Safe Hoverboard Brands [Complete With Reviews & Comparisons]

Safe Hoverboard Brands

“Hoverboard” is the attractive new term that leaves one thinking of the 1980’s cult movie Back to the Future. The accurate description is a self-balancing scooter powered by large lithium-ion batteries.

The popularity of the hoverboard allows the rider to remain upright while being propelled forward, backward or to swivel around. The kids love it and even adults have found value in going to work on a hoverboard or improving their balance.

Hoverboards are fun, but safety first! This form of travel and entertainment has undergone dynamic engineering tweaks due to market trial and error — typical of any innovation.

Now quality safe hoverboards meet UL2272 standards. It would be safer to throw your money away than buy a hoverboard without the UL certification.
As with any electronic device, be informed so you are prepared to prevent, or at least minimize, damage to the hoverboard and more importantly, ensure your family’s safety.

All hoverboards we list here are UL2272 certified. Enjoy the ride!

Related Article: Best Hoverboard For Kids Of 2019 [Complete With Reviews & Comparisons]

Our Safest Hoverboard Brand Reviews and Comparisons

SWAGTRON


  • Top speed: 8 mph
  • Range: 7-12 miles
  • Charging time: 1 hour
  • Carries up to 220 lbs.

Brand Highlights

SWAGTRON leads our list of safe hoverboard brands due to their early attention to safety. They were the first boards to be certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). They were the first to ensure their design specifications met UL 2272 for fire protection and their products employ their proprietary SentryShield battery compartment protection system. Their board housings are also flame-resistant.

In addition, they are aware of the needs of first-time users and have learning modes with speed limiters programmed into the board. SWAGTRON boards also have a Safe Stop system that automatically reduces speed to prevent abrupt stops. The company offers 13 different boards across a price range from $200 to $400, all with a variety of features but all with an emphasis on safety. Our choice for the best mix of features in their line is the SWAGTRON T1.

The Good

Durable and keeps on tickin’. Most users are impressed by the strength, durability, and build-quality of the T1. With a lighter user (a kid) riding it, a full charge can last about 90 minutes. Compared with other boards, that’s excellent. Users find the LED headlights to be a fun feature and for those not-so-graceful moments, the rubber bumpers a real blessing.

The Bad

Reviews by some users have reported inconsistent quality control, with buyers receiving defective products that were exchanged. To the credit of SWAGTRON, they were prompt in addressing customer service issues. Users have reported problems with the gear stabilizer system, resulting in odd vibrations at certain speeds, lack of self-stabilization, and drift requiring recalibration of the board.

Pros
  • SentryShield sealed battery compartment (anti-fire)
  • Smart Battery Management System: regulates battery overcharging, temperature control
  • 250 Watt motor with gear stabilizer and Safe Stop technology for better control
  • Climbs 30° grades
Cons
  • Not Bluetooth enabled
  • Not for rough terrain (street only)

Segway


  • Top speed: 10 mph
  • Range: 14 miles
  • Charging time: 2-4 hours
  • Carries up to 220 lbs.

Brand Highlights

Segway has been in the personal transportation market since 1999 and has been an innovator in safety features for their products. Since they entered the market early, there has been adequate time for a variety of safety studies to be performed on their products.

Segway personal transporters have been evaluated by the US Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration, Centre for Electric Vehicle Experimentation in Quebec, the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (Canada), and the German Federal Board for Road Traffic.

Segway hoverboards feature a knee control bar for better steering control. The battery compartment and motor meet standards for fire and electrical safety. Among the products in the Segway hoverboard line, we favor the Segway miniPRO (a.k.a. Ninebot).

The Good

The Ninebot has a tutorial mode for new users that syncs to a Bluetooth phone. The available Segway app also allows users to customize the LED light display on the board. The board handles slopes and inclines well, in addition to mud and puddles. The self-balancing system will beep to alert users if they are leaning too far forward or backward to prevent falls.

The Bad

Some build quality issues have been reported by users with faults in the motherboard. Occasional reports of dead battery cells that will not charge out of the box.

