Hoverboards are one of the hottest gadgets for kids and teens, and the fact that it gets them outside is a great bonus for parents! Once you get a kid’s hoverboard for your children, and they learn to ride it, there’s plenty for them to do with it that just riding around on the driveway. These fun games are perfect to play outside with friends while they ride their hoverboards.
Fun Hoverboard Games
1. Hoverboard Tag
This classic game for kids is even more fun when everyone is on a hoverboard. If you aren’t familiar with the game, the rules are simple. One person is “it” and their goal is to tag another player so they become “it.” The cycle continues, with each unlucky rider who is tagged becoming “it.”
There are a few fun twists to put on this game when hoverboards are involved. If you have only one hoverboard, the person who is “it” can be the one riding it. If everyone has a hoverboard, take the game to the park at night or in the evening so all the hoverboard lights add extra fun to it.
2. Hoverboard Race
A regular sprint becomes twice as fun if hoverboards are involved. The simplest form is to have everyone on a hoverboard line up and race for the finish line. Make it more of a skills challenge by adding obstacles to ride around or over. This is a fun activity for neighborhood streets or friends gathering in the park.
3. Don’t Get Dizzy!
You know how kids love to spin in circles until they collapse on the ground completely dizzy? The same game can be played on a hoverboard. One of the easiest tricks to do on a hoverboard is to spin in a circle. Have everyone line up and spin in circles. When people fall off or get so dizzy they stop, they’re out. The last person is standing wins.
4. Simon Says
Another old school game for kids translates well to riding a hoverboard. One person is picked as “Simon” to instruct the rest of the group. They follow Simon’s guidance, as long as they say “Simon says…” first. Anyone who follows an instruction without the magic word is out. Last person standing becomes the new “Simon.”
5. Don’t Drop the Ball
This is a fun game for all ages where everyone works together. Get a lightweight bouncy ball or a balloon. One person hits the ball in the air and everyone has to work together to keep hitting it to keep that ball from touching the ground. Adding in hoverboards adds an additional challenge.
If you’re looking for more fun things to do, check out these hoverboard tricks.
Hoverboards are extremely popular among kids and teenagers and while hoverboards are now much safer thanks to the required UL Certifications, there’s still a bit of risk that comes with riding them. Now, this risk is about the same as riding a bike, skateboarding, or roller skating. Accidents can happen, but wearing proper protective gear will help keep your kid safe and injury-free in most scenarios.
In this article, we break down all the hoverboard safety gear for kids that will help prevent injury. All of these items are essential if you’re buying a hoverboard for your child.
Essentail Hoverboard Safety Gear for Kids
Hoverboard Helmets
If you only buy one piece of safety gear for your kid, we recommend a helmet. Head injuries can be fatal and while they may seem less likely when your child is riding a hoverboard, they could still fall off and hit their head. A helmet will help protect them from concussion, breaking their skull, or receiving any cuts to their scalp.
Just imagine your child losing their balance and their head making contact with the concrete–it’s much safer with the buffer of a high-quality sports helmet. Generally, when shopping for hoverboard helmets for kids, you want to look for multi-sport helmets designed for a combination of sports like rollerblading and skateboarding. You also want to check the safety ratings for the helmet. Click the button below to see all of our helmet recommendations for children.
Okay, now that we’ve sold you on the helmet, we have another recommendation for your kid. Imagine them falling, but this time they land on their elbows or their knees. While these injuries are usually less severe, torn clothes and scraped skin are not a pleasant matter. Usually, a set of pads designed for skateboarding or rollerblading will work perfectly for riding a hoverboard. These are sets that include knee pads, elbow pads, and sometimes wristguards as well. A set of six pads is usually very affordable–you can usually find something in the $10-$25 range–and really essential for younger kids and children just learning how to ride a hoverboard.
If you want a quick recommendation, we like the protective pads set from Adicop. Affordable and attractive, this set of 6 comes with kid-sized elbow and knee pads, plus wrist guards. These will help prevent bumps, scrapes, and bruises from riding a hoverboard. They have three colors: black and red, orange and white, plus pink.
