Since first hitting the market back in 2013, hoverboards—aka “self-balancing scooters”—have sold in the millions and gained traction with recreational users, hobbyists, and inner-city commuters alike in almost every country around the world. And with good reason… These affordable devices are not only very practical and easy to use, but, simply put, absolutely oodles of fun. Whether you’re looking to get your kids outdoor and away from the computer screens or buying a gift that’s sure to earn you the status of favorite aunt/uncle for the year ahead, there aren’t many better ways to do so than with a hoverboard for kids, which are specially designed to offer all the fun of adult models without any of the concerns about safety. To help you choose the best model for your kids, in this article we’ll introduce you to the best 25 hoverboards on the market in 2020.
We reviewed dozens of hoverboards for kids to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including materials, max speed, safety, range per charge, ease of use, cost, and average customer reviews.
Having considered a large number of hoverboards for kids, we chose the TOMOLOO Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker as our top pick. Not only does this hoverboard support users who weigh 40-165 lbs., it also has a bluetooth speaker, LED lights, water-resistant materials, a long battery life, and smart-balance technology that makes the device far easier to ride than many other kids’ models on the market.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Hoverboards for Kids
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | TOMOLOO Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker | 4.7 |
Best Off-Road Hoverboard for Kids | HOVERSTAR All-Terrain HS2.0 Hoverboard | 4.2 |
Best Budget Buy | VEVELINE Hoverboard for Kids | 4.4 |
Best Hoverboard with Speakers for Kids | NHT Hoverboard | 5.0 |
Best Hoverboard with LED Lights for Kids | UNI-SUN Hoverboard for Kids | 4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Hoverboard for Kids Overall: TOMOLOO Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker
Having considered a vast array of options, the hoverboard for kids that wins our vote as the best model currently on the market is the
Best Off-Road Hoverboard for Kids: HOVERSTAR All-Terrain HS2.0 Hoverboard
If your kid happens to have an appetite for adventure and likes to stray off the beaten track, there are very few models of hoverboard out there likely to prove as suitable as the HOVERSTAR All-Terrain HS2.0 Hoverboard.
This very robust scooter uses off-road, all-terrain tires that improve traction on rougher, unpaved terrain, thereby opening up a whole new world of possibilities as regards where your kid can do their boarding. It also uses a powerful, 36-volt battery that makes the device capable of climbing inclines of up to 20 degrees and reaching max speeds of 10 miles per hour.
This hoverboard offers plenty in the way of additional features, too, boasting a built-in bluetooth speaker and plenty of vibrant, colorful LED lights in the foot board, wheels, and rims, meaning that if pedestrians or vehicles don’t hear your kid coming, they’re absolutely sure to see them!
HOVERSTAR All-Terrain HS2.0 Hoverboard Key Features:
- Off-road wheels
- Max speed 10 mph
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- LED lights
- Load capacity: 40-165 lbs.
Best Budget Hoverboard for Kids: VEVELINE Hoverboard for Kids
For parents looking to buy their kids a reasonably priced hoverboard that doesn’t quite scale to the heights of pricier models performance-wise but is a true all-rounder in terms of features, build, and capabilities, the VEVELINE Hoverboard for Kids is well worth a place on the shortlist.
This glitzy, aesthetically appealing device is ideal for younger kids owing to its relatively low maximum speed (6 mph) and light weight (18 lbs.), both of which make it far easier to control than more powerful and heavier models. It also comes with built-in bluetooth speakers, bright LED lights for nighttime boarding, and highly durable rubber tires.
Other factors sure to endear users of this hoverboard are its ability to climb inclines of up to 15 degrees, a three-month warranty, and a child mode that simplifies foot controls to give parents further peace of mind and kids a more manageable riding experience.
All in all, this is a great option for first-time riders or parents who want to ensure they give their kids a device that offers the perfect balance between safety, performance, and fun.
