Most hoverboards are designed with smooth and relatively even surfaces in mind. Particularly where 6.5-inch hoverboards are concerned, you’re usually limited to roads, sidewalks, and other smooth surfaces. By contrast, if you plan on riding a hoverboard on grass, dirt, or gravel, you need to set yourself up with the best off-road hoverboards you can find.
The biggest difference between the best off-road hoverboard and a conventional hoverboard is usually the size and power of the all-terrain option. There’s occasionally a difference in price, but quality and best all-terrain off-road hoverboard don’t always cost more than a premium everyday scooter. As usual, it’s a case of establishing your priorities, consulting off-road hoverboard reviews, and picking up something to suit your budget.
10 Best Off-Road Hoverboards
- Best Overall Hoverboard: Gyroor T581 Hoverboard
“Value for money, Fun Graffiti Design, fun features” - Best Budget Hoverboard: Lamborghini TwoDots Hoverboard
“Spectacular visual design, adjustable speed settings, Bluetooth support” - Best All Terrain Hoverboard: Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6 Hoverboard
“Awesome battery management, Powerful motor, All-terrain design” - Best Hoverboard for Beginners: Gyroor G2 Hoverboard
“Large all-terrain wheels, Sturdy and durable, LED front lights” - Best Heavy Duty Hoverboard: Halo Rover Hoverboard
“Impressive top speed, oversized wheels, high power” - Best Rated Hoverboard: Hyper Gogo Hoverboard
“Sturdy and durable, affordable, powerful performance” - Safest Hoverboard: Segway Ninebot S Hoverboard
“Sophisticated and technologically advanced, IP54 waterproof, comfort ride” - Best Value for Money: Cho All Terrain Hoverboard
“Easy to ride, versatility, oversized wheels” - Best For Kids: XtremepowerUS LBW07 Hoverboard
“Extensively safety tested, lithium-ion battery technology, UL certified” - Best for Long Rides: Segway miniPRO Hoverboard
“New Rider Tutorial, lightweight scooter, comfort ride”
Best Off-Road Hoverboard of 2021
Unsurprisingly, the market for all-terrain hoverboards is packed with impressive-looking devices from various manufacturers worldwide. Whether on the lookout for a cheap scooter as a first-timer or an ultra-premium personal transporter, there’s no shortage of options available.
If anything, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve pulled together a shortlist of some of the best all-terrain hoverboards on the market right now. Going into 2021, each of the following has earned the recommendation of hundreds of satisfied customers and become a top seller on Amazon. Use these independent hoverboard reviews to steer you in the right direction and chances are you won’t go wrong:
1) Gyroor T581
Gyroor T581
The ultimate combination of power, performance, and unbeatable value for money, lightweight yet powerful board, which is also easy enough for newcomers and kids to ride in complete confidence.
Features and Benefits
One of the most colorful and attractive boards you’re ever likely to come across, the Gyroor T581 is a firm favorite among buyers on Amazon. Extensively safety tested, UL2272 certified, and fitted with premium Bluetooth speakers, this thing has epic action and entertainment written all over it.
In terms of pulling power, the twin motors are capable of carrying kids and adults alike at speeds of up to 12kmh for around 10km from a single charge. Tested on tons of different types of terrain, this Gyroor T581 Hoverboard deals with rough surfaces and relatively steep inclines with ease. Various functions and settings can also be controlled via Bluetooth using the Gyroor app, while the relatively lightweight properties of the board make it easy to carry.
All in all, the Gyroor T581 is a simple yet effective all-terrain scooter that’s up for grabs at a seriously low price. Durable, reliable, and suitable for the whole family, it’s a great entry-level board for newcomers, but also offers the power and performance more experienced riders expect.
Read Full Review: Gyroor T581 Hoverboard Review
Pros
- Great for adults and kids alike
- Colorful and beautifully presented
- Impressive power and performance
- Decent top speed and range
- Useful mobile application
- Comparatively lightweight to carry
- Good overall value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for wet weather use
2) Lamborghini TwoDots
Lamborghini TwoDots
A genuine Lamborghini product at an affordable price, with uniquely designed 8.5-inch rubber tires for challenging off-road terrain. Impressive performance on dirt, grass, sand and even light snow.
Bold, brash, and beautiful beyond belief, the Lamborghini TwoDots hoverboard is everything you’d expect it to be and more. It may be pretty as a picture, but it is also an absolute beast when you challenge this 8.5-inch monster with the rough stuff.