If your child ever rides their hoverboard in low light conditions or on neighborhood streets, then safety lights should be an essential part of their hoverboarding outfit. While many hoverboards have LED lights built into them, that may not be enough to keep your child visible when they’re riding in the evening or at night. Since the hoverboards are so low to the ground, drivers may not see them. So other safety lights or reflective gear is essential to keep your child visible and safe.
Thanks to the new UL Certification rules in the US and Canada, hoverboard are much safer than previous models whose batteries would catch on fire. With those safety concerns out of the way, riding a hoverboard is as safe as riding a skateboard. While it’s generally safe, there is a chance of injury, which is why we recommend hoverboard safety gear for all children.
We also recommend your child only ride their hoverboard on your driveway, in the park, or on sidewalks. They should not ride their 2 wheel balancing scooter in the street, especially in areas with traffic. Also, make sure you check local laws because riding hoverboards may be banned in specific locations or cities and could result in a ticket or fine.
Do I need to buy a special hoverboard for a child?
While hoverboards aren’t marketed toward specific ages, they do come in different sizes that are easier to ride depending on how big the rider is. For most children, we recommend a hoverboard with a 6.5″ wheel size–the smallest on the market currently. The smaller size is easier to maneuver and weighs less, so your kid will have an easier time carrying it. Older kids and teens may be more comfortable on an 8″ hoverboard. Check out some of our recommendations for the best hoverboards for kids.
Safety is key when it comes to letting your child ride a hoverboard. They are as safe as riding a skateboard, which means that using personal protective gear is a good idea. But there are two challenges to getting the appropriate safety gear for your children. The first is finding the right gear that meets safety standards. The second is actually getting your child to wear the gear! Luckily when it comes to children’s helmets there are plenty of stylish, fun, and safe options for your kid.
When we compiled this list we took into account proper safety ratings and also finding fun options for children. When kids are given safety gear that matches their interests and looks cool, they’re more likely to wear it. With that in mind, here are some great children’s helmet options for both boys and girls.
Best Children’s Helmets for Hoverboards
KuYou Kid’s Helmet for Hoverboards
This is a safe and sturdy helmet that comes in sizes for kids, teens, and adults. They aren’t fancy or decorative, but KuYou offers 6 color options to meet most preferences. The multi-sport helmets are designed for use with all types of outdoor gear, including hoverboards, bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc.
In addition to meeting all safety specifications, these helmets are designed with 11 vents to keep your head cool. The tough outer ABS shell and soft inner liner help absorb impacts, keeping your child’s head safe if they lose their balance and fall off their two wheel electric scooter. The adjustable straps make sure you get a perfect fit. Check the Amazon listing to see the exact size measurements for each size.
Sizes:X-Small (Children), Small (Children), Medium (Teens), Large (Adults)
Now if you have a little girl or boy who refuses to ride a helmet because it isn’t cool, this may be one that will change their mind. These Unicorn children’s helmets are so awesome I wish they came in adult sizes. You might think, yeah they’re cute, but are they safe? Raskullz’s mission is to provide safe helmets that kids love to wear and that meet both CPSC and ASTM standards.
In comparison to other fun and character helmets, instead of just being printed, these are actually 3D helmets. The horn, ears, and nose are fully rendered and the mane is made out of soft fake fur. Make your child the envy of the park with this helmet that’s great for biking, skating, and riding hoverboards.
These helmets come in only one size, but three designs. It’s meant for kids age 5+ (50-54 cm).
Available colors: dark pink, pink, purple
Notable features: meets CPSC and ASTM standards, adjustable chin strap, 3D design
If unicorns aren’t your kid’s thing, they’re sure to love these helmets from Raskullz. They have a full line of dinosaur helmets. These are premium, 3D helmet designs with horns and scales protruding from the helmet’s shell. If your son or daught are obsessed with dinosaurs, they’ll love wearing a helmet of their favorite one. The different styles features triceratops, tyranasaurus rex, and raptors in green and red colors.
If you’re worried about safety while your kid rides their hoverboard, don’t worry because Raskullz has you covered. The cool designs also include an EPS inner shell to absorb any bumps or falls. These helmets also have CPSC and ASTM safety certification. Your child will beg to wear their helmet when it’s this cool.
