Hoverboards for 8 Year Old Kids

With the best hoverboard for kids, your kiddo will want to get out more rather than remain the coach potato they’ve been since discovering TV. They’ll want to get out more and see the neighborhood. Or just socialize with other kids while enjoying motorized, colorful, wheel-y fun.

Related: How to Choose a Kid’s Hoverboard

But picking a good kid’s hoverboard isn’t as easy as choosing the best $10 toy. Because hoverboards are motorized machines with tons of tech and moving parts. You need to know what hoverboard specs and features to watch out for.

Then there’s hoverboard safety issues. It gets more complicated: the hoverboard market is a vast sea of great, good, and bad choices. And the differences between the various hoverboards sold on Amazon and elsewhere online isn’t always clear on the listing.

Related: Teach Your Child to Ride a Hoverboard

Which is the Best Hoverboard for 8 Year Olds (and Older Kids)?

*Affiliate Links Disclosure: This website participates in the Amazon Associates program. And as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Don’t worry; the opinions expressed here and elsewhere on this website are mine and not influenced by third parties (manufacturers) in any way.

If you’re starved of time and just want to know which the best hoverboard for 8 year olds is, check out the Segway Ninebot S Plus. This is a kiddo-friendly self-balancing scooter (the app enables you to set the maximum speed limit) that looks really cool.

Also, it’s easy to steer and turn thanks to the knee control column in the middle. It doesn’t come with a handlebar or kickstand, but you can purchase these additional features aftermarket. Its UL2122 safety certified performs great if you take good care of it. On a single full charge, this self-leveling scooter offers a nice range of 22 miles.

What’s more, its extremely powerful dual motors (1600watts!) are powerful enough for traversing flat surfaces as well as taking your little tech-loving LO up hills. The best part is that it’s not prohibitively pricey. While affordability varies from person to person, I believe most parents can pay for this futuristic play device without depleting their savings.

The only thing that’s not so great about the Segway Ninebot S Plus is that it’s expensive. You can buy 10 budget hoverboards or one Segway Ninebot S Plus! And while the Auto Follow Mode has this device following behind like a droid, it’s really not necessary. Plus, this device is available in white. I wonder why they can make it in other nice colors such as blue, black, orange, green etc.

But it works well, boasts really cool features, and is extremely durable. Note that the S Plus isn’t for toddlers and younger kids. It’s for big/older kids, teens, and adults. For riders aged 8 or younger, buy the Segway Ninebot S.

7 Reasons to Buy a Hoverboard for Your Kid

1.Kids love fun: This is the number one reason loving moms, dads, and grandparents buy nice motorized self-balancing scooters for their little loved ones. If your kids get fun and nothing else from the device, that’s enough.

2.It’s a cool modern way to get around: If you value spending time with your kid and building a lasting parent/child bond, get them a nice little hoverboard. Also, consider getting an adult hoverboard for yourself if the budget allows. But if you can’t, you can walk as your child rides their fun toy.

3. Hoverboards are easy to learn: These devices are easier to learn than kick scooters and skateboards. An 8-year-old can learn to ride a hoverboard just as easily as an 80-year-old can.

They’re also safe if you choose a UL2272 certified one. If you know how to teach a kid to ride a hoverboard, you can have them ride the thing in 30 minutes tops.

Make sure to have Ryan wear a highly protective scooter helmet. I recommend a dual-certified brain bucket even if this means paying a little bit more.

4. You can borrow it from time to time and ride: Many kids’ hoverboards are also suitable for adults. As long as you don’t exceed the stated hoverboard weight limit, you should be OK standing on your kiddo’s toy and wheeling your body around the neighborhood every once in a while. If you don’t intend to ride all that much, you can ride your child’s board when they’re not using it. Just don’t make it feel like it belongs to the both of you…because it doesn’t.

5. These gadgets are highly portable: Are you planning to visit Mom and Pop and your LO wants to accompany you? That’s great.

How about you pack their cute little shiny toy in a backpack and bring it on your trip? Hoverboards are pretty easy to carry. While flying with a hoverboard isn’t possible pretty much anywhere, they’re easy to easy to every other destination so that every spared minute can be a happy one.

