Top 12 Best Self Balancing Scooters & Hoverboards 2019 – Buyer’s Guide

Choosing a good hoverboard takes time and careful research. It’s not as easy as many people may think. In fact, hoverboards have evolved to be more than just entertaining toys. Some commuters use them as part of their lifestyles because they’re convenient, time-saving, and portable.

Here, we’ve shortlisted the top 12 best hoverboards from thousands of customer reviews. Pick our brains and read on right below!

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• Top 21 Best Kick Scooters for Adults In 2019
• Top 18 Best Scooters for Kids in 2019

Top 12 Best Self Balancing Scooters & Hoverboards Review 2019

1. Swagtron Swagboard Vibe T580 App-Enabled Bluetooth Hoverboard w/Speaker Smart Self-Balancing Wheel – Available on iPhone & Android

Read Full Reviews on Amazon.com

Are you ready to turn your swag on with your Swagtron Swagboard Vibe? This groovy gizmo will get you moving in style with just a single click of a button–either on an iPhone or an Android device.

You’re totally in safe hands using this hoverboard. How can we be sure? For a fact, consumer safety is Swagtron’s number one priority. All the materials they use to make this hoverboard have passed rigorous electrical safety tests. In fact, they have been UL certified. The outer casing is incombustible, meaning, there will be no danger of overheating, explosion, or whatsoever. In two words: It’s safe.

Additionally, who doesn’t love music? It’s the spice and soul of life. When riding the T580, you can play your favorite songs with a few simple clicks right on their smartphone app (available on both iOS and Android). Their high-quality built-in speakers and smart Bluetooth technology make listening to and playing music a breeze. This is the feature that we love so much about this T580. Appreciate it, Swagtron!

Two tiny drawbacks you may find are the audible grinding noise and the somewhat flimsy charging port. Other than that, this is a well-built hoverboard that’s so worth your money.

Pros:

• Stylish and cool design
• Lightweight
• Built-in speakers
• LED light movement indicators
• High max load
• Short charging time

Cons:

• Some grinding noise
• Charging port may be a bit flimsy

Product Specifications:

Max load: 44 – 220 lbs

Tires: 6.5” hard rubber

Max speed: 7.5 MPH

Range per charge: 8 miles

Battery: 29.4V

Colors: black, blue, red

Wrap up:

A solid and safe hoverboard that lets you play music while riding at a very good price.

2. Segway miniLITE – Smart Self Balancing Personal Transporter – Fully Integrated App Controls – up to 11 miles of range and 10 mph of top speed – 10.5 air filled tires – Certified to ANSI/CAN/UL 2272

Read Full Reviews on Amazon.com

Do you think that hours of practice to ride a hoverboard like a pro are entirely necessary? Segway certainly doesn’t believe so. Even if you’re a complete beginner, this smart self-balancing scooter can get you up and ride in minutes! Yes, literally minutes.

You may be wondering: How? The most unique features on this hoverboard are the smart sensors and intuitive knee control bar. In a way, you can think of this support like the hand of a parent reaching out to help their little kid learn how to walk. Those two features together can give you a good amount of support. You’ll be able to balance and ride on your own quickly. When your balance is well-developed, you can ride in confidence even without the kneebar.

This model is the scaled-down version of the miniPRO. It’s also much lighter. Which makes it a great choice for beginners and smaller riders alike. The hoverboard sports large air-filled tires, giving you the smoothest rides. It can take on many terrains from indoors to outdoors.

Pros:

• Lightweight & portable
• Customizable LED colors
• LED tail lights for safety
• An intuitive knee control bar
• Smart & convenient app
• Adapts well to many terrains

Cons:

• Not many color options
• No music

Product Specifications:

Max load: 220 lbs

Tires: 10.5” air filled

Max speed: 10 MPH

Range per charge: 11 miles

Wrap up:

You can choose this hoverboard if you’re not very confident with your riding skills but want to get started as quickly as possible.

