The Ultimate Hoverboard Buying Guide, 2021

Hoverboard Buying Guide Introduction

So you want to buy a hoverboard but you’re not sure where to start?

Electric hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, electric self-balance boards, and self-balancing hoverboards, are very popular devices, being used in countries across the world.

Hoverboards are great personal transportation devices that are fun, environmentally friendly, and just look dang cool!

Buying a self-balancing scooter can be a frustrating and nervous decision because there is so much information out there from blogs, videos and online hoverboard reviews which can leave you confused.

With so many hoverboard brands and models on the market it can be hard to know which are the best hoverboards out there, and which brands and models you should stay clear of.

Hopefully this hoverboard buying guide will shed some light on how hoverboards work, and what you need to look for and pay attention to when buying a hoverboard.

Here’s some of the key things, specs, and attributes you should look for when you are buying a hoverboard:

The Hoverboard’s Top Speed

Speed is one of the first attributes most people look at when they are considering buying a electric hoverboard, and that comes as no surprise.

Many people consider buying a hoverboard because they want the excitement and feeling of freedom that comes from riding around at fast speeds.

There is a certain adrenaline rush that you get when riding a self-balancing scooter down the road or off-road, and speed is a big part of that.

The majority of hoverboards on the market have top speeds ranging anywhere between 6 mph and 10 mph plus.

If you want a fast balance scooter than you should look for one with a top speed between 7 mph and 10 mph.

Mid-range models have an average top speed of 7 mph, whereas the more expensive off-road hoverboard models have top speeds of 10mph plus.

If you have a real need for speed than go for a balance board with a top speed of 10 mph or more, this will be sufficient to give you the thrill and adrenaline rush you're craving!

Although hoverboards that can reach these top speeds are normally considered to be more suitable for experienced riders, they can also be used by novices and less experienced riders too.

As another safety feature, some hoverboards start beeping when you exceed their speed limit and will automatically start slowing down until you are at a safer speed.

You don’t have to always ride a board at its top speed!

You can start by riding at a speed that is comfortable for you and increase as you become more confident in you hoverboard riding skills and ability.

To put these hoverboard speeds in to context, let’s compare them with the average walking, jogging, and running speeds.

The average walking speed of a person is between 3-4 mph. The average jogging speed is between 4-6 mph, and the average running speed is between 6-8 mph.

When you put it in to context it makes it easier to understand how fast doing 10mph on a hoverboard feels, especially if you are going down hill!

If you want to buy a hoverboard for kids between 6-7 years plus, then a board with a 6-8 mph top speed should be sufficient.

Many hoverboard models come with the option to adjust their mode or level, thus enabling you to change the maximum speed a board can reach.

This feature is great if you want to prevent kids from going too fast, or if you are a hoverboard newbie and want to gain more experience before going full throttle.

The ability to adjust the hoverboard's speed also means the same board can be used by yourself, as well as your children or younger siblings without you having to buy separate boards for each person.

We will elaborate more on this level adjustment feature a bit later in this hoverboard guide.

Deciding what sort of top speed bracket is right for you depends heavily on why you want to buy a hoverboard in the first place.

Perhaps you want a greener and cheaper mode of personal transport for commuting purposes, in which case a hoverboard with a mid to high max speed would be ideal (7–10 mph).

Or perhaps you want to buy a balance board simply because you are an adrenaline junkie (like me!) and want to indulge your need for speed.

If that’s the case you should opt for a board with a high speed limit of 10 mph or more to get the maximum adrenaline rush out of it.

On the other hand, you may just want to use your smart electric scooter occasionally for recreational purposes such as riding it down your local park or in your backyard.

If that’s the case than a board with a top speed between 6 or 7 mph would be ideal.

Regardless of your reason for buying a hoverboard you should select the model with a top speed that you feel confident and comfortable riding at.

If you are a complete hoverboard newbie than start riding your board at a lower speed before moving to the hoverboard’s top speed.

Check out our reviews of the fastest hoverboards. 

Hoverboard Motor

A hoverboard typically has two motors in order to power the wheels so that the board can move.

The hoverboard motors are normally located in the hoverboard wheels themselves, and are powered by the hoverboard battery.

It is important to pay attention to the motor’s power as this is what determines how fast the board can travel, the steepness of incline the board can climb, and the overall riding experience and handling of the balance board.

The more powerful the motor =  the better overall performance, even when the board is being used by heavier riders.

Most mid-range and cheaper hoverboard models typically come with 250W motors.

When you start looking at more expensive boards in the market and the best off-road hoverboards, they will normally have motors of 330W or more.