6. Kids love listening to amazing music while wheeling around to their heart’s content: Many kids hoverboards today come with Bluetooth connectivity so that the rider can stream as much music as they want while out and about. So how about buying your kiddo something they can ride around while listening to “Can’t Stop the Feeling?”

7. Kids’ hoverboards are pretty affordable these days: While these fancy children’s toys don’t exactly cost cents, they’re not too expensive. With a $60 budget, any parent can get their kiddo a hoverboard. Even if it’s the kind that looks really nice but falls apart on day 3 of riding!

With anywhere between $100-$200, you can get a good enough option. And if you believe you and your loved ones deserve great to exceptional things in life, forking over $500-$1000 for a top-end hoverboard shouldn’t  be much of a problem.

Reasons to Think Twice Before Buying a Hoverboard for Your Child

It’s time to know why buying a hoverboard as a gift for a teen or any child for that may not be the smartest idea in the world. I like being fair and balanced at all times. I guess it’s the Libra in me that demands all this. Or I’m just a nice gal who likes laying everything on the table so that everyone knows from the get-go what’s in it for them.

1.The Best Kids Hoverboards Don’t Cost Pennies. They Cost Pounds

OK, there are $100 self-balancing scooters that aren’t too bad. And there’s no reason not to buy them if they’re UL certified.

But if you want nothing short of the best, you’re looking at spending anywhere north of $400. These gadgets aren’t cheap. And there’s always the little issue of how many smarter thing you’d have done with the $1,000.

2. Hoverboards are generally safe but accidents happen

Maybe you’re wondering, do hoverboards still catch fire in 2022? I haven’t found any data reporting on hoverboard fires in 2022. But this doesn’t mean no hoverboards blew up in 2022. In fact, the CPSC says it is aware of 250+ incidents where a hoverboard overheated or even caught/caused fire since 2015.

The CPSC further advises parents and everyone else to only use UL2272-certified hoverboards. But there’s no guarantee that an UL2272-certified self-balancing scooter won’t overheat and catch on fire or explode and destroy property.

Speaking of property destruction, the CPSC’s reported at least $4,000,000 of property damage since hoverboards appeared on the scene around 2015.

3. Kids Fall Off Hoverboards and Get Injured

It’s easy to lose one’s balance and fall off any kind of wheeled board whether it is stationary or in motion. The risk of face-planting onto the sidewalk increases loads if it’s an unlicensed motorized vehicle such as an electric scooter, hoverboard, or electric skateboard.

It’s intelligent and caring to insist that your kiddo wear a certified scootering helmet, a good set of pads (knee pads, elbow guards, and wristguards).

4. Very Few Public Spaces Allow Hoverboards

Many cities and countries have decided that these devices endanger the lives of others and have disallowed them on sidewalks. While some parks, boardwalks, and even sidewalks in some places may allow these devices, it’s almost impossible to find a legal riding space in most areas. I bet your college-going child can’t even hoverboard to class. Maybe authorities will someday lift the hoverboard ban, but until then, the driveway remains the main riding area.

But I suspect none of these disadvantages will dissuade loving parents from purchasing hoverboards as birthday gifts for the little ones in their lives. Below is a check list containing all the factors, features, and specs to keep your eyes peeled for as you shop.

How Pick Out a Good 8 Year Old Hoverboard

Before we jump into the buying guide to discuss the features and specs to watch out for when buying a kid’s hoverboard, here’s a critical question to answer: What age should a child get a hoverboard?

US law states the hoverboard riding age as 16. However, someone who’s younger than 16 can ride a hoverboard as long as there’s an adult supervising the action. In other words, an 8-year-old or even a 6-year-old can is allowed to ride a hoverboard if Mom, Dad, or Granny is there watching.

But it seems like many parents today aren’t away of this rule. Or they’re aware of it but choose to ignore it altogether  because why should any one or any government dictate when my kiddo does or doesn’t ride a hoverboard? Personally, I think allowing anyone younger than 13 to ride a motorized vehicle is plain careless and irresponsible.

So, why I did I write an article about the best self-balancing scooters for 8-year-olds if I actually believe allowing a kid so young to hoverboard is insane? It’s because I keep getting asked this question via email and other channels: which is the best hoverboard for an 8-year-old?

