Ever since the movie “Back to the Future,” people have fascinated about floating on air. Then enter the self-balancing hoverboards. Although these things can’t levitate above the ground, they can move around effortlessly. A lot of people are now buying hoverboards for transport, recreation, and other good reasons.
However, if you want to get a good riding experience, you should buy a high-quality hoverboard. Most people think that the best hoverboards come with hefty price tags, but this is not entirely true. There are many nice and good quality cheap hoverboards that will give you a fantastic riding experience.
Gone are the days when you had to part with $1,000 to get a hoverboard. Today, you don’t have to break the bank to get a smooth and safe ride. You can get cool cheap hoverboards even from the biggest brands. Therefore, if you’re on a budget, here are the best cheap hoverboards you can buy in 2023.
StreetSaw’s DailySaw hoverboard is the fastest low-priced hoverboard on the market today. Hitting speeds up to 10.5mph, this self-balance hoverboard is ideal for riders who love the thrill of riding fast.
And not only does it hover faster than most models, but it also goes a longer distance (12 miles) on a single charge. Although the device looks pretty standard, it has lots of features and comes in a variety of classic colors and patterns to suit everyone’s style.
The DailySaw is one of the best cheap hoverboards you can buy at less than $300. It has 6.5-inch tires that are great for all surfaces apart from rough terrains.
The battery is very high quality, and you have the option to choose either LG or Samsung battery with a battery life of 5 to 6 hours and a quick charge time of 60 to 90 minutes. The board is built with premium materials and is UL certified, meaning that it’s completely safe. It’s also equipped with protective bumpers that protect against scratches and helps balance the board.
When it comes to power, DailySaw is second to none. It comes with 350 Watt dual motors which power it over steep hills with a slope of up to 20 degrees. It’s also lightweight, weighing only 25 pounds. However, it can hold riders up to 220lbs thanks to its sturdy build and aircraft-grade aluminum chassis.
For those who love music, this hoverboard allows you to enjoy your ride as you listen to your favorite tunes. It comes with awesome built-in Bluetooth speakers and remote control to make your trip more enjoyable. You will also love its LED lights which illuminate up to 6.5 feet, lighting your way around dark spaces as you ride.
In our opinion, the best cheap hoverboard under $200 is the Hover-1 Chrome. Though it doesn't match the DailySaw in terms of specs, you still get excellent value for your money. It may also be a more appropriate hoverboard for beginners since the max speed is 6.2 MPH.
The Hover-1 Chrome is able to travel around 6 miles on a single charge at it has built-in Bluetooth speakers that allow you to play music on the go. It's UL2272 safety certified and uses several protective measures including SafetyShield Battery enclosure and bright LED headlights and wheels.
The Hover-1 Chrome has 6.5-inch wheels and two 150W motors so it won't have as much kick and acceleration as the DailySaw but it's well worth a look as it's cheaper than $200.
It doesn't get much cheaper than this. The Gotrax SRX Mini hoverboard is less than $100, making it one of the all-time cheapest hoverboards.
While this hoverboard may not be sufficient for adults, it's an excellent beginner option for the little ones. With its ergonomic kid-friendly design and its 12.7-pound weight rating, carrying it around using the body handles is easy for kids.
The Gotrax SRX Mini is powered by 150-watt dual motors and is capable of going 6 miles per hour and going a range of 3 miles per charge. This isn't big numbers but given the extremely low price, we're actually impressed!
The SRX Mini is UL-2272 safety certified meaning the electrical components, charging system and battery all meet the top safety standards.
If you're on a really tight budget or you want to introduce your kid to the hoverboard experience but don't wanna go big before you know they'll like it, the Gotrax SRX Mini is a budget-friendly solution.
Swagboard Vibe T580 is a top low-cost hoverboard that has gained immense popularity for its tech features and music. It is one of the best value hoverboards under $250.
This UL-certified scooter allows you to play music, change modes, check battery levels, and access map functions all via an app. This app gets you moving with just a click of a button on your iPhone or Android device. And with its high-quality built-in speakers, you can spice up your ride with your favorite music.
The T580 offers a fantastic ride while making you look stylish. Key among its features is its dynamic balancing system which allows you to adjust speed by shifting your weight. And if you’re worried that you’re too light or too heavy, this balance scooter can comfortably handle 44lbs to 220lbs.
Whatever the weight, the hoverboard can move at a top speed of 7.5mph over 8 miles on a single charge. On top of that, it boasts powerful 200 Watt dual motors that enable you to climb steep slopes of up to 20 degrees incline. Its 6.5-inch solid rubber tires provide strong support and a smooth ride.