Sizes: Age 3+, Age 5+
Available styles: T-chopz black, t-rex bones black, radgon red, t-rad rex green, radgon green
Razor, the company that makes the famous scooters and their own line of hoverboards, also makes helmets for kids and adults. These helmets for kids are meant for all kinds of sports and come in five bright and fun colors. If you have an active kid who loves to be outside and ride scooters, skateboards, and bikes, this is the helmet to get.
Meant for children ages 5 to 8, these helmets fit heads between 21.5 and 22.5 inches. (Razor does make multisport helmets for all sizes and ages.) To keep your kid’s noggin safe, the helmets meet CPSC safety standards and have ergonomic padding inside, plus additional padding to adjust the size fit. The shell also features vents to keep your child cool while they play hard.
Available colors: gloss purple, gloss black, satin blue, pink, gloss green
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Child Helmet with Masks
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that I loved as a kid are back in style again! And that means folks with kid-sized heads can wear a TMNT helmet. These children’s helmets come with removable facemasks for each of the turtles, so your kid can be their favorite one (and change it out when they change their mind each week!). If your kid loves Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael, they will be begging to wear this helmet and go outside and play.
The different masks attach with velcro to the helmet, so they’re easy to swap out on a whim. The helmet can also be worn without the masks and then it looks like a regular multi-sport helmet. Features top air vents and internal pads for comfort and safety.
Available colors: Green helmet with choice of orange, red, purple, or blue masks
Notable features: Interchangable TMNT mask, internal pads, air vents on top.
Not every hoverboard is appropriate for kids or children; some hoverboards are large, heavy, difficult to operate and are capable of traveling quite fast. Luckily, some hoverboard manufacturers are making smaller, lighter, and slower hoverboards with kids in mind. These hoverboards are designed with the latest safety standards and all meet UL2272 safety certification.
When shopping for kids look for hoverboards with 6.5″ wheel sizes or smaller. They are lighter, making them easier for your children to carry and the small wheel sizes make them easier to maneuver by smaller riders. Check out our comparison chart and then the reviews for the best hoverboards for kids.
Hoverboards for Kids Comparison Chart
Check out our comparison chart for children’s hoverboards. If you want to read our in-depth review of each hoverboard model, scroll down to the next section.
Name
Photo
Rating
Wheel Size
Features
Buy
Sisigad Pure Color
4 Star Rating
6.5 inch
Max distance: 9 miles, max speed: 6 mph, LED safety & wheel lights, Bluetooth speakers
Swagtron Twist
4.5 Star Rating
6.5 inch
Max distance: 3-5 miles, max speed: 6 mph, learning mode
Cho Power Sports
4.5 Star Rating
6.5 inch
max distance: 10-15 miles, max speed: 6.5mph, Bluetooth speakers
LieEagle Flash Light
4.5 Star Rating
6.5 inch
Max distance: 10 miles, max speed: 7.5 mph, LED lights, wheel lights, Bluetooth speakers
Segway Ninebot S Kids
4.5 Star Rating
8.5 inch
Max distance: 8 miles, max speed: 8.7 mph, LED tail lights, mobile app, knee control bar, Bluetooth speakers
If you want a reliable classic hoverboard model that’s well sized for children, check this one out. The Sisigad Pure Color series is perfectly sized for kids with 6.5″ wheels and includes LED lights on the front, bumpers, and even the wheels for extra visibility. The big feature that really makes the Pure Color series a great hoverboard for kids is the easy ride mode that’s perfect for young and beginning riders to learn. In addition to the UL safety certification, this self-balancing scooter provides extra safety with its battery management to prevent overheating.
If your child has been begging for a hoverboard with cool features, Sisigad delivers them at an affordable price. The Pure Color series features awesome multi-color LED lights on the wheels and built-in Bluetooth speakers so you can listen to music as you ride.
Available colors: black, blue, white, pink, camo pink, carbon green, green, green and gray, orange and gray, yellow and gray, spray black, spray blue, spray white
Wheel Size: 6.5″
Max Speed: 6 mph
Max Distance: 6-9 miles
Notable features: UL2272 safety certification, LED front, bumper, and wheel lights, Bluetooth speakers rubber tires, 3-5 hour charge time, min weight 44 lb, max weight 260 lb
Swagtron is one of the top hoverboard brands and they’ve been around since the beginning of the trend. The Swagboard Twist is designed specifically for new riders and is advertised as their entry-level board. The best feature for young riders is the learning mode, which restricts riding speeds while they’re first learning how to operate the board. It also helps prevent the hoverboard from suddenly going too fast, which reduces falls.