It’s Unwise to Let  Very Young Kids to Hoverboard Unsupervised

My position remains that it’s not wise to let an 8-year-old youngster hop on a hoverboard or any similar motor-driven vehicle. BUT if you promise to always be there to supervise your little one as they ride, why not? I decided to put together a list of 5 kid-safe hoverboards that kids aged 8 and above can ride without issues.

Note that I’m talking about kids with great eye/hand/foot coordination ability, the kind who step on a board and master in under 10 minutes.

Use Your Judgment to Decide Whether Your Kid is Ready for Hoverboarding

Every kid is different, and it’s a bad idea to let a 5-year-old or even an 8-year-old ride an electrified board unsupervised just because you watched 4-year-olds doing it on YT. Or because you read an online account of a parent who said their LO started riding a hoverboard unsupervised since age 5.

That’s out of the way now so let’s see which considerations a parent needs to pay the most attention to when shopping for a kid’s self-balancing scooter.

1. Safety, the Number #1 Factor to Keep in Mind

Any kid’s hoverboard that doesn’t prioritize safety is a complete waste of money. It endangers the life of the little rider and some hoverboarding-related mishaps even though not common have been known to cause death.

So, insist on a safety-certified self-balancing scooter whether buying the board as a birthday gift for a child or adult. Don’t buy any hoverboard that lacks the UL2272 safety certification.

Even though this universally recognized safety certification isn’t a guarantee that no fire-related incidents will happen, UL certified hoverboards are generally safe. If you use your board, maintain it, and charge the battery correctly, chances are that your kiddo will always have disaster-free riding experiences.

2. Choose a Suitable Hoverboard Size: Which Size is Good for My Child?

The diameter of the wheels of a hoverboard represent the size of that board. Size 6.5″ are the most common hoverboards. These ones are suitable for young kids (supervise that tyke, parent) as well as adults.

These wheels roll nicely on smooth surfaces. They’re street hoverboards so to speak.If buying for a young child (5-7 years), see if you can find a 5″ kid’s hoverboard. These ones aren’t common these days. But it’s not impossible to get them if you look hard enough in the right places.

Make sure that the law in your jurisdiction allows you or your LO to ride a hoverboard on the sidewalk and other public spaces.

My understanding is that many cities across the world have banned hoverboards on sidewalks/pavements and other public areas for good reason. It’s easy to collide with pedestrians, other riders, buildings, vehicles, and other objects and cause injuries and damage.

Then there are 8″ , 8.5″ and 10″ hoverboards. 8-8.5″ hoverboards have larger wheels versus 5-6.5″ wheels and the foot pad sits higher above the ground. 8.0-8.5″ options are suitable for 13+ year olds.

10″ hoverboards have really big wheels and your kiddo can ride them off-road or through grass. They usually have a rugged design and take beatings better than smaller-sized hoverboards.

Hoverboard Tire Type

There are two kinds of hoverboard tires, rubber tires and plastic tires. Plastic tires are usually found on kid’s hoverboards. Are they good? Yes, they’re OK, and they’re most suited to flat smooth surfaces. I imagine this is the kind of surface your kid will mostly ride on.

One great advantage of plastic-y hoverboard tires is that they never ever go flat. Plus you’ll spend one second airing them up. Another big plus is that these tires aren’t as expensive to manufacture as are rubber tires.

The downside is that these tires aren’t as durable as the pneumatic rubber tires found on off-road kids’ hoverboards. They wear down fast, and they can be pretty, adding to the overall weight of the motorized self-leveling scooter. Also, plastic wheels suck when it comes to rolling on rough terrain and obstacles such as cracks, twigs, and whatnot.

Rubber hoverboard tires look nice, are incredibly grippy/have great traction, and are usually much bigger than their synthetic counterparts. However, pneumatic tires are prone to popping if ridden over thorny terrain. And you have to keep checking tire pressure and adding in air as needed.

Finally, producing rubber wheels costs more than does manufacturing plastic ones. This is why all kids hoverboards with pneumatic tires cost a small fortune.

Pros of plastic wheels

• You won’t need to inflate them at any point.
• They keep costs low because they’re cheaper to produce.

Cons of plastic wheels

• They wear down pretty fast.
• They tend to be heavy, increasing the overall weight of the board.
• They’re not great at rolling over any kind of tough terrain.

