12 Best Hoverboards for Sale 2020 – Hoverboard Reviews

Here’s the deal:

Hoverboards are an absolute blast!

But:

The industry has grown rapidly in recent years and with so many boards on the market, it can be a real challenge to choose.

This guide is designed to help you  remove all the clutter and find your perfect self balancing scooter .

Short on time? Check out our quick list below!

Quick List of the Top 7 Hoverboards in the US

1. Best Buy 2020: Hover-1 H1 Self Balancing Scooter
2. Best Offroad Self Balancing Scooter: Gyroor Offroad Hoverboard with Bluetooth
3. Runner Up, Best Offroad Choice: Gotrax SRX PRO All Terrain Hoverboard 8.5″
4. Best Budget Choice: SISIGAD Self Balancing Scooter with Bluetooth and LED lights
5. Most Fun for Kids: TOMOLOO Hoverboard with Rhythmic LED Lights and Bluetooth
6. Best Cheap Hoverboard for Kids: Gotrax SRX MINI Hoverboard for kids 6.5″
7. Most Comfortable Hoverboard: Segway Ninebot S

Hoverboards 101: What to Look For When Buying a Hoverboard

We’ve compiled  a list of the 5 most important aspects that you should keep your eye on .

Range

How far can you travel on the hoverboard on one battery charge? The further the hoverboard can travel, the better. This also corresponds with how often you will need to re-charge your self balancing scooter. If you need to travel lengthy distances, this is an important aspect for you.

Speed

How fast can the hoverboard travel? Top speed (miles per hour) is very important to all those fun-lovers and adrenaline junkies.

Safety

After a large amount of media attention, safety has become one of the most important aspects when comparing hoverboards. Self balancing scooters now have to pass strict tests before being sold. Those that pass the most stringent tests are UL2272 certified.

The 12 Best Hoverboards of 2020

Below you will find the 12 hoverboard reviews we have selected as contenders in 2020.

The five important aspects are listed for each hoverboard so that you can quickly and easily find the best one for you.

Top All Round Choice 2020 – SWAGTRON T1

Range

12 miles

Speed

8mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The SWAGTRON T1 has been designed with safety as a top priority and aims to rid the hoverboard of the fire-hazard label that cheap alternatives have been given.

The SWAGTRON T1 is also very affordable and was developed by Swagway, the same people who developed the Swagway X1.

The SWAGTRON T1 was actually the first traditional hoverboard to receive UL 2272 certification.

That certificate is only earned by products that have gone through and passed extremely difficult tests under the supervision of Underwriter Laboratories. One such test being a battery crush test under the load of 10 tons.

Improved Safety

The T1 utilizes a “SentryShield” chamber that SWAGTRON has patented. This is an aluminum, air-tight battery chamber that results in added security.

The foot platform features enhanced grip and improves comfort and security.

Additionally, the T1 features a Smart Battery Management System (BMS). This system oversees and regulates all aspects of battery performance such as temperature fluctuations, overcharging or short-circuiting.

Learning Mode

The T1 also has a gear-stabilization system, enhanced downhill grip and a much stronger motor.  The ‘learning mode’ is brilliant for first-time riders , helping you to walk before you run.

Safe Stop Technology

The T1 also has Safe Stop Technology which ensures rider safety when the battery is critically low. A beep signal is produced by the unit to warn riders that the battery is becoming depleted and the hoverboard will automatically reduce traveling speed to make stopping less dangerous when there is no charge left.

This hoverboard has a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs and a minimum user weight limit of 44 lbs.

It has a battery indicator, and to fully charge the battery takes about 1 hour.

The T1 has bright LED headlights and is capable of  hill-climbing, maxing out at about a 300 gradient .

Best Choice with Knee Control Bar – Segway miniPRO

Range

12.5 miles

Speed

10 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The Segway MiniPRO is the next big step in the industry of 2-wheeled, self balancing scooters.

The Segway MiniPRO is also commonly called the Ninebot and has been developed with ‘state-of-the-art’ technology, including  on-board precision sensors, capable of automatically reacting to riders’ movements .

Knee-Control Bar

The MiniPRO is different from other hoverboards in that it utilizes a knee-control bar. This means you can steer it with great precision by pressing left or right on the knee bar. The bar can be adjusted from the height of 2ft to 3ft.

The foot platform has 2 shock-absorbing rubber mats. Between the user’s feet, there’s a power button and a small screen which shows the unit’s battery life.

This self balancing scooter has  impressive range, lots of safety features and a respectable top speed .

App

The Segway MiniPRO also has an accompanying app which users can download to their phone or device.  The app is compatible with iOS 7.0 or Android 4.3 and higher.

