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Are your kids begging you for the latest “it” toy — a hoverboard? Today’s hoverboards aren’t the levitating skateboards you’ve seen Marty McFly ride in the film, Back to the Future II, but they’re still all the rage.
The latest hoverboards resemble Segway foot pads and wheels, but you steer them from the body weight you place on the foot pads — and they don’t actually levitate off the ground.
Are Hoverboards Safe?
You may have seen news reports during and after the 2015 holiday season that several makes and models of hoverboards posed a serious fire hazard (some even erupted in flames or all-out exploded). The fire risk involves cheaply-made lithium ion batteries with no safety standards (mostly manufactured in China).
The good news? The hoverboard market is quickly recovering with new strict fire and safety standards in place — and several upgraded and new models available that meet these certification standards. Just in time for the 2016 holiday season! Does that mean all hoverboards are safe? No, but here’s how to ensure you’re purchasing a safe one and some other relevant information:
- 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 “UL certified” safety standard for hoverboards in February 2016. Later in 2016, a few hoverboards received UL certification (and many still are going through the certification process now).
- Hoverboards that have been UL 2272 Certified: Ninebot by Segway miniPro (Model #N3M320), and a few products from Razor USA, Powerboard, EPIKGO, PTX Performance, Hangzhou Chic IT, Wuyi Chuangzin Metal Tools, and Shenzhen Global (the list continues to grow).
- A couple of months after the 2015 holiday season major companies like Amazon and Overstock discontinued selling all hoverboards. Now, Amazon is selling only UL certified boards.
- In early 2016, many top airlines, including Delta, American Airlines and United, banned all hoverboards on their flights due to safety concerns, this ban hasn’t been lifted.
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has been working with hoverboard manufacturers and is actively investigating many models for safety concerns.
What’s The Best Hoverboard?
All three of our top picks are UL 2272 certified and meet the highest level of fire and safety consumer standards. Find out what’s the best hoverboard to buy as well as how much does a hoverboard cost below.
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Review
#1
We chose the Razor Hovertrax 2.0 as our number one best hoverboard winner for its sleek, futuristic design, safety and impressive features. Razor, a well-established manufacturer of scooters, was one of the first companies to obtain UL certification to meet the strictest fire and safety standards.
Hovertrax 2.0 is the only hoverboard on the market that auto-levels for an easier mount and safer ride, thanks to its advanced EverBalance technology. Another plus for beginners? The Hovertrax has a training mode that limits your speed until you get used to your balance. This hoverboard is easy to handle, even on grass, and has excellent collision protection features.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Check Amazon for availability
- 1-year warranty
- 5 colors
- Maximum speed: 8 mph
- Maximum rider weight: 220 lbs
- Hoverboard weight: 19.2 lbs
GOTRAX Hoverfly ION LED
#2
This popular hoverboard has a self-balance mode, so it’s able to stay level with or without a rider, making it easy to ride. With 400 watts and dual motors, this little guy can speed up to 7 miles per hour. It features LED headlights to see where you’re going (and help others see you) and can carry up to 200 pounds.
It has a relatively low price point, making it an excellent choice for our number two pick.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- 9 colors
- Maximum speed: 7 mph
- Maximum rider weight: 200 lbs
- Hoverboard weight: 20.6 lbs
EPIKGO Review
#3
The EPIKGO Self Balancing Scooter rounds out our top three picks for the best hoverboard. EPIKGO recently hit the market running, and is one of the best-selling hoverboards right now. Although the cost is steep, you’re getting the sturdiest, most durable all-terrain hoverboard available.
The EPIKGO is built to handle mud, gravel and other rough terrains — it has 8.5″ alloy wheels instead of the standard 6″ on most hoverboards, and it features two powerful motors and solid rubber tires to get the job done. EPIKGO 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 EPIKGO is an excellent choice.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- $599.99
- 1-year warranty
- 3 colors
- Maximum speed: 10 mph
- Maximum rider weight: unlisted
- Hoverboard weight: 31 lbs
Why Does UL Certification Matter?
As the leading non-profit, independent laboratory testing electronic safety in consumer products and beyond, UL’s certification is considered the “gold medal” in safety standards. Check out their video to see what they’re all about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7agHadkNa2g
Will You Ride On The Hoverboard Wave?
Our best advice is to buy very wisely. As we stated above, make sure any hoverboard you’re considering is UL 2272 certified. We’re also advising you NOT to purchase a used hoverboard (unless it’s only a few months old — and has UL certification). And do your homework, as you should with any electronic scooter or device for your kids.
Want To Try A Safer Gadget?
If you’re looking for other entertaining gear to try out that might be a wee bit safer, take a look at these best virtual reality headsets on our sister site, Safe Smart Living. They’re not known to catch fire, but you could potentially trip over or run into something.
Have you had any problems with your hoverboard? What happened?
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I have the Powerboard at my home so according to my views, it is the best hoverboard as it contains many features like backlight, speakers in it.
I got a hoverboard for Christmas more than 8 months ago, and so far so good, hopefully others are not experiencing issues too!
Razor Hovertrax 2.0 is easy to handle, slide on the grass & has excellent collision protection features. These overboard of best hoverboard for using indoor and outdoor activity. It maintains mental ability and on physical activity.