Pros of rubber wheels

• They soak up bumpy terrain nicely.
• They’re suitable for off-road hoverboarding.
• They’re lighter than plastic tires because the majority of the inner space is air-filled rather than foam-filled.
• Great for riding on grass, sandy beaches, gravel, and whatnot.

C0ns of pneumatic hoverboard tires

• They’re more expensive to make which increases the cost of the board.
• They require you to air them up from time to time.
• These tires and sharp thorny things don’t work very well.

Age-appropriate Hoverboard for Kids

Many hoverboard companies state age 13 as the recommended age for riding a self-balancing scooter. Some recommend an even lower age limit of 6 years while many don’t even list any age recommendation.

I wonder why any caring company would omit such an important piece of safety-related information. I suppose it’s because they need to make sales no matter what.

You have your kid’s best interests at heart, so don’t gift them  a hoverboard unless you’re sure they’re old enough to ride it. And that their coordination and decision-making skills are where they need to be for safety.

Here’s a simple rule to guide you when sizing a hoverboard for a kid: the younger they are, the smaller the wheel size and the slower the board should be.  I’d never buy a hoverboard for anyone younger than 5 BTW.

Kiddo-friendly Features

Fun is the main thing in a kid’s world. So get them a hoverboard that increases fun in some way. Fortunately, many options today come with Bluetooth-enabled speakers. You can pair these speakers with a smartphone so that your teen can listen to their favorite band as they coast down smooth neighborhood sidewalks and quiet boardwalks.

If buying for a young child, consider an option with LED lights that change as the board rolls on the ground. Multi-color LED lights energize the ride. What’s more, your kid becomes some sort of a local celebrity the first day they take it out for a spin.

Don’t Buy the Fastest Hoverboard Out There for a Kid

The swiftest hoverboards on the planet such as the Halo Rover X aren’t a safe choice for young children or for adults whose riding ability could use some work.

Speed monsters are meant for real pros, for those with incredible balance and coordination skills. They’re for badass riders who know how to jump off of a fast-moving board.

But even the most skilled riders can fall off their board and sustain severe brain injuries, fractures, bruises, cuts, and other forms of undesirable outcomes.

Kids want to move fast, but make them understand that speed can lead to devastating outcomes. When buying, learn whether the board allows you to dial in the fastest speed your child can reach. Some boards have an app that enables parents and other caregivers to limit the maximum riding speed.

Range/Mileage

One key consideration when shopping for a hoverboard for an 8-year-old or older kiddo is range. Ask yourself: how much playtime will my child get out of this board? If their college allows hoverboards (most don’t these days), consider how far away the school is and get an option that makes sense. The best hoverboards out there have a 10-12 mile range on a single full charge.

I encourage to spend enough time reading kids’ hoverboards reviews to learn which options come with a great battery. You want a board with a powerful lithium ion battery, one that holds charge for a reasonable amount of time, 45-60+ minutes.

Many children’s hoverboards last 6-9 miles before they run out of charge. Some boards display the distance traveled, how fast it’s moving, and how much charge still remains.

Battery Charge Time

I’m aware of insanely cheap but crappy hoverboards whose battery takes forever to charge. A decent hoverboard battery takes anywhere between 2-3 hours to charge, but bad ones take 5-6 hours to draw a single full charge. Since you NEVER want to leave the hoverboard plugged in overnight, choose an option with a good battery.

Reading manufacturer product descriptions may help, but only real-world user reviews can tell you whether a certain board comes with a reliable battery or not.

Hill Climbing Power/Motor Capacity

Look at how much wattage the hoverboard’s motor packs. Because not all models provide the same amount of motor capacity. Many options come with dual motors and can do a limited amount of hill climbing.

How well a given option conquers inclines depends on motor strength, weight of the rider, how fast the rider is going, and the steepness of the slope. The best hoverboards for hills often have powerful dual motors and tend to have relatively big wheels.

Honestly speaking though, hoverboards aren’t designed for use on non-level surfaces. Going up a very steep hill can upset the board’s balance and even stop the device, compromising safety. These devices are designed for flat even surfaces rather than extremely hilly terrain.

Hoverboard Motor Type

There are two kinds of hoverboard motors namely brushed DC motors and brushless DC motors.

