Gear Editors Say These Are the Best Hoverboards to Buy Before Summer Ends

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Of the many tech gadgets out there, hoverboards may be the most fun. They offer joyous cruising outside in the front driveway, on the sidewalk of a neighborhood, at a park, or, if you're a cool parent, inside the home. There's, of course, a small learning curve when figuring out how to ride a hoverboard—especially when it comes to learning as an adult. But once you discover how to gently lean your body to create motion, the world becomes your playground.

It wasn't too long ago that this kind of transportation was reserved for forward-thinking movies like Back to the Future. Now, you can get a hoverboard from any number of outfitters out there. Which is to say there are dupes, as well as way-too-expensive riders that might trick you into thinking you're getting something better because you're paying more.

Best Hoverboards

What to Consider

A hoverboard, like e-bikes, is a complex device so it's no wonder there are some considerations to gauge before making a purchase.

Range

You can only go as far as your range allows. Knowing this value will keep you from running out of juice on your commute, which is all the more of an issue with a heavy model that doesn't haul around easily. Fortunately, you can power up on the go in most cases.

Weight Limit

This is perhaps the most important trait as it dictates who can ride on the board safely. Some are clearly designed for kids while others for grown-ups. But pay attention to the max weight listed as while there's a little flexibility (a 225-pound man could likely get away with riding one with a 220-pound limit), that value will determine how well the thing handles related to your own weight.

Target Audience

Is the hoverboard made for kids just learning how to ride or adults with experience? Can the model handle all kinds and shapes of riders or just teens looking for a quick outing? Look into the features offered to see what the target audience is.

Terrain

While most hoverboards can handle pavement and sidewalk, some can go further and take on dirt trails and gravel. Where will you be riding? That's an important question to ask as certain models are built more for city scapes while others have additional brawn for bumpier routes.

How We Selected

For the past few weeks, we consulted with Men's Health's editors and writers on the top hoverboards. Experts, including our Gear contributor John Thompson, put a number of hoverboards to the test and evaluated their build, performance, ease of use, and design. We also considered top-reviewed hoverboards with high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.

If you aren't sure where to look, don't fret. We've pulled together the best hoverboards for kids and adults. Ahead, you'll find some of the most perfect hoverboard models for all types of uses and all variations of terrain. Ready to get rollin'?

Outlaw T6 Off-Road Hoverboard

The Swagtron Outlaw has pretty much secured the top spot in the hoverboard game, and if you take a closer look it's no wonder why. For starters, it has incredible range (12 miles) and a large weight limit (up to 420 lbs). The Outlaw has a strong, durable build that won't chip on concrete or wobble when standing up on it too, and when it comes to the wheels it's got rugged 10" tires that can roll up a 30-degree incline or pavement or gravel. The price point is a little bit elevated, but you also have to consider you're getting a hoverboard that's as capable for adult use as much as it is for kids. Plus, the Outlaw has a built-in Bluetooth speaker, so you can play your tunes as you roll like a boss.

Read more: Best Electric Scooters

Ninebot S Smart Self-Balancing Electric Scooter

Another hoverboard that's suitable for kids and adults, the Ninebot S has a sturdy design so riders can feel safe while riding. The board comes outfitted with some of the strongest wheels in the game to roll over terrain with ease, and an added leg bar that reaches up to the calves to help provide stability while riding. It's another pricey pick, but the investment is well worth it if you're buying for young adults or adults. The Ninebot S is also compatible with the brand's GoKart Kit, which we talk about further down this list.

Hover-1 Rebel Kids Hoverboard

If you're buying a starter hoverboard for your son, daughter, nephew, or niece, then the Hover-1 is a solid choice. It holds up to 130 lbs, so it's mostly for children (think 8-10 years old). The construction of the board allows for reliable rolling, and an LED headlight provides parents a way to keep track of their kids if they're riding in the driveway after the sun goes down. The foot pads offer enough grip while the max speed (6 mph) will give you peace of mind as your kids learn how to properly hover.

Ninebot S-Max Smart Self-Balancing Electric Scooter

The Ninebot S-Max comes with a massive range (23.6 miles) and is designed with a standing hold bar. We see it as a hoverboard and traditional Segway hybrid, and because that main balance bar exists we find it easier for adults to get accustomed to riding. The S-Max is also a little bigger and heavier than other hoverboards, so it's probably wise to keep away kids from using it. Admittedly, the design is a little geriatric but that also makes the machine all the more accessible. Dual motors means you can get a nice clip of more than 12 mph going.

Hoverboard with Self Balancing and Active Balance

The Jetson is an affordable hoverboard option with over 2,000 five-star Amazon reviews. Thanks to a weight limit of 220 lbs, most adults can mount onto this board and roll, but if we're being honest we see this board as more suitable for kids and young adults (think ages 8-14). Kudos for the colorful features and the relatively sleek design. It's so compact that even if you do run out of a charge, you can throw it in your pack until you make it back home. Lastly, the tires are just toothy enough to handle a variety of surfaces.

Hovertrax 2.0

Hovertrax was the OG company that created a Kickstarter page to sell this hoverboard design many years back. The brand is now owned by Razor, and the Hovertrax 2.o is the latest iteration of the brand. We like the Hovertrax 2.0 because it's got a durable build and fun light designs on the front and side. The board only holds up to 176 lbs, so it's best suited for kids to ride. With a max speed of about 8 mph and three color options to boot, this model is serious tween and teen appeal. And 40 minutes on a full charge ain't bad.

Titan Electric Self-Balancing Hoverboard Scooter

For those who live on gravel roads, riding a skateboard or scooter at home is pretty limited—and for some, non-existent. The Hover-1 Titan is made with some serious wheels and a strong battery to propel the rider over small paths of gravel. It might not be able to go over clumps of loose rock, but if your road or driveway is packed down (like it typically is) then you should be able to roll around with relative ease. Oh, and this hoverboard also has a built-in Bluetooth speaker for tunes. So whether you're paved street is full of potholes or you're going for more rural rides, you're all set.

Chrome 2.0 Electric Hoverboard

The Hover-1 Chrome 2.0 is pretty much the same as the Titan except for the fact it's made for pavement and regular riding. It's more flashy than the Titan, and if we're being honest, Chrome 2.0 probably has the coolest design on this entire list. Just look at this metallic beauty. You also get a built-in Bluetooth speaker and the envy of everybody in your hood. We like how the model handles and to balance on the thing is a rather simple task. The alert signals can be a little annoying but do warn you of potential obstacles.

ZIPboard Electric Hoverboard

The ZIPboard is the latest tech release from Swagtron and it's incredibly cool. Similar to that of a OneWheel, the ZIPboard works by balancing yourself on the device like a surfboard and learning forward or back. It's not as versatile as your traditional hoverboard, but based on the design, it may be easier to learn. It's also worth mentioning the ZIPboard only goes up to 160 lbs, so it's only meant for kids or petite adults. Another cool bonus is the grounded-ness and improved balance your kids can get from using this option, which in turn can help their sporting activities if they're so inclined. Hang ten!

How Much Should I Pay for a Hoverboard?

A quality hoverboard will run you at least $120. If we had to put a price range on how much you should pay for a hoverboard we'd probably recommend anything between $150-$300—especially if you're buying a model for a kid. Now if you're buying a hoverboard for yourself or another adult, it's common to pay more than $400 if you want to really get a board that's durable and stable. Hoverboards from Swagtron and Segway hover over $400, and we like them as quality models for adults to use.

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