Best Hoverboard Reviews & Buying Guide

• Age limits:  Don’t buy hoverboards for really young kids. All boards have a minimum weight requirement for the rider to ensure that the self-balancing mechanism can reliably keep the rider stable. The recommended age in most cases is around 8 years. There is no upper age limit, just make sure that the rider can react well and is capable of controlling the board. Some places also have local laws requiring the riders to be of a minimum age.

• Charging: Always use the charger that was provided with the hoverboard by the manufacturer. This will ensure that the battery gets charged with right the Voltage and Current limits. Charging the battery using a higher voltage and current level than it is designed for can cause it to overheat and explode or catch fire. Also, charge the board when you can keep eye on it. Don’t leave it plugged in overnight.

• Store the board at room temperature: Do not keep the in a really hot place or in direct sunlight for a long time. This can cause overheating and damage the electricals on the board. Also do not keep it in really low or freezing temperatures, as that can affect the battery life.

• Know your abilities: Do not attempt to ride a hoverboard if you don’t think you are going to be able to handle it. You need to have decent reaction to control the hoverboard.

• Use protective gear while riding: Always wear a helmet while riding no matter how fast you are going. Knee and elbow pads are also a good idea for kids and while learning to ride.

• Do not overload: Make sure that you are not putting more weight on the hoverboard than what it is rated to carry. Be aware of the added weight of your backpack and other things you are carrying while you ride.

• Only one person on the board: All hoverboards are meant for a single person to ride at a time. They don’t have sufficient space on the riding pads to safely accommodate more. Also, having more than person on the hoverboard could exceed the hoverboard’s weight carrying capacity.

• Start slow and know your limits: When you are learning to ride know your limits and start slowly. Use a wall, railing, fence or your friend as support while getting on the board for the first time. Also, learn to stand still on the board before attempting to move. Build up your speed slowly as you gain experience with the hoverboard. Remember that hoverboards do not have brakes, so you cannot stop abruptly.

• Start on a level surface: Always start out on a flat terrain like an empty parking lot or clear empty indoors area while learning to ride. Do not go off-roading till you are confident that you can handle the board well on a flat terrain.

• Be aware of your surroundings: Hoverboards are a lot of fun but do not let that distract you from paying attention to your surroundings. Always be aware of people and traffic around you. Always follow the traffic rules and be ready to react to unexpected events.

• Increase rider visibility: The head lights and tail lights on your hoverboard will increase your visibility under low light conditions. So always use them. It is also recommended to wear clothes and shoes that are reflective. This will make sure that people around you pay attention to the fact that you are moving faster than a normal person.

• Limit water exposure: Not all hoverboards are designed to be water resistant. Even those that are certified as water resistant only meet the IP54 standard. This standard guarantees that the hoverboard is dust resistant (bigger than 1mm) and only resistant to splashing of water. This means that you can take it out in light rain, or through small amounts of water on the riding surface. But you should never take your board out in pouring rain or through big puddles as it can damage the electrical systems on the hoverboard.

• Avoid buying used hoverboards: Generally try to avoid buying used hoverboards as you have no way of knowing if the hoverboard was maintained properly, or if it was tampered or modified after purchase. So do not let lower prices put your safety at risk.

• Do not handle your hoverboard roughly: Remember that your hoverboard has a lithium-ion battery in it. You can accidentally damage the battery and cause it to explode if you beat up your hoverboard too much. This is not a plain old skateboard, so do not attempt any high impact tricks and maneuvers and definitely do not attempt riding down stairs or railings.

• Do not race in high traffic areas: If you are racing on hoverboards with your friends, make sure that you do it in non public spaces like empty parking lots or empty trails. Do not race on roads with traffic or pavements being used by pedestrians. Always have a designated person keep on eye on your race trail to ensure that it is empty.

• Limit the top speed for kids and beginners: Parents should make sure that the hoverboard’s top speed is limited to a reasonable value while their kids are using it. Most of the hoverboards have accompanying apps that will allow the top speed of the board to be limited. Limiting the speed is also a good idea while learning to ride the hoverboard.

To learn more about how hoverboards work and all the fun ways you can use your board in, check out our detailed guide. Also, if you want to know if you should pick a flat vs. all terrain hoverboard and what the differences between them are, you can read our helpful guide. For more interesting and exciting articles, checkout our homepage.