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Aug 28, 2023

Best Hoverboards 2023

There’s never been a better time to embrace the many different modes of

There's never been a better time to embrace the many different modes of transportation. Electric bikes are intelligent and efficient while scooters are fast and affordable, but another form of transportation, the hoverboard, continues to impress us more and more with each passing year. Once considered cutting edge technology, these "self-balancing devices" serve various purposes—some people ride a hoverboard for fun, while others ride them to work or the nearest coffee shop. But no matter how you intend to use this two-wheeled tech, the best hoverboards should be designed to meet your personal needs. After researching numerous models and poring over reviews, we’ve crowned the Swagtron T6 our number one pick for its range, speed and smooth ride.

There are hoverboards for every price range and kind of rider.

Many brands like Segway Ninebot and Razor have been designing hoverboards for years, while other labels are newcomers to the hoverboard scene, so it helps to know your options. Classic hoverboards have two wheels and a standing platform, but if you’re looking for something different, innovative one-wheeled hoverboards or a set of "hovershoes" are also worth considering. Here are the best hoverboards available if you’re in the market for a self-balancing scooter.

Walmart

Top Speed: 12 mph | Range: 12 miles | Weight: 31 pounds | Max Load: 420 pounds

Before you set your sights on a top-of-the-line model that can probably take you back to the future, consider the fact that Swagtron's T6 model frequently finds itself at the top of hoverboard roundups. Equipped with treaded, air-filled, 10-inch tires, it offers a smooth ride whether you’re traversing a nearby parking lot or a local trail, and the 12 miles of range is enough to take you almost anywhere.

The hoverboard is powered by 300-watt dual motors that can handle any weight or speed, and fly up 30-degree inclines with ease. The motors also rip across the grass at your neighborhood park or take on the gravel trail in your backyard. Best of all, this durable hoverboard can carry up to 420 pounds and play music from an integrated bluetooth speaker.

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Walmart

Top Speed: 6.2 mph | Range: 3.1 miles | Weight: 17 pounds | Max Load: 176 pounds

It's rare to see a hoverboard listed for under $150 dollars, much less one with a rating greater than 4 stars. And yet, the GoTrax Glide is an affordable option that is especially ideal for teens and kids that comes highly rated. It's light enough for your kid to tote around, and the top speed is low enough that you can let them play without worry (but fast enough that they’ll have fun on the board, too). And with a max weight of 176 pounds, it's even suitable for some adults.

While it doesn't offer top-tier performance, it's a great introduction to the world of hoverboards if you want to dip your toes in without a pricey commitment. It also comes with some handy features, like LED lights around the wheels, and headlights and taillights for nighttime riding.

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Walmart

Top Speed: 8 mph | Range: 8 miles | Weight: 20 pounds | Max Load: 176 pounds

The Razor Hovertrax 2.0 has one important thing going for it: The brand name. Along with Swagtron, Razor is perhaps the best known maker of scooters (both hovering and non-hovering varieties). It also boasts a somewhat more powerful set of motors than usual; while most hoverboards use a pair of 250-watt motors or smaller, Razor uses 350-watt motors instead, which gives it a max capacity of 220 pounds and a maximum range of 60 minutes (about 8 miles, give or take).

But here's what sets this hoverboard apart from the rest: the Hovertrax uses a 36-volt lithium-ion pack that's easy to swap out. If you keep a second battery topped off, you can quickly replace the battery at a moment's notice and keep riding.

If safety is a concern (and it should be), it's worth pointing out that Razor was the first US company to receive the UL-2272 safety certification created in the wake of the hoverboard battery fires. Hovertrax includes a training mode that takes it easy on beginning riders, too, making this a great option all-around. And although the Hovertrax 2.0 is more geared towards kids and teens with its 176-pound weight limit, it comes in a deluxe model that can accommodate riders up to 220 pounds.

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Amazon

Top Speed: 10 mph | Range: 10 miles | Weight: 31 pounds | Max Load: 265 pounds

If you’re looking for a splurge-worthy hoverboard, the Epikgo board is equipped to handle all terrain and travel up to 10 miles on a single charge. Its larger-than-average 8.5-inch tires are more than capable of handling both wet and dry conditions, and the scooter itself is rated IP56 for water and dust resistance.

This hoverboard ensures safety in all aspects of its design—from its UL 2272 certification to its LED turn signals. But it's also incredibly fun to ride thanks to its speedy acceleration courtesy of powerful 400W dual motors. Overall, this is a great hoverboard for riders of all abilities and ages.

