Best Hoverboards 2022 – Top Self Balancing Scooters Compared

What do you make of a portable electric vehicle born as a science fiction? In fact, for the longest time hoverboards remained exactly that – fictional. Guinness World Records puts forth the following definition of a hoverboard: ‘an autonomously powered personal levitator’.

This grand idea of ‘levitation’ was born with the sci-fi flick ‘Back To The Future’ (back in the 1980s), where Michael J Fox could be seen riding a board powered with a means of magnetic levitation. This dream gadget never quite materialized in real life though, despite numerous attempts. Japanese automaker Lexus came the closest with its stylish hoverboard launched in 2015. It ‘levitated’ on a magnetic field powered by a superconductor (to put the complex physics rather simply), but could only ever work on magnetic tracks and held no commercial or personal value as such.

Hoverboards as we know them today – the kind endorsed by Justin Bieber and Wiz Khalifa – are a pretty recent invention. They were an instant hit when they arrived on Amazon in 2013. At first they exploded in popularity, and then they exploded (unfortunately) under riders’ feet due to cheap batteries that would overheat. A seemingly hazardous scooter that doesn’t actually hover yet continues to tempt riders world over – so what’s this mysterious vehicle all about?

What Is A Hoverboard?

You could call it a personal transportation platform. Or, as hoverboards are also known, an ‘electric hands-free scooter’. Alternately, they are also called ‘self-balancing scooters.’ In any case, since magnetic levitation is still a few decades away from becoming everyday reality, what we have today is a board powered by electric wheels.

A hoverboard is made up of two motorized wheels attached to two articulated pads for you to slide your feet into. Once you are on it, all you gotta do is lean forward and you are on your way. Speed is controlled by this forward-backward leaning motion, and directions through with a twist of the pads. Sounds straightforward enough, but to I’d suggest you practice in your own quarters before venturing with one into public spaces. This is because it takes some getting used to before you truly start to enjoy the ride. Kids, in particular, are very quick in picking up the skill of hoverboarding.

A good thing that resulted from those early fiery accidents was an increased prioritization of safety functions. All hoverboards (and other such e-mobility devices) worth buying today, adhere to safety certification requirements and, by the looks of it, have left fiasco days far behind.

Do You Even Need A Hoverboard?

Rideable technology has bloomed like psychedelic mushrooms in the last decade, and not in the least because of their neon color spectrum. In terms of electric rideables we’ve got more options than ever before. There are scooters and skateboards and hoverboards and dozens of crossover products in between. Why, then, should you go specifically for hoverboards?

Well, provided you aren’t located in a rugged terrain, a hoverboard is in fact easier to balance than you might imagine. And although the blue LEDs lighting up the patch of road in front might indicate otherwise, hoverboards are not just for kids. They are great for short-distance commutes, but even greater for rides that are fun with a capital F. Cosplayers and science fiction fans obviously consider hoverboards part of their essential gear, but there are also other, subtler reasons that distinguish hoverboards from other e-vehicles.

For instance, while motorized skateboards are faster and somewhat lighter, hoverboards look nattier and usually have a longer charge range. And whereas foldable electric scooters boast the largest miles range of all e-mobility devices, they are also heavier and costlier. Hoverboards are affordable, slower, and promise adventure of a different flavor.

How Should You Choose A Hoverboard?

It’s easy to fall for all that glitter – for the swanky shapes, designs and lights that hoverboards entice riders with. But it is important to take a long moment before you make the payment, to consider what your personal requirements are, and to find a hoverboard that fits them just right.

We all know that price is the best possible guiding factor in any shopping spree, but at least in this case, make sure you don’t fall for the cheap ones with low-quality battery packs that can put you in an embarrassing jeopardy on a busy street at best, and a hazardous fire at its worst! Below are the factors we suggest you keep in mind while choosing the best hoverboard:

Safety: This is one factor you don’t want to compromise on. Thankfully it’s pretty simple – just check for authentic UL2272 certification (and UL2271 if you care specifically for the hoverboard battery). The American firm Underwriters’ Laboratories specializes in testing of electrical systems such as personal mobility devices and their certification is considered standard for the safety of any hoverboard.

