The Best Hoverboard for 8 and / or 9 Year Olds (and older kids too!)

Hoverboards (also known as self-balancing scooters) are a popular craze. The first hoverboards were built for adults but now it's standard to see kids as young as 8 and 9 on a hoverboard.

The key to using the board is that you balance to ride them (unfortunately they don't really hover - maybe they will in the future). For kids, a smaller, lighter and slower board is easier to control and manoeuvre as well as ensure a safer ride.

Check out our hoverboard buying guide and specific suggestions of excellent hoverboards for kids.

Buying Guide

Wheel Size

There are three main wheel sizes to look out for on hoverboards, which are 6.5", 8" and 10". You'll find most hoverboards have 6.5" wheels.

6.5" wheels are better for younger kids. The smaller size means these hoverboards aren't as bulky, therefore they are easier for 8 or 9 year olds to manage. 6.5" wheels are also better for mastering tricks and work well on smooth and flat surfaces. Hoverboards with smaller wheels are compact and light to carry. They also require a smaller motor to power them so cost less.

8" or 8.5" wheels add extra weight to the hoverboard but they're still fairly compact. They tend to reach higher speeds than hoverboards with 6.5" wheels and they are generally more expensive as they need a bigger motor to power them. They can handle bumps in the road more easily and some of them are designed for off road use.

The hoverboards with 10-inch wheels are better for use off-road and on uneven terrain. If you're looking for a hoverboard to use on rough terrain, choose one with all-terrain tyres.

Speed

Some hoverboards reach speeds of 10mph or more. However, for kids, it's best to look for a slower speed of around 6 or 7 mph. The Hover 1 Superstar and the Sisigad Hoverboard (both featured in the article below) have a top speed of 6mph which is ideal for beginners and young kids.

Safety

Safety is obviously paramount. To ensure the hoverboard is safe, look for one which is CE & UL2272 certified. When purchasing, check out the company's warranty and returns policy. If something does go wrong, you want to be able to contact the company quickly and be able to return the hoverboard easily. It's often easier to buy from a UK company.

When riding for fun, it's safer for kids to stay on smooth surfaces. Surfaces with bumps can cause riders to jerk forwards and lose control which is obviously not what you want for young children. Kids should slow down to walking speed or get off the hoverboard if the path becomes uneven at any point.

It's also highly recommended that kids wear a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads for extra protection.

Motor Power

You will see that hoverboard motors are measured by wattage. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the motor. The amount of watts you need is relative to the weight of the rider. Dual 100 watt motors (200w) are great for kids up to 40kg. Dual 250 watt motors (500w) should be fine for most riders up to about 100kg - which is  all 8 and 9 year olds. However if you're buying for a heavier person, want to ride on uneven terrain or up steep hills a powerful motor is better. Some hoverboards for uneven terrain have dual motors of 400 w (800w).

Powerful motors are going to drain the battery more quickly so a powerful motor will need to be paired with a large battery capacity for a longer battery life.

Charging Time

The charging time varies wildly between different boards, but most will be charged in under 4 hours. Being aware of the charging time is important so you can plan ahead. If kids are likely to want to be on their hoverboard most of the day, a quick charge time will be more essential than for kids who want it for occasional use.

Battery Life

Most hoverboards will sustain a run time of around 60 minutes. The battery life will be affected by many features such as the weight of the person using the board, the terrain they are riding on and the speed they travel.

Weight of Hoverboard

Obviously the lighter the hoverboard, the easier it will be to carry so it's a statistic worth paying attention to. You may need to carry boards up an incline, street kerb or if it runs out of battery.

A lighter board is also easier for kids to control.

Construction

The hoverboard should have a tough and rugged frame which is durable and will withstand the abuse kids are likely to throw at it. The best hoverboards will be made out of tough materials which are also lightweight, and quite often this is what you are paying extra for when you buy a decent board.