Kids don’t care about safety features, but they will like how cool this hoverboard looks. It has bright LED headlights and flashing LED wheels. It doesn’t have Bluetooth speakers, but the smaller size and affordable price make it great for young riders (recommended for riders 8 years old and up). This is the perfect hoverboard option for children and teens.
Available colors: black, white
Wheel Size: 6.5″
Max Speed: 6 mph
Max Distance: 3-5 miles
Notable features: max weight 185 lbs, riding distance 11-15 miles, charging time 1-2 hours, remote control, LED headlights, UL 2272 Safety Certification, battery indicators, 30 degree climbing, 5 year battery warranty
If you want your child to stand out from all of the other hoverboards on the block, the Cho Power Sport features a cool new design for an affordable and perfectly kid sized self balancing scooter. While the design is sleeker and more modern than other brands, it is still a 6.5″ hoverboard which is great for kids and teens. It has a weight limit of 160 lbs, so some adults can ride it too. This is a street hoverboard, so it can only be ridden on smooth surfaces like sidewalks and streets.
One of the reasons the Power Sports hoverboard is so good for kids is it only has a max speed of 6.5 mph, so your child can’t ride too fast. It also has a riding range of 10-15 miles, providing plenty of fun time between charges. You can easily tote your hoverboard around thanks to the built in carry handle. If you want to listen to music, use the built in Bluetooth speakers to play your faves. This is a great option for kids of any age.
Available colors: black, gold, purple, black numbers, blue numbers, pink numbers
Wheel Size: 6.5″
Max Speed: 6.5 mph
Max Distance: 10-15 miles
Rider Weight Range: up to 160lbs.
Charging Time: 2-3 hours
Notable features: UL 2272 Certified, front lights, wheel lights, Bluetooth speakers, easy carry handle, no slip foot pads, three month warranty
If you’re looking for a hoverboard for kids with a little more pizzaz, check this out. LieEagle makes a “Flash Wheel” model that is made to be seen. It features LED headlights on the wheel bumpers and along the front of the hoverboard, but what really sets this model apart from the others is the lights on the wheels. These lights are super fun and also help your child stay visible when they’re riding.
In addition to the fun lights, the Hoverheart also has built-in Bluetooth speakers, so your child can enjoy their favorite tunes while they ride. It also has all the required safety certifications and is made from fire-safe plastic. This model only goes up to 7.5 miles per hour, which is perfect for most kids.
Available colors: Black Chrome, Blue Chrome, Gold Chrome, Turquoise Chrome, Pink Chrome, Purple Chrome, Rosegold Chrome
Wheel Size: 6.5″
Max Speed: 7.5 mph
Max Distance: 10 miles
Notable features: UL 2272 Certified, min weight: 44 lbs., max weight: 264 lbs., Bluetooth speakers, LED headlights, wheel lights, bumper lights, 2-3 hour charge time, three month warranty
Segway Ninebot S Kids Smart Self-Balancing Electric Scooter
Segway makes premium personal transporters that offer a ton of fun for all ages. In fact, the Segway Ninebot S is one of our favorite optons for adult riders and we were thrilled when they launched the kids version. All the reliable features of the S and S Plus have been downsized for younger riders, with safer slower speeds, lighter weight, and more fun color options. While the design isn’t great for doing tricks on, it’s perfect for riding around and easier to operate than other board-like hoverboards. The big thing you’ll notice that’s different about the Segway Ninebot S Kids is the kneebar. This makes riding it easier, as it helps you steer and maneuver the hoverboard.
Recommended for kids 8 years old and up, this model is easy to ride on the sidewalk or even the road–and it even includes taillights for increased visibility. Another feature that sets it apart from the other hoverboards for kids is the mobile app. This free app allows you to lock the transporter, update the firmware, diagnose problems, track ride statistics, and customize the LED lights. It also has a guide to help you learn to ride it. And if you kid is looking for some fun music to ride to, this model also features Bluetooth speakers!