Features and Benefits
Whichever way you look at it, the Lamborghini TwoDots is an absolute dream come true. Boasting up to twice the power of a comparable scooter and 33% more foot space, this thing delivers one of the most comfortable and satisfying rides you’ll ever experience.
UL 2272 safety certified and IP54 waterproof, the Lamborghini TwoDots has been tested exhaustively on a variety of challenging surfaces. Grass, dirt, sand, and even light snow are and no match for this thing, which boasts SUV-style tires of unprecedented quality. The powerful twin motors are capable of carrying kids and adults of all ages, while the inbuilt Bluetooth speaker is one of the highest quality of any board on the market right now.
You can even honk a virtual horn while riding this thing and pump out supercar engine noise if you feel inclined to do so! Perhaps most importantly, this is a genuine licensed and endorsed Lamborghini product, which looks no less than mesmerizing. As so many buyers have already said, it’s probably the closest most of us will ever get to owning (or even riding) a genuine Lamborghini.
Read Full Review: Lamborghini Two Dots Hoverboard Review
Pros
- Licensed by Lamborghini
- Exceptional off-road performance
- Huge pulling power
- Outstanding top speed and range
- Oversized balance board
- Unique SUV tire design
- Spectacular exterior design
- Fabulous value for money
Cons
- A slightly more expensive board
3) Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6
Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6
The most powerful board available within its price bracket, boasting an enormous maximum weight capacity of more than 400lbs. It also features a premium quality Bluetooth speaker as an added bonus.
The most powerful board available within its price bracket, boasting an enormous maximum weight capacity of more than 400lbs. It also features a premium quality Bluetooth speaker as an added bonus.
Some all-terrain scooters claim to deliver a serious amount of pulling power for the money. Then you have the Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6, which boasts a market-leading maximum rider capacity of over 400lbs. Quite simply, this is the most powerful off-road scooter you can pick up for this kind of money right now.
Features and Benefits
If you plan on taking your self-balancing scooter off-road, power and performance count for a lot. In the case of the Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6, you’re looking at twin 300W motors that are capable of carrying riders of over 420lbs in weight. To put this in some kind of perspective, many comparable boards for the same money top out at 160lbs maximum rider capacity.
But it’s not only about raw power with the Swagtron. This thing is also good for a top speed of approximately 12mph, IP54 waterproofing, a range in the region of 12 miles from a single charge, and the ability to deal with inclines as steep as 30°. The Swagtron T6 board has been extensively tested on concrete, mud, grass, and even gravel – both in dry and wet weather conditions – and the deck features a surprisingly high-quality Bluetooth speaker.
As an added bonus, this 10-inch monster of a scooter is also beautifully presented and extremely well manufactured. Having been reduced in price several times since its long-awaited debut in 2019, the T6 is now up for grabs for its lowest price to date. If you’re all about power and performance and you’re looking for a board that doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit’, you’ll be in your element with the exceptional Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6.
Read Full Review: Swagtron T6 Hoverboard Review
Pros
- Unprecedented power and performance
- Maximum weight capacity of 420lbs
- Excellent top speed of 12mph
- Superb range of up to 12 miles
- Extremely stable and easy to ride
- Tested on all types of tough surfaces
- Suitable for adults and kids alike
- Extraordinary value for money
Cons
- Slightly heavy to transport
4) Gyroor G2
Gyroor G2
One of the safest and most durable self-balancing scooters for all-weather riding. There’s also a very high-quality Bluetooth speaker built, along with an arsenal of ultra-bright LEDs for added visual impact.
A perfect off-road scooter for adults and kids of all ages, this top-selling hoverboard with an affordable all-action scooter that’s designed to go places you wouldn’t dare take a more generic hoverboard.
The Gyroor G2 does a great job of demonstrating how even a relatively lightweight 8.5-inch scooter can still deliver the goods off-road. This thing has been tested to breaking point on countless occasions and never fails to impress even the most demanding riders.
Features and Benefits
The Gyroor warrior is one of the latest in a long line of launches from a renowned and celebrated brand. Manufactured from the highest-quality aluminum and ABS parts, it has been built to last both inside and out. The 8.5-inch inch solid tires are perfectly capable of dealing with trickier off-road surfaces, including dirt, grass, gravel, and compacted sand.