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Amazon

Top Speed: 10 mph | Range: 13.7 miles | Weight: 28 pounds | Max Load: 220 pounds

We’ll admit it—most hoverboards look like toys. The Segway Ninebot S Electric Transporter, on the other hand, is built for grown-ups. Thanks to the design that includes a central steering column, it looks more like something adults would ride whether commuting to work or heading around the corner for a last-minute bite at the local bodega.

It's great for both beginners and experienced riders alike because of the steering column. In essence, the design handles differently than typical hoverboards. You turn by squeezing your legs together and applying pressure to one side, which may be easier for new riders to understand. And thanks to the large set of 10.5-inch pneumatic tires, it rides smoothly no matter how many potholes you encounter. If you plan to commute, this hoverboard will be perfect, as it can cruise up to 13 miles on a single charge. But if you need something that can go the extra mile, the S-Plus model has a staggering 22-mile range.

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Onewheel

Top Speed: 20 mph | Range: 32 miles | Weight: 35 pounds | Max Load: 275 pounds

If you’re looking for the ultimate recreational riding experience, loon no further than the GT. Back in 2014, Onewheel pioneered a hoverboard with a unique singular wheel form taking after its namesake. Today, they continue to push the limits of one-wheel hoverboard technology with the introduction of the GT. As one of the most advanced hoverboards on the market, it's capable of reaching speeds up to 20 mph and going as far as 32 miles on a single charge. No other hoverboard on this list even comes close to such impressive figures.

Although riding the GT might appear akin to skateboarding, the experience really feels more like snowboarding. With one foot on either side of the central wheel, you lean in all four directions to accelerate, slow down and turn. This well-designed board features concave footpads with grip tape to help you stay put as you ride, and adjustable, 500-lumen headlights so you can ride safely at night. While the price tag is too high for many riders, this board is ideal for those who want to dive into the sport and ride regularly.

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Amazon

Top Speed: 7.5 mph | Range: 8.7 miles | Weight: 17.6 pounds | Max Load: 165 pounds

Most hoverboards are made for all ages (including this one), but just by looking at its design, you can tell the Tomoloo Hoverboard was built primarily for kids. The main reason: this thing is eye-catching and colorful.

While it's available in a conservative black, Tomoloo also sells a much more stylin’ cotton candy blue or bright pink. No matter which model you pick, this hoverboard has a ring of RGB LEDs embedded around the wheels and into the front and rear grills. It also has Bluetooth speakers to play music while you ride, leveling up the otherwise quiet experience.

Its maximum weight load is another cue of its kid-centric build. The Tomoloo Hoverboard can only accommodate up to 165 pounds, and it has a range of about 8 miles. But weighing in at less 18 pounds, it's also light enough for kids to carry around.

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Amazon

Top Speed: 8 mph | Range: 8 miles | Weight: 24 pounds | Max Load: 265 pounds

While the aforementioned Swagtron T6 technically supports a greater max load (up to 400 pounds), its high price tag is a deterrent and its off-road wheels, overkill. For that reason, we recommend the Hover-1 Titan for adults that require a little extra support from their hoverboard. Its 265-pound max capacity still accommodates most adults and a built-in Bluetooth speaker lets you crank up the tunes as you ride.

While the top speed and range are about average for the price, they still offer more than enough opportunity to explore nearby parks, run errands or enjoy nice weather on the go. This also makes for a great pick if you’re not big or tall but you still use a hoverboard to run errands around town.

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Walmart

Top Speed: 10 mph | Range: 9 miles | Weight: 22 pounds| Max Load: 260 pounds

Featuring a built-in Bluetooth speaker and LED lights along the hubs, platform and wheel covers, the Sisigad Hoverboard is a child's dream come true. While it technically supports up to 260 pounds, the smaller 6.5-inch wheels and beginner-friendly mode make it the perfect option for young adults looking to enjoy a hoverboard without the steep learning curve.

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Walmart

Top Speed: 7.5 mph | Range: 6 miles | Weight: 15 pounds a pair| Max Load: 220 pounds

Not everything that self-balances comes in the traditional form of a board with one wheel at each end. Segway's Ninebot Drift W1, for example, isn't a board, but a pair of self-balancing "hovershoes" that more closely resemble a pair of skates. Each shoe has a single wheel, and the riding experience is just what you’d expect: lean to accelerate, slow down and turn by shifting your weight in any given direction. The design is admittedly a bit harder to get the hang of than a standard board, but it looks distinctive and is ideal for people who would rather feel like they’re skating.

Each skate weighs 7.7 pounds, so they’re portable when you’re not riding and run for about 45 minutes on a single charge. Adults and kids alike can ride these thanks to a max load of about 220 pounds. Sadly, you won't find any Bluetooth speakers that would likely add a few style points, but you will find RGB LED lighting and a splash-proof IPX6 rating.

