Maybe John Denver was right. Maybe West Virginia is almost heaven? Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent certainly thought so. He grew up in the Mountaineer State and despite some attention from Division I college football programs when he was a high school senior, chose to remain close to home and attend Division II Shepherd University in Shepherdstown. There, he threw for 5,000 yards and 53 touchdowns in a single season on the way to winning the 2021 Harlon Hill Award, Division II football’s equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.

He so dominated his division that, like many athletes today, he flirted with the idea of transferring to a Division I program to test himself against higher caliber opponents and see where he stood in the pecking order of aspirants to the world of professional football. He got a couple of nibbles but chose to finish his college career playing in the place where he had always felt he was able to develop himself the best — and then see what the football gods had in store.

By the time his career was complete at Shepherd, he had thrown 159 touchdown passes, which was the most by any NCAA quarterback in any division… ever. That ridiculous number didn’t earn him a call during the NFL draft, but it did get him a look as a free agent with the Bears. To prepare for his “interview” with Chicago, he relied on doing the thing that had brought him so much success up to that point: work hard and work hard every day. First, he got a hold of the Bears’ playbook from their offensive coordinator, Luke Getsy, and then every day, he and a buddy went to Shepherd’s Ram Stadium and worked their way through the entire playbook, play-by-play, his buddy calling in different plays via cell phone from the bleachers, until Bagent, with an AirPod in his ear mimicking the sound inside an NFL helmet, knew each play like the back of his hand.

Once he got to the Bears’ training camp, he knew the playbook as well as anyone in camp, including veterans. Eventually, the undrafted player managed to dislodge the backups in front of him and become the proverbial number two — which meant he was one toe sprain or injured finger away from starting for one of football’s iconic franchises.

When Bears starter Justin Field did, in fact, dislocate his thumb in an October 15 loss to Minnesota, Bagent came in and, the following week, got his first NFL start against the Las Vegas Raiders. He finished 21-for-29 passing for 162 yards with one touchdown and, most importantly, no turnovers in the Bears’ dominant 30-12 victory. He had a passer rating of 97.2. But perhaps most tellingly, when Chicago Head Coach Matt Eberflus handed him one of three game balls in the locker room after the game, his teammates cheered him just as they had the other heroes of the day.

They didn’t care whether Bagent had come into Soldier Field through the back door, the side door or the front door. They only cared that he came ready to play. What his teammates probably didn’t know was that before the game Bagent had assured his coaches of his readiness.

“Going into the game last week, I just kind of told ‘em, ‘Hey, I know you guys have a lot of faith in me, but I do want to let you know I know the whole call sheet. So don’t be afraid to do your thing. Call your plays. Don’t hinder the offense just ‘cause I’m going in there, because I’ve prepared for this all week,’ said Bagent.

In his second NFL start, against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Bagent and the Bears did not fare as well, losing 30-13, with Bagent throwing a pair of interceptions. Will he keep his starting job once Field’s finger is healed? Unlikely. But what does seems likely is Bagent will handle the job competition in the right frame of mind, which is something all of us should aspire to do in whatever field we play.

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There are so many leadership lessons in the Tyson Bagent story, including:

1. There are no back doors, only doors. Bagent may have chosen a lower league to dominate in college, but he maximized his time at Shepherd by becoming the most prolific touchdown passer at any college level. The achievement didn’t escape his coach’s notice. Said the Bears’ Eberflus in reference to Bagent’s college playing days, “Because he played a lot of ball… and threw thousands of passes, he understands concepts very well.”
2. Play within yourself. “Poised” and “confident” are two of the words teammates use to describe Bagent. These traits don’t come from comparing yourself to others or letting your imagination get ahead of you. Here’s Bagent on how he controls the controllables: “I feel like the staple of how I try to play quarterback is getting the ball out of your hands and making really good decisions.” Hard to argue with that.
3. Believe. When you believe in yourself, others will, too. “If you’re good enough, the NFL will find you,” said Chargers coach Brandon Staley of Bagent. “When I look at him, I see a player who belongs and who is good enough to play quarterback in the NFL.”

Whether Bagent takes another snap or not, he shows us what can happen when we take the time to develop our personal as well as professional playbook and learn them play-by-play.

Transportation is an essential part of our days—we need to commute to and from work, run errands or get to the gym—but just because it’s a daily task doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Electric vehicles of all types have transformed how we move: Electric bikes are intelligent and efficient, electric scooters are light and portable and even electric skateboards can get you across town at top speeds. But while these have made it easier to get from A to B, one of our favorite modes of transportation—the sci-fi-esque hoverboard—impresses us more and more with each passing year, even if my childhood self may be a tad bit disappointed that they can’t magically float above the ground.

