Are you looking to find a hoverboard for your kids? Wondering which hoverboard is best for your child and want to make sure you are choosing a hoverboard that is both safe and fun all at the same time? Well, you have come to the right place!
In this review of the top hoverboards for kids, we have looked at dozens of hoverboards that are rated as the best on various sites like; Razor, Segway, Amazon, Walmart, Goatrax and the hoverboard specialists Swagtron to find you what we consider to be the best hoverboard for kids in 2018.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hoverboards to choose from, so we decided only the pick brands that are well established and reputable. These days there are a lot of sellers on various sites who are rebranding well-established hoverboard brands as their own, just with new labels and branding logos, which can cause some concern. However, without a valid amount of happy buyers with good reviews it can be hit or miss, so to avoid you getting anything sub-standard we made the decision to avoid the unfamiliar and stick with kids hoverboards that are well known and have fantastic reviews!
Best Hoverboard For Kids Review
Segway MiniPro – Self Balancing Transporter
Segway self balancing hoverboards are well established and a recognizable brand of hoverboard. The Segway MiniPro is one of the best hoverboards for kids currently on the market. This easy to ride hoverboard is lightweight, portable and secure, with safety app-enabled features, and is comfortable to ride for hours at a time!
MiniPro’s have loads of features and are app-enabled to make riding safe and fun for kids. The app connects to your phone via Bluetooth and unlocks anti-theft features for protecting your hoverboard whilst your kids are away from it. The hoverboard alarm will activate making a beeping sound and send a message to your phone to alert you and will also shake at the same time. The app also unlocks new speed control features, like the first 0.6 miles beginner mode, which will be unlocked once the distance is covered. The hoverboard app allows you to customize the lights, keep updated with firmware and hoverboard diagnostics. Always connect to the internet before starting to ride for all necessary updates and feature unlocks!
The Segway MiniPro is UL 2272 certifiably verified and meets all regulatory standards making this a safe kid hoverboard. The MiniPro typically comes with a 1 year warranty and 180 days for the battery and charger. This may vary so also check with sellers.
The hoverboard battery is lithium and something to note for taking this on flights is; it won’t be allowed on due to the potential fire hazard risk it presents. The Segway charges using 100V to 240V and will give around 14 miles on a full charge. The 800 watt motor is powerful and is designed to handle most obstacles and maintain stability on various terrain. Note – you should get around 1500 recharges before the battery will need to be replaced. The cost of a new battery is around $200 to $300. All parts are replaceable with the MiniPro. To replace a tire is around $20 to $40 and rarely will either of these need done, but know that each part can be replaced.
The top speed of the Segway MiniPro is 10 miles per hour with a 14 mile range per charge. This will vary depending on the surface it is on. This hoverboard can handle up to 15 degree inclines and declines allegedly, depending on the surface. The overall range per charge will vary on the surface type and weight of the user. Loose types of terrain and surfaces will reduce traction and will significantly reduce the maneuverability. To maintain a steady speed you will need a smooth surface and for times when your kid is at max speed and going down a hill, the hoverboard will lean the rider backward to reduce the likelihood of falling forward.
Sharper Image – Certified Hoverboard
The Sharper Image hoverboard is ideal for novice riders, as it features a learning mode. This means it travels at a lower top speed and turns more slowly. It’s easy to change into the expert mode one you’ve mastered how to ride it – simply press the button once for expert mode and twice for novice mode. There’s also an in-built electric gyroscope which helps to keep the rider upright, making staying in balance a bit easier.
The electric hoverboard comes in a choice of colors – matte black, glossy white or chrome. It lasts for hours on a single charge, and can travel a distance of around 15 miles before needing recharged. The minimum rider weight is around 50 pounds, and the maximum is 220 pounds. This is great because it means mom and dad can have playing around on it too!
The UL certified hoverboard is fully safety tested – it has passed electrical and fire safety tests which hoverboards are required to undertake. The included AC charger has also passed similar tests, giving parents peace of mind about the safety of their child’s new vehicle. The blue lights on the front of the self balancing scooter are a nice touch, and make it look even cooler when riding at night!
The Sharper Image hoverboard can travel in both forwards and reverse, as well as turning left and right and rotating a full 360 degrees. The only disadvantage of this product is that it is a little heavy for younger children, so they will probably need help carrying it.
Auto Balancing Hoverboard by MOZZIE
This Hoverboard scooter has some amazing features sure to impress children and parents alike. It comes with high-quality speakers built in, which offer great sound as you ride. The hoverboard Bluetooth can be connected to a phone like any normal Bluetooth device for easy operation. The speakers are located in such a way that gives a louder and better sound than other hoverboards with speakers.