3. GoTrax Hoverfly ECO – Best hoverboard for beginners

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If you’re new to this sport, this GoTrax hoverboard is ideal for you. It’s a low profile and simple hoverboard. What we love about this model are its high-quality Bluetooth speakers. You can safely play your favorite songs and jam along while riding the scooter. Thank you, Bluetooth! Don’t worry about getting distracted. Because the max volume limit is carefully configured. You’ll still be able to hear the surrounding sounds.

You can forget about incidents like hoverboards blowing up. Those are things of the past. In fact, many departments like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision or DTI Consumer Protection Group have enforced many safety laws and regulations. This GoTrax model is one of the safest that have passed the rigorous UL2272 certification. All of their battery, electrical, and charger systems have been rigorously tested to meet the latest standards. You can be sure to enjoy a safe ride.

Its self-balancing feature is another great point we have to talk about. The hoverboard will self-level after each of your move to make the overall scooter parallel to the floor. This integrated intelligence helps you get used to the scooter faster. For a price of under $150, this scooter is pretty hard to beat.

Pros:

• Super cool design
• Bluetooth speakers
• Meets UL 2272 safety standards
• Vivid LED headlights and wheel lights
• Reasonable price
• Dual 200W motor
• Beginner friendly

Cons:

• Some riders may find the design a bit edgy

Product Specifications:

Motor: Dual 200W

Max speed: 7 MPH

Range per charge: 5 miles

Battery: 36V

Colors: black, blue, aqua, yellow

Wrap up:

The best beginner hoverboard is right here in front of you. Hesitate no more and make your call now.

4. Swagtron T6 – Best Hoverboard for Off-Road Use

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Imagine how to swag you’d look when riding your hoverboard through mud, grass, or even gravel like it’s not even a big deal. You’ll certainly turn many heads. For such off-road uses, this Swagtron T6 is your best choice.

You’ll ride like a pro with this T6. As a matter of fact, Swagtron hoverboards are the official hoverboards both the well-known Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field choose for their teams. Certainly, you won’t regret this choice.

With the patented Sentryshield Technology, riders will be in the ultimate protection riding these hoverboards. Their battery management system is one of the best in the industry. The battery has a robust lithium-ion content. The overall hoverboard construction has been fully UL2272 certified.

Powerful, functional, and durable, this beast will take you over rocks, hills, or sand with ease. It’s super durable, dirt and splash resistant. You can also play cool tunes when you ride. Certainly, it’s the way to go if you love some outdoor adventures and thrills.

Pros:

• High-quality materials
• Topmost safety
• Convenient control using smartphone app
• Powerful performance
• Short charging time
• 1-year warranty
• Great for heavy riders

Cons:

• A bit heavier than other models
• May need some calibration

Product Specifications:

Max load: 380 lbs

Tires: 10” air filled

Max speed: 12 MPH

Range per charge: 12 miles

Charging time: 2-3 hours

Colors: pink, desert camouflage, black

Wrap up:

A powerful beast with many functions that can last for years.

5. Gyroor Warrior 8.5 inch All Terrain Off Road Hoverboard with Music Speakers and LED Lights, UL2272 Certified Self Balancing Scooter 2018 – Best for Families

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Let us introduce you to this warrior right here. It looks sick! For thrill-seekers and daredevils, this is your hoverboard soulmate right here. This beast is covered with a super sturdy shell. It sure can stand the test of time. It can even take on some of the harshest terrains. You’ll have happy memories riding this baby.

Have a guess: How long will it take you to balance yourself properly on this hoverboard? Let us reveal the answer: 1 minute. Yes, you don’t read that wrong. Gyroor’s smart self-balancing security system will help you find that sweet spot and get you cruising on your new hoverboard in a matter of minutes.

The scooter also sports 2 powerful 350W motors with rubber solid tires for the maximum performance and stability. While riding, you can also play some cool tunes on Spotify or right from your phone. The sound quality is awesome.

All in all, this is a very well-built scooter that’s sure going to be one of the best gifts for you or your loved ones. Let it bring out the warrior in you and your family.