Speed: The need for speed is a strong one in all of us. However, this decision should depend upon your level of expertise (and age, since you don’t want your young one speeding on the roads). You might also want to see what speed is allowed in your neighborhood or usual route of commute. (NY, for instance, doesn’t allow over 15 mph)

Power: Your hoverboard’s motor power will determine how fast you can ride, especially uphill. Single motor will go, but dual motors, each of 250 watts minimum, would give you the kind of power that can make the hoverboard worthwhile even for longer distances.

Terrain: A lot of people tend to overlook this particular factor. The terrain you are going to be using the hoverboard on is extremely important, as it will directly affect your tire size (being a self-balancing scooter, the larger the tire the more rugged a terrain you can ride on). Regular hoverboards tend to work better on smooth surfaces and can be a bit slow to brake on potholes at times, so do consider your area of use carefully.

Battery: A durable battery – i.e. one that has a long life – is of course a requisite, but make sure you also check for speed to match, and the authenticity of the battery pack. Most importantly, your battery will directly affect another very important parameter to choose the hoverboard that’s best for you – the miles range, i.e. the number of miles it can go per charge. A minimum of 9 mph is recommended.

Weight: By weight I mean two things. First is the weight capacity of the hoverboard, of course – a decent one should be able to support 225 lbs, though this doesn’t matter if you are buying the hoverboard for a kid. Secondly, the weight of the hoverboard itself, as you don’t want to be lugging around a bulky device in case the battery runs out or you need to switch to public transport during your ride.

Build: The build quality is fundamental to any transportation device. A hoverboard constructed using sturdy tires, a solid frame and powerful motor will make sure your ride is safer and the device itself more durable. If it’s scratch-resistant and water-resistant, all the better.

Design: For a rider investing in something as futuristic as a hoverboard, design would be of equal importance. Some of you might find lights too garish, while some might dig the football-shaped hoverboard included below. The design factor is really an indulgent one, but make sure it doesn’t end up coming in the way of a smooth ride.

Ease of use: The maneuverability of a hoverboard will largely define your riding experience. A lot of the hoverboards are technically self-balancing ‘scooters’, but there are also variations included in our selection below – such as hovershoes, or the Segway with a knee bar – that should be considered depending upon your personal convenience and preference.

Customer support: Seems like a negligible factor, but it’s only a matter of a tiny problem until you go scrambling to contact them. You’d end up sparing yourself a whole lot of wasted time and impatience by ensuring that the hoverboard brand you invest in has prompt customer service ratings.

Best Hoverboards 2022

Using the above factors as a strict criteria, we tested dozens of models and brands before narrowing in on the 8 listed below. They cater to different kinds (ages, styles, uses) of riders in mind and intend to give a diverse, complete picture of the best hoverboards in the market. Read on for detailed analysis of each.

1. EpikGo Sport Plus – Best Hoverboard for Speed

We have no clue what EpikGo means when they say ‘live epically’ on their website, but what’s sure is that this Silicon Valley-based self-balancing scooter manufacturer has been holding its ground when it comes to e-mobility devices meant to work in multiple environments. We like most of their product line (the Classic and the Premiere are also real sturdy beauties), but the EpikGo Sports Series is genuinely epic as far as high-speed hoverboards go.

What makes it the perfect choice?

You are justified in raising an eyebrow at the price tag, but the most expensive hoverboard on our list is also among the fastest in the market. Although hoverboard technology still has a long way to go in terms of speed, the EpikGo Sport Plus rules the rooster with a top speed of 12 mph (sustainable for up to an hour, with a range of 12 miles per charge). And for this you can thank the 400W dual motors – powerful enough to climb an uphill incline of up to 30 degrees!

Inspired by race car wheels, the EpikGo Sport Plus’s 8.5-inch wheels have shallower, smoother treads for increased steering response, hence better maneuverability around turns, and much quicker acceleration. They are high-performance, IP56 water-resistant tires that provide good grip on most surfaces including grass, mud and sand. Moreover, anti-slip rubber footpads ensure a very comfortable riding experience.

Like all other EpikGo products, the EpikGo Sport Plus has also been subjected to and passed 159 tests adhering to safety regulations. You can finally put the fear of fire hazards to rest because it also comes equipped with a UL2271-certified LG Smart Battery meant to last. Go on, stream your fave tracks on the in-built 4.0 Bluetooth speaker while you go riding at a speed unbelievable for hoverboards.

Who is this for?

