The 10 Best Hoverboards And Self-Balancing Scooters For Kids And Adults (2023)

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.

Pros:

• Highest max load on the list
• Powerful motors and durable design
• Inflatable tires take on uneven, varied terrain

Cons:

• Air-filled tires are more prone to flats
• Heavy weight makes it hard to carry for some users

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.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Budget friendly

Cons:

• Not ideal for heavier riders
• Incredibly limited range of approximately 3 miles

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.

Pros:

• Affordable model suited for beginners and experienced riders
• Removable battery to easily continue riding
• Training and normal ride modes

Cons:

• Smaller max load
• Short ride time even considering the battery pack

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.

Pros:

• Large tires create a smooth ride from asphalt to dirt
• UL 2272 Certified battery system
• Climbs up to 18-degree slopes

Cons:

• Tire tread makes small bumps more noticeable at slow speeds

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, theS-Plus model has a staggering 22-mile range.

Pros:

• Integrated headlight for nighttime riding
• Max load should accommodate most riders
• Great for hilly cities — climbs slopes up to 15 degrees

Cons:

• Relatively heavy
• Doesn’t have the same riding feel as a classic hoverboard

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.

Pros:

• Impressive range and max speed
• Bright headlights with a high-beam option
• Phone app lets you control the board with ease

Cons:

• Really pricey with features that are overkill for casual riders

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.

Pros:

• Fun, colorful design for kids
• Great sound and easy to control with a smartphone
• Easy to ride for beginners

Cons:

• Although it is IPX4 water-resistant, reviewers claim it does not work on wet pavement
• Range is limited, so you’ll have to charge the battery often

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.

Pros:

• Max weight capacity of 265 pounds
• Built-in Bluetooth speaker
• Compatible app monitors range, battery life and motor strain

Cons:

• Average range and top speed

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.

Pros:

• Affordable
• LED light array
• Beginner-friendly

Cons:

• Some users report battery drain over time

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.

Pros:

• Unique riding experience
• Very compact
• Higher max load than some hoverboards

Cons:

• Short range means frequent charging