VEVELINE Hoverboard for Kids Key Features:
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- Bright LED headlights
- Child mode for beginners
- Max speed 6 mph
- 6.5-inch wheels
Best Hoverboard with Speakers for Kids: NHT Hoverboard
The NHT Hoverboard is a great choice of hoverboard for kids who simply can be without their “beats.” While there are plenty of hoverboards on the market with built-in wireless speakers, this one wins out vote as the best out there on account of the balance it offers between sound quality and value for money.
The NHT’s speakers connect to any smartphone via bluetooth, letting your kid play all their favorite tunes while they ride without having to wear headphones (which, as you can imagine, would present a sizable safety hazard!). The device also uses high-intensity LED lights on the foot board, rim, and wheels, meaning that your kid is sure to be seen by approaching vehicles or pedestrians.
This hoverboard is also mightily impressive in terms of performance, boasting a max speed of 6 mph, a 7.5-mile range per charge, a beginner-friendly foot board, and a self-balancing feature that makes operation of the device easy even for younger kids and hoverboarding newbies.
All in all, this hoverboard is an excellent choice for kids under twelve or and parents keen to give their kid a hoverboard with bluetooth compatibility without breaking the bank.
NHT Hoverboard Key Features:
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- High-intensity LED lights
- 7.5-mile range per charge
- Max speed 6 mph
- 6.5-inch wheels
Best Hoverboard with LED Lights for Kids: UNI-SUN Hoverboard for Kids
The UNI-SUN Hoverboard for Kids is a device that merits its place on the shortlist of any parent whose priority is on ensuring their kids can be seen while they ride. This device uses bright, high-intensity, multi-colored LEDs in the foot board, rims, and wheels, making it one of the most visible hoverboards on the market and a great choice if you think your kid is likely to be doing any of their boarding after dark.
In addition to the device’s LED light show, the UNI-SUN also comes with a built-in bluetooth speaker and boasts a max speed of 9.3 miles per hour. While that max speed may seem to make this device better suited to older kids and teens, the device’s light, 17-pound weight, self-balancing feature, and quick-response gyroscope foot sensors make it a very easy hoverboard to ride even for kids aged 6 to 10.
What impresses us most about this device, however, is its average riding range per charge of over nine miles. This represents roughly a 2-mile-per-charge upgrade on most other devices in its price range and means, most importantly, that your kid will be able keep getting their board on long after all their boarding buddies have had to retire for a recharge!
UNI-SUN Hoverboard for Kids Key Features:
- Flashing LED wheels
- LED headlights
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- Max speed 9.3 mph
- Riding range 9.5 miles
- Load capacity 44-264 lbs
Who Should Buy a Hoverboard for Kids
Hoverboards for kids are a great way to let your kids enjoy the thrill of a personal mobility device without quite so many of the risks involved in using models designed for adults. Adult hoverboards tend to be large, heavy, tricky to operate, and are capable of traveling at relatively high speeds—all of which means they’re unsuitable for most kids. Fortunately, models of hoverboard designed for kids are lighter, more manageable, and have lower max speeds, which means they’re far easier for your kids to control but still a whole lot of fun to ride. If your kid happens to be a fan of rollerblading, skateboarding, or riding a bike, there’s every chance they’ll absolutely love upgrading or diversifying their two-wheeled downtime activities with a hoverboard!
Important Features to Consider
- Safety. The most important thing to check for when buying any hoverboard for kids online is that it has been tested and approved as compliant with standardized industry safety regulations. This approval comes in the form of UL2272 certification, which standardizes the safety of EMDs’ (Electric Mobility Devices) electrical and mechanical components to reduce the risk of fire and explosion and is given only to hoverboards that have passed a rigorous, systematic series of safety tests. These tests assess how resistant the device is to impacts, extreme temperatures, water exposure, and a variety of other factors. In short, any device without UL2272 is not a safe option for your kid and should be avoided. All of the hoverboards listed in our review are UL2272 certified.