Brushless DC Motors vs Brushed Motors

A brushed DC motor uses a mechanical commutator and brushes to cause the motor to spin. Brushless DC motors don’t rely on a mechanical commutator and brushes to cause motion. Instead, they use electronic commutation. These are complex engineering concepts and here’s a resource that describes each motor type in detail.

Which is Better Brushless versus Brushed Hoverboard Motor?

Brushless DC motors are quieter, more efficient, tolerate heated conditions better, lighter, and more durable than their brushed motors. Also, brushless motors result in higher acceleration and speed compared to brushed designs. For these reasons, brushless hoverboard motors are usually found in high-end models while the brushed motor design is common in cheaper models.

Most kids’ hoverboards come with a brushed model. And that’s OK. If you’re willing to spend a little more money, get something that will last that much longer.

Kid’s Hoverboard Safety Tips

• If the battery has issues and the hoverboard overheats, have the kid stop using the device immediately. That’s one way to avoid a potentially damaging hoverboard explosion or a burnout.
• When charging, always be present to make sure that the battery pack doesn’t overheat and cause problems. DO NOT leave your kid’s self-balancing scooter to charge overnight. I recently read a story about a family that left a hoverboard plugged in overnight and it was almost a disastrous ending. Take care.
• Don’t overcharge the battery as this often leads to avoidable battery problems. The damage gets degraded and begins having trouble holding a charge.
• Discourage riding post-dusk or at nighttime as those are accident-prone times.
• If your child must ride at nighttime, definitely choose a hoverboard with safety headlights. However, these lights aren’t adequate; your kiddo can’t rely on them to stay safe on the road. This is mainly because these hoverboards are small devices and the lights stay close to the ground, reducing visibility. Consider adding a light on the helmet for easier spotting by drivers. For more peace-of-mind, go a step further and have the teen or child wear a reflective vest.
• Avoid hoverboarding in high-traffic areas. Even if your city allows hoverboards on some of its public roads, it’s best to ride in a car or other safer transportation mode. Find safe riding spaces such as driveways, parks, boardwalks, empty parking lots, tennis courts, boardwalks, some boardwalks, and quite neighborhood sidewalks. Many cities have outlawed hoverboards on highways and public places and only allow them to be used on private property. Here are a few places where one can ride a hoverboard in the US and other places.
• Insist that the youngster wear a helmet and other protective gear before hopping on the hoverboard. Make it a rule that they MUST gear up before riding or you won’t let them ride anymore.
• Make sure that the young rider knows how to safely get on and off a hoverboard, ride forward, roll backward ,and steer safely. Have them practice riding the device until they come to a place of complete mastery.
• When bailing, the child should NEVER land in front of the hoverboard. This is because stepping off the foot platform doesn’t instantly stop the device. There’s always the risk that the device might run over the little rider.

Best Kids’ Hoverboards for 8-year-olds and Older Kids

1. Segway Ninebot S-Plus Smart Self-Balancing Scooter: Winner

Quick Facts About the Segway Ninebot S Plus

• Upper Weight Limit: 220 pounds (an adult can ride this without snapping it)
• Upper Speed Limit: 12.5 MPH
• Product Weight: 35.9 pounds
• Wheel Size: 11 inches
• Safety: UL2272 Safety Certified
• Motor Capacity: 1600 watts
• Board Control: Knee Control Stick/Bar
• Handlebar included? No
• Kickstand included? No
• Best for: Teens and Adults who love exploring unbeaten paths

With 11″ pneumatic tires, the Segway Ninebot S-Plus isn’t ideal for the youngest riders. Standing that high above the ground on a rolling board can terrify even the bravest of kids. This is an off-road hoverboard designed for adults, but teens can also ride it safely.

For younger kids, consider picking the Ninebot S Kids’ Hoverboard. It’s lighter (22.7 pounds vs 35.9 pounds), its wheels are smaller (8.5″ vs. 11″), and it’s slower (12.5mph vs. 10mph top speed).

Its lower weight limit is 88 pounds (44 pounds for the kids’ version), which is higher than the minimum pay load limit (44 pounds0 for most hoverboards. The maximum weight limit of the Ninebot S-Plus hovers around (pun not intended) 220 pounds.