Rated IP54 waterproof, the Gyroor Warrior hoverboard is also in its element during wet weather conditions. 700W of pulling power is more than enough to carry kids and heavier adults alike, with a top speed of approximately 10mph and an average range in the region of 9 miles. The Gyroor G2 also charges far quicker than most comparable boards, going from flat to full in as little as 90 minutes.
This appealing package is finished off with a pro-quality Bluetooth speaker, an array of attractive LED lights, and a price tag that seems almost too low. Suffice to say, it is an absolute bargain that every member of the family is guaranteed to get a kick out of.
Read Full Review: Gyroor Warrior G2 Hoverboard Review
Pros
- A powerful all-terrain scooter
- Suitable for adults and kids alike
- UL 2272 certified and waterproof
- Tested on a variety of surfaces
- Quality materials and rugged durability
- Very stable and easy to ride
- Excellent top speed and range
- Fast charging time
Cons
- Doesn’t include a carrying bag
5) Halo Rover
Halo Rover
One of the most popular Hoverboards of 2019, with a top speed of around 10mph and up to 2 hours of enjoyable riding from a single charge. Impressive performance and its impossibly low purchase price.
One of the most popular Hoverboards of 2019, with a top speed of around 10mph and up to 2 hours of enjoyable riding from a single charge. Impressive performance and its impossibly low purchase price.
The Halo Rover was one of the best-selling personal transporters of 2019 by a considerable margin. Designed in the USA and for sale at its lowest price to date, this thing gives most rival scooters a run for their money in terms of quality, durability, and value for money.
Features and Benefits
Everything about the Halo Rover simply screams quality and desirability. In terms of looks alone, it’s the kind of hoverboard that wins you over at a glance. But it’s not until you take a look under the hood that you really understand where the appeal of the Halo Rover lies.
First up, the twin-400W motors under the hood deliver a whopping combined output of 800W. That’s more than enough to carry riders as heavy as 260lbs, while comfortably negotiating even the toughest off-road terrain. The Halo Rover Hoverboard has a maximum speed of approximately 10mph and delivers an average range of 10 miles from a single charge, dealing with inclines as steep as 20°. It’s also IPX4 water-resistant, making it the perfect personal transporter for wet weather conditions.
The Halo Rover features a cutting-edge lithium-ion battery that lasts for up to 2 hours per charge, and the LED headlights are brighter than most and charging times come in at around 2.5 hours. One of the safest and easiest boards you’ll ever step onto, it’s also perfectly suitable for kids as young as seven. All wrapped up with an extensive warranty and a surprisingly affordable price, and there’s almost nothing about the Halo Rover that doesn’t make you want one…instantly!
Read Full Review: Halo Rover 8.5 Inch Hoverboard Review
Pros
- A board of outstanding quality
- Exceptional power and performance
- Suitable for kids and adults alike
- Superb range and battery life
- Excellent top speed and maneuverability
- Fantastic overall value for money
- Performs great off-road
Cons
- Slightly heavy at 32lbs
6) Hyper Gogo Hoverboard
Hyper GoGo 6.5-inch Hoverboard
Superb lightweight design, boasts a quality Bluetooth speaker and surprisingly durable construction for this kind of money. A fantastic choice for kids and newcomers up to 165lbs in weight.
The superb lightweight design boasts a quality Bluetooth speaker and surprisingly durable construction for this kind of money. A fantastic choice for kids and newcomers up to 165lbs in weight.
Available in a handful of eye-catching color configurations, the Hyper GoGo 6.5-inch Hoverboard is one of few 6.5-inch boards you can confidently take off-road. It’s also a super-affordable scooter that’s borderline unbeatable for kids and younger riders in general.
Features and Benefits
There are comparatively few 6.5-inch hoverboards on the market that can deal with anything other than smooth sidewalks and similar surfaces. The Hyper GoGo 6.5-inch Hoverboard is one notable exception to the rule, which doesn’t falter when things get a little trickier. Tested on dirt, grass, and other uneven surfaces, this hoverboard is a surprisingly capable and versatile piece of kit.
Designed and manufactured primarily with kids in mind, it has a maximum rider capacity of 165lbs. The dual motors under the hood are good for a nippy top speed of around 7.5mph, while the lithium-ion battery keeps things moving for a maximum range of around 6 miles. There’s also a decent quality Bluetooth speaker built into the deck, along with countless super-bright LEDs for riding in darker conditions.