These motors enable off-road hoverboards to easily climb steeper inclines, even when they are being used on rugged terrain in wet or muddy conditions, and when carrying heavier riders.

Off-road balance scooters need to be able to perform on a variety of terrain, including mud, dirt, sand, gravel, grass etc.

The more power the motors have the better they will enable the board to ride over bumpy, rugged, and unsmooth surfaces without compromising the board’s handling or ability to hit its top speed.

If you are a rider that is somewhat on the heavier side than you should opt for an off-road hoverboard, or a hoverboard that has motors 330W or higher.

Boards with better motor power will be able to perform optimally, hit their top speeds, and climb steeper inclines without being affected by carrying heavier riders.

Hoverboard Battery

When you are assessing a hoverboard’s battery there are three main attributes to look at:

• Range
• Charging Time
• Is it UL certified?

Self-balancing scooters are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which in turn power the motors.

Different hoverboard brands and models will have different batteries, therefore the range and charging time will differ.

The average charging time for a hoverboard battery is anywhere between 1 – 5 hours.

The range of a hoverboard battery is the number of miles you can get from a fully charged battery.

The higher the range the further you can travel on a single charge before having to recharge the battery.

A decent hoverboard battery range is between 7 – 10 miles, as this allows you to travel a reasonable distance without worrying about running out of power too soon.

If you are planning on using your hoverboard as a personal transportation device for commuting to work or college then you should definitely look at a board with a high range.

Range is less of an important consideration if you only plan on using your board to travel locally, short distances, down your local park, or just in your backyard or neighborhood etc. 

The 3^rd thing you need to pay attention to when assessing a hoverboard battery is to make sure you only buy batteries that are UL2271 certified.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a science safety company dedicated to testing devices to the highest standard, ensuring that they are safe to be sold and used.

UL2271 is the gold standard in hoverboard battery safety.

Batteries that are UL2271 certified have been thoroughly tested to ensure they won’t leak, catch fire, or explode, even with heavy-duty use. 

You should never buy a hoverboard that doesn’t have a UL2271 certified battery, it is simply not worth taking the risk.

Please note: If a hoverboard is UL2272 certified than you can be sure that the battery is approved to ULL2271 standards.

We’ll touch more on hoverboard safety standards and UL certifications a bit later in this guide

Hoverboard Wheel Size 

Depending on what type of hoverboard brand and model you purchase, the board's wheel size and type will differ.

On average, most mid-range hoverboards come with a pair of 6.5 inch wheels. This is the industry standard size for most regular hoverboard models.

Kids hoverboards are also normally equipped with 6.5 inch wheels.

6.5 inch hoverboard wheels are ideal for self-balancing scooters that you plan to ride on the roads, sidewalks, in parks, or in your backyard etc.

This wheel size can handle these smooth surfaces with ease.

When you start looking at more expensive hoverboard models, off-road models, and balance boards that have been designed for heavy users and heavy-duty use, you will notice they come with bigger wheels, ranging from 8.5” up to 10.5”.

This is because these boards are designed to handle a variety of terrain such as sand, dirt, grass, mud, gravel etc.

These hoverboards need bigger wheels in order to ride over these difficult surfaces without hampering the boards performance.

Because all-terrain hoverboards typically have a greater weight capacity the wheels also need to be bigger and more durable to be able to handle the heavier weight-load.

In addition to the wheel size you should also pay attention to the tire type and tread.

Some off-road hoverboard models like the Halo Rover X, Swagtron T6 Outlaw, RockSaw, and the EpikGo Classic have rugged tires with high-tread which are designed for off-road use.

However, there are a few hoverboards like the Segway Ninebot S, and the EpikGo Sports Plus that don’t have rugged high-tread tires, but can still be used on the same types of terrain as off-road hoverboard models.

So don’t be fooled purely by how the wheels look - always check the type of terrain the wheels and tires have been designed for before you buy.

If you want to buy an all-terrain board, check out our reviews of the best off-road hoverboards.

Hoverboard Weight Capacity

Hoverboards have a maximum weight capacity that they can manage.

You should never try to ignore the max hoverboard weight limit and use the board if you’re too heavy for it - this can lead to personal injury and to damaging the device.

The average weight capacity of most hoverboards is 220 lbs, which makes them suitable for kids and most adults.

Off-road hoverboard models will normally have a greater weight capacity, which can range between 260 lbs all the way up to 420lbs.

If you are buying a hoverboard for kids than make sure you also pay attention to the minimum weight capacity as well as the maximum.

The minimum weight capacity is the minimum rider weight needed to activate the board. If a rider weighs less than this amount the board won’t work.

