expensive for you, we’d recommend the Gyroor Warrior as your next best pick.

9. Swagtron T5 – Good Value Pick for Children

It’s easy to see now that Swagtron hoverboards are pretty dominant in the market. This is there third entry on this list and that’s because their hoverboards consistently perform better than the competition.

If you’re in love with the T1 but can’t afford it, the Swagtron T5 might be your next best pick. It’s a little less powerful but significantly more affordable which makes it perfect for children.

Being a Swagtron branded hoverboard, you’ll also enjoy there gyroscopic technology that makes the T5 extremely easy to control and maneuver. Just don’t take it on rough surfaces. This hoverboard performs best on paved or indoor surfaces which makes sense as this is the safest environment for your child.

In order to keep costs low, the T5 does sacrifice on a couple of things.

Even though the Swagtron T5 is extremely well priced and performs well when used correctly (on paved or indoor surfaces) we couldn’t rank it higher due to the aforementioned quality issues. Still, if you’re one of the majority who receives a good model, you’ll be greeted with one of the best hoverboard experiences for children.

10. XPRIT Hoverboard – Top Budget Pick for Children

Sometimes, hoverboards can just be too expensive to be a gift for your child’s birthday or during the holiday season.

And that’s where the XPRIT comes in. For a fraction of the cost, children can still enjoy a great hoverboarding experience without breaking the bank.

The battery life lasts somewhere between 45 and 75 minutes and requires a 2-3 hour charge. Not too shabby but not great either.

The truth is, if you’re expecting a high performing hoverboard you’ll be left disappointed.

However; if you want something that isn’t a large investment and allows for an easy-going safe experience, the XPRIT represents an ideal choice.

Hoverboards – Comprehensive Buyers Guide

We all know that hoverboards are some of the hottest items on the market right now. They were the biggest gift for all of 2015 and 2016, and the momentum hasn’t slowed down one bit. Their presence in our culture is only at the beginning. Hoverboards have gotten a lot of bad press, but with the kinks all worked out, they’ve never been safer, especially for children to use. The biggest difficulty when trying to select a new hoverboard, or your introduction to hoverboards: weeding out all the noise. Thankfully, we’ve taken out all of the guesswork with our comprehensive guide. Without further ado, everything you need to know about selecting the right hoverboard for your needs.

Weight Requirements

Hoverboards have been mostly designed for use by children, so you’re going to see a lot of weight requirements in the lower range. There are models that support older riders, but they are a bit more difficult to locate. In our personal and professional experience, you should always try to stay 10% underneath the weight requirement. For instance, if the maximum weight capacity reads 200lbs, in your head, account for a maximum of 180lbs. This isn’t just going to keep everything safe for possible breakage—the higher the capacity, and the less it’s utilized, the more you’re going to get out of the maximum speed and battery life. Less strain on the device means longer, better rides, and a longer expected life for your hoverboard.

Speed Restrictions

Why does speed matter? Well, on a hoverboard, higher speeds mean a higher level of fun, right? They also mean restrictions depending on where you live. There was a big debate in New York City in the end of 2015, where they were considered illegal to be driven down the street at all, or outside, for that matter. The laws on hoverboards are constantly changing, and are often subject to how fast your hoverboard can go. Nobody can keep up with the way that congress is constantly trying to mess with what you’re able to use or not, so you should confer with your local law listings to ensure that you can use your hoverboard effectively, and inform your children if they’re using them. Don’t spend more on a ticket than you do on your hoverboard.

Age Requirements

While there’s no actual manufacturer requirements for hoverboard use, you should know that it’s a high-powered device, and not necessarily the best choice for a child’s toy. That being said, judge accordingly, and allow your children to use it if they’re responsible enough. In most cases, it’s recommended to only allow children twelve-years-old and up access and use of a hoverboard. There’s a greater understanding of danger at this age, and a better mastery over their own dexterity.

Pricing

Of course, any buyer is going to beware their own budget. There are a few factors to think about here when it comes down to the bottom line: money. No two incomes or priorities are the same, but if you’re planning to take up hoverboarding as a sport, or if you’re trying to make it a super stellar birthday, your budget is going to shift a bit. Here are three main points to think of when deciding how much you want to put towards your hoverboard purchase.