Once you have paired the app with your MiniPRO, using Bluetooth, you will be able to access a performance dashboard, set specific speed limits and monitor your hoverboards stats

Anti-Theft Mode

When you enable this, an alarm will be armed on the board and on your phone or device. When the unit is in this state, any tampering or moving of the unit will set off the alarm whereby your phone will vibrate and the unit, itself, will sound an alarm and even tilt over.

Charging this unit can take up to 4 hours, but this is dependant on how depleted the battery is. On a full charge the unit is  capable of an incredible 12.5-mile range .

The Segway MiniPro is capable of a top speed of about 10 mph and can climb a slope of up to 15 degrees.

Thanks to advanced suspension and air-inflated tires, this hoverboard can traverse almost any terrain, including grass, sand or mud.

Air Filled Tires

Another aspect that sets this unit apart from others is the  air-filled tires which give a far smoother, bump-free ride  compared to the solid tires found on cheaper hoverboards.

The MiniPRO is fitted with LED lights that are fully customizable. The lights are fully automatic, keeping riders visible to others while providing a head light to aid navigation.

Great Range – Razor Hovertrax 2.0

Range

15 miles

Speed

10 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The Razor Hovertrax 2.0 is the upgraded version of Razor’s first model which lacked in some respects.

The Hovertrax 2.0 came out beautifully, featuring a futuristic design and now competes with the SWAGTRON T1 for rider votes.

Change Batteries on the Spot

One of the main features that sets this hoverboard apart from others is the ability to interchange batteries on the spot.

This means that when you see the battery level indicator getting low, you can  simply pull out a spare battery from your backpack and replace the depleted one in your hoverboard . No need to stop and charge!

One great way of utilizing this system is by always leaving one on charge while you use the other, this way there is no downtime. The charging time takes between 1 and 2 hours.

The unit has 2 riding modes, one is for normal use while the other is a training mode.

The body of the board is also fitted with LEDs, keeping you visible to others.

Remains Upright – Ever Balance Technology

The Hovertrax 2.0 utilizes Ever Balance Technology which means that the unit will remain upright even if you are not mounted on it. This not only minimizes the risk of falling off but also  makes getting onto and off of the hoverboard far easier .

This unit is suited to both adults and kids and is capable of supporting up to a weight of 220 lbs.

Best Off Road Hoverboard – Halo Rover

Range

10 miles

Speed

10 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The Halo Rover is great for those looking for a  very powerful hoverboard that can also ride off road .

App

With the app you can fully personalize your hoverboard. You can change the steering sensitivity, torque and power.

There are 3 standard modes to choose from, one for beginners, one for intermediates and one for those who are ready to ride on the highest settings.

With the app you can monitor distance traveled, speed, battery life and  track or map your riding routes.

Big Wheels

The bigger wheels give it a larger ground clearance when compared to other models, which means you can  easily glide over small stick and stones .

This hoverboard is tough, a lot harder to break than other models. Is also has  water resistance  and bright LED lights in the front and at the back.

It has a Bluetooth speaker function so you can play music as you go.

EPIKGO hoverboard

Range

10 miles

Speed

10 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The EPIKGO hoverboard is another all-terrain-capable self balancing scooter. This board is  well-built, powerful and has an impressive top speed .

The EPIKGO comes in two models, the usual model featuring off-road tires and the sport model which has slicker tires, making for a more comfortable ride on the road.

This hoverboard is UL2272 certified, giving it the highest safety ranking possible.

Powerful Engine and Very Tough Build

The  400W Dual Motors gives it a lot of power and it can climb slopes of up to 18 degrees and maintain a speed of 10 mph for up to a full hour .

The board has solid 8.5” rubber tires which are covered in grip, and can easily travel over grass, sand and mud.

The body is aluminum alloy which is very tough. The wheel guards are made from steel, affording extra protection to the interior, something much missed on other hoverboards.

The army-grade battery is UL2271 Certified and utilizes Intelligent Protection technology.

Because it is so powerful it is actually pretty easy to balance on the EPIKGO and it has systems in place to avoid going too fast.

Warranty

The self balancing scooter comes from a US-based company and it gives you a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.

Jetson Rover

Range

10 miles

Speed

12 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

Well-suited to the name, the Jetson Rover is one of the more futuristic looking hoverboards available.

Off Road Tires and Powerful Engines

This hoverboard is fitted with all-terrain tires and one thing that sets this board apart from others is that it features independent gyros, which gives you better control.

The  Jetson Rover has two 400 Watt motors  that can propel it up to 10 mph.

This hoverboard is yet another to join the ranks of UL2272 certified. It has  bright LED head and taillights, and that can be nice to have at night for your safety.

App and Bluetooth

The Jetson Rover has built-in Bluetooth speakers, meaning you can listen to your favorite music or podcasts as you zoom around.