This cheap self-balance board is quite sturdy with a durable casing that’s incombustible, meaning it cannot overheat or explode. It weighs 20lbs, making it simple to steer, stop and carry, for both adults and kids. It has a reliable 29.4V battery that takes about 2 hours to recharge and can retain the charge for 1.5 hours.
It uses SentryShield Smart Battery Management technology that protects against spikes in battery temperature and over-voltage, meaning that your safety is guaranteed. This scooter also offers three different riding modes – learning, standard, and advanced. Other notable features include non-slip foot pads and system indicators.
Gotrax is a relatively new manufacturer in the industry, and also one of the cheapest hoverboard brands around. However, their hoverboards are top quality and built to give you an excellent and safe ride.
The Gotrax Hoverfly ECO hoverboard is one of the most affordable hoverboards on the market. It is one of the best budget hoverboards under $150, as it offers excellent quality and stellar features.
It is superbly designed with advanced self-balancing technology that makes it very stable even at top speed. This technology, together with its zero-degree revolving radius enables it to maintain momentum and stability, whether you’re traveling in rotating circles or straight lines. The sensors are connected to electronic motors for more natural control of both speed and direction.
The Eco hoverboard has highly powerful dual motors that can handle weights of up to a maximum of 220lbs. This means that both kids and adults can enjoy riding the scooter. Its 6.5-inch rubber wheels are quite stable and offer a comfortable ride. The scooter can quickly reach a top speed of 7.4mph, and it can carry you for 4 miles on a single charge.
The battery requires about 3 hours of charging. It also has a handy alert system that notifies you when the battery needs recharging. However, don’t worry in case you run out of juice while hovering – this device weighs 23.3lbs which makes it easy to carry.
This scooter is also able to climb slopes of up to 15 degrees.
The scooter is available in seven different colors to suit all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re getting one for a boy or girl, or even yourself, you’ll have a variety of choices to choose from.
It comes with lunar bright LED lights that enable you to ride it even at night. It also has a training mode that allows kids and starters to have a safe riding experience as they grasp the skills.
Gotrax values the safety of its users; thus all electrical systems as well as the battery and charger are UL 2272 certified. The board has non-slip foot pads and protective bumpers which add to its safety features.
We couldn't make this list without including at least one CHOsports product. We decided upon including the CHO Chrome Series hoverboard as it is well-balanced in terms of specs and provides great value for your money.
The CHO Chrome Series hoverboard has a top speed of 6.5 MPH and a range of 5 miles per charge and it weighs just 17 pounds.
Powered by two 150W motors, it's powerful enough to conquer inclines of up to 15 degrees without any trouble. The hoverboard is UL-certified and easy to use and its LED lights help with visibility in low-light settings.
This one also includes Bluetooth speakers so if you want to listen to music while riding, that problem is solved. It should be said that the speaker quality isn't great and there have been reports of speakers failing after a few months of use.
The Swagtron brand needs no introduction – it’s one of the best hoverboard brands in the industry. The Swagboard T1 Pro was the first UL-certified hoverboard. It is one of the best cheap self-balancing scooters on the market and offers impressive features.
For one, the scooter is well-built with a slick exterior design and advanced technology. It also comes in six different colors, giving you a wide range of options.
The scooter has a maximum cruising speed of 8mph and covers a range of 11 miles in between battery charges. This means you can use it for hovering around your neighborhood or commuting to work. It weighs only 22lbs making it great for traveling. When it comes to hills, the hoverboard has a powerful 250 Watt motor that can handle inclines as steep as 30 degrees.
The board has gear stabilization that not only gives you more control but also provides better traction as you ride downhill. Its non-slip foot pads also ensure you have a firm grip when riding. The scooter is also capable of making a complete 360 rotation, which makes it easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.
With a weight range of 44lbs to 220lbs, the Pro T1 is suitable for use by people of all ages. The exterior body is quite strong, and the 6.5-inch wheels are made of aluminum. The hoverboard uses a SentryShield smart battery system that protects against fire, overheating, and explosions in case of battery failure.
The 36V battery charges fast as it requires only 1 hour to recharge fully. Other useful features include rubber bumpers, battery indicators, two riding modes, LED lights, and safe stopping features.
If you’re looking for safe and inexpensive hoverboards for your kids, KidSaw Mini is an ideal option. This hoverboard is one of StreetSaw’s hoverboards and is specifically designed for kids.