Pros:

• Sturdy build
• High-quality materials
• Powerful 350W motor
• Climbing angle: 30 degrees
• Wide wheels
• Music and LED lights
• Reliable performance
• UL 2272 certified

Cons:

• A bit heavy: 35 lbs

Product Specifications:

Max load: 265 lbs

Tires: 8.5” rubber solid

Max speed: 9.95 MPH

Battery: 36V Lithium-ion

Range per charge: 7.5 – 9.5 miles

Charging time: 1.5 – 2  hours

Colors: blue, red, yellow, black

Wrap up:

This is a great choice for everyone in the whole family because it can last for years and is very easy to use.

6. Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard Self-Balancing Smart Scooter – The Smartest Hoverboard 2019

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We don’t even need to introduce the Razor brand, do we? Because they are huge in this pro scooter industry. This smart Hovertrax 2.0 surely does not disappoint.

First up, what we love about this particular model and the Razor brand, in general, is that there are many color options. This is something which you may find missing in other brands’ scooters. But with this model, you can freely express your own style with 6 different choices.

Now, we don’t call it the smartest hoverboard in 2019 for no reason. In this 20-pound little thing, you’ll find a lot of sensors. What are those sensors for? Basically, it’s to give you the safest, easiest, and most enjoyable ride every single time.

Going into some more details, you’ll find the gyro sensors in the very heart and brain of this scooter. What they do is reacting to your every move (i.e. leaning left, ride, backward, or forwards) and adapting to every single one to give you the best support, stabilization, and steadiness. A job well done, Razor!

Overall, this is a smart hoverboard that’s great for beginners and even advanced riders as well.

Pros:

• Quiet motor
• Strong build
• Famous brand
• HIgh-quality material
• Adaptive to rider’s moves
• Superior support and stabilization
• Many styles and colors

Cons:

• Maybe quite slow
• 90-day warranty may not be long enough for some users

Product Specifications:

Battery: 36V rechargeable lithium-ion

Max speed: 6 MPH

Run time: 115 minutes

Wrap up:

This is the smartest hoverboard your money can buy in 2019 from a reputable brand.

7. VEEKO Hoverboard Two-Wheel Self-Balancing Scooter with Bluetooth Speaker – 9.6Km/hr Max 225lbs Max / UL2272 Certified Hover Board / 250W Dual Motor /6.5” Aluminum Alloy Wheels/Black – Best Hoverboard for Budget Conscious Users

Read Full Reviews on Amazon.com

With just a little over $100, you’ll get the best of what hoverboards can offer in one neat pack. This is it, this VEEKO hoverboard is the one you’ve been looking for if you’re more or less budget conscious. What does this baby have to offer? Let’s check out.

First of all, it looks just as cool as those pro models with high-quality aluminum frame and attractive LED top and front lights. Honestly, no one will even recognize that it’s a budget choice with such an eye-catching design (if you don’t tell). Second of all, it goes fast. It can take you up to 9.6 miles per hour. Which is quite good for a product in this category.

The best thing is all of its electrical components like charger, battery, and inner circuits have been UL 2272 certified. You don’t have to worry about your scooter getting too hot or the risk of it blowing up. Simply, these cases won’t happen. On one single charge, you’ll have 4 hours of play time. This is simply awesome.

If you’re a bit nervous about riding a self-balancing scooter, don’t be! The VEEKO hoverboard has premium built-in gyroscope and acceleration sensor plus a servo-control system to give complete beginners the smoothest and most stable ride every single time. With their top-quality motor and battery pack, you’ll be sure to travel safely and fashionably around town without being bound to traffic jam or train schedules.

Pros:

• Cheap price
• Expensive-looking design
• High-performance motor
• Meets UL safety standards
• Fast speed
• Long run time

Cons:

• Limited color choices

Product Specifications:

Battery: 36V rechargeable lithium-ion

Motor: Dual 350W

Max load: 44 – 225 lbs

Max speed: 10 MPH

Range per charge: 6 – 9 miles

Run time: 4 hours

Wrap up:

If you love to try out this amazing sport but your budget is rather tight, this is the way to go. You’ll get the best of everything for the biggest bang of your buck. A smart choice, right here.