The Mozzie hoverboard has LED head and tail lights, giving better visibility when riding at night. They also look great and are sure to make your kids the coolest on the street! By downloading the compatible app, kids can customize the color and pattern of the lights. They can even move in time to the music being played or follow the steering. The app can also be used to change the handling of the board as well as viewing statistics about its performance.
The balance scooter has durable 8 inch wheels, which handle well on a variety of different terrains. The board is also automatically self-balancing, so kids can relax and enjoy the ride rather that worrying about struggling to keep balanced. The platform has handles flawlessly integrated into the design, meaning it is easy to carry around and still looks great.
The Mozzie hoverboard comes in a varied choice of colors, including black, blue and red, all of which look equally great. The wheels automatically lock when the rider is mounting or dismounting, making it much easier to get on without worrying about falling. The board has a range of around 10 miles on a single charge, although this will vary depending on the conditions it is used under.
EPIKGO Self Balancing Hoverboard – UL2272 Certified
The Epikgo hoverboard is ideal for teenagers, and is recommended for those over the age of 13 years old. The foot space is 30% bigger than most other hoverboards on the market, making it perfect for older riders who need the extra space. It has 400W dual motors which offer more speed, power and better acceleration. The wheels are also 30% larger and have a multi-terrain design. This gives the hoverboard the ability to travel over grit, dirt and grass and it can even handle small amounts of water such as puddles.
The smart hoverboard can be used on slopes of up to 18 degrees, meaning it can go where no hoverboard has ever gone before. It still meets UL 2272 certification standards, so there is no chance of fire or electrical hazards. On a single charge, the hoverboard can travel a distance of 10 miles, or 1 hour of continuous usage. However, it can be fully charged in as little as 2 hours, meaning teens won’t have to wait long before they can be out riding again.
The Epikgo hoverboard is capable of carrying well over 200 pounds, so it can by used by just about anyone. The board itself weighs just over 30 pounds, so it’s a little on the heavy side but shouldn’t be a problem for older children to lift. The off road hoverboard is twice as powerful as its leading competitor. It comes at a slightly higher price point than some other products but it is well worth the money for the impressive features it has.
Swagtron T580 – Hoverboard with Bluetooth
The Swagtron hoverboard has a range of different modes and features which make it a great choice for just about anyone. It can be used to carry riders ranging in weight from 44 to 220 pounds, so it’s ideal for younger riders as well as teenagers and even adults. The top speed of the hoverboard is 7.5 mph, which is great for kids who have already mastered how to control it at lower speeds.
The Swagtron T580 can handle inclines of up to 30 degrees thanks to the 150W dual motors. On a single charge, the Swagtron can cover a range of up to 8 miles depending on conditions. The 6.5 inch hard rubber tires and very durable, and offer a smooth and comfortable ride. The board weighs only 20 pounds, meaning it’s ideal for younger children as they will be able to carry it easily. It is also splash proof, so riding through puddles is no problem.
Like most hoverboards for sale, this one meets current UL certification standards, meaning there is no risk of it catching fire or developing an electrical fault. The hoverboard Bluetooth can be connected to a cell phone where you can change modes, check the battery level and access a map to ensure you don’t get lost. Being able to check the battery is a very useful feature, as it means you don’t have to get stuck too far from home and have to carry the hoverboard back!
Swagtron manufacture some of the top rated hoverboards and they are known for having great speakers. The T580 also has this feature – play any music you choose by pairing the hoverboard with a cell phone via Bluetooth. The hoverboard charges in as littler as 90 minutes, meaning you don’t have to wait long in between uses. It comes with both a learning mode and a standard mode, meaning it is the perfect choice for beginner riders.
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard
The Razor Hovertrax has some great features which are sure to be appreciated by riders of all ages and abilities. It can reach a top speed of 6 mph and can travel for up to 2 hours continuously on a single charge. The Hovertrax 2.0 offers excellent stability, by reacting to the rider’s every move.
The Razor hoverboard features silent dual hub motors, which gives a more authentic ‘hovering’ experience. It comes with a powerful 36V rechargeable lithium battery, which is fully UL approved. The hoverboard immediately starts to self-balance when it is powered on, making it easy for novice riders to get on and start using it straight away.
The Razor Hovertrax 2.0 can handle inclines if the surface is smooth. It takes a bit of practice to ride up and down a slope but after a while, it’s possible to do so without noticing a change in speed. It can be ridden quite well on grass providing it’s not too long, but on surfaces such as gravel it does not handle as well. The hoverboard has a maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds, so it can be used well into the teenage years and perhaps even adulthood. The Hovertrax hoverboard looks really stylish too – the bright red color has a lot of appeal, and the LED lights on the front really finish off the look.
