Whether you’re sending your kids outside for an adventure or you let them zip around a clear space in the house during a rainy day, you can look to hoverboards as one futuristic
way to entertain your kids—not a screen in sight. Also known as self-balancing or two-wheeled boards, these devices can add in a bit of sci-fi-meets-extreme-sports fun to even the
most mundane days. Who knew a trip to the corner store could be this exciting?
Because hoverboards are powered by compact and high-powered batteries (usually lithium-based) that could fail, it’s important to make sure you choose a model that has been put
through extensive testing and is made from quality materials by a quality manufacturer. Not to throw shade at LED lights and Bluetooth speakers, fun features should play second
fiddle to a trusted brand name, testing, and standard Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 2272 certification when making a hoverboard purchase.
While their 2015 introduction to the U.S. consumer market was met with an instant fanbase willing to pay high prices, today’s quality hoverboards won’t give you the same sticker
shock. The upper range is still hefty (some cost $500), but you can still find a hoverboard from a reputable brand that follows safety standards and certifications for around $99.
To bring you this list of the best hoverboards for kids, we looked at a wide range of them, from colorful and LED light-adorned beginner models for little tikes to powerful all-terrain
ones for older teens. We also spoke with experts about what to consider when choosing a hoverboard, and gathered safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to
limit injury. When you have the right hoverboard, your kids will have freedom, and you’ll have peace of mind.
Best Overall: Segway Ninebot S Kids Smart Self-Balancing Electric Scooter
Why We Like It: Segway is a clear leader in two-wheeled, self-balancing motorized transporters, hitting all the marks in safety, design aesthetic, and fun features.
But Take Note: The knee steering has a steep learning curve, and the lower weight range might limit riders.
Segway knows its stuff when it comes to self-balancing devices, and its Ninebot S Kids is a clear example. Since it’s on the smaller side, this hoverboard gets younger children in
the game. (It’s important to note that the Ninebot S has the same features and a higher weight range of 88 to 220 pounds for riders ages 16 and older.)
A reduced speed limit helps keep things manageable for both them and you. There are three riding modes (a safe mode of 4.3 mph, beginner of 6.2 mph, and sports of 8.7 mph),
and the speed limit is adjustable via an app. The Ninebot S Kids also does a bit of parenting for you, with a built-in voice mode that alerts the rider they’re going too fast (it even
slows the board down for them).
The steering bar gives off a cool futuristic vibe while helping the rider control the hoverboard’s direction by lightly touching the knee pad with their legs—doing this actually shifts
their balance just enough to prompt those smooth turns that other Segway vehicles are known for. The model is also equipped with Bluetooth speakers, so your music-lover can
zoom around to tunes.
The Details:
Weight: 22.7 pounds
Max speed: 8.7 mph
Battery life/ride range: 90 minutes or 8 miles
UL2272 certified: Yes
Suggested age: 8 years old and up
Weight limit: 132 pounds
Extras: Built-in voice prompts, leg steering bar, Bluetooth speakers, app for controlling speed
Best Value: Gotrax Edge Hoverboard with 6.5″ LED Wheels & Headlight
Why We Like It: It has many of the same features as more expensive models and works well on a variety of surfaces.
But Take Note: The Edge is very sensitive to weight, so smaller kids might not have as much control.
Responsive and fun, Gotrax Edge fits the bill when compared to more expensive models. It outshines other “budget” boards with a powerful motor and higher weight capacity than
most hoverboards designed for kids.It also has a self-balancing mode, which allows you to get on without it twisting, making it easier to control for both beginners and expert riders.
The 6.5-inch tires are solid and make for a smooth ride on most surfaces. The board itself has non-slip footpads and several LED lights for battery status, night-time riding
illumination, and just pure fun. We also love the fact that it comes in several colors and is one of the more lightweight boards on the market, while still coming in at hundreds of
dollars less than the competition. One complaint we hear from riders and their parents, however, is that one battery charge lasts only 3 miles or less.
The Details:
Weight: 13.2 pounds
Max speed: 6.2 mph
Battery life/ride range: 3.1 miles
UL2272 certified: Yes
Suggested age: 8 years and up
Weight limit: 220 pounds
Extras: LED lights, self-balancing control system
Best on Grass and Gravel: Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6 Off-Road Hoverboard
Why We Like It: The Swagboard takes your rider from underfoot in the house to smooth outdoor riding on almost any landscape.
But Take Note: This board is heavy to lug around. We do also hear from some riders that they bought lemons and had to get replacement boards soon after buying them.
Bumpy terrain doesn’t stand a chance against this high-powered dual-motored hoverboard. With its high weight limit of 420 pounds, riders of all sizes can hit the ground (or gravel)
rolling. Air-filled, high-tread tires offer stability and traction when faced with mud, grass, and more at inclines up to 30 degrees, while the non-slip pedals and superb shock
absorption means the rider stays put without too much bounce. All that sturdiness comes at a price: These boards weigh 31 pounds, so younger kids won’t enjoy picking them up to
take them home if the battery dies during use.
