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Oct 25, 2024

The 10 Best Hoverboards of 2024, According to Editors

Swagtron and Segway top our testing list. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us? OF THE MANY modes of transportation,

Swagtron and Segway top our testing list.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

OF THE MANY modes of transportation, hoverboards may be the most fun way of getting from point A to point B. They offer joyous cruising outside in the front driveway, on the sidewalk of a neighborhood, at a park, or (sometimes) inside the home. There's, of course, a small learning curve when figuring out how to ride a hoverboard—especially when it comes to learning as an adult. But once you discover how to gently lean your body to create motion, the world becomes your rink. After a little practice, you’ll be cruising in no time.

It wasn't too long ago that this kind of transportation was reserved for forward-thinking movies like Back to the Future. While the hoverboards of today aren’t going to help you take flight, the two-wheel vehicles are fairly ubiquitous—you can get a hoverboard from any number of outfitters out there. Which is to say there are dupes, as well as way-too-expensive models that might trick you into thinking you're getting something better because you're paying more. So, how do you know what to look for? Hoverboards, like e-bikes and e-scooters, are a complex device so it's no wonder there are some considerations to gauge before making a purchase.

"I've been working with micro-mobility (including hoverboards) since 2019," stated Rasmus Barsland, founder of ERideHeo, the destination for those seeking the best hub for all things e-transportation related. Even with all the data insight listed online, usually from resellers, you may want to reach out directly to the brand to verify said specifications. "Take specs with a grain of salt. There are so many inconsistencies in marketing material for hoverboards," noted Rasums. "It's not that you can't trust specs at all, but it may make sense to 2nd check the official website, too, to see if things align for the hoverboard you're buying."

Check these out to ensure the board you grab meets the standard you are seeking!

You can only go as far as your range allows, but there may be a better metric to measure this accurately. "Some brands label their models as "X minutes runtime" while others say "X miles range." It's not really a comparable metric. If the product description mentions Wh (watt-hours), that's the most comparable metric - it's basically the effective battery capacity," notes Rasmus. "Sometimes you'll find V (volts) and Ah (amp-hours) mentioned but not Wh - in that case, it's as simple as multiplying the two (V * Ah = Wh). So, a 100 Wh battery will go further than a 50 Wh battery. "

This may require a little math, but a tiny mental workout is worth it, considering you don't want to run out of juice on your commute, which is all the more of an issue with a heavy model that doesn't haul around easily.

This is perhaps the most important trait as it dictates who can ride on the board safely. Some are clearly designed for kids while others for grown-ups. But pay attention to the max weight listed as while there's a little flexibility (a 225-pound man could likely get away with riding one with a 220-pound limit), that value will determine how well the thing handles related to your own weight.

Whether buying yourself a new hoverboard or gifting your kids a holiday present, you’ll want to pay attention to the speed limits of the board you purchase. If you’re buying for the little ones, an entry-level speed of about 6-8 mph might be ideal, while if you want to feel the wind in your hair, a top end of 10-15 mph might be better.

Is the hoverboard made for kids just learning how to ride or for adults with experience? Can the model handle all kinds and shapes of riders or just teens looking for a quick outing? Look into the features offered to see what the target audience is.

While most hoverboards can handle pavement and sidewalk, some can go further and take on dirt trails and gravel. Where will you be riding? That's an important question to ask as certain models are built more for cityscapes while others have additional brawn for bumpier routes.

" If you're riding on smooth asphalt, smaller solid tires are fine, but on uneven roads, 8" (or bigger) tires are preferred," Rasmus notes. "If you wanna ride on grass or hardpacked trails, you need 10" tires (preferably pneumatic for the grip and cushion) at the very least."

Wheel accommodations would go hand-in-hand with the terrain type. Hoverboards with smaller smooth wheels are best on blacktops, pavement, and sidewalks. Bigger, thick-lugged wheels will handle off-road capabilities much better.

Being a responsible parent or a well-informed buying adult, safety specs should be on your radar. Here are a couple of things to keep in your mind.

"The most crucial thing you need to look for is a UL certification (specifically UL-2272, which pertains to hoverboards)," Rasmus mentions. "It's pretty much a safety and quality test of the electronic components. When you buy a UL-2272 certified hoverboard, you know you're buying something safe."

A mark of quality and safety, ensuring the hoverboard meets international standards.

You don’t want a board surface that can become slippery in any way, especially in the presence of moisture.

This prevents overheating, reducing the risk of battery-related issues.

Ideal for beginners or kids, it limits speed and enhances stability for the rider

For the past few weeks, we consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on the top hoverboards. Experts put a number of hoverboards to the test and evaluated their build, performance, ease of use, and design. We also considered top-reviewed hoverboards with high customer ratings on retailer websites we trust.If you aren't sure where to look, don't fret. We've pulled together the best hoverboards for kids and adults. Ahead, you'll find some of the most perfect hoverboard models for all types of uses and all variations of terrain. Ready to get rollin'?