If you are looking for a hoverboard for heavier adults than make sure you pick one that can comfortably handle your weight.

This will ensure you are buying a board that can perform to its optimum capacity (hitting its top speed, climbing inclines etc) even whilst being used by a heavier rider.

Incline Handling

The degree or steepness of incline that a board can climb is another important aspect to pay attention to when selecting the right hoverboard for you.

If you plan on riding on off-road surfaces, uneven roads, or in hilly areas - than you will need a board which has a good incline range.

The range of incline a board can climb is dependent on the board's motors and to a lesser extent how much battery power you have in the tank.

Hoverboards with powerful motors can climb steeper inclines more easily, even when they are being used by heavier riders.

On average, mid-range hoverboards will have the ability to climb inclines between 5 - 15 degrees steep.

This is fine if you are planning to use your board on more smoother, conventional surfaces such as roads and sidewalks which may have slight inclines.

The best off-road and heavy-duty self-balancing scooters are designed to handle steeper inclines ranging anywhere between 20-30 degrees or more, which is perfect for off-road hoverboarding on hiking trails, dirt paths etc.

The Hoverboard’s Weight

Hoverboards vary in weight and size.

Most models on the market weigh anywhere between 20lbs and 32lbs plus.

Knowing how much a hoverboard weighs is important as there may be times where you need to carry your board.

If you are planning on carrying your board around a lot look for a board that isn’t too heavy, as some boards can be a pain to carry after a while. 

Perhaps you’re considering backpacking or travelling with your hoverboard – if this is the case than you should buy a board that doesn’t weigh too much and which isn’t too bulky.

You can also buy hoverboard bags and carry cases to make them lugging them around easier.

Some hoverboard brands have certain models with carry straps built-in to the frame of the board, so check these out because this can really make a difference.

The Segway Ninebot S has a detachable knee-bar which also doubles as a carry handle, making carrying and travelling with the device a lot easier and more convenient.

If you are buying a hoverboard for young children you should look for a lightweight board that they can carry around easily.

Level Adjustment Feature

Buying a hoverboard with a level adjustment feature is a great idea if you are a hoverboard novice and are just learning how to ride a self-balancing scooter.

Learning how to ride a hoverboard can be difficult for some people, and having this feature can really make the process a lot easier. 

Being able to adjust the level or mode of the hoverboard enables you to increase or decrease the maximum speed of the board, and also adjust the steering sensitivity.

Adjusting the steering sensitivity affects how reactive the board is to your shifts in weight.

When you are first learning how to ride a self-balancing scooter you may not be able to balance properly yet.

You may make jerky movements and shift your weight erratically, causing the board to accelerate unintentionally which can lead to injury.

This is where the ability to adjust the top speed and steering sensitivity comes in.

If a kid is using the hoverboard you can simply decrease the top speed and steering sensitivity of the board so that they can’t go too fast and potentially injure themselves.

Making the board less sensitive also makes it easier to ride and control, and will give kids more confidence when riding. 

Likewise, if you’re a novice adult hoverboard rider you can start learning on a low speed and steering sensitivity level.

As you gain more experience and confidence you can than adjust the level of the board to unlock its full potential.

Hoverboards that have this feature allow you to learn hoverboard riding at your own pace and at a speed which you are comfortable with. It also helps to shortcut the learning process.

Not all boards have this feature, so if this is something that appeals to you make sure you check that the hoverboard has this feature built-in.

Hoverboard Safety Certification

In the hoverboard industry the UL2272 certification is the gold-standard for device safety.

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) are an international science safety company. 

They are fully dedicated to product testing, ensuring that devices are made to high standards of safety and quality.

When electric hoverboards were first introduce to the market there were many incidents of hoverboards exploding, catching fire, and even causing apartments to burn down as a result. 

At that time there were no industry-standard safety tests being conducted, which allowed unsafe and cheaply made boards to flood the market.

These hoverboards contained untested and poorly made inferior components, motors, and batteries which would spontaneously leak and explode, leading to fires and injuring riders.

UL devised the UL2272 certification test to make 100% certain that hoverboards and their components are thoroughly tested, and are safe to use before being allowed to be sold on the market.

They test these boards very thoroughly and rigorously to ensure they are safe under all circumstances and conditions such as heavy prolonged use, overcharging, suffering knocks and bumps, overheating etc.

You should only buy a hoverboard if it is UL2272 certified, which is verified by the UL holographic sticker.

This UL hologram sticker will be found on the product's packaging. You can also check on the hoverboard manufacturer’s website to see if their products are UL certified.