The hoverboard also comes with a free Bluetooth app which you will need to download to your phone. The app allows you to select from 3-speed modes, view your battery life and check your route history.

Best Cheap Hoverboard – HOVERZON S

Range

11 miles

Speed

8 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The Hoverzon S hoverboard is another board that features dynamic equilibrium, allowing you to control the board by shifting your body weight.

Light but Tough

It is a light board, that weighs in at just 22 lbs,  making it the ideal choice for those looking for a ‘stop and carry’ solution .

Don’t be fooled by its light weight, it can still support an impressive 220lbs.

This board has been UL2272 Certified and has LED headlights.

It has non-slip foot pedals and you get to choose between two riding modes.

The HOVERZON S also has a bigger brother called the HOVERZON XLS. The XLS is a larger hoverboard that has a built-in Bluetooth speaker and a carry strap. The S is, however, less expensive and lighter than the XLS.

HOVERZON XLS

Range

12 miles

Speed

8 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The XLS is a larger version of the HOVERZON S, it also comes with a handy carry strap which is very useful when commuting. Another key aspect of this model is that it comes with built-in Bluetooth speakers so you can play music as you travel.

This hoverboard is UL2272 certified and has an exclusive multilayer battery protection system called ‘HOVERZON aegis armor.’

It has a 5 level battery indicator, so you get a very clear indicator of how much battery you got left.

The XLS has a dual independent motor and anti-slip pedal sensors.

The board also has multi-colored LED head and tail lights.

It comes in white, pink, gold, red and blue.

Best Choice for Beginners – SWAGTRON T5

Range

7 miles

Speed

7 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The Swagtron T5 is the latest release from Swagtron, and it has some significant improvements over the previous T1 and T3 models.

The T5 uses similar gyroscopic technology to the former models but is lighter than both the T1 and T3.

The unit weighs in at just 18 pounds, making it highly suited to those in ‘pick-up-and-carry’ situations.

The T5 also uses Bluetooth technology so that you can listen to your favorite tunes as you cruise down the street.

The unit is available in black and white.

The Perfect Cruiser – EPIKGO SPORT

Range

10 miles

Speed

10 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The EPIKGO SPORT is similar to the standard EPIKGO but is fitted with slick racing wheels, making it an incredibly powerful smooth surface transporter.

It has  400 Watt Dual Motors, make it one of the most powerful self balancing scooters on the market .

The EPIKGO is also larger than most boards, and this gives you more foot space and control.

Although it is well suited to the road, it does quite well when it comes into contact with other terrains such as sand, mud and grass.

This is a great option for those who want a high-powered road transporter but doesn’t mind traveling off the beaten path from time to time.

The alloy wheels are built from pressure-crafted metal for enhanced strength while the tires themselves transfer more power from the board’s motor to the ground.

The SPORT also has LED lights placed on the front and at the rear. The tail lights are red while the headlights are a bright white.

EPIKGO is based in the US, which can be good to know when you have to use the warranty that cover parts and labor.

EPIKGO Premier Series

Range

12 miles

Speed

10 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The Premier Series of the EPIKGO is equipped with all the features of the other models but also has 10W Bluetooth speakers so that you can enjoy your favorite music as you travel across almost any terrain.

The  400W Dual engine  means this unit can handle slopes of up to 30 degrees.

The battery recharging time is between 1 and 2 hours and the hoverboard can travel 12 miles when fully charged.

Powerboard

Range

miles

Speed

5 mph

Safety

UL2272 Certified

The Powerboard by Hoverboard comes from a company based in the US. The Powerboard is of good build quality, and it weighs in at a hefty 30lbs. This means that transporting the unit isn’t that easy but it does come with a convenient carry bag for such situations.

Great Battery

The Powerboard’s  biggest advantage is its incredible 6-hour battery life .

Charging time for the battery is under 1 hour and results in a battery life of up to 6 full hours. It has LED lights.

The foot platform is suited to both kids and adults. It features an anti-slip material and the maximum user weight is set at 220lbs.

The fact this hoverboard comes from a US-based company is highly advantageous for US residents as shipping times are very fast and there is US customer support should you run into any issues.

Are Hoverboards Safe 2020?

This has been a question on the tips of many consumer’s tongues since the unfolding of the so-called “hoverboard crisis” in which multiple cheap hoverboards were catching on fire and in some instances even exploding.

The hype resulted in a variety of towns and cities actually banning the transporters from sidewalks and roads, while retailers, concerned for their customers’ safety, began cracking down on what they chose to supply.

The crisis resulted in investigations which found that the reasons the boards were catching fire were due to either faulty batteries, insufficient electronics or a combination of both.

The use of Lithium Ion batteries is very common in hoverboards and in rare instances, these can overheat and explode. The result was that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) decided to investigate all hoverboard brands and deemed that only those with UL2272 Certification would be fit for import into the US.