From its fancy design to its safety features, this self-balancing scooter has all the elements to give your kid an awesome and safe ride. The colors and the bear imprints on each foot pad also make it very appealing to children.
For a small kid, handling a full-size scooter with 6.5-inch wheels can be quite difficult and risky. The KidSaw Mini not only has smaller wheels (4.5 inches), it is also relatively smaller in size. The smaller wheels bring the center of gravity closer to the ground, enhancing its stability.
While regular hoverboards weigh about 22lbs to 28lbs, the mini weighs only 10lbs. This makes it easier for a kid to navigate as well as carry it. It has a strong build that can handle 22lbs to 132lbs. And with its powerful 250 Watt dual motors, it can comfortably climb slopes with a 20-degree incline.
When it comes to speed, the KidSaw offers safe speeds for kids with a top speed of 3.1mph and a maximum range of 6.2 miles. Of course, you don’t want your kid cruising at 10mph.
It uses an extra premium lithium-ion battery that takes 2 to 3 hours to recharge and has a battery life of 5 to 6 hours. The board is packed with extra safety features such as an auto electricity cut-off on impact and emergency protection if the kid can’t control the scooter.
When you buy this hoverboard, you also get a complete set of safety gear including elbow pads, a helmet, and knee guards. However, children should always be supervised when riding hoverboards.
Gotrax offers the lowest hoverboard prices on the market and the Hoverfly ION is one of the discount hoverboards. Like all of the Gotrax hoverboards, it has a solid construction and is very durable. It is stylish, lightweight, and comes in a wide range of colors.
It uses advanced self-balancing technology that helps you to mount and ride it with ease. Therefore, it’s perfect for new riders and kids.
The ION is not the fastest hoverboard on the market nor is its range the best. However, it’s still pretty quick reaching a top speed of 7mph and a maximum range of 4 miles on a full battery. Luckily, the board is very light weighing only 20lbs, making it easy to carry, even for kids.
The two-wheeled hoverboard is designed for younger riders hence a maximum weight of 220lbs. It has durable 6.5-inch solid rubber tires that are suitable for roads and pavements. It has a powerful dual 200-watt electric engine that enables it to perform flawlessly on a flat surface as well as moderate slopes. The board comes with a high-quality rechargeable battery that takes 4 to 5 hours to recharge fully.
The ION has a training mode that allows first-time users to master the basics safely. Its gyroscopic technology further assists you in accelerating, slowing down, and turning by adjusting and turning your weight placement on the board.
The cheap electric hoverboard boasts awesome futuristic-looking lights that give it a unique and modern look. It has LED lights on the front and rear as well as on the wheels. All its electrical components and the charger are compliant with UL standards, assuring you of your safety.
Part of the SRX series, the Gotrax SRX A6 is a next-generation hoverboard. The board is a good option for those looking for the lowest price hoverboards. It has a unique design and is packed with all the features you need for an exciting ride.
For one, it comes with built-in Bluetooth speakers that allow you to enjoy your favorite tunes while hovering around your neighborhood or park. It has unique wheels with color LED lights that add to its appeal.
The board also has a self-balancing mode that uses gyroscopic technology to keep the footpads level on the ground. This enables the rider to get on and off without a struggle.
The self-balancing scooter has a 24V battery that requires about 3 hours to recharge. The board uses dual 200 Watt motors that power it to a speed of 6.5mph over a maximum range of 4 miles per charge.
The board is lightweight and can comfortably carry up to 220lbs. Its 6.5-inch wheels give you a smooth ride on all surfaces except rough terrain. Gotrax pays great attention to safety, and hence all their hoverboards have passed the safety UL tests. This means that there’s no risk of fire or any electrical hazard.
One of the major factors to consider when buying a hoverboard is safety. If you’ve done some research on hoverboards, you probably already know that a few years ago, there were numerous incidents of electric hoverboards exploding or catching fire while charging or being ridden.
That’s why you should be concerned about their safety. You might also have heard that cheap hoverboards are the ones that are likely to explode, but this is not true. There are many cheap safe hoverboards.
Since 2015, a lot has changed with the introduction of stricter rules and regulations that hoverboard manufacturers must comply with when designing and building hoverboards. As a result, hoverboards have improved in quality and safety.
As long as you buy UL-certified hoverboards, you won’t have to worry about safety. You might opt to buy an expensive hoverboard, but if it’s not UL certified, your safety is not guaranteed. On the other hand, even the cheapest hoverboard ever with a UL certification is much safer.
UL means ‘Underwriters Laboratories’ and specializes in product safety testing.