- Age appropriate. This is a tricky factor to gauge owing to the fact that certain sellers will list their devices as suitable for kids when, in reality, they might only be suitable for older kids in their mid to late teens. To know if any hoverboard will be suitable for your kid, the most important things to look for are the weight of the device, the max speed, the wheel size, and adjustable skill modes. For younger kids (12 and under), we recommend opting for a model with max speeds of 7.5 mile per hour, tires of 6.5 inches or less, under 23 pounds in weight, and with two or three skill modes that will let your kid start off on easier-to-use settings before progressing through modes or levels as their riding ability improves.
- Wheel size. As a general rule, the larger the wheel size, the more difficult a hoverboard will be to ride. For all kids under fourteen, the max wheel size we recommend is 6.5 inches. For kids under ten, control of the device will be significantly easier with even smaller wheels in the 4.5 to 6-inch range.
- Maximum speed. Most hoverboards for kids offer max speeds between 6 and 9.5 miles per hour. While the difference between the two speeds may seem negligible, it can make a big difference in terms of manageability and how easy the device is to control. Generally speaking, devices with lower max speeds are much easier to control and are a better option for younger kids and beginners and those at the higher end of the max speed spectrum better suited to teens. Some models also offer multiple skill modes that allow you to preset a maximum speed before riding. Such models are the ideal solution if your kid is a beginner as it will let them learn the ropes at lower speeds before progressing to higher speeds as their riding skills improve.
- LED lights. This feature not only makes a hoverboard more attractive to ride for your kids by adding an element of “bling” to their board, but also ensures they will be more visible to both pedestrians and motorists when using the device at night. For the best illumination, look for a model with “headlights” in the foot board, on the rims above the wheels, and flashing lights in the wheel hubs themselves to provide lateral visibility.
- Bluetooth speakers. This feature can add to the cost of a hoverboard but is sure to make it a lot more fun to ride for your kid, letting them play a selection of songs from a smartphone while they ride.
- Off-road capability. This feature is ideal for kids who want to stray from paved surfaces and ride on steeper inclines on slightly rougher terrain. Off-road models of hoverboard typically use burlier tires with a deeper tread to provide superior traction, have more powerful motors, and are capable of taking on inclines in excess of fifteen degrees. While this feature won’t let your kid take on any backcountry biking or hiking trails, it will allow them to ride their device around your yard, in parks, or on any other unpaved and relatively uneven surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hoverboard and how does it work?
Hoverboards are self-balancing personal mobility devices that use two motorized wheels on either side of a standing platform with articulated foot pads. Riders control the speed at which they travel by simply leaning forwards or backwards, and make turns by twisting the foot pads. Two self-balancing gyroscopes are connected to separate motors, one for each wheel, thereby allowing the unit to stay balanced, and turn at different speeds to change direction.
What age are hoverboards for?
This varies from model to model. As a general rule, models of hoverboard designed for kids have lower max speeds and smaller wheels, which makes them easier to control. Most manufacturers or sellers include a minimum recommended user age in the product listing.
If the seller of any hoverboard doesn’t include a minimum user age recommendation, it’s likely that they will offer a minimum user weight. In kids’ hoverboards, this usually ranges from 40 to 50 pounds, which typically translates to kids of five years of age and over.
Can I ride my hoverboard in the rain?
In short: no. While many retailers and online sellers list their hoverboards as waterproof or water-resistant, in the vast majority of cases this information is untrustworthy and, owing to a hoverboard’s electrical components, not something you want to put to the test, both for the safety of your kid and the welfare of your device, which could easily be ruined by water damage.
How long do hoverboards last?
Barring any accidents or rain-damage, and as long as you take care of your hoverboard, your device could well last you a lifetime. While this will depend on how well the hoverboard is made, most models are built with sufficiently robust, durable materials that they shouldn’t fall foul of wear and tear unless you’re putting in serious mileage on the device on a daily basis. When buying, however, it’s worth checking to ensure that spare parts—particularly wheels, which are prone to wear down much faster than other components—can be bought separately.
