Top 5 Best Self-Balancing Hoverboards of 2016

Top 5 Best Self-Balancing Hoverboards of 2016

1. Swagway X1

Swagway easily takes the prize for best product name, but beyond that minor detail, also offers some of the best performance among self-balancing scooters in terms of speed and travel time. This scooter has a max speed of 10 Mph, and gets about 5 hours max of battery life from an hour of charging, making it much viable for a longer commute or shared family use with less charging.

The Swagway is a good option for beginners and experts alike, too, as it also comes out of the box with a beginner mode, which limits max speed for easier learning. This can be toggled by pressing the power button twice. Like all the other models on this list, the Swagway offers some other built-in safety features, like the off-balance notification feature. If you put only one foot on the device, it will shake to inform you it cannot go forward in this manner, preventing misuse. This model also has LED lights that blink like turning signals when you turn, then return to solid lights in the direction of your travel, be it forwards or backwards.

This first generation product is not without its flaws, however, the first of which being the nearly ubiquitous 220 pound limit for riders, as well as some added balancing challenge for taller riders. Learning this device is still possible for anyone with practice, but if you are over 6 feet tall, be prepared for added challenge. On top of that, the plastic body scratches easily, meaning that the Swagway won’t be the best show floor piece. These minor gripes aside, the Swagway X1 promises a lot of fun and utility behind its rather hefty price tag, and is definitely a worthwhile experience.

2. Skque 10″ Self-Balancing Scooter

For many people, a self-balancing scooter will be a recreational device that is ridden for fun and not to get around on a daily basis. But for those that are looking to use a hoverboard as their go-to get-around device, the Skque board is just what they will be looking for. Its 10-inch inflatable wheels offer cushioning from rough terrain, and a solid top speed of 10 Mph, making them the easy choice for commuters and adventurers alike.

Their battery offers enough of a charge to go about 12 miles, but charge timer is a little longer to compensate (about 2 hours). An included wireless remote lets you power the device on or off, plus toggle the beginner mode and enable the built-in Bluetooth speakers. This scooter also offers safety features like LED turning lights, plus the remote for easier control, and is UL Safety Certified like all other models on this list.

3. Powerboard by HOVERBOARD

The Powerboard is a #1 Best Seller from Amazon that delivers everything you can ask for from a hoverboard, including USA-based shipping, and customer support. Models are available in White, Red, Blue, or Black, and have LED lights to designate turns and direction for added safety in low visibility. It also has an onboard battery level indicator which will warn you when you near the end of the board’s 6 hour battery life.

At a top speed of 8 Mph, you’ll be able to go as fast you would want to (it is a bit spooky going any faster than that), and you will be up and riding with confidence in minutes even though there is no beginner mode. Its normal-sized 6.5-inch wheels don’t take on rough terrain like the inflatable tires of the Skque board, but offer a fantastic grip and some of the best riding out there on rugged terrain.

4. Razor Hovertrax

If you grew up in the ’90s or ’00s, odds are you remember Razor as the company that brought scooters into the new millennium. Since then, scooters have gone from action sport fad to a personal transportation revolution. The Hovertrax is Razor’s entry into this new self-balancing scooter market, and with their name brand you get superior build quality. The scooter is made from a shatter-resistant polymer frame that comes in red or blue, and has more durable internal plastics than other models.

With a battery that lasts up to 115 minutes and a top speed of 6 Mph, you can travel decently with the Hovertrax, but these specs are definitely dwarfed by other hoverboards. The silver lining of this is that the lower max speed and battery time might actually be a good thing if this hoverboard is intended for a younger child who might not be able to put down this amazing new toy unless its battery goes out on it. For everyone else, this will be a downside, but will definitely worth it if you are concerned about picking a hoverboard that is durable.

Also appreciated is the addition of crucial safety features, including an off-balance notification. This is a warning vibration that you will feel if you try to step on the unit while it is not level, or if try to ride it on too steep of a slope. Keep in mind this is something that all top quality hoverboards have. In an effort to give the rider more control, the Hovertrax has a fairly aggressive braking system, but this is somewhat of a shortcoming for less coordinated riders, as the force of stopping can easily throw you off if you aren’t well-balanced.

5. HoverTech Self-Balancing Scooter

This last option is definitely a generic choice, but one that stands on its own because of a lower price. The HoverTech board doesn’t do anything special compared to its competitors, but offers an awesome riding experience for under $500 while still being UL Safety Certified. Its max speed of 10 Mph and battery life of 6 hours are definitely up to par, as is the manufacturer’s guarantee of a 1 year warranty and the availability of replacement parts.

LED lights and other safety features complete the package, and if you are willing to make the minor time investment of learning to move on these wily devices, you are in for a real treat by going with this well-rounded option.