In terms of actual riding, there are of course concerns when it comes to falling off and injuries. Be sure to select a board that suits your experience and your weight. Weight limits are usually well-noted by manufacturers. Depending on when you wish to ride, you may want to select an option which includes LED lights so that you can be seen at night.

In terms of experience and learning to ride, there are many hoverboards that come with training modes so that you can take it one step at a time. Proper safety gear is always a must, with helmets, knee pads and gloves being a top priority.

You can read more here on hoverboard safety.

How To Ride a Hoverboard

First, you are going to need to get onto the board. Make sure it is charged, turn it on and place it on the ground with the LED headlights facing forwards. If you have access to a ‘starting-out’ or ‘training’ mode, make sure that is selected.

I found this video instruction to be good:

Mounting the Board

Start off by placing one foot onto the hoverboard as far left or right as possible and then use this foot to tilt the board into an upright position.

Then step onto the board with the other foot as if you were climbing stairs. You want to have the widest stance possible for maximum stability.

Try to keep your first foot level and don’t overthink this part. If you’re a bit wobbly, do this next to a handrail or wall for some extra support while you find your feet.

Hoverboards are designed to self-balance once both feet are on, so it will help you out to an extent.

Riding your Self Balancing Scooter

Once you’ve mounted your hoverboard, you’re going to want to start moving around on it.

To do this is simple but it takes some practice to get used to. You can move the board forward or backward by simply shifting your weight on the foot pedals.

Do this with a full body motion, not just by angling your feet. When you lean forward, the board should move forward and as you lean back, the board should reverse.

Take this slow, practicing moving forward and then leaning back to come to a halt and then standing upright to stop.

Then moving backward and leaning forward to bring the board to a halt and standing upright to come to a stop.

Soon you’ll be able to glide forward and backward effortlessly.

Turning

Lastly, you’re going to want to master turning the hoverboard. Each side of the board is independent and can swivel.

By pressing one of your feet downward and keeping the other level, you will be able to turn the hoverboard. For example, to turn right, you will press your left foot downward and keep your right foot stable. This will turn the board right.

Start by doing this in a stationary position and swiveling on the spot. Then begin incorporating it into your forward and backward movements until you have maximum control over your hoverboard.

Check this out for more training on how to ride your self balancing scooter.

Best Hoverboard Brands 2020

Choosing a hoverboard can be a daunting task. There are multiple brands, all competing for your hard-earned money.

The truth is that there are a few key aspects you need to look out for and these are what we have outlined above.

All of the brands mentioned above are the most popular and trusted amongst hoverboard enthusiasts.

Most importantly, you want to make sure that whichever brand you are buying supplies hoverboards that are  UL2272 Certified . This means that the product is safe and has undergone rigorous testing.

Once you have confirmed this, then you need to select a brand based on your personal preference in terms of driving range, top speed, terrain traversing ability and music-playing ability.

The best hoverboard brands 2020 in my opinion are:

• SWAGTRON
• Segway
• HOVERZON
• SISIGAD
• Gyroor
• XPRIT

FAQ for Hoverboards

Are Hoverboards still a fire hazard?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has decided that only hoverboards with UL2272 Certification will be fit for import into the US.

This means that the products imported to the US are safe and has undergone rigorous testing.

It is a good idea to double check and make sure that the self balancing scooter you are interested in has a UL2272 Certification.

What is the best hoverboard for beginners right now?

From the result of our hoverboard reviews, I would recommend the Gyroor T581 hoverboard. It is an all terrain self balancing scooter, so you do not have to worry much about where you drive it. You can comfortably drive on grass, gravel or dirt. Wet surfaces are also OK.

For beginners on a budget, I like the SISIGAD Hoverboard. It is certified, well constructed and very fun to ride.

Which is better, a Segway or a hoverboard?

This comes down to personal preference of course. The hoverboard has no handle, instead you have to lean with your body to move.

The Segway will have much larger wheels than a hoverboard. Segways are also faster than self balancing scooters and have a better range.

But the hoverboard will be much cheaper, and is also much lighter. Making it much easier to bring it with you wherever you want to go.

Can you ride a hoverboard on grass?

If you want a hoverboard that rides comfortably on grass, your best bet is to get an off road board. They can easily handle the grass, gravel, dirt and even wet surfaces. We put together a list here of the best off road hoverboards. You can also find out more about the pros and cons of all terrain boards, and what to consider before buying one.

At what age can you ride a hoverboard?

The recommended age for using a hoverboard is 8 years. Remember to always use adequate protection. If you are getting a board for a kid younger than 8, make sure that it is a very small hoverboard, like the Cho 4.5”. They are pretty slow and easy for kids to handle.