Hoverboards, it’s safe to say that most of us have dreamed of having those nifty self-balancing scooters. At some point in our lives or at least something remotely close to that.
Self-balancing scooters — more commonly know as hoverboards, even though they don’t really hover — burst onto the scene 2013, becoming a trendy, must-have toy for kids and adults alike. While still popular, the craze has certainly subsided somewhat. In part, that’s because the novelty has worn off; when a spate of cheaply made hoverboards made the news as their batteries burst into flames in 2014, that also cooled some interest.
Hoverboards are an amazing form of technology. They are very popular amongst children, but even adults enjoy riding these self-balancing scooters. If you’re hoping to get one and started searching for a hoverboard for you or your child, then this article is for you.
We have studied plenty of great options on the market and selected the best hoverboards of 2020 which you can buy today. We also suggest that you familiarize yourself with the basic parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing this electric self-balancing scooter.
But with battery concerns firmly in the rear view thanks to new UL certifications, the best hoverboards again offer a fun way to travel short distances and experience the thrill of a sport like skateboarding without the skill.
But it seems that it took companies and inventors quite some time to come up with such futuristic personal transportation platforms. Although they don’t exactly hover over the ground as the name suggests, they do actually make for decent and fun devices to wander around from one place to another.
Hoverboards are basically two-wheeled motorized electric platforms that look like skateboards. They allow for personal transportation controlled by how riders distribute their weight on it, and they rely on rechargeable electric batteries for fuel.
The best hoverboards are fun, easy to use and durable. Unfortunately, not all hoverboards are made equal and there are way too many options on the market, including knock-off brands that are cheaply built.
However, as any new inventions are known to mankind, hoverboards had their fair share of difficulties and troublesomeness when they were first introduced. It’s no secret that they have been responsible for many public accidents, some may be due to bad piloting.
But some have reported that their faulty hoverboards have literally burst into flames and ignited a fire in their houses. It’s said that these incidents were likely caused by batteries overheating in some of the old and low-quality models.
But worry not! Companies and manufacturers have made sure to step up their game and create new models that ensure both users’ safety and comfort. As well as delivering a delightful hovering experience.
We, in turn, have dug deep, saved you the trouble of doing the research by reviewing the top products. And got you covered with the best hoverboard that money can buy according to your needs and budget.
So here are our top picks for the 5 best Hoverboards in 2020 in no specific order:
Best for Safety: EPIKGO All-Terrain Scooter
With as many problems as hoverboards had when they first hit the market, it’s no surprise that customers are concerned about safety when buying them. The EPIKGO All-Terrain Scooter has been rigorously tested to conform to UL 2272 safety standards. Each scooter undergoes 159 tests to ensure that the battery and board do not pose any fire hazards to riders. But safety isn’t the only thing this scooter has going for it.
The dual, 400W motors give the scooter enough torque to climb hills as steep as 18 degrees, meaning you’ll be able to tackle just about any riding trail you can find. The 8.5-inch alloy rims and solid-rubber tires are built to handle all kinds of terrain, from grass and sand to sidewalks and gravel.
The battery is not only safe, but gives the hoverboard enough power to travel up to 10 miles on a single charge, making it perfect for riding to work, the store, or school. It also reaches a full charge in as little as two hours, meaning you’ll have power in a pinch if you need to charge it quickly.
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Best for Speed: EPIKGO Sport
EPIKGO’s extensive safety certification extends to its other models as well. The EPIKGO Sport self-balancing scooter goes through the same 159-point safety testing to ensure the unit and battery both meet UL 2272 safety standards. And where the All-Terrain scooter was built for outdoor adventure, the Sport is built for speed and stunts.
The scooter’s tires are modeled after high-end race car wheels with smoother, shallow treads that give you better, more precise responses to turns and quicker acceleration. The solid-rubber footpads are non-slip for secure footing and riding while reaching top speeds and taking tight turns.
Like the all-terrain model, the Sport model gives you a riding range of up to 10 miles and reaches a full battery charge in as little as two hours. The EPIKGO Sport is backed by a one year warranty that covers defective parts manufacturing errors.
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Best for Kids: Tomoloo Bluetooth Hoverboard
The Tomoloo Bluetooth Hoverboard strikes a perfect balance of safety and fun that is great for kids. This hoverboard connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth so you can stream music through the onboard speakers. The balance board and wheels have LED lights that cycle through a rainbow of colors and pulse with the beat of a song. The hoverboard has been UL2272 certified for safety, and it is rated to operate in temperatures ranging from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, so you never have to worry about fire or battery hazards. The 6.5-inch diameter tires have been upgraded from previous models for durability and smooth riding on most surfaces.