If your main aim in buying a hoverboard is to perform stunts or go off-roading at high speeds, then don’t think twice about EpikGo Sport Plus; it’ll deliver. At 33 lbs it’s a bit heavy to lug around in urban environments across public transports, but that’s the price you pay for high performance. Still, holds good for commuting around campus and your familiar backstreets.

2. Swagtron Swagboard T1 Pro – Best Value-for-Money Hoverboard

The reputed US-based manufacturer Swagtron is one of the better-known brands in the world of electrical mobility devices. Swagtron Swagboard T1 Pro (fondly called Swagtron T1) is amongst the most popular self-balancing scooters in Swagtron’s long list of innovative models introduced over the years, and this is because of its overall performance that never lets you down.

What makes it the perfect choice?

The T1 Pro scores high in terms of user experience; a quick search is enough to reveal dozens of positive reviews for Swagtron’s star hoverboard. The 250W motor might sound rather modest next to some of the swankier hoverboards in the market, but it gives a decent max speed of 8 mph, and the range is pretty good at 11 miles per charge. And you certainly shouldn’t underestimate its power, because the T1 Pro surprised up by climbing to 30 degrees uphill.

It comes with 6.5-inch hard rubber tires that offer stability, and a hard shell design that is claimed to be bump-resistant, flame-resistant and scratch-resistant. There are two riding modes depending upon your level of expertise – beginner and standard; LED front lights to show you the way and bright color options to choose from.

Coming to the most important aspect of any hoverboard, the Swagtron T1 Pro more than satisfies with its safety credentials. It is not only UL2272 certified for standard hoverboard safety regulations, but also has UL2271-certification for its patented SentryShield advanced battery management system – offering the rider protection against overheating, overcharging, short circuiting and overvoltage. Now that’s a plump feature package for under $300.

Who is this for?

If you are just about to buy the first hoverboard of your life and want to make a balanced choice, the Swagtron Swagboard T1 Pro is possibly the most recommended hoverboard you can invest in. It’s automatic safe-stop technology makes it the perfect choice for commuting in urban environments.

3. Gyroor Warrior – Best All-Terrain Hoverboard

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Amongst the Chinese company Gyroor’s highest-selling products is the Warrior – what they call the ‘All-terrain off-road Gyroor Rover Hoverboard’ (umm, I think we’ll stick to Gyroor Warrior so memory doesn’t go for a toss!). This one’s created for the sole purpose of satisfying your craving to ride on every kind of terrain.

What makes it the perfect choice?

Those of you who are more drawn towards electric skateboards should take a look at the Gyroor Warrior – it is proof that hoverboards can go where electric skateboards wouldn’t dream of. You can ride the Warrior on sidewalks and pavements with the same ease as you can on gravel and sand, and most importantly – on truly rugged terrain. Its dual 350W motors make uphill climbs a breeze; during our tests we could tackle up to 50-degree inclines, which makes it the best hoverboard for the highest climb capacity.

Gyroor Warrior has top speed of 10 mph and a range of 11 miles per charge, which is fab. Speed isn’t the Warrior’s main priority though; it focuses on performance across all terrains, and to support this it comes with shock-absorbent 8.5-inch solid rubber tires, and a strong aluminum frame that houses an impressively durable body. Reassuringly, the Gyroor Warrior is also UL2272-certified and is equipped with long-lasting battery.

To make this all-terrain hoverboard also all-weather, the Gyroor Warrior is IP54-certified water-resistant. LED lights will illuminate whatever path you choose, and the in-built Bluetooth speakers will make it an off-roading party on the move if you so like.

Who is this for?

Gyroor Warrior is obviously great for off-roading. Those of you who intend to use a hoverboard for riding to work as well as going for an adventurous ride in hill country over weekends should definitely consider this the best all-terrain hoverboard to invest in. The top speed can be adjusted via the app, making it safe even for kids to ride.

4. Segway Ninebot S – Best Hoverboard For Innovative Design

Segway needs no introduction. It is the brainchild of award-winning American engineer-inventor Dean Kamen, who’s also credited with inventing the iBOT mobility system. Segway has a very attractive product line of electric scooters, of which we like the Segway Ninebot S the most. If you’re a hoverboard fan you’ve probably heard of Ninebot S’s predecessor MiniPro, which did extremely well and cost a good $300 more. Ninebot S gives a near-identical level of performance at a more affordable price.