A hoverboard is given a UL certification after undergoing a series of strict tests for safety, including overcharge test, motor overload test, water exposure test, shock test, drop test, mold test, crash test, and short circuit test, among others.
There are 2 types of UL certifications:
UL2271 Certification – This is the safety standard that hoverboard batteries have to meet.
UL2272 Certification – This acknowledges the safety of the electrical and mechanical systems of the hoverboard.
Therefore, the price of a self-balancing scooter is not an indication of how safe the hoverboard is. The only way to know whether a hoverboard is safe is by checking whether it has UL certifications. Cheap hoverboards with the UL certification are 100 percent safe.
Most well-known hoverboard brands such as Halo Rover, Swagtron, and Gotrax have passed the UL certification. However, avoid any hoverboard that doesn’t have the UL certifications such as the cheap and unregulated models from Hong Kong and China.
These are usually made with inferior quality materials and come with cheap generic lithium batteries. In fact, Amazon only allows manufacturers to sell UL-certified boards that meet the recommended safety requirements.
Several other retailers have started to follow suit thereby eliminating the unsafe hoverboards from the market.
As much as UL certifications guarantee safety, riders should also put in some extra measures to ensure their safety.
Unfortunately, people often make certain mistakes when buying hoverboards which end up being quite costly. Whether you’re buying for transportation or recreation, avoid making the mistakes below to ensure you get the best device for your budget.
Many people sometimes decline the warranty, especially when it involves paying some extra charges. In other cases, they just forget to ask for a warranty or buy a product without the warranty.
However, this is one mistake you should never make. A warranty is important when buying gadgets because there’s always the risk of encountering a problem, even with the highest quality hoverboards. In fact, it becomes even more important if you’re buying a cheap hoverboard.
Customer reviews are very important because they provide information regarding other people’s experiences with the hoverboard. However, not many buyers bother to read customer reviews.
Reviews can give you valuable insights on how the hoverboard works, its pros and cons, and the customer service. Therefore, once you have shortlisted your choices, check online reviews to see what other customers are saying about the hoverboard. Amazon would be a great place to start. Pay close attention to the negative reviews.
Sometimes people don’t pay attention to the company that has made the hoverboard, and this is a mistake that you shouldn’t do. Hoverboards are still a relatively new technology; hence it’s better to buy from a company with a good track record.
With top hoverboard brands such as Swagtron, Gotrax, StreetSaw, Swagboard, and Halo, you are assured of getting a good quality hoverboard. Some people think these big brands don’t have cheap hoverboards, but they do. Therefore, research about the company and check its other products before buying their hoverboard.
Back in 2015, there were several cases of hoverboards exploding and catching fire. This led to the introduction of UL regulations to ensure safety.
Therefore, when buying a hoverboard, ensure that it is UL certified. A UL certification means that the electrical, battery, and charger systems of a hoverboard have passed all the safety tests and regulations.
When looking for a cheap hoverboard, a lot of people are tempted to buy a secondhand hoverboard. Unfortunately, buying a secondhand hoverboard is a mistake you don’t want to make.
One of the biggest problems with these boards is the battery. You wouldn’t know how good it is. Another problem is the risk of having internal damage or electrical issues which are hard to check when buying. If it’s your budget that’s limiting you, you can still find a new, good-quality hoverboard at a low price.
Different hoverboards have different battery lifespans and charging times. Don’t make the blunder of buying a hoverboard that takes little time to charge but cannot last for long.
Some require three hours to charge and last six to eight hours while others may take only one hour to charge but last thirty minutes. Therefore, check the battery life of a hoverboard because it’s what will determine how far you can ride on a single charge.
The inexpensive hoverboards discussed above are all different from each other in design, specs, and performance. Some are designed for kids, and others are suitable for both kids and adults.
Therefore, it’s important to understand all the features of a hoverboard to determine the one that will suit you best. Below are the vital things you should consider when buying a hoverboard.
It is worth considering the top speed of the scooters as they usually differ from one model to another. Most hoverboards have a top speed of between 6mph and 10mph.
However, don’t expect to get the fastest hoverboards around on a slim budget.
The good thing is that 6mph to 8mph is good enough to give you an excellent riding experience. Higher speeds could be risky for two-wheel boards, especially for kids and beginners.
Different hoverboards offer different ranges depending on the speed, battery, and motor. Some go 6 miles on a single charge while others can go up to 12 miles.
However, it’s hard to find a low-cost hoverboard that can reach 10 miles on a single charge. If you do, count yourself lucky.
