Hoverboard test: loads of fun, not much everyday use
8-5-2026
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Pictures: Anja Knabenhans
The CHIC Smart-S stands out in many ways. Still, the hoverboard has its pitfalls.
Parenting is a series of simple problems and clear solutions. So, the answer to the question, «Should I buy my child a hoverboard?» is quite simple: yes and no.
Yes, your kid will surely want a hoverboard as soon as they see one. Yes, they’ll really enjoy hovering around. But no, it's not something you’d want your kid to have.
Riding a hoverboard: much easier than it looks
We’ve had the CHIC Smart-S for several months now, and have been putting it through its paces. My biggest concern going in was how to use it. Can an elementary school kid learn to ride a hoverboard in a reasonable amount of time? Thinking back to my own childhood, I know that not every cool vehicle is easy to drive. I never really learned how to ride the unicycle I wanted so badly when I was in school. But is learning to ride a unicycle incredibly difficult, or is my patience incredibly short? A mystery that’ll remain unsolved.
But luckily, my 10-year-old’s first attempt at riding the hoverboard went off without a hitch. Turn on the device, stand on it with a parent’s help, glide a few metres forward and backward – and just like that, my kid had mastered the basic movements and was riding on their own.
Of course, the hoverboard doesn’t actually hover – it moves on two wide wheels. But they glide along so smoothly that it almost feels like floating. Automatic stabilisation ensures a secure footing on the board. You control the direction of movement by slightly tilting your feet: shifting your weight ahead moves you forward, while shifting your weight to your heels moves you backward. If you turn your body slightly to the right or left, the board follows – or even spins in a circle.
The CHIC Smart-S responds to even the slightest movements, making it a joy to control. This type of operation requires good control of your body. The manufacturer specifies eight years as the minimum age. But even our seven-year-old quickly got the hang of the board.
Safety thanks to speed limits
Once you’ve mastered a vehicle, you have to push it to the limit – it’s a rule every kid knows. Fortunately, the CHIC Smart-S has a speed limit: it’s capped at 10 km/h, which prevents reckless driving or racing. There’s currently no helmet requirement for hoverboards. At this tempo, I don’t think they’re necessary either.
It’s important to note that hoverboards (just like monowheels and e-skateboards) are not approved for use on public roads. As a result, they’re prohibited on sidewalks, in pedestrian zones and in public places such as school grounds. Fines are extremely rare, though, as I was told in confidence. However, anyone who violates the ban and injures themselves or others isn’t entitled to coverage under liability insurance.
The challenges become apparent when hovering up and down steep roads: if you lean too far forward or backward, your toes or heels will eventually touch the pavement. I’d advise caution here. At the same time, I’m surprised at how well the board handles steep slopes.
A hoverboard battery lasts ages – but that doesn’t really help much
Of course, climbing steep slopes takes a lot of battery power. Generally speaking, though, the battery lasts a very long time. The manufacturer promises a range of up to 20 kilometres per charge.
The CHIC Smart-S is developed and distributed by Hangzhou Chic Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. A Chinese high-tech company that’s been successfully manufacturing electric scooters for over 15 years. Since 2014, the company has also been selling hoverboards and is now one of the most popular suppliers in this segment.
All of this suggested that the battery life wasn’t just an empty promise. And indeed, in a test on a mostly flat route, the hoverboard lasted an impressive 15 kilometres. Another advantage: the battery is fully charged within 3 hours.
The catch: not suitable for everyday use
All of the above was a pleasant surprise to me. Same goes for the sturdy construction. The kids also love the LEDs.
In theory, you could use the hoverboard to travel longer distances, gliding along safely and enjoyably. But along the way, insurmountable obstacles will lie in wait in the form of kerbs, rough gravel paths or tall manhole covers. And while you can easily clear such obstacles on a kickboard, skateboard or roller skates, you always have to pick up the hoverboard and carry it for a bit. Since it weighs seven kilograms and is unwieldy to carry, it quickly becomes a hassle for children.
Some families use the board at home. Apparently, children are much more willing to help clear the table on it. I don’t think the hoverboard will actually make kids help out around the house in the long run. And there are obstacles on the floor at home too: Legos, comic books, pens and so on. Do you really think your kids will pick them up because they’d otherwise get in the way of the hoverboard? Yeah, right.
So, after a few months with the hoverboard, one thing’s clear: it’s a high-quality piece of fun gear that’ll often end up sitting unused because it’s just not practical for everyday use.
In a nutshell
High-quality, but impractical
A hoverboard is great fun when you’re cruising around on private property. Kids enjoy riding it, they pick it up quickly – and it can take a beating. However, it’s prohibited in Switzerland as a means of transportation from point A to point B. It's not suitable for that purpose either, as it's very heavy and struggles with even the smallest obstacles.
Pro
- Simple to use
- Easy to learn
- Safe (provided the basic rules are followed)
- Sturdy
- Long-lasting battery
Contra
- Heavy
- Struggles with uneven surfaces
Header image: Anja Knabenhans
Anja Knabenhans
Freelance Editor
mail@dingdingding.chLoves a deep dive, but on dry land, looking for information on parenting topics and leisure sports. Has no inhibitions when it comes to speaking or writing and has therefore been doing various things in media for over 20 years. Has mastered sleep deprivation and self-depreciation so has been a working mum for over 10 years.
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