Many years ago, I bought a hoverboard for my 12-year-old nephew’s birthday. I did a ton of research into them for a good reason. At the time, many hoverboards were considered unsafe due to fire hazards. But a hoverboard was on the top of his wish list.
Nearly a decade later, I recently dove back into researching hoverboards (also called self-balancing scooters) as a gift for a close family friend’s son. Still to this day, it’s a popular gift-wish among kids. I give you my top picks for the best kids’ hoverboard for many age ranges. Also, I’ll share with you what I’ve uncovered about current safety standards with boards, safety tips for your kid’s use, and much more.
| Overall | Beginners | Value | All-Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
| GOTRAX NOVA PRO | SISIGAD AO2 | GOTRAX EDGE | Gyroor Warrior G2 |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Are Hoverboards Safe?
Image credit: Kaspars Grinvalds, Shutterstock
You may recall news reports back in 2015 and early 2016 that several makes and models of hoverboards posed a serious fire hazard (some even erupted in flames or all-out exploded). The fire risk involved cheaply-made lithium-ion batteries with no safety standards (mostly manufactured in China).
Nearly a decade later, the hoverboard industry has fully recovered thanks to strict safety standards put in place shortly after the debacle. What safety standards should you look for when researching hoverboards, electric skateboards, and similar electronic riding devices?
Experts recommend that you only purchase a UL-certified hoverboard. Underwriters Laboratory (UL), widely considered the global leader in independent testing for the safety of consumer products, created a certified safety standard (UL 2272) for hoverboards in February 2016.
7 Best Hoverboards For Kids
After many hours of research and feedback from friends and other customers, I’ve chosen the best kids’ hoverboards based on safety, performance, durability, features, pricing, and other factors. All of my picks are UL 2272-certified and meet the highest level of fire and safety consumer standards.
Best Overall: GOTRAX NOVA PRO Review
The brand I purchased for my nephew years ago was GOTRAX, and this company has remained top-of-the-line for nearly a decade. I recommend the GOTRAX PRO as my top pick for many age ranges. This premier hoverboard accommodates rider weights from 44-220 pounds.
The high-performing NOVA PRO board provides a safe, smooth, and powerful ride. The self-balancing correction works extremely well without limiting a rider’s movements and control of the board. Riding straight, making sharp turns, and even rotating 360 degrees is a breeze. It features a built-in Bluetooth speaker and all-terrain tires and can reach speeds up to 6.2 mph.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent performance | Long charging time |
| Made with durable materials | Mixed reviews about customer service |
| Sleek, lightweight design | |
| Dual 200-watt motors | |
| LED wheels and headlights | |
| Built-in Bluetooth speaker | |
| 2-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
| Price | Top Speed | Miles/Charge | Max Weight | Board Weight | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOVA PRO | $197.99 | 6.2 mph | 5 miles | 220 lbs | 13.2 lbs | 5 hours |
Best Hoverboard For Beginners: SISIGAD AO2 Review
Many customers say this is a fantastic starter board for kids because it’s quite stable, easy to learn, and affordable. The SISIGAD AO2 features an excellent self-balancing system and non-slip foot pads. If you’re concerned about high speed for beginners, this board is limited to roughly 6 mph. So younger kids can’t go too crazy. However, this self-balancing scooter is suitable for your entire family with its weight limit of 220 pounds. So no matter your kid’s age, it’s among the best hoverboards for beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable for a beginner board | Users say it’s limited with uphill power |
| Easy to learn | Warranty is only 90 days |
| Self-balancing system is tailored for beginners | Some complaints that it’s cheaply made and has a poor battery life |
| Built-in Bluetooth speaker | |
| Rainbow LED lights | |
| Available in many colors | |
| 90-day return policy |
Pricing & Tech Specs
| Price | Top Speed | Miles/Charge | Max Weight | Board Weight | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sisigad AO2 | $94.99 | 6.2mph | N/A | 220 lbs | 14.8 lbs | 3-5 hours |
Best Value: GOTRAX EDGE Review
Looking for a reliable board that’s under $100? I think the GOTRAX EDGE is your best bet. GOTRAX knows how to make high-quality boards, and this one is no exception despite its affordable price. With this board, you get a good maximum speed and stability with the self-balancing system. And your kid can ride this at almost any age. While it doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth speaker, this is a trustworthy board that could last for years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fantastic value | Battery life could be better |
| Suitable for many age ranges | Mixed reviews about customer service |
| Provides a very smooth ride | A few complaints that it stopped working after several months |