One of the easiest boards to get to grips with, this 6.5-inch Hoverboard really is ideal for newcomers. It’s also exceptionally lightweight at just 14lbs, making it one of the easiest and most convenient boards to carry. Definitely worth checking out, if looking to pick up the best-rated hoverboard for kids that’s also great off-road.
Read Full Review: HYPER GOGO 6.5 Inch Hoverboard Review
Pros
- Superb lightweight design
- Solid performance off-road
- Great for kids and newcomers
- Decent Bluetooth speaker
- UL 2272 safety certified
- Top speed of 7.5mph
- Robust and durable construction
Cons
- Limited range of 6 miles
- Maximum rider weight 165lbs
7) Segway Ninebot S
Segway Ninebot S
Unashamedly exclusive and uncompromising, where power and performance are concerned. A cutting-edge product of prestige that continues to set an impossibly high standard for the hoverboard market.
Unashamedly exclusive and uncompromising, where power and performance are concerned. A cutting-edge product of prestige that continues to set an impossibly high standard for the hoverboard market.
It’s not often that a hoverboard completely redefines the 10-inch segment the moment it hits the market. In the case of the Segway Ninebot S, this thing transformed the way riders and critics worldwide looked at hoverboard self-balancing technology from its very first outing.
Features and Benefits
There’s not a great deal that needs to be said about the Segway Ninebot S, beyond the board’s basic specifications. Along with being UL 2272 safety certified, this thing is also IP54 waterproof and designed to deal with all types of terrain.
Under the hood, two 400W motors deliver more than enough power to hit a maximum speed of 10mph, while the cutting-edge battery technology is good for a market-leading range of approximately 14 miles. Slopes of up to 15° are traversed with ease, the 10.5-inch pneumatic tires guarantee a comfortable ride on even the bumpiest surfaces and the knee control bar brings unprecedented precision and control into the experience.
The Ninebot S Smart Hoverboard can comfortably carry riders up to 220lbs in weight, while the intelligent Segway App opens the door to a variety of special features and functionalities. Just a few examples of which include anti-theft protection, speed limit, and adjustment, vehicle self-diagnose, adjustable ambient lights, firmware upgrade, vehicle remote control, and more. Suitable for ages 16 to 60, there is no less than a phenomenal piece of engineering, which somehow weighs just 28lbs in total.
Read Full Review: Segway Ninebot S Hoverboard Review
Pros
- Unrivaled Power and performance
- Packed with cutting-edge technology
- An astonishing range of 14 miles
- A beautifully smooth off-road ride
- Surprisingly lightweight
- The best mobile app on the market
- Extensive manufacturer’s warranty
Cons
- One of the most expensive scooters
8) Cho All Terrain Hoverboard
Cho All Terrain Hoverboard
Value for money redefined, with a super-affordable scooter for a safe and satisfying off-road experience, made all the more enjoyable by the robust 8.5-inch vacuum tires and most comparable boards are capable of.
Value for money redefined, with a super-affordable scooter for a safe and satisfying off-road experience, made all the more enjoyable by the robust 8.5-inch vacuum tires and most comparable boards are capable of.
To be frank, the Cho All Terrain Hoverboard doesn’t always get the credit it rightly deserves. Packed with premium components and with a whopping top range of up to 13 miles, this affordable all-terrain powerhouse takes versatility and value for money to an entirely new level.
Features and Benefits
Marketed as the perfect introductory all-terrain scooter for beginners and amateurs, this is built to satisfy even the most demanding riders. UL 2272 certified and manufactured from premium-quality materials, it features oversized 8.5-inch vacuum tires for exceptional off-road performance.
Under the hood, the 700W motor delivers more than enough power to carry riders of up to 264lbs at a top speed of around 8.5mph. Even more impressively, the Cho All Terrain Hoverboard has a maximum range of up to 13 miles – as much as two hours of non-stop riding from a single charge. It can also deal with inclines of up to 17° and has been tested on a wide variety of tricky surfaces.
The Bluetooth speaker is as good as any you’ll find it built into a board for this kind of price, charging times come in at less than 2 hours and the whole thing is backed by a reassuring warranty from the manufacturer. When you consider the price of this all-terrain hoverboard right now, it’s hard to think of anything genuinely negative to say about it.
Pros
- Perfect for kids and amateurs
- Exceptionally stable and easy to ride
- Powerful enough for heavier adults
- Very impressive off-road performance
- Quality built-in Bluetooth speaker
- Huge range of up to 13 miles
- Unbelievable value for money
Cons
- Unsuitable for wet weather conditions
9) XtremepowerUS LBW07
XtremepowerUS LBW07
A technologically advanced scooter at an entry-level price, with an excellent top speed of 8mph. The epitome of enjoyment and entertainment and can negotiate slopes as steep as 15° with ease.