Other Hoverboards for Kids We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other hoverboards for kids. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best hoverboards for kids list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your kids. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Hoverboards for Kids
This snazzy, very reasonably priced little hoverboard has a bluetooth speaker, LED lights in the wheels, rims, and footboard, and at just 17 pounds in weight is the ideal choice for younger kids or beginners.
Key Features:
- Built-in wireless speaker
- LED lights in wheels and foot board
- Load capacity: 40-180 lbs
Cost: $88
Using an intelligent control system that automatically adjusts in accordance with the user’s weight and center of gravity, this very affordable, easy-to-use hoverboard is a great choice for newbies to hoverboarding or younger kids.
Key Features:
- Adjustable skill modes
- Max speed 7.5 mph
- Max climbing angle of 35 degrees
Cost: $95.39
CHO POWER SPORTS Electric Hoverboard
With high-intensity LED lights, a built-in bluetooth speaker, and smart self-balancing wheels, this very reasonably priced hoverboard offers outstanding value for money and is a great option for kids of all ages.
Key Features:
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- High-intensity LED headlights
- Max speed 7 mph
Cost: $78
Chic Electric Rechargeable Hoverboard
This sleek device boasts built-in bluetooth speakers, high-intensity LED lights, and supports riders who weigh 44-200 lbs. With a max speed of 6 mph and a self-balancing foot board, this one is best suited to kids under ten years of age.
Key Features:
- Max speed 6 mph
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- LED lights in foot board, rims, and on wheels
Cost: $99
EPCTEK Chrome Hoverboard for Kids
A stylish little hoverboard with a long-lasting charge, LED lights in the footboard, rims, and wheels, and a built-in bluetooth speaker than can be controlled remotely via your smartphone.
Key Features:
- Built-in wireless speaker
- LED lights
- Load Capacity: 44-191 lbs
- Maximum speed 6.2 mph
Cost: $99
A simple, superbly easy-to-use device that boasts bright LED lights on the foot board and wheels and a built-in bluetooth speaker. With a minimum user weight of 44 pounds and max speed of 6.2 mph, this one’s ideal for younger kids or newcomers to hoverboarding.
Key Features:
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- LED lights in foot board and wheels
- Load capacity: 44-191 lbs.
Cost: $105.99
Longtime 6.5″ Chrome Hoverboard
With max speeds of 6 miles per hour, a minimum user weight of 44 pounds, and a riding range of 7 miles per charge, this hoverboard is a great choice for parents looking for a device for younger kids that offers plenty in the way of fun and visibility but won’t have them breaking any speed limits!
Key Features:
- High-intensity LED lights
- Max speed 6 mph
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
Hoverboards with Speakers for Kids
UNI-SUN Chrome Hoverboard for Kids
This glitzy, sleek hoverboard comes with a built-in wireless speaker and a total of 8 LED light panels. It also boasts a max speed of 9 mph and can support users who weigh 44-264 lbs.
Key Features:
- Recommended for kids aged 9-12
- 9 mph max speed
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- Load capacity: 44-264 lbs.
Cost: $114.99
LIEAGLE Hoverboard with Bluetooth
With a built-in wireless speaker, LED lights galore, max speeds of 6.2 miles per hour, and weighing in at just 16 pounds, this hoverboard offers great value for money and is a good choice for parents who want to ensure their kids have plenty of fun without overdoing things in terms of speed.
Key Features:
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- Max speed 6.2 mph
- LED lights in foot board and wheels
Cost: $114.99
It may be pricey, but this hoverboard offers nigh-on peerless performance and features thanks to its use of adjustable skill modes and built in bluetooth speakers and powerful LED lights that can be controlled directly via your smartphone.
Key Features:
- Adjustable skill modes
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- LED lights can be controlled via smartphone
Cost: $223.20
Gyroor T581 Off-Road Hoverboard
This incredibly well-made, robust device’s adjustable skill modes make it a great choice for parents looking to give their kids a hoverboard that could potentially last a lifetime by allowing them to progress from beginner skill modes while learning the ropes to expert skill modes further down the line.