Blending innovation and practicality, the best hoverboards are loads of fun and remarkably versatile. And after a brief stint of notoriety for bursting into flames (and a subsequent cracking down on recalls and compliance by the Consumer Product Safety Commission), hoverboards are now safer than ever before. These “self-balancing devices” serve various purposes—some people ride a hoverboard for fun, while others ride them to work or the nearest coffee shop. After researching numerous models and poring over reviews, we’ve crowned the Swagtron T6 our number one pick for its range, speed and smooth ride.

When you look at a hoverboard, it’s hard to imagine how you might keep two feet firmly planted on the deck, but “hoverboards use a combination of gyroscopic sensors, electric motors and a logic board to maintain balance,” explains travel expert Hans Mast. “When you lean forward, the sensors detect the movement and accelerate the motors to move you in that direction. Leaning back or to the sides adjusts your speed and direction.” It takes some practice, but once you get a few rides in, nothing quite compares to the joy of smoothly cruising wherever you please.

As is the case with most modes of electric transportation, learning to use a hoverboard takes some time and patience. “Start slowly, and soon you’ll be confidently cruising on this exciting mode of transportation,” says Mast. If you want more riding tips, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide below for in-depth information. And if you’re really worried about mastering it, look for a hoverboard with ride-assist technology that makes balancing even easier.

Here are the best hoverboards available if you’re in the market for a self-balancing scooter.

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

As a leader in consumer technology reviews, we’ve researched, tested and written numerous stories of a similar breadth on the Forbes Vetted site—and we have an especially keen interest in all modes of electric transportation from bikes to scooters to skateboards to hoverboards. While the mechanics of riding change between products, they all employ similar tech like motors, mobile app-compatibility and pneumatic tires.

How We Chose The Best Hoverboards

To assemble this catalog of the best hoverboards, we combed through firsthand reviews from both consumers and professional testers before recommending the models you see here. Because hoverboards can be trickier to learn than other forms of transportation, we consulted with travel expert Hans Mast, who has used hoverboards during his travels, to bring you key buying considerations and safety recommendations for beginners below.

We know that technology changes quickly, so we update the products in this story regularly to ensure we’re providing you with helpful and accurate information that makes it easier to invest in a hoverboard. It was last updated in December 2023, but we recommend bookmarking this page and checking back for new recommendations.

What To Consider When Buying A Hoverboard

With the exception of some rather oddball models (like Segway’s Ninebot Drift W1 “hoverskates”), most hoverboards look similar from one model to the next, so you won’t generally choose one based on aesthetics. Instead, here are a few criteria you should keep in mind when shopping the best hoverboards.

Safety Certifications

Safety first: Make sure any model you consider has “UL 2272 certification, which guarantees the product meets safety standards,” says Mast. “It’s crucial to avoid potential fire hazards.” (Don’t worry, all products on this list meet this, in our opinion, very basic requirement.)

Rider: Kids vs Adults

Are you looking for a hoverboard for your kids or for yourself? While few hoverboards are specifically designed for kids or adults, you should pay attention to the max load when making your purchase. If you’re buying a hoverboard for an adult, you should look for one with a max load of at least 220 pounds. This will ensure it has enough power to support you without sacrificing performance or long-term reliability. When you’re shopping for a kid, you may want to look for a board known for its durability, like the Halo Rover X.

Maximum Speed

The maximum speed is the fastest a hoverboard can travel, when not fully loaded. Many hoverboards have an average top speed of approximately 7 miles per hour, but some, like the Onewheel GT, can go as fast as 20 miles per hour. More experienced riders will enjoy higher max speeds that allow you to rip around. But the faster you’re moving, the harder it is to learn, so beginners might consider an option with lower maximum speeds.

Also consider the motor—the more powerful it is, the faster it’ll go, and the steeper an incline it should be able to handle. But a powerful motor may be a safety hazard for the overzealous rider—the fast acceleration can be difficult to handle. And if you’re shopping for a hoverboard for children, a powerful motor may be overkill.

Battery Life/Range

The range is the distance or run-time of the hoverboard, and it’s important because a shorter range means more frequent charging. While range may not matter for all riders, if you plan to commute, this should be a key consideration, says Mast.

Some hoverboards specify how long the model will run (like an hour), while others estimate the distance you can go between charges, such as 5-7 miles. Depending on your intended use, you may want to look for one with a longer battery life or maximum range—especially if you plan on using it to commute.

Weight

While the weight of the hoverboard may not matter to some, it’s especially important if you’ll be carrying it from one place to the next. This includes hauling it up a flight of stairs or into the office. Lightweight hoverboards clock in at around 17 pounds, but these models might skimp on features to shave weight, while heavier models often have better specs but can weigh in excess of 30 pounds.

Wheel Size And Type

“Wheel size affects stability and maneuverability,” says Mast. Larger wheels, which are 8 inches or more in diameter, offer a smoother ride, while smaller wheels—around 6.5 inches in diameter—are more compact and agile, he explains. Anything smaller is suitable for kids, but not adults.