A technologically advanced scooter at an entry-level price, with an excellent top speed of 8mph. The epitome of enjoyment and entertainment and can negotiate slopes as steep as 15° with ease.
Designed to deliver an enjoyable experience indoors and out, the XtremepowerUS LBW07 is all about pure entertainment for adults and kids alike. Nevertheless, it’s also proved itself as quite capable of getting to grips with trickier off-road surfaces when put to the test.
Features and Benefits
This is a simple yet effective self-balancing scooter from a renowned and reputable brand. With a decent climbing capacity of 15° and maximum rider weight of 220lbs, it is a robust, versatile, and powerful board, currently up for grabs at a bargain price.
Its maximum speed of around 9mph is more than fast enough for most riders, while its range of approximately 8 miles from a single charge is also decent enough. Extensively safety tested and UL 2272 certified, the XtremepowerUS LBW07 features the latest lithium-ion battery technology and a whole bunch of rider safety features.
Now on sale at its lowest price to date, this electric scooter is one of the best all-terrain scooters you can pick up right now for kids and newcomers. Particularly if you’re on the lookout for a bargain, this thing is all about value for money at the highest level.
Read Full Review: XtremepowerUS 8.5 Inch Hoverboard Review
Pros
- A quality scooter at a bargain price
- Suitable for adults and kids alike
- Impressive top speed of 8mph
- Decent range and fast charging
- Safety tested and UL 2272 certified
- Good performance on a variety of surfaces
Cons
- Not suitable for wet weather conditions
10) Segway miniPRO
Segway miniPRO
Another epic outing from the most renowned name in the business boasts the latest road adaptive riding technology and a superb kneebar for precise control with aeronautical grade materials and an extensive warranty.
Another epic outing from the most renowned name in the business boasts the latest road adaptive riding technology and a superb kneebar for precise control with aeronautical grade materials and an extensive warranty.
Last up in our rankings, the 2018 version of the Segway miniPRO remains one of the most impressive off-road scooters on the market by a considerable margin. Easy to ride, road adaptive and UL 2272 certified, the Segway miniPRO continues to set an impossibly high standard for all other self-balancing scooters worldwide.
Features and Benefits
It’s hard to know where to start with a device like the Segway miniPRO. One of the fastest and most technologically sophisticated scooters money can buy, this thing comfortably cruises at 10mph with an impressive range of approximately 12.5 miles. The combination of big wheels and 10.5-inch pneumatic air-filled tires adds up to a seriously smooth experience, even when taken off-road.
The Segway miniPRO is constructed using aeronautical grade magnesium alloy, making it a surprisingly lightweight scooter that’s comfortable to carry. Speed and sensitivity can be adjusted to suit all skill and experience levels, the free mobile app features a neat New Rider Tutorial and the specially designed knee control bar makes this uniquely stable and maneuverable.
Perfect for riders aged 16 and over, it was one of the defining devices of 2018. Even by 2021 standards, it’s still one of the most remarkable off-road scooters on the market – only at a considerably lower price than when it made its debut a couple of years ago.
Read Full Review: Segway MiniPro Hoverboard Review
Pros
- Unrivaled technological sophistication
- Exceptional power and performance
- Outstanding on off-road surfaces
- The maximum range of 12.5 miles
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Backed by an extensive warranty
- A versatile personal transportation system
Cons
- Takes up to 4 hours to charge
If you would like to get reviews of other popular hoverboards, kindly visit our Guide page.
Choosing the Best Off-Road All-Terrain Hoverboard
With such a huge range of options to choose from, picking up just one off-road hoverboard can seem like a minefield. In reality, choosing the best all-terrain hoverboard to suit your needs can be quite straightforward. It’s simply a case of considering the following and making your decision accordingly:
1) What’s the Maximum Rider Capacity of the Board?
First and foremost, you need to consider the extent to which the board you’re considering can comfortably carry your weight. It’s also best to err on the side of caution – if you weigh 165lbs, don’t choose a board with a maximum weight limit of exactly 165lbs. Go for something that can carry 200lbs or 220lbs etc. to be safe.
2) Does it have a Decent top Speed and Range?