The average weight of an American is less than 200 pounds. Most adults can ride this smart-balancing device without it snapping the moment they step on it.

When I turned this thing on, it self-balanced instantly. I stepped on it and stayed stationary for 5 minutes, and it stayed nice and steady. But it doesn’t stay upright when powered off, which is the case with all hoverboards, so I bought a third-party kickstand. I also suggest that you search for the aftermarket handle for this device and attach it for better control and riding comfort, especially when veering off the beaten path.

With super powerful 1600W dual motors, it’s an off-road ride that climbs hills better than anything else out there. It comes in a super solid built and takes abuse well. When I tested this electric scooter on a patch of grass, it rode really well. It rode even better when I plugged the separately sold handlebar into the knee control bar.

I also rode this machine on a bumpy gravel road, and it smoothed out the bumps, potholes, twigs, and everything else like a champ. It was a super smooth ride, and this powered board has its extremely tall (11″) air filled tires to than for this.

And when I got it rolling down smooth sidewalks and other even surfaces, it felt like I was floating over a cotton-soft cloud!

One reason I elected the Ninebot as the best pick is its humongous range. I’m not aware of any other hoverboard out there that retains juice this long — 22 miles.

The lithium ion battery holds charge well. But you might have battery performance issues if you constantly allow the charge to dip below 10 percent. *Battery performance tip: when in storage, be sure to charge this hoverboard every 3 months.

You need to hook this device to the app so you can access all the cool features it offers. You can set the maximum speed it travels at. The factory set limit is 6.4 mph, but you can increase it to 12.5 mph. If your teen cruises too fast and exceeds the set speed limit, this thing beeps. Plus, you can monitor battery charge levels via the app. You can also control the device using the provided remote controller.

Of course, the actual mileage depends on the nature of terrain, how heavy you are, and on what mode you’re riding. The average teen should be able to squeeze at least 20 miles out of this board.

What scared me a bit was how fast this thing travels.  Its speed tops out at 12 mph, but anything above 10 mph on a hoverboard feels like flying really fast and not rolling! If your child looses board control at a speed this fast, they might ram into pedestrians, cars, trees, buildings, and whatnot and seriously get injured.

I suggest you have a little talk with your teen and tell them that speed actually kills. Also, have them agree to never ride this speed monster without a helmet. If they also ride inline skates or skateboard and already own the best rollerblading helmet for kids, they can use that for staying safe while riding this thing.

Even though it’s pretty expensive, this personal mobility device doesn’t come with handlebars. Handlebars aren’t absolutely necessary because the knee control column in the middle makes for really intuitive device control. Steering and turning are all nice and easy.

It also boasts a security lock feature/anti-theft feature for when you need to make a quick stop. But you sure don’t want to leave this expensive hoverboard unattended for long.

Lastly, there’s the “Follow Me” feature that makes the Segway S Plus roll behind you any time you need to get off and walk. But I don’t like that this feature includes a gimbal camera that can take butt selfies as you walk! Plus, activating this thing means creating an account and connecting to the app.

 

2. Razor Hovertrax Prizma Hoverboard: Budget Pick

Quick Facts About the Hovertrax Prizma:

• Upper Weight Limit: 176 pounds (a kid-specific hoverboard)
• Upper Speed Limit: 9 MPH
• Product Weight: 13.29 pounds
• Wheel Size: 6.5 inches
• Safety: UL2272 & Training Mode
• Motor Capacity: 300 watts (2 brushless dual motors, each 150W)
• Best for: kids and smaller adults

The Razor Hiovertrax Prizma Hoverboard is a kids’ self-leveling scooter with really nice LED lights. Kids tend to love showy stuffy, and this little device is one of those.

Once you turn on this little personal transportation device, it self-balances, and the flashy LED lights come on. But I don’t like that there’s no switch to flick and turn off these lights when you don’t want them on. Not a big annoyance since you’re buying for a kid.

This is a budget hoverboard that works reasonably well. I’ve seen many $70 options, but they’re junk and not budget hoverboards. The UL2272 certified lithium battery pack holds charge for about 30-40 minutes. A single full charge should carry your kiddo for about 5-6 miles, which isn’t as much fun as you get with the top pick, the Segway Ninebot S Plus (15-22 miles).

