How Much Weight Can a Hoverboard Hold?

One of the top questions people ask when searching for a hoverboard is, “how much weight can a hoverboard hold?”

Weight limits on any model are an important aspect to consider. Some devices are tailor-made for children, while others are designed to hold up to 400 pounds.

This information isn’t always listed as clear as day, but the majority of reputable brands include it in the top stats for each board.

Here’s what you need to look for before making a final decision.

Contents

1 General Weight Limits
2 Are Weight Limits Relative?
3 Carry-ons
4 When it Comes to Kids

General Weight Limits

The average hoverboard glides around on 6.5-inch wheels, which support up to 220 pounds at most. Larger boards with 8 or 10-inch wheels have a higher threshold, capping out at around 300 pounds.

Regardless of these general guidelines, it’s important to know exactly how much weight the model you are looking at can hold. The SWAGTRON, for instance, is a 6.5-inch wheel model, but it only holds a maximum of 187 pounds.

Very few models support up to 300 pounds, but there are companies that make sturdier boards with higher weight limits. Swagtron’s T6 is an excellent example of a higher weight limit board, but does any of this information effect the rideability?

Are Weight Limits Relative?

Each weight limit is set by the manufacturer after being tried and tested on their boards. Now, weighing a few pounds over the limit does not mean that you can’t ride the hoverboard. It might run a little slower than its max speed, and the battery might not last as long in-between charges, but it will run just fine.

If you find that you are 15 or more pounds over the weight limit, then you might not want to purchase that model. The extra weight might damage the motherboard, axles, or battery. You also run the risk of cracking the frame in half when you hit a bump in the road.

All of these mishaps can lead to a situation where you end up injured, making the weight limits a crucial component to consider before buying a board. Better safe than sorry, as the saying goes.

Carry-ons

It’s also important to take into consideration anything you’ll carry with you during your ride. A backpack and anything in it can add plenty of additional weight, which might push you over the recommended limit.

For instance, if you weigh 220lbs and are wearing a 20lb backpack, then you are well above the maximum weight capacity for most hoverboards.

When it Comes to Kids

Hoverboards make great gifts for children, but they have a different weight scale to consider. While this mostly applies to younger children, the majority of manufacturers recommend that they weigh at least 44 pounds before riding any electric board.

Why? They might not be able to handle the speed otherwise, making these devices dangerous to their wellbeing. The 44lb recommendation is also in place to help riders slow down and stop. While your kid might not be riding out near traffic, no one wants to take their child to the ER for a hoverboard accident.