This self-balancing hoverboard also has LED lights for night-time safety and Bluetooth speakers that play music directly from a Smartphone for rocking out while riding. If you
choose this hoverboard, we recommend testing it out a few times right away within your return window—we’ve heard from some riders that their products were broken upon arrival
and they needed replacements.
The Details:
Weight: 30.55 pounds
Max speed: 12 mph
Battery life/ride range: 12 miles
UL2272 certified: Yes
Suggested age: 12 years and up
Weight limit: 90 minutes
Extras: Bluetooth speakers, LED lights, rugged 10-inch tires
Best for Tweens: Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard
Why We Like It: It provides a super comfortable ride and seamless maneuvering.
But Take Note: The battery lasts less than one hour.
With big, grippy tires, anti-slip rubber foot platforms, fender bumpers, and wide foot space, this hoverboard will make your tween feel confident and comfortable on the road. The
board also balances itself during rides, allowing the rider to stop on a dime after showing off an impressive 360-degree spin.
It features front multicolor LED lights to keep the hype up and two modes of riding (Training and Normal) to keep skill levels in check. While the battery life is only 40 minutes, the
LED battery-life monitor is helpful in letting you know it’s time to charge up for your next ride.
The Details:
Weight: 20 pounds
Max speed: 8 mph
Battery life/ride range: 40 minutes
UL2272 certified: Yes
Suggested age: 8 years and up
Weight limit: 176 pounds
Extras: LED light bars, battery-life monitors
Best for Beginners: Swagtron Swagboard Twist Lithium-Free Hoverboard with Startup Balancing
Why We Like It: The model is less sensitive to sudden movements, making it great for kids ages 8 and up.
But Take Note: Battery life isn’t long, and some report issues with it not holding a charge.
Consider this a safer twist on the need for speed that most hoverboards promote. This board is gentle in nature, perfect for when your child is adapting to riding a hoverboard.
Because it’s less sensitive to small movements, it’s more forgiving when it comes to steering and turning. The lower max speed (6 mph) also helps keep young riders within a safe
pace, while the colorful LED lights and fun available colors will still get their hearts racing.
If lithium ion batteries still worry you despite their progress in safety over the years, this hoverboard is equipped with a non-lithium LiFePO4 battery, which is said to be
nonflammable and noncombustible when damaged or punctured, or while charging, when used as intended. Some users report the battery doesn’t hold a charge after using it for a
year or less, however, so you may have to replace it sooner than you would with other models.
The Details:
Weight: 14 pounds
Max speed: 6 mph
Battery life/ride range: 30-60 minutes, or 3-5 miles
UL2272 certified: Yes
Suggested age: 8 years and up
Weight limit: 185 pounds
Best for Younger Kids: Hover-1 My First Hoverboard
Why We Like It: Its motor isn’t too powerful, the speeds aren’t too speedy, and it’s all calibrated for smaller riders.
But Take Note: Some riders note that it’s not compatible with the seat attachment, even though it’s sold as a bundle.
The name says it all. If your young kid is just starting out, the My First Hoverboard is a solid choice that doesn’t require a huge investment. Its non-slip foot pads, slower speed
range, and simple riding controls all make it easier for smaller beginners to feel confident on their new set of wheels.
We’ve talked to parents whose kids have owned earlier models of Hover-1s, and they like the brand’s reputation for creating hoverboards with sturdy design, ease of use, and
durability. Thanks to this unit’s stabilization system, newcomers stay balanced and upright as they become more comfortable with zooming around on a hoverboard (Look, Mom, no
hands!). We’re also cheering for the toned-down 5 mph maximum speed that allows new riders to learn the ropes at an easier, safer pace than other boards. The bright, dual LED
headlights brighten up their path (which makes you happy), while also amping up the cool quotient (which makes them happy).
The Details:
Weight: 12 pounds
Max speed: 5 mph
Battery life/ride range: 3 hours
UL2272 certified: Yes
Suggested age: 5 years and up
Weight limit: 80 pounds
Extras: LED headlights
Factors to Consider When Buying a Hoverboard
As these are more than just toys (translation: they’re mechanical and could cause injury), there are several factors parents and caregivers should consider when choosing the right
model. Here are some elements to look into before purchasing a hoverboard for your child. While these are merely guidelines, it’s really up to you whether to allow your child to use
a hoverboard based on their individual skill level, coordination, and ability to follow rules.
Your Child’s Age and Weight
Each hoverboard has a weight limitation. While most hoverboards require riders to weigh a minimum 44 pounds to control them, weight maximums vary among models, with
somecapping at 130 pounds and others hitting as high as 420 pounds.