This is technically optional, though forms one of the most important and defining factors of any off-road scooter. Top speeds vary from around 5mph to more than 12mph (depending on terrain), while the maximum range of a hoverboard can be anything from 6 miles to around 14 miles or so.
3) Has it been Safety Tested and is it Waterproof?
The exact opposite of optional, UL 2272 safety certification should be considered mandatory when picking up a board. It’s up to you whether or not you select a board that is also waterproof, but a lack of waterproofing will limit your riding to dry weather conditions.
4) What Kinds of Surfaces/Terrain is it Suitable for?
Not every all-terrain hoverboard is genuinely suitable for all types of terrain. It’s therefore worth checking what the manufacturer has to say about nonstandard surfaces like grass, dirt, gravel, sand, and light snow.
5) How Long Does the Battery take to Charge?
This can make a big difference, in terms of both convenience and practicality. While some scooters can be fully charged in approximately 90 minutes, others need to be plugged in for up to 5 hours to charge. The extent to which prompt battery charging is important is up to you to decide, but quicker charging is always better.
6) What Age Range is the Scooter Design for?
Most good all-terrain hoverboards are designed with adults, teenagers, and slightly older children in mind. There are also some that are suitable for kids as young as six, making them perfect for the whole family. If you intend to share your hoverboard with younger riders, you’ll need to ensure it is suitable – check the manufacturer’s guidelines carefully.
7) Has it Earned Plenty of Positive Feedback from Real Users?
Always take the time to read as many real-life reviews and recommendations as possible, before going ahead and making your final choice. Independent expert reviews can also be useful, providing insights into how hoverboards perform when put to the test for real.
8) How Much do I Want to Spend on a Hoverboard?
Last but not least, it’s worth considering exactly how much you intend to spend ahead of time. If you’re on a budget, it’s perfectly possible to pick up a decent off-road scooter for less than $200. If you really want to push the boat out, there are plenty of all-terrain scooters available for far more than $500. Establish your budget ahead of time and you’ll find it much easier to choose your ideal hoverboard.
FAQ’s
What Is the Best All Terrain Hoverboard?
As you can see in our listings, there are some all-terrain hoverboards that tower over the competition. Some of the best boards worth checking out now for all-terrain riding include the following:
- Gyroor T581
- Lamborghini TwoDots
- Swagtron Swagboard Outlaw T6
- Gyroor G2
- Halo Rover
New off-road boards are being launched all the time, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for new arrivals. However, these are the kinds of brands to stick with, which continue to lead the field in all-terrain technology.
What Is the Best Off-Road Hoverboard?
See above – ‘off-road’ is just another way of referring to all-terrain. They’re exactly the same thing, used interchangeably in accordance with the preferences of the manufacturer. So whether it says off-road or all-terrain, the meaning is the same – a board that’s designed for more challenging surfaces.
How Much Do Off-Road Hoverboards Cost?
You can spend as little or as much as you like on an off-road hoverboard. Prices vary radically from one machine to the next – anything from $200 to more than $1,000. However, prioritizing value for money when shopping for a hoverboard is essential. For obvious reasons, you can’t expect a $200 board to perform as well as a $500 hoverboard.
This is particularly true when it comes to all-terrain boards, which are designed for trickier surfaces. If you’re planning on taking things off-road, it’s advisable to step things up quality-wise. Don’t cut corners on quality for the sake of saving money. You’ll regret it when you’re stuck with a low-performance board that’s useless off-road.
What Does ‘Off-Road’ Hoverboard Mean?
Off-road means exactly that – a hoverboard that’s capable of running on non-standard surfaces. Generic hoverboards are designed with smooth and even sidewalks, paths, and roads in mind. Off-road boards can be used on grass, gravel, dirt – sometimes even sand. All off-road hoverboards are unique and have their own limitations. It’s therefore important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines, along with the specifications of the board. If planning on riding your board off-road, you need to make sure it is up to the job.
Off-Road Hoverboard Buying Guide
Struggling to make sense of the endless options available? Wondering what aspects of a hoverboard should be prioritized when shopping for an off-road machine? We’ve got you covered – here’s everything you need to know about shopping for all-terrain self-balancing scooters:
Motor Power
Right off the bat, it’s essential to pick up a board with enough power to deal with challenging terrain. If you’re serious about riding off-road, you should aim for 700W to 8000W of power as a minimum. You’ll get away with less, but lower power output means poorer performance off-road.