What makes it the perfect choice?

Segway’s USP is its innovative design that never fails to surprise us. Segway Ninebot S is no less – it has a unique knee control bar (also known as steering column) in the middle to change direction with; it also helps you maintain your balance better. It is adjustable (to an extent; taller riders might want to try it first) and detachable for easy storage.

The Ninebot S is a powerful machine in many ways. The dual 800W motors are a whopper when combined with an aviation-grade magnesium-alloy frame and 10.5-inch anti-skid pneumatic tires that will take you on a comfy ride on pretty much any terrain type. The climb capacity is a tad disappointing – a max of a 15-degree incline – but you can ride at a top speed of 10 mph, and here’s the best part about the Segway Ninebot S – the highest range of all the brands on our list at 13.7 miles per charge.

In terms of safety the Segway Ninebot S comes with solid specs – IP54-certified water-resistance, UL2272 certification for standard safety regulations and a smart battery that keeps going without a worry. LED front and tail lights would make night rides more convenient and, what’s more, the Segway app has the anti-theft and self-diagnose functions we very much approve of.

And that’s not even all guys, here’s the icing on the cake: Segway Ninebot S can be converted into a fully-functional Gokart ‘Transformer’ – capable of speeds up to 15 mph – with the Ninebot Gokart Kit that you can buy separately. Now that’s what I call a cool investment in a pair of wheels (hovering or not!).

Who is this for?

Segway’s website says this on its landing page – ‘Ninebot S: For the young and adventurous’. I’d go a step ahead and say it’s a good buy for any adventurous age! It’s a no-brainer for those riders who are craving a machine to go off-road shredding with, or those who want to indulge in the sheer fun of hoverboarding. That aside, it’s good enough for commuting as well (provided you don’t need to lug it across public transport, because that can get tedious after a while), and a wise buy for kids as the top speed can be adjusted.

5. Tomoloo Hoverboard – Best Hoverboard for Kids

Design is a highly subjective term. My personal experience with kids tell me that ‘sleekness’ is not what they are looking for; what makes them grin with joy is a robust combo of brightly colored lights. Most of the Chinese manufacturer Tomoloo’s product line is targeted at kids – hence twinkling like disco orbs – and has a consistent price range ‘hovering’ around $200. For the sake of specific specs, in this review we focus on Tomoloo Q2-C, but most of it holds true for all Tomoloo hoverboards.

What makes it the perfect choice?

What makes Tomoloo hoverboards a good buy for kids is that they are highly customizable and safe mobility devices. This being more than a toy, something your child’s safety depends on, our main focus in choosing this was safety. Towards that end all Tomoloo hoverboards are U2272-certified as per standard regulations. The Tomoloo Q2-C comes with a fire-resistant case, waterproof cap and IPX4 water-resistance (though I wouldn’t recommend taking it out on an all-out rainy day). Also, it is powered by an explosion-proof battery calibrated to withstand high temperatures, overcharge, short-circuiting and other fiery hazards.

The Tomoloo hoverboard has 6.5-inch tires and anti-slip footpads for better grip and maneuverability. Supporting a max weight of 165 lbs, the top speed of the Q2-C is 7.4 mph and has a range of up to 6.5 miles per charge. The fact that it has a maximum turning radius of 10 degrees, and can climb an incline of up to 15 degrees, means your kid will still be operating under safe conditions while out riding for kicks. You can also adjust the top speed, so that’s an extra safety measure.

Speaking of customization, the app is extremely convenient in letting you turn on lights synchronized with music blaring from the in-built Bluetooth speaker on stereo sound. Kids would be delighted by the adjustable LED light colors, patterns (5 of them) and brightness.

Who is this for?

The Tomoloo Hoverboard is, from every angle, designed and built for kids. Provided even your teenaged daughter or son is under 165 lbs, this hoverboard will satisfy in terms of entertainment factor and safety – all at an affordable price.

6. XPRIT 6.5” – Best Budget Hoverboard

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Another hoverboard option for kids, and possibly the best at just under $100, is the XPRIT 6.5-inch hoverboard. It’s a straightforward and functional hoverboard that fulfils the safety basics and allows the young ones to rough it up as they learn to ride.

What makes it the perfect choice?