Wheel size isn’t the only thing that matters: The texture and tread pattern determine where you can and can’t go. For example, the Gyroor Warrior has deep lugs that provide grip on dirt and uneven surfaces, while the Onewheel GT has a super smooth tire built for cruising on pavement. Off-road wheels will be the most versatile, but you’ll sacrifice some speed and maneuverability.

Build Quality

When you’re investing in a hoverboard, you probably want to buy one that will last, even if it means forking over a little extra cash. “Look for durable materials and a robust frame,” recommends Mast. Think metal and aluminum instead of flimsy plastic. “Sturdy construction ensures your hoverboard can handle bumps and occasional off-road adventures,” he notes. Either way, you’re making an investment, so you want it to last longer than a handful of rides. We have only included high-quality boards on this list while considering a variety of price ranges, but you can also reference customer reviews before you buy.

Additional Features

Do you want to be able to listen to music while you ride? Some boards contain a built-in Bluetooth speaker, while others skip this to cut costs. Other boards have LED lights for pizazz (and safety), smartphone app integration and specialized riding modes to customize your experience.

How Do Hoverboards Work?

A series of electric motors and sensors detect tilt angle to move the hoverboard in any given direction while you maintain your balance. When you tilt your body forward, a gyroscope sends a signal to a logic board that sends information to the motor, which then rotates the wheels and generates power. Subtly shifting your bodyweight will advance the board in any given direction.

To initiate the movement, step on the board and slowly lean forward. Lean backward to slow down or reverse the direction. And then, tilt your feet side to side to turn or steer.

Are Hoverboards Safe?

Hoverboards are generally considered safe, but as with similar modes of transportation such as bikes, scooters or skateboards, you should wear protective gear to prevent unwanted injury.

Most of the best-selling hoverboards feature two modes that allow you to control the board’s abilities—a “beginner” mode limits the top speed, allowing you to safely learn how to control the board, while an “advanced” mode removes the speed limitations for even more fun. Consider investing in a model with different modes if you’ve never used a hoverboard before.

Because hoverboards rely on large lithium-ion batteries for power, they run the risk of spontaneously combusting, which is why it’s important to invest in models that are reviewed by third-party testers and receive high marks for quality and reliability.

Are Hoverboards Waterproof?

Generally speaking, most hoverboards are not entirely waterproof and you should avoid riding yours through water or exposing it to excess moisture because this could damage the electrical components like the motors and battery.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to its water-resistance if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain. Water-resistance is indicated by an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, and boards with this number might withstand light rain, splashes or damp surfaces.

What Is The Best Hoverboard Brand?

While there is no one “best hoverboard brand,” many brands like Segway Ninebot, Razor and Onewheel are known for making high-quality hoverboards and self-balancing devices. These brands offer UL-certified hoverboards that adhere to safety standards.

What Is The Best Hoverboard To Buy For Beginners?

Plenty of hoverboards are designed with beginners in mind. Beginner-friendly options, like the Razor Hovertrax 2.0, are easier to learn on thanks to dedicated training modes that limit top speeds and maneuverability. Keep an eye out for terms like “beginner” and “beginner-friendly” that ensure a safe, predictable ride.

No matter which hoverboard you buy as a beginner, how you ride it matters. Mast recommends that you start with safety gear—a helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards. When you’re first testing out your board, “always ride in safe areas away from traffic,” he says, and “begin in a spacious, flat area.” Simply getting on and off your hoverboard—much less staying on it—may take some practice. “Place one foot at a time and keep your body upright,” he explains, before you practice moving forward, backward and turning gradually. “Avoid sharp movements until you’re comfortable,” and before you know it, you’ll be riding your hoverboard around with ease.

What Is A Good Price For A Hoverboard?

Hoverboards range in price from $100 to over $2,000. In general, high-end options, like the Onewheel GT, will offer premium performance and a more enjoyable ride, especially if you’re looking to learn new skills along the way.

However, casual riders can find a balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point. If you’re looking for a mid-range hoverboard, you can expect to spend between $300 and $600 dollars. These hoverboards will have great battery life and additional features such as integrated Bluetooth speakers, off-road tires and a dedicated smartphone app.

If you’re on a budget, you can find plenty of quality hoverboards for between $100 and $300 that are equipped with the basics to get you moving. Just keep in mind they have less substantial warranties and cheaper batteries.

Can Hoverboards Go On Grass?

Hoverboards with all-terrain or larger wheels (like the Halo Rover X) can go in grass, but if you have a hoverboard with smaller or smooth wheels, you should avoid this terrain as it could jam up the tires. That being said, the shorter the grass, the more success you’ll have, and be sure to avoid wet grass if you do not have a water-resistant hoverboard, as the excess moisture could damage components.