8. HOVERZON S Series Self Balance Hoverboard Scooter UL 2272; Dual Power 250-Watt Motor; Durable Aegis Armor Battery

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Are you ready to get your game face on and get rolling? That’s right, HOVERZON’s tagline is Hover on, let’s roll! You sure don’t want to miss out on this great model they offer. So, what makes it so special?

The first outstanding feature is the dynamic self-balancing system. The equilibrium (or simply balance) is maintained by two gyroscopic motors. What this means is that you can easily control the hoverboard by just shifting your body weight. Yes, it’s completely hands-free and simple.

Secondly, their smart battery management system is patented. It’s called the HOVERZON aegis armor. It’s sort of like the armor soldiers wear on battlegrounds. With that said, the actual structure of the battery is similarly multi-layered, protecting the rider from any dangerous electrical risks.

Finally, it’s UL certified and well-built. The foot pedals are made from non-slip materials. The overall frame is made from sturdy aluminum. You can choose between two riding modes. To wrap it all up, this hoverboard meets the stringent UL safety standards. You’ll be sure to enjoy a fun, easy, and safe ride with this one. A great choice, overall.

Pros:

• Durable materials
• Safe to ride
• Easy to control
• Sleek design
• High performance

Cons:

• No music
• Maybe a bit slow

Product Specifications:

Motor: Dual 250W

Max load: 220 lbs

Max speed: 8 MPH

Range per charge: 11 miles

Wrap up:

This one is another solid choice for you. It checks off almost all of the highest standards there are on the market right now. Certainly, it’s worth your money.

9. XtremepowerUS 8.5 Inch Off-Road All Terrain Self-Balancing Hoverboard, w/Bluetooth Speaker – Best Hoverboard for Kids

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Ever watched Back to the Future movie and seen those Nike’s self-lacing shoes? Even if you haven’t, you’ll surely love this hoverboard. It looks so cool and futuristic. Our first impression of this buddy is that it would fit so well with those Nike’s self-lacing shoes. The design is top-notch. Bravo for a job well done, XtremepowerUS!

If your kids are into futuristic styles or sci-fi movies, this one right here is going to drive them crazy. It not only has the looks, but it also has some great inner power. You can ride it up to 9 MPH. That’s the point where you’ll feel the wind in your hair. For a few moments, you’ll feel like you’re flying on the sidewalk. Trust us, it’s one of the best feelings in the world. You’ve definitely got to try it!

Climbing on steep surfaces is no big deal with this buddy. It can handle slopes up to 15 degrees steep. That’s pretty cool, in our opinion. Also, it’s dirt and sand proof so you don’t have to worry about those little particles damaging the circuits. It won’t happen.

Overall, this is a great buy for your little kids. We almost forgot to mention that it can play music with its built-in speakers. So, hover on and time to roll!

Pros:

• Futuristic design
• Fast
• Dirt and sand resistant
• Suitable for kids and adults
• Can play music

Cons:

• Only 2 color choices

Product Specifications:

Product weight: 33 lbs

Max load: 220 lbs

Max speed: 9 MPH

Charge voltage: 100 – 240V, 50 – 60 Hz

Wrap up:

Sci-fi fans, you’re going to love this one! Grab yourself one before the other sci-fi fans get the very last one.

10. Swagtron Swagboard Pro T1 UL 2272 Certified Hoverboard Electric Self-Balancing Scooter – Your Swag Personal Transporter Awaits You

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If you’re a beginner who’s very eager and excited about learning how to ride a hoverboard, this one is a great beginner-friendly option for you. It has two distinct modes: learning and standard. The learning mode is specifically designed for beginners to get themselves familiarized with the gadget. Once you’ve gained a bit more confidence, you can turn to the standard mode and practice cooler moves.

In the middle of this hoverboard, you’ll also find a system and battery indicator. These indicators let you know the exact battery levels. They also alert you immediately if there are any possible errors. With such smart system management, you can be sure to enjoy a fun and safe ride.

If you’re a daredevil who loves to conquer new heights, the powerful dual 250W motor integrated with this hoverboard can take you up to hills that are up to 30 degrees steep. What we also love about this particular T1 is that it’s one of the earliest self-balancing scooters that has been fully UL2272 certified. What this means, simply, is that they protect you from any overheating, overcharging, or short-circuiting. Simply, amazing!