One thing I noticed is that this hoverboard doesn’t charge as fast as others. It took over 6 hours to fully charge, and that’s slow. Better boards draw a full charge in 2-3 hours. You don’t have to leave a fast-charging board charging overnight, but I’ve been tempted (and succumbed) to leave this one unattended for hours due to how slowly it charges. But it’s a low-cost choice, and they almost always charge slowly.

Its minimum weight is 44 pounds and the maximum limit 176 pounds. If you’re an adult and are this light, you can ride this thing assuming the always-on LED lights won’t be a problem to you. Hubby weighs in at over 200, and he piled all that weight on this board to see how sturdy it was. He could ride it, and it didn’t snap into two, but it did slow down noticeably.

Even when a 100-kid is standing on the non-slip platform, it doesn’t go up hills easily. Its brushless dual motors put out a combined wattage of 300W. Small wonder it struggles that much when climbing inclines. You want to ride this thing around the house or on super smooth sidewalks and driveways. Its 6.5″ wheels suck at soaking up bumps, and when rolling over even the smallest of cracks, you’ll notice how strenuous it gets.

Why is the Hovertrax Prizma Hoverboard a good choice for beginner kids, teens, and small adults? It’s because it features a Normal Mode, which is essentially a Beginner Mode/Training Mode. And when your kiddo wants to travel faster (after mastering the board), they can launch the faster mode and get rolling. A mode indicator light lets you know which mode you’re on at any time.

It’s available in at least 3 cool colors namely blue, black, and green unlike our top pick which is available in white.  This hoverboard is for kids 8 years old and older.

3. Hover-1 H1-100 Kids’ Hoverboard:

Quick Facts of the Hover 1 H1-100 Hoverboard:

• Upper Weight Limit: 220 pounds (a kid-specific hoverboard)
• Upper Speed Limit: 7 MPH
• Range: 6 miles
• Product Weight: 17.2 pounds
• Wheel Size: 6.5″ tires
• Safety: UL2272 & Beginner Mode
• Motor Capacity: 400 watts (2 brushless dual motors, each 200W)
• Best for: Kids and smaller adults

Compared to the Razor Hovertrax Prizma Hoverboard, the Hover-1 H1-100 Hoverboard offers a higher weight limit (176 pounds vs. 220 pounds on the Hover-1 H1-100).

Anyone who weighs more than 44 pounds and has good balancing and coordination skills can safely ride the board. 8-year-old kids, teens, and adults can use it.

The H1-100 weights in at 17.2 pounds vs. 13.29 pounds for the Prizma. Unsurprisingly, the H1-100 feels a tad sturdier. Both options got scuffed and scraped during the learning phase, but the scraping seemed worse on the Hovertrax Prizma.

Design-wise, there’s no major difference between the Hover 1 H1-100 and the Razor Hovertrax Prizma. Both have 6.5 rubbery foamy wheels, a decently grippy foot deck, and LED head lights that increase safety while adding oomph to the ride.

These 6.5″ tires aren’t great for smoothing out cracks and bumps. They ride best when used on super smooth roads, sidewalks, tennis courts, driveways, floors, and other even surfaces.

You can use the Hover 1 app to run this device BTW. One small difference is that the higher-weight-limit model offers 3 speed control settings instead of 2.

The Beginner Mode boosts learner confidence, the Intermediate Mode is for someone’s whose confidence has reasonably built up, and the Expert Mode is for experienced riders.

Your kid can even stream music as they fly around. Plus they can change the color scheme of the LED headlight. And that’s really cool.

Like most hoverboards, this one makes a beeping sound any time you surpass the speed limit (7 mph). This warning beep lets you know when you’re speeding so you can slow down to avoid face planting on the sidewalk.

The board’s top speed is slightly lower than that of the Hovertrax Prizma. But this isn’t a problem when buying for a kid.

Even though the Hover-1 H1-100 boasts 100W greater motor capacity, it’s not a dedicated hill climber. Actually, it slows down completely whenever ridden on slopes steeper than 10 degrees.

If you live in hilly Kentucky, West Virginia, or Pennsylvania, pick something else. These are the least flat US states BTW according to the University of Kansa’s professors Joshua Campbell and Jerome Dobson.

But if you live in the flattest regions of Kansas, Florida, or Illinois, and many other flatter states, go ahead and pick this moderately powerful guy.