Hoverboard for Kids Buyer’s Guide and FAQ’s
How Much do Kids Hoverboards Cost?
The price of a hoverboard can often be one of the most important questions for people buying one. There is a wide range of hoverboard prices, from $179 to $999 but most are around $200 – $300. The prices vary depending on the features and functionality. Some hoverboards are more expensive due to the off-road features, which usually come with a higher price tag. What we find with the higher priced hoverboards is that most buyers tend to be disappointed with the functionality and that the higher price didn’t reflect the value after trying the hoverboard out, so sometimes picking a cheaper priced hoverboard might be a good decision, especially if you want to get maximum value per dollar spent.
Things to Avoid When Buying a Hoverboard for your Kid
As previously mentioned there are things to avoid when considering buying a hoverboard. Firstly, make sure you are not buying from non-reputable manufacturers. Each hoverboard should have a UL certificate to ensure the manufacturing safety. There has recently been a newly introduced certification process which should also stop hoverboards from exploding, which has happened in some rare cases.
Is it Legal to be Riding a Hoverboard in my State?
This might be a tricky question to answer without looking into the legalities of the state or country you are in. For examples, there are states in the USA that do not allow the use of hoverboards to driven on and a fine will ensue if someone is caught riding one. While on the contrary other states of America like California have legalized the use of hoverboards. Do be sure to check local laws and regulations before purchasing so as not to end up with disappointed children.
What is the Ideal Age for Kids to Begin Learning to Ride a Hoverboard?
The right age for a kid to begin riding a hoverboard can be a tricky question to answer. Some kids as early as 5 to 6 years old have been seen riding flawlessly and with precision.
It’s always best to follow the recommended age from the manufacturers guidelines because this is a moving vehicle and some can go fast and might be dangerous if in the hands of a kid who hasn’t learned to know their own capability.
Some parents wonder how they can help their kids learn to use their new hoverboard. They want their kid to begin to become more confident without the need for supervision. I would recommend using the hoverboard with your child as much as possible and making the learning experience easier with constant supervision, especially at the beginning stages of learning to ride. Check out this helpful YouTube tutorial on how to ride tips.
How Much Should a Child Weigh Before Getting a Hoverboard?
How much weight can you put on a hoverboard is frequently asked question and is there a minimum or max weight for riding a hoverboard? The answer is yes, each hoverboard has a maximum weight capacity, but not a all have a minimum weight, always check product description. The typical range of the maximum load for a hoverboard is around 120 lbs to 330 lbs, which is 55 kg to 150 kg. Goatrax hoverboard may differ from other brands in weight capacity.
Where Can you Find out how Much Weight a Hoverboard can Handle?
This is usually on the packaging and always check the seller’s product information before making a purchase. Some sellers do not always make this clear but feel free to message them to get exact figures and weight capacities.
How Safe is a Hoverboard for my Child?
Are Hoverboards safe for my kid? Some parents want to know if a hoverboard is OK to use and safe for kids to ride. Well, this is another tricky question to answer. Some kids are prone to falling, stumbling and bumping into things, if this is your child, then maybe a hoverboard isn’t ideal for them. However, there are some safer hoverboards with parental controls to allow speed monitoring, so the hoverboard cannot go too fast in the early stages of learning to ride.
Latest News on do Hoverboards Catch Fire?
You might have heard that some hoverboards are being recalled due to the risk of them catching fire. This is true some hoverboards exploded and caught fire, which caused shock in the hoverboard community and got parents freaking out! There were over half a million hoverboards that got recalled due to the risk of them potentially catching fire. The consumer product safety commission intervened and made a comment that ones that were not recalled should be thrown away as well, due to the danger they potentially posed. This has been resolved and now CPCS say it is now safe to buy hoverboards again.
Can you Leave Hoverboards Plugged in Overnight?
It is not recommended to leave a hoverboard plugged in overnight. Leaving a hoverboard on overnight can increase the risk and chances of something going wrong electrically. In the long term, leaving it on overnight will wear away at the battery and cause it to hold less charge over time. The ideal max time to leave a hoverboard on after fully charged is 1 to 2 hours and not more. For those wanting to leave on overnight after a days use it’s recommended to get a timer to automatically stop charging once finished.
What Happens when the Hoverboards Run out of Battery?
There is always a warning on the hoverboard letting you know that the battery is running out. When the battery does run out you will need to take it to the hoverboard charger to re-charge. Yes, this means picking it up and carrying it to wherever the charger is. However, you can buy a portable hoverboard power bank so you can charge on the go.