| Sleek, lightweight design | |
| Dual 200-watt motors | |
| LED wheels and headlights | |
| 2-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
| Price | Top Speed | Miles/Charge | Max Weight | Board Weight | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOTRAX EDGE | $139.99 | 6.2 mph | 3.1 miles | 220 lbs | 13.2 lbs | 4 hours |
Best Hoverboard For 6 Year Old: Hover-1 My First Hoverboard Review
I find the Hover-1 My First Hoverboard is one of your best options for young children. With self-balancing technology and smaller 6.3″ tires, this board is easier for younger kids to master. It also has a maximum speed of five mph and non-slip footpads for added safety. The dual 150W motors enable the My First Hoverboard to climb inclines of up to five degrees. This board is suitable for kids as young as five years old.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordably priced | Warranty is only 90 days |
| Smaller tires and compact design are excellent for younger kids | Some complaints about poor battery life and that it won’t hold a charge |
| Safe top speed of 5 mph | |
| Non-slip footpads | |
| LED headlights |
Pricing & Tech Specs
| Price | Top Speed | Miles/Charge | Max Weight | Board Weight | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hover 1 MFH | $84.00 | 5 mph | 3 miles | 80 lbs | 12 lbs | 5 hours |
Best Hoverboard For 8 Year Old: Simate Apato Bluetooth Review
Fun and flashy, the Simate Apato self-balancing scooter is a fantastic choice for both beginners and experienced riders. I purchased this as a gift for my friend’s eight-year-old daughter, and she loves it. Her mother appreciates the non-slip footpad and adjustable safe speed modes, which she can control via the mobile app. That was a big selling point for me because I think this is a board that will take longer for kids to outgrow.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great self-balancing technology | Warranty is only 90 days |
| Has 3 adjustable speed modes (up to 7.5 mph) | A few users say the battery dies sooner than advertised |
| Powerful dual 250W motors can tackle inclines up to 15 degrees | Some complaints that it won’t charge |
| Built-in Bluetooth speaker | |
| LED wheels and headlights | |
| Available in 8 designs/colors | |
| Comes with a carrying bag |
Pricing & Tech Specs
| Price | Top Speed | Miles/Charge | Max Weight | Board Weight | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simate Apato | $129.99 | 7.5 mph | 7.5 miles | 220 lbs | 13 lbs | N/A |
Best Hoverboard For 10 Year Old: Jetson Flash Review
With all-terrain tires, a top speed of 10 mph, and fantastic maneuverability, the self-balancing Jetson Flash is definitely worth considering as a next-step-up board. The Flash is well-made, has an impressive battery life, and is incredibly responsive to movements. It also has LED lights on many areas of the board that flash to the beat of music played on the built-in Bluetooth speaker.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Higher speed (10 mph) and longer range (12 miles) on one battery charge | Warranty is only 90 days |
| Excellent maneuverability | Some complaints that it stopped working after several months |
| Can set the board to beep continuously after a chosen speed (via the app) | A few reports of poor customer service |
| Powerful dual 250W motors can tackle inclines up to 15 degrees | |
| Built-in Bluetooth speaker | |
| Plenty of LED lights that sync with your music | |
| Cool design |
Pricing & Tech Specs
| Price | Top Speed | Miles/Charge | Max Weight | Board Weight | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jetson Flash | 10 mph | 12 miles | 220 lbs | 22 lbs | 3 hours |
Best Hoverboard For 12 Year Old & Best All-Terrain Hoverboard: Gyroor Warrior G2 Review
If your older kid is a thrill-seeker, the Gyroor Warrior G2 8.5″ All Terrain self-balancing scooter is a powerhouse for off-road riding. The Gyroor is built to handle dirt, grass, gravel, and other rough terrains — it has 8.5″ alloy wheels instead of the standard 6.5″ on most hoverboards, and it features two powerful motors (700 watts) and solid rubber tires to get the job done. It may not be the best option for younger kids or beginners because the board (and your center of gravity) sits up higher from the ground. But for easy learners and die-hard boarders, the Warrior is an excellent choice.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent off-road performance w/ solid 8.5″ all-terrain tires | Pricey |
| Powerful dual 350W motors can tackle inclines up to 30 degrees | A few customers complained that it didn’t work out of the box |
| App-controlled speed adjustments | |
| Built-in Bluetooth speaker | |
| LED headlights | |
| 1-year warranty |
Pricing & Tech Specs
| Price | Top Speed | Miles/Charge | Max Weight | Board Weight | Charge Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyroor Warrior G2 | $299.00 | 10 mph | 10 miles | 265 lbs | 30 lbs | 2 hours |
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
To make it easier for you to compare models, I’ve included this table so you can check out the specs and features at a quick glance.