It’s also worth remembering that power isn’t only about dealing with difficult surfaces. It’s also about getting you smoothly and safely up and down slopes, which you’ll encounter regularly.
Wheel Size
There are plenty of 6.5-inch scooters around these days that call themselves ‘all-terrain.’ In reality, there’s no such thing as a genuinely capable 6.5-inch off-road scooter. Wheels of this size simply are not capable of dealing with challenging off-road surfaces. The odd bit of grass and compact dirt perhaps, but that’s about it.
For better off-road performance, opt for something with 8.5-inch wheels as an absolute minimum. 10-inch or even 12-inch wheels are preferable, providing much greater scope for riding off-road. The combination of oversized wheels, high-grip tires, and a powerful engine is what all-terrain riding is all about.
Safety
There’s no such thing as too many safety features – more is always better. However, there’s one major safety feature to be on the lookout for when shopping for a hoverboard. UL 2272 safety certification indicates that the board has undergone extensive safety testing. Specifically, the type of testing that ensures it won’t catch fire or explode while charging or in use.
Under no circumstances is it worth taking chances on a hoverboard that lacks UL 2272 safety certification. All off-road boards in this list are fully UL 2272 certified and therefore considered safe.
Build Quality
The build quality of a hoverboard is also important when planning on traversing tough terrain. When riding off-road, you need something that can stand up to a serious amount of punishment. Far more than most typical hoverboards can handle. Assessing build quality means considering the materials the board is made of and the manufacturer behind it.
The market’s leading hoverboard makers manufacture their boards with meticulous attention to detail, inside and out. This ensures they’re built to last and can handle just about anything you can throw at them. At the bottom end of the market, boards are thrown together cheaply using bargain-basements materials. Which, for obvious reasons, aren’t cut out for off-road riding.
Weight Limit
Here’s a tip when shopping for an off-road board – never push the weight limit of a hoverboard too far. For example, if you weigh 200lbs (or even 190lbs+), don’t buy a board with a 200lbs weight limit. While it may be able to carry you safely and without breaking, its performance will leave much to be desired.
The maximum weight limit of a hoverboard is just that – it’s absolute limitation and breaking point. Hence, it’s a good idea to give your board some breathing room, rather than pushing it to its limits. If you weigh 200lbs or thereabouts, stick with boards with a 240lbs weight limit or more. It’s particularly important with off-road boards, due to the challenge and nature of the terrain you’ll be riding on.
Speed and Range
The importance of speed is purely a matter of personal opinion. For some, cruising along at say 7mph is more than enough. For others, anything less than 12mph is an absolute snooze-fest. In any case, it’s important to remember that off-road boards aren’t always designed with speed in mind. At least, not as a priority. Hence, it’s totally up to you to determine what’s fast enough to keep you entertained.
By contrast, a good range isn’t something that’s up for negotiation. You’re absolute must choose a board with a decent range in order to avoid disappointment. The maximum hoverboard range varies from around 6 miles to more than 15 miles in some instances. The actual hoverboard range varies in accordance with various factors, such as speed, rider weight, and terrain. More range means more scope for adventure and enjoyment, which is always a good thing.
Battery Capacity & Charge Time
It’s ultimately the capacity of the battery that will determine the range of the board. Batteries from major brands like LG and Samsung are often preferable, though they aren’t always the longest lasting. Check what the manufacturer has to say about the range of the board, which matters more than battery capacity.
While you’re at it, check how long it takes to charge the battery from flat. Charging times vary from the sublime to the ridiculous, from one board to the next. Anything from one hour to five hours or so, in accordance with numerous factors. Fast charging times are always best, but not if it means poor battery life and range as a result.
Portability
Portability and storage should also be taken into account – off-road boards can be quite large and heavy. If the board you buy doesn’t come with a case, you can pick one up for less than $30. And doing so comes highly recommended, making it much easier to store and transport your board.
Feel free to check the weight of the board you’re looking at before making a decision. Off-road boards can weigh anything from 20lbs to more than 40lbs. They’re far from lightweight, but it’s the durability that matters most when riding off-road.
Price
Last up; you can technically pay as little or as much as you like for an off-road hoverboard. Prices vary from $200 to more than $1,000 – something to suit all budgets. However, it’s important to prioritize value for money over the initial purchase price.
With off-road boards, in particular, you get what you pay for. If you want top-shelf performance, you can expect to pay a top-shelf price. If you’re happy to deal with low-end performance, set your sights on a low-cost board.
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