All these fantastic features do come at a higher price than some of the other hoverboards on this list. If you can afford it, the reliability and advanced features are worth it for your kids. We highly recommend this model if you’re looking for something everyone in the family can ride (including adults!).
Available colors: blue, pink white
Wheel Size: 8.5″
Max Speed: 8.7 mph
Max Distance: 8 miles
Recommended Age: 8 years old and up (3’6″–5’9″ tall)
Notable features: 1600 watt dual motor engine, padded kneebar for precision steering, can carry up to 132 lbs., 3 riding modes, aircraft-grade magnesium alloy frame, Bluetooth mobile app, Bluetooth speakers, customizable LED safety lights, anti-theft security alarm, 4 hour charging time
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hoverboards For Kids
Are hoverboards safe?
In 2015 and early 2016 a number of hoverboards caught fire due to faulty batteries. The hoverboards that were involved have since been recalled and are no longer on sale. The hoverboards that you can buy today are re-engineered with UL-certified batteries that are now safe and tested for quality.
When you’re shopping for hoverboards, look for UL2272 safety certification. That means the hoverboard has met the latest safety standards in testing and will be safe for your kids and family to ride.
How old should a child be before they can ride a hoverboard?
Many hoverboard manufacturers specify a minimum age requirement, averaging around 8 years old. Others just give a minimum weight requirement for young riders. Most of the best kid hoverboards are designed to support riders that are at least 40 lbs. Usually, that is about age five and up, though some four-year-olds may meet that weight requirement. Our recommendation for parents is to take into consideration several factors before you buy a hoverboard for your child.
Obviously, meeting the minimum weight is important so they can safely maneuver the board. I would also take into consideration coordination and balance. If your kid loves rollerskating, skateboarding, or bike riding and is able to master the skills to do those types of activities successfully and enjoys them, they will probably love riding a hoverboard. If your kid is not outdoorsy and has poor coordination or balance, a hoverboard may be tricky for them to learn and you may want to start them with a safe hoverboard alternative.
How much is a hoverboard for kids?
Currently there are a variety of hoverboards on the market at different price points, from cheap hoverboards to expensive brand names with tons of fancy features. You can expect to spend between $100 to $200 for most hoverboards for kids, but may spend more if you want extra features like Bluetooth speakers or a rugged off-road hoverboard.
What is the weight limit for hoverboards for kids? Can adults use them too?
The weight limit on kids’ hoverboards varies from model to model but it’s not uncommon for children’s hoverboards to allow users up to 220 or even 260 pounds. Many of them have minimum weights as well, usually 40 lbs., so keep that in mind if your child is on the smaller side. If you want to buy a hoverboard that the whole family can enjoy, make sure to pay attention to the minimum and maximum weight limits before you buy. Learn more about hoverboard weight limits.
Do children need to wear safety gear while riding a hoverboard?
Yes! Proper safety gear is essential for any hoverboard rider, especially kids. When they first learn to ride, they will probably fall off and get a few scrapes and bumps. Just like with bikes, skateboards, and roller skates, helmets and pads are essential to prevent injuries. Even when your kid becomes a hoverboard pro, there’s still a chance of accidents, especially if they ride in areas with other riders, skaters, and cyclists. A hoverboard helmet is the absolute minimum safety gear a kid should wear when they ride. You should also consider buying safety pads and safety lights for your kid. In addition to personal protective gear, you should also monitor your children while they’re riding to help them avoid dangerous situations and also assist them if they have any problems.
Some models of hoverboards include built-in speakers that can be controlled by a person’s iPhone or Android device wirelessly with Bluetooth to play music. While they are a common feature, not every model has these built-in speakers however so if they’re important to you, you’ll have to double-check each model you consider to make sure they have it.
What happens when the hoverboards run out of battery?
Hoverboard batteries last different amounts of time (or riding distance) depending on various factors like use, speed, whether or not you’re riding on a hill, etc. Some hoverboards have low battery indicators to let the user know when they’re running low on battery. Most hoverboards also have a safe-stop mechanism that will stop the hoverboard in a balanced rolling stop when power is extremely low to prevent a sudden fall.