What Happens if My Hoverboard Battery Dies?
Sometimes you might have to replace a hoverboards battery. Here is YouTube video on how to replace a hoverboard battery if you need some help to figure what it involves. The process doesn’t take long and you can buy replacement batteries online at places like Amazon. Different brands are easier to replace and the more reputable ones will usually have more guides on replacing batteries. Make sure to check your hoverboards warranty and if it becomes faulty ask for a replacement hoverboard.
Should Hoverboards be Used on Surfaces Other Than Pavement and Sidewalks?
There are different types of hoverboards for different terrain. Some can be used for off-road use and others are strictly for sidewalks. Some people can be seen using hoverboards on all different types of surfaces, from grass to gravel. Make sure to buy an off-road hoverboard if that’s what you think your child is likely to be using it for. Off-road hoverboards are usually more expensive but come with 4×4 wheels, better shock absorption and a longer battery life.
How Many Hours does a Hoverboard Typically Last for?
The typical battery life of a hoverboard is up to 2 to 3 hours of riding time before it needs to be recharged. The amount of speed used and distance covered will determine how long the battery lasts, but with constant use, 2 to 3 hours ride time can be expected from a quality hoverboard. There are some hoverboards that last for as little as 1 hours ride time and might not be ideal if you want to get your kid outdoors riding their hoverboard for a few hours at a time.
Should my Child Wear Safety Gear While out Riding?
Children should always wear safety gear to protect themselves when riding. Using safety gear while riding a hoverboard will ensure they don’t have any critical injuries whilst learning to ride their new hoverboard. When children wear helmets, knee pads and elbow pads there reduce the likelihood of any broken bones or serious injuries.
Should Adult’s Hoverboards be Used by a Kid?
Using a hoverboard can be dangerous and children are not meant to ride an adults hoverboard. However, that does not mean that kids all over the world are not using large hoverboards. Kids at a very young age can learn to ride, but I would not advise any parent to allow their child to potentially be in danger. This really is a matter for the parent to decide on a case by case basis.
What is the Hoverboard UL 2272 Certification?
There are a lot of hoverboards with UL 2272 advertised alongside the brand name. This is to show you that this is a verified product which meets regulatory standards. This standard shows consumers that this is a safe hoverboard to buy and is approved as safe for kids to use. The UL 2272 is a thorough test to examine all the components of the hoverboard to make sure it is electronically safe and there is no risk of it catching fire.
The Hoverboard Age Range Guide
There are different hoverboard age recommendations and below are some of the main age groups of which are common both in terms of demand and retailers selling.
Hoverboards for 8 year olds and under
Most children aged 8 years old want a hoverboard, but most manufacturers recommend that children under 8 years old don’t ride them. However, if both you and your child’s heart is set on getting one then trying to find a smaller hoverboard would be a good approach. There are smaller hoverboards with 6.5 inch wheels which might be ideal for them to learn to ride their new toy. For young children, I would always want to make sure you get something that is safe to ride and has speed restrictions. Some hoverboards go really fast and other less so. Make sure to pick a hoverboard that goes under 5 mph for younger children.
Hoverboards for 9 to 11 year olds
Kids aged 9 are beginning to be recognized as capable to ride hoverboards due to their age range and physical capabilities. Children at this stage should still not be allowed the advanced hoverboards which reach fast speeds but something intermediate around 8 to 10 miles per hour is ideal. Kids at 10 years old want nothing more than to ride fast, but in my experience, this is not a sensible idea. Make sure to restrict the speed and monitor their development before you allow them to ride at top speeds.
Hoverboards for 12 year olds and teens
When you begin looking to buy a hoverboard for a 12 year old kid you have loads of options and there is no real restrictions on purchasing one. There are various types with all types of speeds, but again make sure you keep a close watch at their early stages of learning to ride a hoverboard. Some hoverboards can go 25 mph and above, so make sure you check what the highest speed is, because it can become dangerous at these speed ranges.
What Hoverboard Accessories are Available?
There are loads of cool accessories for hoverboards available to get as add-ons for those wanting to get something really special with all the latest gadgets to go with the hoverboard. The hoverboard Hoverkart is an attachment that can be used alongside the hoverboard to act like a kart, which is pushed by the power of the hoverboard. This is safer than standing up and for some kids is a nice introduction to high-speed moving objects.
Make sure to pick up a waterproof hoverboard bag , which will come in handy when you kid is caught out in the rain whilst riding. Another accessory is a helmet and something that should definitely be bought when your kid is first introduced to the hoverboard. As mentioned above, knee and elbow pads are also a good idea, particularly for beginners.
