Are Hoverboards Safe for Kids?

Are you shopping for a hoverboard for your kids? It can be daunting for parents. Hoverboards aren’t a well-known phenomenon, meaning these high-tech toys might have you asking – are hoverboards safe for kids?

To get to the bottom of this, we have compiled the ultimate guide on the safety of kids’ hoverboards, including what to look out for when purchasing one for your little one.

What is a hoverboard and how does it work?

A hoverboard can be thought of as something like a mix between a skateboard and a segway, except it has no handlebar.

Hoverboards have two independent wheels, footpads, and sensors connected to motors that keep track of body movements. These allow the rider to move forward, backwards, or turn based on the movements of the feet and body.

Ride a hoverboard in five simple steps

You may or may not be tempted to ride a hoverboard yourself, but knowing the basics of how kids’ hoverboards work can help you ensure your whole family stays safe.

So before you start panicking and obsessing over the question “are they dangerous?”, let’s first consider how to ride a hoverboard. Don’t stress too much – young kids pick up new skills faster than us adults, and will most probably pick up the ins and outs of a hoverboard quickly.

As a general rule of thumbs, there are just five simple steps to riding a hoverboard safely for kids:

Moving forward: Both feet must press forward with equal pressure, and the body should slightly lean forward. The more you lean, the faster you will go (until you reach the max speed).
Moving backwards: Lift up the toes and lean ever so slightly backward.
Stopping: Stand up straight and ensure both feet place equal pressure on the pads.
Turning: Different hoverboards have different turning mechanisms. Usually, you lean slightly to the side you want to turn to and apply more pressure with the toes in the direction you wish to go.
Getting on or off: Step on and off from the back of the hoverboard. Do it one foot at a time.

Once your kid has cracked the basics, you’ll want to get going immediately. Check out our Kids G11 Off Road All Terrain 6.5″ Two Wheel Hoverboard Segway, a popular and fashionable model available in black, ash black, blue and camo green. This particular hoverboard is also available with a fitted LED light fixture – watch your child be the envy of their friends.

Who is a hoverboard safe for?

Now that you know more or less how hoverboards work, let’s consider who hoverboards are safe for, and at what age a kid can ride a hoverboard.

It will depend on the hoverboard manufacturer and the discretion of the parents, but the general consensus is that kids aged 8 and up can safely operate a hoverboard.

As a parent, you will know your kid the best and should be the final decision-maker on whether your kid is mature enough to ride a hoverboard. No matter the age indicated by the manufacturer, your own judgement is necessary.

What safety features are on a hoverboard?

Hoverboard safety is key to manufacturers – no one would want to buy cheaper hoverboards that come without key safety features. But what exactly are the hoverboard safety features to look out for?

Safety certification

Hoverboards are considered “Personal Light Electric Vehicles” (PLEVs) in the UK, and are subject to the following certifications and safety standards:

Must be safety certified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent US-based safety certifier that also certifies UK products.
Requires CE Marking to indicate it complies with the European Union’s Machinery Directive safety requirements.
Must meet the British Standard BS EN 62133, which sets out standards for rechargeable hoverboard batteries.
Must comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations of 2016.

The responsibility is on parents to check that their kids’ hoverboards have the required safety certification and comply with the above standards. All our models are Electric Ride On Cars are compliant with safety regulations – check out the G2 Warrior Pro 8.5″ Hoverboard Off-Road Segway for young kids that want to ride in style.

Speed limitations and apps

Most kids’ hoverboards have a maximum speed limit. Parents need to determine which speed limit their children can handle, and purchase a hoverboard that cannot exceed what is deemed acceptable for their child’s age.

Several hoverboards are compatible with a smartphone application. These apps allow parents to set the speed limit remotely to ensure their young ones safely enjoy their electric toys.

Other safety features

The exact safety features included on the hoverboard will depend on the manufacturer, but many children’s hoverboards include the following features:

Non-slip foot pads to ensure a good grip.
LED lights to increase visibility.
Distance control which allows parents to set the range that the hoverboard can travel.
Battery indicator to let you know when the lithium-ion battery pack is running low.
Low battery protection which prevents the hoverboard from being used when the battery is low.
Protection from overheating.
Learning mode that limits the speed and range for beginners.
Remote control which gives parents complete control.

How to keep safe on a hoverboard

Here are some hoverboard safety tips for both parents and kids:

Wear the appropriate safety gear

Parents need to ensure that their kids are kitted out with all the safety gear needed to keep them safe and prevent bumps and scrapes.

Relevant protective gear includes:

Helmets
Elbow pads
Knee guards
Wrist guards
Closed-toe shoes

Watch your speed

Although most hoverboards have speed limits, parents need to ensure their kids are not reaching the top speed before they are ready.

Practise in a safe space

It’s best to have your child practise in a space where there are no other people around. Your driveway, garage, or paved garden is a good space for a beginner.

If necessary, you can always search online for local hoverboard clubs or lessons and enrol your child so that they can get proper training on how to ride and the correct way to fall to prevent injury.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines

New hoverboards will come with instructions from the manufacturer. Before letting your child or teen step foot on the board, first make sure you read the instruction manual from beginning to end.

These manuals include many helpful tips with regard to riding, how to properly charge the lithium-ion batteries, and how to get the most use out of the hoverboard – all while keeping safe.

How to choose a safe hoverboard for kids

With so many hoverboards on the market, how do you know which one is the right choice for your child?

Here are some of our top tips for getting the right hoverboard for your kids.

Safety features: look for the features mentioned above, including a safety certification.
The correct size for your kid’s age.
The weight capacity must be appropriate for the weight of your kid.
The maximum speed that you are comfortable with.
Consider the battery type and how long it takes to charge. Lithium-ion batteries are typically the safest option.
The distance the hoverboard can travel.
Check the warranty and return policy.