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As a leader in consumer technology reviews, we’ve researched, tested and written numerous stories of a similar breadth on the Forbes Vetted site. To assemble this catalog of the best hoverboards, we combed through firsthand reviews from both consumers and professional testers before recommending the models you see here. We also update this story regularly to ensure we’re providing you with helpful and accurate information that makes it easier to invest in a hoverboard. It was last updated in September 2022, but we recommend bookmarking this page and checking back for new recommendations.

With the exception of some rather oddball models (like Segway's Ninebot Drift W1 "hoverskates"), most hoverboards look similar from one model to the next, so you won't generally choose one based on aesthetics. Instead, here are a few criteria you should keep in mind when shopping the best hoverboards.

Safety first: Make sure any model you consider is UL-certified, which should ensure the battery and charging system is safe. Also consider the motor—the more powerful it is, the faster it’ll go, and the steeper an incline it should be able to handle. And if you’re shopping for a hoverboard for children, a powerful motor may be overkill.

Are you looking for a hoverboard for your kids or for yourself? While few hoverboards are specifically designed for kids or adults, you should pay attention to the max load when making your purchase. If you’re buying a hoverboard for an adult, you should look for one with a max load of at least 220 pounds. This will ensure it has enough power to support you without sacrificing performance or long-term reliability.

The maximum speed is the fastest a hoverboard can travel, when not fully loaded. Many hoverboards have an average top speed of approximately 7 miles per hour, but some, like the Onewheel GT, can go as fast as 20 miles per hour. More experienced riders will enjoy higher max speeds that allow you to rip around. But the faster you’re moving, the harder it is to learn, so beginners might consider an option with lower maximum speeds.

The range is the distance or run-time of the hoverboard, and it's important because a shorter range means more frequent charging. Some hoverboards specify how long the model will run (like an hour), while others estimate the distance you can go between charges, such as 5-7 miles. Depending on your intended use, you may want to look for one with a longer battery life or maximum range — especially if you plan on using it to commute.

While the weight of the hoverboard may not matter to some, it's especially important if you’ll be carrying it from one place to the next. This includes hauling it up a flight of stairs or into the office. Lightweight hoverboards clock in at around 17 pounds, but these models might skimp on features to shave weight, while heavier models often have better specs but can weigh in excess of 30 pounds.

A series of electric motors and sensors detect tilt angle to move the hoverboard in any given direction. When you tilt your body forward, a gyroscope sends a signal to a logic board that sends information to the motor, which then rotates the wheels and generates power. Shifting your bodyweight and tilting forward or backward will advance the board in any given direction.

Hoverboards are generally considered safe, but as with similar modes of transportation such as bikes, scooters or skateboards, you should wear protective gear to prevent unwanted injury.

Most of the best-selling hoverboards feature two modes that allow you to control the board's abilities—a "beginner" mode limits the top speed, allowing you to safely learn how to control the board, while an "advanced" mode removes the speed limitations for even more fun. Consider investing in a model with different modes if you’ve never used a hoverboard before.

Because hoverboards rely on large lithium-ion batteries for power, they run the risk of spontaneously combusting, which is why it's important to invest in models that are reviewed by third-party testers and receive high marks for quality and reliability.

Some hoverboard models are water resistant, but they are not waterproof. Generally speaking, you should avoid riding your hoverboard through water or exposing it to excess moisture. But if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain, look for hoverboards with an IP rating that indicates water resistance.

While there is no one "best hoverboard brand," many brands like Segway Ninebot, Razor and Onewheel are known for making high-quality hoverboards and self-balancing devices. These brands offer UL-certified hoverboards that adhere to safety standards.

Plenty of hoverboards are designed with beginners in mind. Beginner-friendly options, like the Razor Hovertrax 2.0, are easier to learn on thanks to dedicated training modes that limit top speeds and maneuverability. Keep an eye out for terms like "beginner" and "beginner-friendly" that ensure a safe, predictable ride.

Hoverboards range in price from $100 to over $2,000. In general, high-end options, like the Onewheel GT, will offer premium performance and a more enjoyable ride, especially if you’re looking to learn new skills along the way.

However, casual riders can find a balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point. If you’re looking for a mid-range hoverboard, you can expect to spend between $300 and $600 dollars. These hoverboards will have great battery life and additional features such as integrated Bluetooth speakers, off-road tires and a dedicated smartphone app.

If you’re on a budget, you can find plenty of quality hoverboards for between $100 and $300 that are equipped with the basics to get you moving.