If you’re ready to unleash your inner swag and show everyone what cool moves you’ve got, choose this hoverboard right here.

Pros:

• Fully UL2272 certified
• Strong construction
• Powerful motor
• Perfect for beginners
• Safe stop technology
• Stylish design
• LED headlights
• Lightweight
• Excellent customer support

Cons:

• May take some time to master

Product Specifications:

Max load: 220 lbs

Max speed: 8+ MPH

Range per charge: 12+ miles

Battery: Lithium-ion

Charging time: 1 hour

Colors: black, blue, red

Wrap up:

We think you’ll have lots of fun riding this safe and cool Swagtron T1.

11. SEGWAY miniPRO Smart Self Balancing Transporter 2018 Edition, 12.5 Mile Range, 10 MPH of Top Speed, 10.5-Inch Pneumatic Air Filled Tires, Mobile App Control, Customizable LED Lights (Black)

Read Full Reviews on Amazon.com

Can we just say real quick: This SEGWAY miniPRO looks so cool! This is the full-blown version of the miniLITE version that we saw earlier. It just has many more features packed into it. Let’s go through some of the best ones.

Obviously, SEGWAY still follows their philosophy that riding a hoverboard like a pro doesn’t have to take years of practice. This is great news for busy folks who just need to get themselves familiarized with the scooter as fast as possible. To achieve this goal, SEGWAY integrates precision sensors and padded knee control bar right on the scooter. If your balance is not yet well-developed, you can easily lean on either side of the bar. The sensor will automatically detect your position and make suitable adjustments.

The motor power on this “little” buddy is truly a beast: 800W! With such power, you can ride over bumps, steep slopes, or gravel with great ease. The safety light indicators are reliable. They work well in day and night time, giving you the ultimate protection riding the scooter. Be sure you’re over 16 and under 60 though. Because this is the recommended age range for riding the scooter safely. If you’re under 16, you should be under adult supervision.

Pros:

• Powerful motor
• Sleek and cool design
• Fast
• Easy to ride
• UL2272 certified
• Road adaptive
• Free smartphone app
• Aircraft-grade magnesium frame

Cons:

• Not for riders under 16 or over 60

Product Specifications:

Max load: 220 lbs

Tires: 10.5” pneumatic air filled

Max speed: 10 MPH

Range per charge: 12.5 miles

Wrap up:

If you love outdoor adventures, this powerful scooter will be your reliable partner for years.

12. EPIKGO Self Balancing Scooter Hover Self-Balance Board – UL2272 Certified, All-Terrain 8.5” Alloy Wheel, 400W Dual-Motor, LG Battery, Board Hover Tough Road Condition

Read Full Reviews on Amazon.com

This hoverboard is no joke, my friends. We’ve got some T-rex power right here. In two words: A beast. It looks amazing. It takes on all terrains with ease. It can take you higher and further. If your budget is a bit more generous, this seriously is going to be a great choice.

Okay, let’s see what you’ll get. With this EPIKGO hoverboard, you’ll get 30% more foot space compared to most hoverboards on the market. This makes it great for heavier riders. You’ll also get 30% bigger wheels for much more stable and smooth rides. The dual 400W engine is top in class. it will satisfy your need for speed.

All of the hoverboard components have been UL 2272 certified. There’s one thing we know for sure: This buddy is not afraid of any terrains. It travels through mud, sand, dirt, water, or grass like eating a piece of the pie. All of this makes you, the rider, look incredibly in control and super cool riding this beast. It’s one of the most sophisticated models out there that sure is going to give you a great experience.

Pros:

• Super powerful motor
• Sturdy and strong build
• Fast speed
• UL 2272 certified
• More foot space
• Bigger and wider wheels
• Premium aluminum frame
• Waterproof

Cons:

• A bit heavy: 31 lbs

Product Specifications:

Max load: 265 lbs

Tires: 8.5” alloy wheels

Charging time: 2 hours

Range per charge: 10+ miles

Colors: elite silver, space grey, rose gold

Wrap up:

This is a high-end hoverboard that offers the pinnacle of safety and world-class design. If some rich folks in Dubai ride lions or cheetahs to express their power, we say this is our T-rex right here. Can you hear the roar already? Yes, and there’s one thing we know for sure, it will last much longer.