Battery Life and Type
Hoverboards generally employ compact and high-powered batteries (usually lithium-based), which are complex systems that can possibly fail and should be used with care. For this
reason it’s important to make sure you choose a hoverboard with a high degree of quality in its materials, manufacture, and testing, One important indicator of such quality is
compliance with UL 2272 certification for safety, which is the standard for testing the safety of hoverboard electrical systems. “Consumers in the U.S. should be wary of any
hoverboard that has not been tested and certified as meeting that standard,” he warns. All of the hoverboards we list here have met those standards, and certification should be
clear on the packaging.
In terms of battery range per charge, these numbers vary based on rider’s weight, riding surface (your kitchen tile is easier to ride on than a gravel driveway), incline, etc.
Battery Recall Concerns
Hoverboards have had their time in the spotlight, and it wasn’t always pretty. A rash of hoverboards’ lithium batteries overheating and catching fire lit up the news shortly after they
came on the U.S. market. This questionable safety issue caused parents to second-guess purchasing one of these models for their kids.
The industry underwent several recalls through the years. And so UL 2272 was born.It’s a certification that introduced an “electrical system testing” protocol for hoverboards. The
initial round of recalls back in 2016 served to implement a new standard within the industry, hopefully putting those worries to rest. But as recently as this March, hoverboard
company Jetson issued a recall of 53,000 hoverboards after overheated batteries caused deadly fires. (If you’re interested in looking at recall records, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission website has information on hoverboard recalls and most reputable manufacturers also publish such announcements on their own websites).
While these battery concerns are lingering for some parents, there are ways to keep your child safe and your hoverboard sound. Try to avoid overcharging the battery. The
hoverboard instructions should be able to give guidance on the appropriate time for charging the battery, Storing your hoverboard in a cool location away from flammable materials
(e.g. carpet) in case the battery does overheat.
Speed
Most hoverboards don’t exceed 10 mph, as they’re not built for speed, but for agility and fun. The top speed and range are directly affected by the rider’s characteristics, such as
weight and skill, as well as terrain. Hoverboards designed for younger children, such as the Swagtron T580 Twist, won’t go above 6 mph,
Extra Features
When it comes to bells and whistles, hoverboards have plenty. Most (if not all) have LED lights that not only serve as headlights but add a little flash to the model’s wheels and
bumpers. Many also boast Bluetooth speakers that connect seamlessly to music playing on a phone. Two bonus safety features to look for are self-balancing mode, which helps the
rider stay upright and stable, and programmable settings that govern maximum speeds from either the hoverboard itself or through an app.
Price
The cost of a kids’ hoverboard starts at around $100 and goes up to $500. A higher price doesn’t necessarily translate to a better model (although you might get more features). The
prices have dramatically decreased since hoverboards rolled onto the market, so it can still be affordable to invest in products from a recognizable brand that has been around for a
while.
How to Use Hoverboards Safely
While hoverboards are fun, the absence of handlebars and brakes increases the need to focus on safe riding practices (hello, helmets and wrist guards) and be especially careful
when first learning to ride a hoverboard.
According to a study published in 2018 in Pediatrics, the official journal of the AAP, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System noted an estimated 26,854 hoverboard injuries
were treated in emergency rooms in the U.S. between 2015 and 2016. Fractured wrists were the most common injury.
Some general hoverboard safety tips from the AAP include:
Always wear a helmet to help prevent serious head injury and concussions.
Consider having your child wear wrist guards or knee pads, especially when they’re just learning how to ride a hoverboard.
Avoid riding at night and in areas with motor vehicle traffic.
Supervise your child when they are first learning how to use the hoverboard.
Never leave hoverboards to charge overnight or when no one is home.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you use a hoverboard?
While the name suggests otherwise, hoverboards don’t actually hover at all. Instead they’re self-balancing scooters that roll along the ground thanks to two motorized wheels
controlled by the rider’s foot motion and weight distribution. To move forward, the rider presses their toes down evenly, increasing the angle of the footpads to accelerate. To move
backwards, they press both heels down evenly. To stop, bring both feet to neutral. By applying pressure to one side or the other while moving in any direction, you’ll make a turn or
spin.
How old should my child be to use a hoverboard?
This depends on the developmental abilities of your child. In general, [hoverboards] are recommended for children 8 years and older who are more likely to have the physical an
cognitive ability to manage any situations where they might fall,
How long do hoverboards usually last?
It can be expected that, over time and multiple rechargings, hoverboards will lose efficiency and essentially wear out. To help ensure your hoverboard lasts as long as possible,
Kermani suggests charging your batteries after each use and at least once every other month when in storage, making sure to unplug your charger when the unit is done charging.
Post time: Feb-21-2024