The Swagtron Outlaw has pretty much secured the top spot in the hoverboard game, and if you take a closer look it's no wonder why. For starters, it has incredible range (12 miles) and a large weight limit (up to 420 lbs). The Outlaw has a strong, durable build that won't chip on concrete or wobble when standing up on it too, and when it comes to the wheels it's got rugged 10" tires that can roll up a 30-degree incline or pavement or gravel. The price point is a little bit elevated, but you also have to consider you're getting a hoverboard that's as capable for adult use as much as it is for kids. Plus, the Outlaw has a built-in Bluetooth speaker, so you can play your tunes as you roll like a boss.

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With so many affordable options available today, this is our pick that beats them all. At a shade over 100 bucks, this board is built for adults and kids alike, yet it still has all the features you can find in hoverboards worth double this one. While it may have a lower stated max weight online, plenty of users have reviewed this one and noted that it can comfortably handle 300 lbs. capacity. One of our favorite features is the “child mode” which is perfect for beginners or teaching young ones how to safely maneuver.

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Another hoverboard that's suitable for kids and adults, the Ninebot S2 has a sturdy design so riders can feel safe while riding. The board comes outfitted with some of the strongest wheels in the game to roll over terrain with ease, and an added leg bar that reaches up to the calves to help provide stability while riding.

It's another pricey pick, but the investment is well worth it if you're buying for young adults or adults. The Ninebot S2 is also compatible with the brand's GoKart Kit, which we talk about further down this list. Plus the second iteration in the S-lineup gets an additional 10 miles in range.

If you're buying a starter hoverboard for your son, daughter, nephew, or niece, then the Hover-1 is a solid choice. It holds up to 130 lbs, so it's mostly for children (think 8-10 years old). The construction of the board allows for reliable rolling, and an LED headlight provides parents a way to keep track of their kids if they're riding in the driveway after the sun goes down. The foot pads offer enough grip while the max speed (6 mph) will give you peace of mind as your kids learn how to properly hover.

The Ninebot S-Max comes with a massive range (23.6 miles) and is designed with a standing hold bar. We see it as a hoverboard and traditional Segway hybrid, and because that main balance bar exists we find it easier for adults to get accustomed to riding. The S-Max is also a little bigger and heavier than other hoverboards, so it's probably wise to keep away kids from using it.

Admittedly, the design is a little geriatric but that also makes the machine all the more accessible. Dual motors means you can get a nice clip of more than 12 mph going. For the speed seekers out there, you can opt for picking up the GoKart Kit to unlock 23 MPH for an additional price.

The Jetson is an affordable hoverboard option with over 2,000 five-star Amazon reviews. Thanks to a weight limit of 220 lbs, most adults can mount onto this board and roll, but if we're being honest we see this board as more suitable for kids and young adults (think ages 8-14). Kudos for the colorful features and the relatively sleek design. It's so compact that even if you do run out of a charge, you can throw it in your pack until you make it back home. Lastly, the tires are just toothy enough to handle a variety of surfaces.

For those who are seeking more of a traditional board-riding experience (think skateboards), there is an option that deploys a lone wheel. Onewheel is the brand when it comes to solo-tired boards, and the Pint X is one of the brand’s best options to date.

What makes it stand out from your average hoverboard is the powerful motors. With a 750W Hypercore motor at the heart of its design, this bad boy has torque for days, enabling you to max out its speed at up to 18 MPH, with enough oomph to take on hills and any terrain. While the price tag may turn most away at $1,100, its range of 18 miles might be your new way to commute to work daily.

Hovertrax was the OG company that created a Kickstarter page to sell this hoverboard design many years back. The brand is now owned by Razor, and the Hovertrax 2.o is the latest iteration of the brand. We like the Hovertrax 2.0 because it's got a durable build and fun light designs on the front and side. The board only holds up to 176 lbs, so it's best suited for kids to ride. With a max speed of about 8 mph and three color options to boot, this model is serious tween and teen appeal. And 40 minutes on a full charge ain't bad.

For those who live on gravel roads, riding a skateboard or scooter at home is pretty limited—and for some, non-existent. The Hover-1 Titan is made with some serious wheels and a strong battery to propel the rider over small paths of gravel. It might not be able to go over clumps of loose rock, but if your road or driveway is packed down (like it typically is) then you should be able to roll around with relative ease. Oh, and this hoverboard also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker for tunes. So whether you're paved street is full of potholes or you're going for more rural rides, you're all set.

The Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 is pretty much the same as the Titan except for the fact it's made for pavement and regular riding. It's more flashy than the Titan, and if we're being honest, Chrome 2.0 probably has the coolest design on this entire list. Just look at this metallic beauty. You also get a built-in Bluetooth speaker and the envy of everybody in your hood. We like how the model handles and to balance on the thing is a rather simple task. The alert signals can be a little annoying but do warn you of potential obstacles.

A quality hoverboard will run you at least $120. If we had to put a price range on how much you should pay for a hoverboard we'd probably recommend anything between $150-$300—especially if you're buying a model for a kid. Now if you're buying a hoverboard for yourself or another adult, it's common to pay more than $400 if you want to really get a board that's durable and stable. Hoverboards from Swagtron and Segway hover over $400, and we like them as quality models for adults to use.

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