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May 30, 2023

9 Best Hoverboards for 2023

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Make your next errand or commute a little more fun.

Whether you’re looking for a way to get from point A to point B or simply want to have some fun, hoverboards are a popular ride for kids and adults alike. Manufacturers are producing quality hoverboards for a lot less than pricey first-gen models, plus they’ve become safer with self-balancing features. All good stuff, but it's more challenging than ever to find the right fit for your needs since options on the market have skyrocketed. Fortunately, this also means there's a hoverboard for everyone out there. Read on for the best hoverboards on the market right now, plus essentials to consider before shopping.

Before we dive in, your first consideration should be how to ride safety. Hoverboards are just like skateboards, scooters, and bicycles when it comes to essential protective gear. That means wearing a high-quality helmet (look for ones with MIPS technology), along with elbow and knee guards.

Hoverboards are a newish technology with a bit of a learning curve—including knowing what to look for when buying one. For example, some models are designed specifically for kids with weight limits that top out around 150 pounds, while others are designed for a larger rider.

Where you’re planning on riding will also matter, as certain models with plastic wheels make for great options on paved roads, while others with inflatable tires can handle the rugged terrain that comes with off-roading. Other key features, such as battery life, charging time, and product weight, along with fun features like Bluetooth speakers and LED lights, can also factor in, depending on how you plan to use your new ride.

We reviewed hundreds of the most up-to-date models on the market, keeping in mind everything from budget to intended age range for each. Every hoverboard we feature has an average customer rating of at least 4 stars, and we judged each for safety and overall design, plus nice-to-have extras as mentioned above. We also highlighted the most important specs for each, like top speed, weight, and capacity.

Kids and adult newbies to the hoverboard world will appreciate the Razor Hovertrax Prizma's training setting, allowing riders to get the hang of the device before allowing more advanced stops and turns.

But besides boasting 40 minutes of continuous use and quick charging times, the standout feature is the brilliant LED display on its base and wheels that keep you visible while riding. It also has a decent top speed of 9 miles per hour. The hoverboard is recommended for kids ages 8 and up, and comes in three colors.

For mature riders looking to get acquainted with hoverboarding basics, the Hover-1 Titan is a great jumping-off point. It features a top-rated self-balancing system and intuitive riding controls, and has a powerful 500-watt brushless motor and built-in Bluetooth speakers, plus customizable LED lights and three skill modes. Grown-ups on the go will appreciate the app's GPS feature, which allows tracking and trip recording. Charging time is roughly 6 hours, which is average.

While the price point is in line with what the package includes, the top speed of 7 mph may be a dealbreaker for some.

If you need your new hoverboard to handle all types of terrain, the Swagtron T6 offers a reliable choice. Thanks to its 10-inch tires and 12-mile range per charge, this sturdy option can trek over grass, gravel, mud, and more. And, with an automatic balancing mode, stepping on and off is easy peasy for most, even for beginners.

Highlights among features include a top speed of 12 miles per hour, Bluetooth speakers, and a substantial 420-pound maximum weight limit. The only caveat is that you'll have to keep an eye on tire pressure, as air-filled tires can run flat.

It's one thing to be seen as you roll down the block on a hoverboard, but it's another thing entirely to also be heard. Besides topping out at a zippy 7.5 miles per hour, the Tomoloo features Bluetooth connectivity, turning the device into a rolling jukebox complete with a synchronized light show thanks to five different colored LEDs. The model's nonslip footpads also add an extra level of stability to each ride, no matter your level of expertise.

The hoverboard offers long battery life and a fast charging time, plus it comes with a limited 1-year warranty, which tops much of the competition's 90-day policies. The biggest downside is that the 165-pound weight limit is on the lower end of the spectrum.

If you're in the market for an affordable hoverboard for kiddos, this budget option is a great choice. It includes Bluetooth-connected speakers and a chrome purple body, plus it has an integrated self-balancing function.

The 250-watt brushless motor and slower 6 mph top speed suit young riders, and the hoverboard is affordably priced at about $130 at the time of this writing. Adults will likely need to haul the hoverboard to the park, however, as it weighs 19 pounds. Also, kids' rides will max out after 45 to 75 minutes, which is a pro or con depending on your perspective.

Besides being a reliably fun way for kids to get around the neighborhood, the Swagtron Swagboard Twist 3 can give you peace of mind when it comes to its components. This model swaps out historically problematic—and occasionally flammable—lithium-ion batteries for lithium phosphate, which is non-combustible when damaged or while charging. Plus, there's a 5-year warranty on the battery and a 1-year manufacturers warranty.

Other features include a lightweight design that makes it easy for kids to carry, solid rubber tires, and an age-appropriate 6 mph top speed.

Adults and kids alike who want a bit of flair in their ride should consider the Gyroor G11. The hoverboard is stable and durable, with the added bonus of a dazzling light display that practically covers it from top to bottom. The hoverboard's dedicated app allows you to control colors, set speed controls, and stream your favorite music via Bluetooth while you roll along, and most customers say it's easy to navigate.

Other highlights include a powerful 500-watt motor, all-terrain wheels, and a 6-month limited warranty, plus a very decent 8 mph top speed. More than 500 reviewers give the G11 an average 4.5 stars.

There are offshoots for every new technology, and hoverboards are no exception. Segway Hovershoes offer the freedom for your feet that rollerskates or rollerblades provide while giving you a push of up to 7.5 miles per hour. The unique model also makes it easier to get creative with your movements and develop your own style.

The Hovershoes are a lightweight 7.7 pounds and feature elastic bands at the bottom so they're easy to carry. There are also silicone bumpers so you won't scratch your new toy on the pavement, though the Hovershoes are designed for smooth surfaces, no bumpy terrain. But the biggest downside is a short battery life, maxing out at 45 minutes on a full charge.

Thanks to an aluminum body, a short charging time, and a 10-mile range, the Epikgo sport is perfect for anyone looking for a reliably rugged ride. Extra foot space provides superior balance when taking tight turns or making quick stops, and the streamlined racing tires help you jet up to the 9 mph top speed.

Another major plus is that the hoverboard comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which is more generous than what's offered by most of the competition. It also features a powerful 400-watt motor.

If you plan to use this heavy-duty hoverboard for everyday activities in addition to sport, keep in mind that it weighs about 33 pounds.

Who says kids should have all the fun? The Segway Ninebot S is specifically made for those ages 16 and up and uses a knee-controlled steering design that is a breeze to master. It also boasts plenty of safety features, like four-color ambient lights for nighttime visibility and customizable speed limit adjustments, and s powerful 400-watt motor.

Other highlights include a top speed of 10 miles per hour, a range of up to 13 miles per charge, and a relatively short 3-hour charge time. Additional features can be accessed though the Segway app.

Zach Mack has worked as a travel, food, beverage, and product writer for the past 12 years. He's a regular contributor for Thrillist and Liquor.com, and his writing has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, GQ, VinePair, Inside Hook, Forbes, Parents, and more. He's also the co-host of the podcast So You Want to Run a Restaurant? and is a regular guest on other shows. Follow him on Twitter @zmack.

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