Key Features:
- Adjustable skill modes
- Off-road tires
- Powerful 600-watt motors
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- Max speed 10 mph
Cost: $229
XPRIT Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker
A simple hoverboard with LED lights and a powerful bluetooth speaker that also boasts a max speed of 6.2 miles per hour and weighs only 19 pounds, making it ideal for kids under ten years of age.
Key Features:
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- LED lights in foot board and wheels
- Max speed 6.2 mph
- Weighs only 19 lbs.
Cost: $119.95
Gyroshoes Convertible Hoverboard
This awesome little hoverboard might be pricey, but offers off-road capabilities, high-quality bluetooth speakers, and even converts into a mini go-kart, letting your kid turn their two-wheeled adventures into the four-wheeled variety in a matter of seconds.
Key Features:
- Converts into a go-kart
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- LED lights
- Highly water-resistant
- Off-road tires
- Max speed 9 mph
Cost: $279
This superbly stylish device is very easy to ride thanks to its lower weight and self-balancing control system and also boasts an array of LED lights in the wheels, foot board, and rims, and a powerful bluetooth speaker.
Key Features:
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- LED lights in wheels, rims, and foot board
- Max speed 9 mph
Hoverboards with LED Lights for Kids
This high-performing hoverboard comes in multiple color options and boasts two LED headlights below each of the foot pads, an additional pair around the wheel hubs, and flashing, multicolored lights in the wheels themselves. It also has a bluetooth speaker and a max speed of 9 mph.
Key Features:
- LED lights on front, rear, and wheel hubs
- 6.5-inch wheels
- Built-in wireless speaker
- User weight range: 44-260 lb
Cost: $129.99
Felimoda Self-Balancing Hoverboard
This hoverboard packs plenty of safety features, including overheat protection, short-circuit protection, overcharge protection, and explosion-proof tires, and also has powerful LED lights either side of the foot board and on the wheels.
Key Features:
- LED lights on front and back of foot board
- Max climbing angle of 15 degrees
- Stops automatically when rider steps off
Cost: $99.99
Swagboard Twist Lithium-Free Kids Hoverboard
This lightweight hoverboard weighs just 23 pounds and has a max speed of 7 miles per hour, making it a great choice for younger kids. It’s also one that’s sure to catch the eye of ever passerby thanks to its multicolored laser light-up wheels and front and rear LEDs.
Key Features:
- LEDs on front and rear of foot board and laser light-up wheels
- Max speed 7 mph
- Max climbing angle of 15 degrees
- Weighs only 23 lbs.
Cost: $125.88
TOMOLOO LED Hoverboard with Bluetooth Speaker
This device is lights up like a miniature Vegas on wheels thanks to four trios of LEDs located on the front and rear of the foot board, a further pair in the center of the foot board, and a ring of flashing LEDs around both wheels. It also has a built-in bluetooth speaker, can support users who weigh 40-165 lbs, and is very easy to ride even for beginners.
Key Features:
- Multiple LEDs
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- Load Capacity: 40-165 lbs
Cost: $199.99
This hoverboard weighs only 17 lbs. and uses smart-balance technology to make riding easy for even younger kids. It also boasts high-intensity LED lights all around the foot board and multicolored LEDs in the wheels.
Key Features:
- Max speed of 7.4 mph
- Built-in bluetooth speaker
- All-terrain wheels
- LEDs along footboard and on both wheels
Cost: $142
HYPER GOGO Off-Road Hoverboard
This very robust device is built for off-road, all-terrain travel and boasts a duo of high-quality bluetooth speakers and plenty of bright LED lights to help make your kid more visible when boarding at night.
Key Features:
- Colorful, bright LEDs in wheels and foot board
- Built-in bluetooth speakers
- Off-road tires
Cost: $169