The board itself features non-slip footpads and is self-balancing to help keep kids safely in place and assist them with steering. The Tomoloo Bluetooth Hoverboard can support up to 165 pounds, making it perfect for kids and pre-teens. With a maximum speed of just over seven miles per hour and a turning radius of just 10 degrees, you won’t have to worry about your kids crashing hard or taking spills while using the board. On a full charge, this hoverboard can give your child up to 4 hours of riding time so they can zoom around the block with friends without the fear of being left behind.
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Best Budget Friendly: Swagtron Swagboard Twist
When you see the prices some hoverboards are going for, it can be tempting to buy one of the cheaper, lesser-known brands. But with that price point comes a whole host of safety issues. That’s where the Swagtron Swagboard Twist comes in. With a cost that can easily accommodate most Christmas or birthday budgets, the Swagboard Twist still delivers high safety standards and a durable build. The body of the hoverboard is built out of ABS plastic polymer to help reduce the risk of damage from everyday use as well as bumps, drops, and scratches.
Unlike most other hoverboards on the market, the Swagboard Twist has a lead-acid battery rather than a lithium-ion power bank; this reduces the risk of the battery overheating and catching fire or exploding while charging or when the board is in use. The 6.5-inch wheels house dual, 250W motors that give the Twist a maximum speed of 7 miles-per-hour and the power to climb slopes up to 30 degrees! The Twist also features headlights to help illuminate your path after dark and alert both oncoming cars and pedestrians to your presence. There are more budget-friendly hoverboards under $100 are available in the market. Find out the best one which suits you.
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Best All-Terrain: Gyroor Hoverboard Warrior
If you’re disappointed in most hoverboards because they’re limited to riding on sidewalks or pavement, you might want to check out the Gyroor Hoverboard Warrior. This board is designed to tackle just about any environment; from city sidewalks to dirt and gravel paths, the Warrior can take you almost anywhere.
The 8.5-inch wheels house twin 350W motors, giving the board the power to climb hills with inclines up to 30 degrees and reach speeds of up to 10 miles per hour. The wheels are also made of solid rubber, so whether you’re tackling your local park, or riding to work or class, you’ll never have to worry about flat tires or blow-outs.
The body of the board is made of a sturdy aluminum frame and ABS plastic housing to handle everyday use and protect against drops and crashes. It is also water-resistant, so you never have to fear getting caught in the rain. The Warrior features an onboard speaker that connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, so you can stream your favorite music while you ride. The battery can reach a full charge in as little as 90 minutes, and on a full charge, you can travel up to 9.5 miles!
BUY HERE
What to Look for in a Hoverboard
Bluetooth connectivity – Some hoverboards have built-in speakers that can play music from your phone via Bluetooth. Some models even display a speedometer on your phone or allow you to share stats about your hoverboard use to social media.
Range and handling – Hoverboards are a lot of fun to play with, but you can also use them to commute, run errands, and more. If you want to use your hoverboard for anything serious, make sure it has a decent battery life, and can handle rougher terrain like bumpy sidewalks and grass.
Safety – Hoverboards have gotten a host of bad press because some substandard units have caught on fire. To ensure your safety, look for a UL-rated model — if a hoverboard has a UL 2272 hologram sticker for e-mobility or self-balancing scooters, you’re good to go.
5 things you should consider when buying a hoverboard
Hoverboards, also known as self-balancing scooters, were once the stuff of science fiction. Anyone who watched the 2nd “Back To The Future” film will remember the futuristic hoverboards, which, unlike our real-world hoverboards, actually floated above the ground. Nevertheless, what we are getting now is the closest thing to what we are used to seeing in science fiction.
Before you spend your cash on the first hoverboard you see, there are a few things that you need to consider if you want. If you’re buying a hoverboard for your child, then you need to look at the best hoverboards for kids i.e the ones specifically designed for use by children. Buying a hoverboard for kids means that you have to put more focus on factors such as safety and ease of use.
Safety
Safety should be top of the list of criteria upon which you should evaluate a hoverboard. This is due to an embarrassing history of hoverboards catching fire. Considering that you’re most likely going to buy one for your son or daughter, safety is a must.
Power and charging time
You will need to have a good idea beforehand how much time you are going to be spending on the wheels every day. Based on that estimate and considering the price of the product, you need to look at the charging stats and decide which one fits your needs. It’s pointless to get the fasted charging device if you won’t be needing that much power on a daily basis.
Speed and range
Everyone loves speed, but speed can be dangerous. So be wary of that, and don’t just snap up the fastest model on the market. Of course, you don’t want your board to be slow either, so try to find the right balance. Again, it depends on the rider.
Portability
It would be annoying and very tiring if you’re going to be carrying a heavy load around with you everywhere, so keep that in mind and make sure to get something that’s lightweight.
Brand matters
As is the case with any type of commercial product, brand matters. If you want a reliable product with quality assurance, then you need to choose the right brand to buy from. So, what is the best hoverboard brand? Well, we have mentioned a few here, such as Gotrax and Swagtron.
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