Pros
  • Knee control bar and precision sensors which react to user movements
  • Bluetooth enabled
  • All-terrain rated and climbs 15° grades
  • Air-filled tires
Cons
  • Some issues with the battery not holding charge
  • Occasional reports of faulty tires out of the box
  • Expensive ($800)

Razor


  • Top speed: 9 mph
  • Range: 15 miles
  • Charging time: 1-2 hours
  • Carries up to 220 lbs.

Brand Highlights

Razor first introduced hoverboards with their Hovertrax model a few years ago, which gained a lukewarm reception. This model was replaced by several markedly improved versions, such as the Hovertrax 1.5 and 2.0. Newer models meet specifications for fire and electrical safety. Also, Razor employs a proprietary self-balancing system which active even while the board is not in use.

The Good

Sturdy and durable, most users are impressed with the build quality. It is noted to be very heavy and stable. Also, the board is very quiet.

The Bad

Training mode is not reported as very helpful by some users. Some users report battery and charger problems in new units.

Pros
  • EverBalance technology for easier mount/dismount
  • Replaceable battery packs for extended range
  • Training mode
  • LED lighted hubs
Cons
  • Stability issues and wheel jitter
  • Difficulty with steep grades (approaching 30°)
  • Not Bluetooth enabled
  • Not for rough terrain (street only)

Halo Board


  • Top speed: 10 mph
  • Range: 10 miles
  • Charging time: 2.5 hours
  • Carries up to 265 lbs.

Brand Highlights

Halo Board has been making hoverboards since 2005. Their latest product, the Halo Rover, emphasizes off-road capability. This is what they are primarily known for in the hoverboarding community.

Their boards feature an aluminum frame for shock durability, meet both UL2272 and UL2271 certification, and are also IPX4 (IEC standard 60529)-rated for being water-resistant. This means they can be used in light rain and can traverse puddles.

The Good

Robust, oversized tires for off-road use. Good battery life and range. User-responsive maneuverability.

The Bad

The board is expensive ($500), however, it will take you places other boards will not.

Pros
  • Three training modes: beginner, intermediate, and advanced modes
  • RideAssist always keeps the board level, even standalone
  • Bluetooth enabled
  • All-terrain rated and climbs 20° grades
Cons
  • Some phones may not connect to the Bluetooth feature
  • Very heavy if you must carry it (32 lbs)
  • Some reported battery charging problems

EPIKGO


  • Top speed: 10 mph
  • Range: 10 miles
  • Charging time: 2 hours
  • Carries up to 244 lbs.

Brand Highlights

EPIKGO is a Silicon Valley-based company that seeks to produce hoverboards that are multi-environment adaptable. Many of their boards are focused on off-road use and the company has sought to build products that are durable and water-resistant.

The chassis’ are made of aluminum alloy, the wheels are steel, and the batteries are military spec. EPIKGO boards feature Intelligent Protection battery technology to prevent bad things from happening. Also, the boards feature speed limiters to prevent users from taking a spill on rough terrain. We feature here the EPIKGO Classic.

The Good

Headlights and turn signals. Yes, turn signals which indicate to others traveling along which way a rider will turn based on their body movements. Oversized tires for rough terrain and able to take an 18° slope. These rugged off-road boards are IP56 certified for water and dust resistance.

The Bad

The self-balancing response can be slow and throw novice users. Some customers report the boards breaking in half from casual use.

Pros
  • True all-terrain board with good foot spacing
  • Strong alloy frame
  • LED headlights and turn signals
Cons
  • Expensive ($600)
  • Heavy (26 lbs)

Final Verdict

We feel the best all-around board is the SWAGTRON T1, however, if you desire some off-road fun, the Halo Rover is our pick.

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt

Andrew Wyatt has been a tech geek for as long as he can remember. Whether it's laptops, cameras, or projects, he's obsessed with it all. When he's not researching the latest tech products, he likes to go on long hikes with his dogs.

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