Did you know that Florida (and not Kansas) is the flattest state in the US? I didn’t know either. The battery is reasonably good, not much better than that of the Prizma. And the built-in battery takes longer than most to charge fully, about 6 hours.

 

4. Gotrax Nova Pro Kids’ Hoverboard: Best for Girls

The Gotrax Nova Pro is the off-road version of the Gotrax Nova, but this isn’t the baddest kids’ off-road hoverboard. Its wheels stand 6.5″ tall, and they have deep, grippy treads. The wheels have great traction and should keep the little rider safe while riding over a variety of surfaces.

However, you don’t want to ride this thing on grass because the wheels are simply too small. That said, my testing found that these wheels tackles small cracks and other small obstacles better than most 6.5″ kid’s hoverboards.

At 17.28 pounds, it’s similarly as heavy as the Hover 1 H1-100 Kids’ Hoverboard. Even though they’re the same weight, it felt like the Gotrax Nova Pro had a sturdier build. However, its weight limit is lower (176 pounds vs. 220 pounds).

The Gotrax Nova is kids focused, but adults as heavy as 200 can still ride it if they wish to, except I don’t recommend that. When you constantly the stated weight limit on a hoverboard, it falls apart sooner than it otherwise might, but it gets pretty lethargic as far as motion.

Like regular Gotrax Nova, the Nova Pro features beautiful LED lights on the fenders, front, and wheels. However, the Nova is lighter and somewhat less sturdy (17.28 pounds vs. 15.85 pounds), and its build isn’t as rugged as that of the Nova Pro.

In terms of motor capacity, both the original Nova and the Pro version offer 400 watts of power, and neither is a proven slopes conqueror. But you get more range (5 miles vs 3 miles) out of the improved Nova. But the new Nova costs reasonably more than the original version.

The battery of the Nova Pro performs better (holds charge longer) and charges slightly faster than that of the older model (5 hours vs. 6+ hours). The maximum speed attained stays the same at 6.2 mph. They’re not fast boards for most adults, but they’re not too slow for fun-loving kids.

One difference to note is that the Nova Pro features Bluetooth speakers around the bottom while the original Gotrax Nova doesn’t. You don’t need earphones to listen to the music, which means your kiddo’s ears can easily hear the sounds of approaching vehicles and other sounds.

This is a self-balancing scooter, but when I tested the Gotrax Nova Pro, there was a bit of a steeper learning curve to it compared to other boards I’ve ridden. It’s not a big issue though. My boy rode it like a pro after some decent practice.

If your daughter isn’t into girlie colors (it’s pink), involve them so they can pick a color they’ll own and love. It comes in multiple nice colors so there’s an option for every kid.

Did any of the recommendations above click with you? If yes, hesitate no more. Instead, grab that thing and usher your LO into a whole new world. A world where wheel-y fun never ends.

And don’t forget to hand them a good hoverboard helmet and protective padding before they head out the door. Happy riding!

Who Came Out on Top? The Segway Ninebot S Plus Did

The Segway Ninebot S Plus emerged the winner. It won because it comes in a more solid build than all of its contenders on this list. It’s also the most powerful kids’ hoverboard I reviewed. With 1600 watts of raw torque, teens, older kids, and adults can ride this knee-stick controlled hoverboard.

It conquers grass-covered surfaces, bumpy terrain, and other uneven surfaces better than any of the competition. Also, it lets you cap the top speed to a number between 6.5 mph to 12.5 mph in keeping with your kiddo’s riding ability.

Of course, the battery is UL2272 certified, and it charges reasonably fast and holds charger for longer than any of its competitors. It’s a safe hoverboard for older kids and adults, one they can ride on a wide variety of surfaces thanks to its 11″ pneumatic rubber wheels.

For younger kids, definitely get the kid-specific version, the 8.5″ Segway Ninebot S. It’s much cheaper but also less powerful and slower than the S Plus.

It’s a stable ride than to the stabilizing middle navigation column. Plus, you can buy the third-party handlebars on Amazon or elsewhere and attach them for even better stability and steering/turning efficiency.

The only thing I’d change about this product is get it produced in a whole bunch of kiddo-friendly colors and not just white. Also, the price could be intimidating for many parents.