| GOTRAX NOVA PRO | SISIGAD AO2 | GOTRAX EDGE | Hover 1 MFH | Simate Apato | Jetson Flash | Gyroor Warrior | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $197.99 | $94.99 | $139.99 | $84.00 | $129.99 | $299.00 | |
| Weight Limit | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 80 lbs | 220 lbs | 220 lbs | 265 lbs |
| Top Speed | 6.2 mph | 6.2mph | 6.2 mph | 5 mph | 7.5 mph | 10 mph | 10 mph |
| Range | 5 miles | N/A | 3.1 miles | 3 miles | 7.5 miles | 12 miles | 10 miles |
| Tire Size | 6.5″ | 6.5″ | 6.5″ | 6.3″ | 6.5″ | 6.5″ | 8.5″ |
| Board Weight | 13.2 lbs | 14.8 lbs | 13.2 lbs | 12 lbs | 13 lbs | 22 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Charge Time | 5 hours | 3-5 hours | 4 hours | 5 hours | N/A | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Bluetooth Speaker |  | | | | | ||
| App Control | | | | ||||
| Warranty | 2 years | 90 days | 2 years | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days | 1-year |
7 Hoverboard Safety Tips
As a parent of two girls over 21 now, I’ve always followed safety tips for everything I purchased for them — including bikes and scooters when they were young to their own cars now. I’ll share some tips about hoverboard safety if you’re concerned about your kids injuring themselves.
- UL certification: Be sure to buy a UL 2272-certified device. This certification means that the board has undergone rigorous fire safety and performance safety testing based on U.S. standards.
- Practice in your home: These gadgets take some time to learn how to balance and maneuver. It’s best to have your kid do so inside your house if possible before going outside. At the least, have your kid practice on your driveway before venturing further.
- Safety gear: Protect your kid with safety gear, including a helmet, closed-toe shoes, and knee, elbow, and wrist guards to avoid injuries from a fall.
- Know your state and local laws about hoverboard use: Laws about hoverboards, electronic scooters, and similar devices vary widely by state and local laws. For example, in California, it’s legal to ride a hoverboard on public roads and bikeways, but the rider must be at least 16 and wearing a helmet.
- Keep an eye on your kid: Until you feel that your child has mastered the device, be sure to keep them within sight when they’re riding their hoverboard.
- Stick to smooth ground surfaces: Unless your kid is experienced and has an all-terrain board, it’s best to restrict riding to smooth pavement like sidewalks or asphalt. Otherwise, falls are more likely.
- Avoid riding in darkness or busy places: Although many hoverboards have LED “headlights,” it’s not wise to let your kids ride them in the dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that parents often ask about hoverboards. Don’t see yours here? Hit us up in our comments.
Should I Buy A Hoverboard For My Kid?
If you think your child has the physical coordination for a self-balancing scooter and is asking for one, by all means, it makes an excellent gift for birthdays or holidays. As with anything you purchase for your child, do your homework first. First and foremost, you’ll want to purchase a UL 2272-certified board. But you also need to ensure that you’re purchasing a hoverboard that’s appropriate for your kid’s age and skill levels.
How Much Is A Hoverboard?
Hoverboards for kids range in price from roughly $60 to over $300. As with most electronic products, the cheapest ones aren’t typically worth your money — and compromise safety and quality. From my extensive research, I’d be wary of any board that costs less than $80.
Are Hoverboards Hard To Ride?
All of these devices involve a learning curve if you’re a beginner. Self-balancing technology and board quality can make a big difference. But here’s a tip based on recent scientific research about what’s involved with mastering self-balancing scooter control. By using special cameras and sensors attached to first-time riders, scientists found that ankle movements, rather than knee or hip control, are the key to mastering these devices.
What Is The Easiest Hoverboard To Ride?
There’s no simple answer to this question. From my research and testing, I’ve found that GOTRAX boards offer the easiest and smoothest ride. However, other brands, like Jetson and Hover 1, have easy-to-ride boards.
Riding Tips For Beginners
If you’re not sure your child is ready for a self-balancing scooter, check out this brief video which demonstrates the basics of how to ride a board.
Is Your Kid A Brainiac?
If your child also loves a mental challenge, you might want to check out our reviews of the best math brain-training apps and overall brain-training apps. These apps can be fun for you and your kid to play together. Both of you can brush up on your math skills at the same time.
What hoverboards have your kids loved? Let me know in our comments!
Why Trust Exploring Life’s Mysteries?
Sally has been researching hoverboards for her family members and friends for years — she knows the high-quality boards vs those to avoid. She and her team at Exploring Life’s Mysteries have well over a decade of experience thoroughly researching and writing about the safest and most trustworthy products you can find on the market for a variety of needs.