It’s important for a hoverboard to have a good motor. The more power a hoverboard’s motor can generate the better. This will enable it to go faster, cover a greater distance, carry more weight, and climb steeper slopes.
Most hoverboards produce between 400 watts and 800 watts of power, but most cheap hoverboards produce about 400 to 600 watts. Therefore, choose the one that offers more power for better performance.
Always check the battery life of the hoverboard before you pay for it.
You would hate to get your board powered down after a few minutes of riding. Therefore, pick the hoverboard with good battery life.
Most hoverboards batteries offer at least two hours of riding on a full charge, but, the more the better.
When you’re looking for the cheapest hoverboards for sale, the one thing you cannot compromise on is your safety.
Therefore, check if the scooter has a UL certification which shows that it has been thoroughly tested and certified hence free from fire, electrical failures, and explosions. If it is not certified, just leave it and look for one that is certified.
A good hoverboard should take the least time to charge fully but should also retain that charge for a long time. On average, a hoverboard should charge for 1-3 hours and allow you to travel 6 -12 miles on a single charge.
Therefore, check the charging time of a hoverboard before buying, to avoid buying a board that takes 5 hours to charge only for it to drain all the charge in 30 minutes.
You should buy a hoverboard that matches your weight. If you buy the one that cannot accommodate your weight, you will destroy it in a short time and go back for another one. Most hoverboards support between 44lbs to 220lbs, but there are some that are designed for heavier riders.
The weight of the hoverboard is also important because you will have to carry the board at some point. You do not want a board that will drain all your energy because it weighs 45lbs. Choose one that weighs between 20lbs and 28lbs, especially if you’re buying for a kid.
The size of wheels differs from one hoverboard to another. There are some that come in 6.5, 7, 8.5 and 10 inches. First, think about the kind of surface that you will be riding on. If it is rough terrain, get a scooter whose wheels are 8 inches and above.
If the surface is smooth, you can settle for any wheel size. Also, consider the material and type of wheel. Choose the material that is durable and can handle different terrains.
Also read: Best off-road hoverboards in 2023
When buying a cheap hoverboard, it’s advisable to buy from a brand with a good reputation. That is why all the hoverboards on our list are from the best hoverboard brands in the industry.
These brands use premium quality materials, and hence their hoverboards last for a long period. Additionally, the top brands are UL certified, meaning their boards are very safe.
While high-end hoverboards have many fascinating additional features, cheap hoverboards don’t have as much. In most cases, you will get Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone app integration, and LED lights.
Some models also offer a wide range of colors to choose from such as the Gotrax Hoverfly, which offers 7 different color choices. Others will have fancy designs such as color LED lights on the wheels, and make a fantastic gift for a kid. Another extra feature that you can get is a training mode that allows first-time riders to learn how to ride properly.
Hoverboards are exciting and fun gadgets. However, to get the best deals on hoverboards, you have to check their specs and features. The best hoverboard is one that’s durable, easy to use, and has good specs and features. In this guide, we have listed the top 9 most affordable hoverboards with their properties and features.
Therefore, if you’re looking for cheap electric hoverboards, we are confident that you will find one that matches your budget and suits your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, a kid or adult, heavy or light, there’s an affordable hoverboard that’s perfect for you. All the scooters on this list will give you value for your money.
If you want the cheapest hoverboard that’s of good quality, I would recommend the CHO electric hoverboard. With the features that it offers, it is indeed the best deal on hoverboards you will get on the market today. It has self-balancing technology, excellent build quality, and impressive top speed and range for a low-cost hoverboard. Furthermore, it has high-intensity LED lights and is UL 2272 certified. The Gotrax Hoverfly Eco is also a good option to consider. Gotrax offers the best prices on hoverboards.
If you’re buying a hoverboard for a kid below 8 years, go for the KidSaw Mini. The board is designed specifically for children and is the safest hoverboard. It’s very light, has small wheels for better stability, and does not go as fast as other models. It also comes with complete safety gear.
For the heavier riders, Halo Go 2 would be perfect for you. It has a sturdy build, able to hold up to 260lbs. It is also quite powerful and uses Never-flat tires.
Note that hoverboards are not allowed in some places. Therefore, it’s important to know where you can use them and where you can’t in order to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. And most importantly, ensure that you follow all the necessary safety precautions when riding.
Rasmus is the creative lead at ERideHero. As a jack of all trades, Rasmus handles videography, photography and review write-ups as well as website development. He has tested more than 100 personal electric vehicles of all sorts across more than 6,000 miles.