Compared to the glitzier hoverboards on this list, the XPRIT 6.5” might seem rather modest, but then that is exactly what you need as a beginner. It has a slightly different design in the shape of a flat board, and is powered by dual 300W motors that give a maximum speed of 7 mph. The mileage could’ve been better – 70 minutes or 3-6 miles per charge – but then you probably don’t want your child wandering too far. Plus it suffices for joyrides. The XPRIT 6.5” comes with UL2272 certification, so your safety grounds are well covered.

Who is this for?

If you are looking for a budget buy, especially for kids, the XPRIT hoverboard is a great option to kickstart hoverboarding as a hobby. Ideal for beginners.

7. Segway Drift W1 – Best Hovershoes for E-Skating

Looking for something quirky? More stylish? Something that pushes the boundaries of design and tests your skill to balance on wheels? Segway, as can be expected, has an electric mobility device exactly for that purpose. Somewhere between roller skates and hoverboards are, what Segway calls, ‘Hovershoes’. When Segway Drift W1 was launched in 2018, the Wall Street Journal credited a new buzzword to the device: ‘micro-mobility’. They are the world’s first e-skates; very space-y, very fun, and not half as dangerous as you might suspect.

What makes it the perfect choice?

Not that hoverboards are old news, but Segway has taken things to the next level with Drift W1 – basically by splitting the ‘traditional’ hoverboard design into two separate skates using the same self-balancing technology. They are more stable than they look, and if you’ve ever enjoyed skating, the Drift W1 will make for a very interesting upgrade.

Segway Drift W1 is powered with a 200W hub motor that will give you a top speed of 7.5 mph (you probably don’t want those things zipping too fast!). The miles range is low, lasting all of 45 minutes per charge, and the climb capacity feels lacking at just 10 degrees of incline, but on a flat ground you are assured of 45 minutes of pure fun.

With each e-skate weighing little less than 8 lbs, Segway Drift W1 is amongst the lightest e-mobility devices you could hope for. The spindle-shaped tread design on sturdy rubber tires enable more flexible steering, and slip-resistant pads make the ride smoother. The body is lightweight, made of durable material – one-piece magnesium alloy – and comes with 10-mm silicone bumpers for protection against scratches and bumps.

The flame-resistant polycarbonate shell makes it a typically safe Segway product. Comes with standard UL2272 certification, Smart Battery management system, IPX6 splash-proof rating and IP54-rated water-resistance. The feature to charge both shoes at once with the split-charging cable is convenient, and there’s customizable RGB lighting to top it all off (nothing too conspicuous!).

Who is this for?

Segway Drift W1 are a good choice for advanced riders, the adventurous at heart, and skaters who might want to try something new. Best suited for riding on hard and flat surfaces though; you won’t get very far off-roading on them.

8. Hiboy A5 Football – Most Eye-Catching Hoverboard

The Hiboy A5 Football deserves a quick mention for its eye-catching design. The sheer novelty of owing a football-shaped, one-wheeled rideable device is what makes it worthy of being our list of best hoverboards this year.

What makes it the perfect choice?

First of all, please know that anyone who looks your way is going to a double take. If you enjoy that kind of attention, the Hiboy A5 Football is a treat. But where’s the tire exactly, you may ask? Well, the football IS the tire! A wide one made of non-inflatable solid rubber, so you can expect a stable ride with a good grip on the surface.

The Hiboy A5 Football is powered with 350W motor, mustering a top speed of 7 mph. The range is a bit disappointing at 6-9 miles per charge, but overall it is amazing that such an absurd looking thing can even do that much! It scores good points on portability, weighing less than 20 pounds and extremely compact to carry around, but we could not find any mention of a UL2272 certification for safety standards, so you might want to check that out before you buy.

Who is this for?

For football lovers, undoubtedly! Existing unicycle users might be interested too.

Which Is The Best Hoverboard In 2022?

Each rider would have a different expertise level, different terrain to ride on, different purpose and weight specifications to consider before choosing a hoverboard to invest in. We’ve covered a whole variety of hoverboards above, hopefully something for each of you. The main thing to ensure is safety, beyond that it’s a matter of your budget as most hoverboards today are packed with amazing features. Just remember to wear appropriate safety gear including helmets and knee pads. Happy hoverboarding!

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Last update on 2022-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API