The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Self Balancing Scooters & Hoverboards

Budget

If you’ve read through our list above, you’ll know that the average price range for a good hoverboard is from $100 to over $500. If you’re a beginner, we recommend that you start with the lower-end models. You can then work your way up to the more advanced ones when you’ve mastered your balance and moves.

Needs

Obviously, different riders will have different needs. You may ask yourself a question: Who do I need this hoverboard for?

If it’s a gift for your kids, the XtremePowerUS hoverboard will be a great choice. If it’s for riders who are rather heavy, the SwagTron T6 will get the job done. If you’re shopping for the whole family, choose the Gyroor Warrior hoverboard – it’s your best shot.

Battery

Lithium-ion (or Li-ion) is the type of battery that’s used right on your iPhone or Android devices. The main reason many manufacturers choose this type of battery is because it beats its competitors in terms of lifetime, cost, charging speed, and safety.

Many hoverboards sport this type of battery. Usually, you’ll find 24-36V lithium-ion battery in the hoverboard. Some brands divide the battery pack into smaller 24 celled batteries (1V each).

The average charging time goes from 1 hour to 3 hours. Anything that’s less than 1 hour should raise some serious concerns. Be sure to check this essential electrical component to make sure it meets the industry standards.

Tires

You’ll often find tires that measure somewhere from 6” to over 10” on most hoverboards. The bigger and wider the tires, the more stable your rides will be. Some folks, however, don’t like this heavy and bulky feeling the big and wide tires give them. They add weight to the overall hoverboard as well. Other folks are fine with them.

The most common type of material they use to make these tires is rubber. Most of the tires are pneumatic (or air-filled). They are very durable; however, they are prone to puncture as well.

This is not a big deal in most cases since you can easily pump air into them and repair the punctured tires at very low cost. But, for the most enjoyable ride, be sure to check your tires before riding. A flat tire will make the experience much less fun for you.

Wattage

No hoverboard motors on the market today can go over 1000W. This is due to the safety laws and regulations in the U.S. As you’ve already seen, the most powerful hoverboard motors on our list only reach 800W. If you see any hoverboard manufacturers that boast their engine is over 1000W, simply click away and don’t buy. It may be dangerous for you.

Speed

Like wattage, speed falls under the safety regulation. In fact, no hoverboards in today’s market can go over 20 MPH. When they go over this limit, they are considered not safe anymore. In California, for example, you can only use your hoverboard in public spaces if its speed is under 20 MPH.

As you can see from our list, the fastest one reaches 12 MPH, which is just right following the safety rules. You should stay away from those hoverboard brands that proudly say their products will take you over 20 MPH. It’s probably a fraud and not worth your money.

FAQs

Do Hoverboards still explode 2019?

This is a thing of the past. We totally understand your concerns. There were unfortunate incidents happened before. But, rest assured, many consumer protection departments and commissions have tightened the laws and safety standards.

In fact, to get their hoverboards out in the market now, manufacturers have to pass many strict safety tests. Only after getting the approval can the companies sell their hoverboards to the end-users. Check if the hoverboard has UL2272 certification if you’re concerned about safety.

Is Jetson a good hoverboard?

Although Jetson is a relatively young brand (est. 2012), they have grown significantly in many ways. Their products are crafted with the utmost attention to detail, consumer-first mindset, and creativity. Their hoverboards are serious contenders in this category.

What is the best hoverboard for the price?

VEEKO Hoverboard Two-Wheel Self-Balancing Scooter is your best shot if you’re shopping for a budget hoverboard that has all the great features.

What Hoverboards catch on fire?

The SwagWay model X1 has had some bad rap. You should definitely do your research carefully before buying that one. However, none of the hoverboards on our list has caused this incident before. They are all fully UL2272 certified. So, you can be sure to ride in style and safety.

Which hoverboard is the fastest?

The Swagtron T6 is the fastest on our list with a max speed of 12 MPH.