If in doubt, you can cross-reference your checks with the UL database to make sure you hoverboard brand and manufacturer has been approved by UL.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

Buying a hoverboard can be an expensive investment.

Even some of the best cheap hoverboards can represent a significant investment for someone.

Like any electrical device, you want to make sure that if anything goes wrong with it you are able to get it repaired or replaced.

There may be time when the board starts to malfunction and in most instances you can resolve these issues by knowing how to reset or calibrate your hoverboard. 

But there may be some errors that occur which will require the manufacturer to have a deeper inspection of the board, and this is why its important to have a good warranty period and policy.

When you are buying a hoverboard make sure you check the warranty period the board is covered by.

Some hoverboard manufacturers and brands offer a 12 month warranty period, whereas some offer a maximum of 3 months.

Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the warranty policy.

Some brands will offer a replacement board in the instance that a board can’t be repaired, and some will only offer a repair service.

You should only buy a hoverboard that comes with a minimum 3 months warranty.

You should also check to see what sort of customer support is available from the hoverboard manufacturer.

Does the company have a dedicated customer phoneline or email address?

Perhaps they only offer chat support via their website or social media page, in which case they may slower to respond to inquiries.

You want to make sure you are in good hands when you buy a device from one of these manufacturers. 

It would be a good idea to read online hoverboard reviews and check the company’s TrustPilot page, other review profiles and forums to see what other customers have to say about their experiences with a particular hoverboard brand.

Knowing these details before buying can make a huge difference, and can help you to avoid making a costly mistake when buying a hoverboard.

Other Hoverboard Features

There are some additional features you may want to take in to account when you buy a hoverboard.

Bluetooth Functionality

Some hoverboard models come with Bluetooth which allows you to pair your device with your smartphone to access additional features and functionality.

Hoverboard Speakers

Bluetooth hoverboards often have built-in speakers which allow you to play your beats or listen to your favorite podcast while you ride.

LED Lights

Regardless of the price range, most hoverboards will have front LED headlights.

These headlights help you to see the road ahead more clearly, and are very useful when riding in poor visibility conditions or at night.

Companion App

Most Bluetooth hoverboards will also have a companion app which lets you control functions such as the speaker volume level, music selection, and even turn the board on and off.

If the board has a level adjustment feature this will normally be accessed via the app, although some models allow you to adjust this directly from the board itself.

Some hoverboard apps also allow you to access some cool rider stats so you can track your top speed, mileage, access a GPS map, check system diagnostics, and download software updates.

Concluding Thoughts

You should now have a good idea of what to look for when deciding which hoverboard is best for you (or the person you may be buying it for).

The key attributes and features we have covered in this hoverboard buying guide should help you to determine what is important for you, and what specs and features you want from a board.

Maybe you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie and speed is your top consideration. In that case check out the Epikgo Sports Plus, which is one of the fastest hoverboards currently on the market.

Perhaps you want a reliable personal transportation device to get you around town or to work or college. If that’s the case you should go for a board with a decent range and speed.

The Segway Ninebot S may be the perfect option for you as it has a ridiculously high range of 13.7 miles and has a top speed of 10 mph.

Maybe you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie who loves to explore off-road terrain and speeding along dirt tracks and hiking trails.

In that case the Swagtron T6 Outlaw and the Halo Rover X are two of the best off-road hoverboards on the market.

If you’re on a bit of a budget and want a self-balancing scooter that won’t break the bank, than the Hover-1 Chrome may be a great option.

Regardless of what board you purchase, you always have the option of customizing your hoverboard to make it standout from the crowd and make it unique to you.

Whatever hoverboard you decide to buy make sure you check your local laws before riding as hoverboards are not permitted in certain areas, and are even illegal in some countries.

Always remember to ride safely, and respect other pedestrian and road users.

Hoverboard Reviews

If you are still uncertain about which self-balancing scooter is right for you, check out our hoverboard reviews where we take a deeper look at different hoverboard brands and models.

We also include some frequently asked questions that many people have when it comes to shopping for and buying a hoverboard, as well as a buying guide to help you pick the best board for you.

You can access these reviews by clicking the links below. Enjoy!

The best hoverboards, 2021 - Discover some of the best hoverboards on the market.

The best off-road hoverboards, 2021 – Check out some of our favorite off-road boards.

The fastest hoverboards, 2021 – Check out our reviews of the fastest hoverboards on the market.

The best cheapest hoverboards, 2021 – If you’re on a budget check out our reviews of the best cheap hoverboard models you can buy.

The best kids hoverboards, 2021 - If you're looking to buy a hoverboard for kids than check out our reivews and kids hoverboard buying guide.