1.  Is It A Gift?

Nobody wants to be known as the guy or gal who skimped out on a present, but you also can’t afford to dump your entire week’s paycheck on a gift, either. The best way to avoid this is to research companies individually, and then make your choice based on quality and cost. While the old saying, “you get what you pay for,” is true more often than not, there are some up-and-coming hoverboard companies out there who offer lower prices because their costs are lower. Smaller facilities, smaller teams, so on, and so forth.

2. Are You Trying to Go Pro?

Since professional cup stacking is still around (I’m nor kidding; really, it is,) you can expect hoverboards to be around for a long time. If you want to be the next Tony Hawk, you’ll have to shell out the big bucks on a more pricey model with advanced features. These can include longer battery life expectancies, the possibility of higher speeds, or more lightweight builds with stronger materials. There are a lot of things to consider when you’re going to plan on going the professional route, but you can definitely bench on the fact that higher quality means a higher budget.

3. Beware of Knockoff Brands

It’s almost impossible—especially in a newer market—to determine what a knockoff really is, right? It’s not easy. If you can’t find a website hosted by the company, with information about their brand, or perhaps a mission statement of some kind, you may be in the presence of a knockoff brand. There will always be cheap or inexpensive versions, but those who barely understand the technology that they’re selling are what I would define as a knockoff. Brands with some passion behind  what they’re doing, especially when it’s cutting edge tech like hoverboards, will stand out from the rest

Safety

The most important aspect—safety. Whether it’s for an adult or a child, you should always consider how safe something is before you use it. In this case, we’re looking back at the reports in mid to late 2015 regarding combustion, which is what drove congress to do something about hoverboards in the first place. With any inspired tech, you’re going to see bugs in its first year, or first few years of production and distribution. In these cases, the consumers weren’t using the hoverboards based on the safety instructions in the manual, but that’s not what’s important. Even if you’re not going to use it as intended, you shouldn’t be worried about fire hazards with them.

During the time that hoverboards were being outlawed, a lot of changes went into play, and now, you can purchase any hoverboard and know that it’s safe. Regulations went into effect and have worked wonders, but as you can probably imagine, everything still has its flaws. You may find, when reading consumer reviews of specific hoverboards, or experiences with brands, that they’ve encountered some issues during use. Pay close attention to the reviews found on Amazon. I find that the three star reviews tend to be the most extensive, and provide the most insightful information from a fair, non-biased point of view.

Warranty Information

You don’t spend hundreds on any device without intending to use it as much as you possibly can. Extended use means the extended possibility of something going wrong, such as parts malfunctioning or just wear and tear taking its toll on your device. Be certain to research warranty information on the hoverboards on your shortlist. You’ll be able to get most of that info from the Amazon sales page, but further than that, research the company or visit their website to get a more extensive look on what they offer. Remember: there’s a limited number of information that companies put on their Amazon product page due to marketing purposes, so they’ll be able to display more detail on their websites.

Note: Manufacturers in the United States are ten times more likely to provide meaningful, fast customer support. Companies such as Razor are notorious for their excellent customer service, and honoring their warranties to a tee.

Lights or No Lights: That’s The Question

We understand that your work schedule has to be conflicting with the rest of life. We’ve all been there, done that. Hoverboarding is actually a mutually beneficial activity for parents to do with their children. It’s fun, and a great way to enjoy your time together after workhours. If you’re getting home when the streetlights are already on, it’s essential to flick on your hoverboard’s light features, even if you’re just going to play in the driveway, but especially if you’ll be whizzing around in the street. Take your schedule into consideration, and in turn, how strong the light feature is on your hoverboard purchase.

Self-Balancing Feature

It’s perhaps the most important aspect of any hoverboard, especially if you’re purchasing it as a gift for your son or daughter. One of the biggest concerns around the inception of hoverboards resided in safety: kids were falling off and getting scraped-up, but that’s not how it is anymore. Now, there’s a self-balance feature installed in most models. That’s right; not all, but most. It’s an important feature for safety. When you’re planning to do tricks and stunts, the self-balancing feature is going to hinder your efforts, but it’s definitely an essential part of getting your little ones to stay safe.

Over To You

With every bit of information in your arsenal, you’ll be able to prioritize, and figure out exactly what hoverboard fits your needs. Narrow down safety features, self-balancing, speed and other key aspects to determine exactly what’s best for you, and your family. What matters most to you when selecting the perfect hoverboard?