If you have ever wondered who really invented the hoverboard, you are not alone. The story is messier than most people think. One name keeps coming up — Shane Chen — but there is also a Chinese factory, a billionaire named Mark Cuban, a 1989 movie, and hundreds of copycat companies that made things confusing. In this guide, you will get the full story with clear dates, patent details, and the facts that news sites often get wrong.

By the end of this article, you will know exactly who invented the hoverboard, when it was patented, why it was copied so fast, and how it became one of the most talked-about gadgets of the 2010s. Whether you are a curious reader, a student doing research, or a buyer looking to See options on Amazon before your next purchase, you will find everything in one place — no need to open 10 more tabs.

⚡ Quick Answer: Who Invented the Hoverboard?

The self-balancing, two-wheel hoverboard — the kind you see people riding in malls and on sidewalks — was invented by Shane Chen, a Chinese-American inventor based in Camas, Washington. He came up with the idea in 2011, filed his U.S. patent in February 2012, ran a Kickstarter campaign in May 2013, and released the first working model under the name Hovertrax through his company, Inventist.

However, the word “hoverboard” itself is much older. It was first used in a 1967 science-fiction novel by M. K. Joseph and became a cultural icon in 1989 thanks to the movie Back to the Future Part II, where Marty McFly zips around on a pink levitating board. So when people ask “who invented the hoverboard,” the honest answer depends on which hoverboard they mean.

⚡ Meet Shane Chen — The Inventor Behind the Hovertrax

Shane Chen (Chinese name: 陈星) was born on February 10, 1956, in Beijing, China. He studied agricultural meteorology at Beijing Agricultural University and moved to the United States in the 1980s because he felt the business environment in 1980s China was too restrictive for entrepreneurs. He eventually settled in Camas, Washington, where he still lives and works today.

Chen is not a one-hit wonder. Before the hoverboard, he had a long list of inventions that few people connect to his name. In 1988 he founded CID Bio-Science, a scientific instruments company that even built a leaf area meter used on the Soviet Mir space station through a collaboration with NASA. That is not a small achievement. He sold CID in 2009 so he could become a full-time inventor of consumer gadgets under his new company, Inventist, Inc., which he had founded in 2003.

Chen’s Path to the Hoverboard

The Hovertrax did not come out of nowhere. It was the result of a decade of experimenting with personal transportation. Chen first launched the AquaSkipper, a human-powered hydrofoil that got featured on The History Channel. He then designed a three-wheeled scooter and licensed it to Razor as the “PowerWing” in 2006. In 2010, he filed a provisional patent for the Solowheel, a self-balancing electric unicycle that used gyroscopic sensors — the same core technology that would later power the hoverboard.

The actual spark for the Hovertrax came in 2011. In interviews with GeekWire and Patent Yogi, Chen explained that he saw his own daughter showing off with one Solowheel under each foot. That playful moment made him realize he could combine the idea into a single, two-wheeled board. Within months he had a prototype, and by February 2012 he had filed a provisional patent application in the United States. The patent was officially granted in 2014.

“If you look at history, inventors are usually poor. Other people make money. By the time we did the Hovertrax I was kind of used to it because there are about six of my inventions that have been copied over the past 10 years.” — Shane Chen

In May 2013, Chen launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund full production. The Hovertrax retail price was around $1,000 — expensive because Chen insisted on using high-quality motors and genuine lithium-ion battery cells. He later exclusively licensed his patents to Razor USA, which still sells the official Hovertrax today. In 2023, Chen revealed his next big idea: a two-wheeled electric vehicle concept called SHANE, a sort of grown-up car-sized evolution of the Hovertrax.

⚡ The Full Hoverboard History Timeline

To really understand who invented the hoverboard, it helps to see the full story as a timeline. The idea, the word, and the actual product were all born at different moments — sometimes decades apart. Here is the condensed version.

⚡ Why Is It Called a “Hoverboard” If It Doesn’t Hover?

This is one of the most common questions people ask, and the answer is surprisingly human: marketing beat accuracy. The real product that Shane Chen invented was called the Hovertrax, and technically it is a self-balancing scooter. It never hovers — it rolls on two wheels just like a short, squat skateboard.

So where did “hoverboard” come from? Three big reasons:

1. Back to the Future nostalgia. When Marty McFly rode a pink hoverboard in the 1989 movie, it planted a dream in millions of kids’ heads. When a two-wheeled board finally appeared in 2013, people called it a hoverboard because it was the closest real thing to what they had seen on screen.
2. Celebrity and media influence. When Justin Bieber and other stars started posting videos on Instagram in 2015, they used the word “hoverboard” in their captions. The name stuck.
3. SEO and sales. Chinese factories quickly realized that “hoverboard” got more Google searches than “self-balancing scooter,” so they used the catchier word on their product listings.

Are There Any Real Hovering Hoverboards?

Yes — but they are not for everyday use. Two prototypes have genuinely hovered. The Hendo Hoverboard (2014) was built by inventor Greg Henderson using magnetic levitation. It only works over copper or aluminum floors and hovers about 1 inch off the ground. The Flyboard Air (2016) was built by French inventor Franky Zapata. In 2019, he famously crossed the English Channel on it, flying 35 km in about 20 minutes at speeds up to 180 km/h. Neither of these is anything like the board most people buy for their kids. They are experimental machines, not consumer products.

⚡ The China Copycat Explosion

No story about the hoverboard is complete without the Chinese manufacturing wave that defined the product. While Shane Chen built around a thousand high-quality Hovertrax units per year from his Washington workshop, factories in Shenzhen were about to change the game forever — and not always for the better.

According to Wired journalist David Pierce, the first mass-produced Chinese version was the “Smart S1”, built by Hangzhou Chic Intelligent Technology Co., a company associated with Zhejiang University. The Smart S1 debuted at the Canton Fair in August 2014, and within months hundreds of other Shenzhen factories were copying the design. By mid-2015, more than 1,000 factories in the Shenzhen area alone were producing hoverboards. Over 1 million units had already shipped globally.

Why Copies Were So Cheap — and So Dangerous

Chen’s original Hovertrax sold for around $1,000 because he used UL-listed battery cells and high-grade motors. The Chinese copies often sold for just $200–$300. To hit that price, factories cut the most important corner: the lithium-ion battery pack. Cheap batteries used flawed anode/cathode separators, which led to short circuits and the fire crisis of 2016.

If you are shopping now, this history matters. A UL 2272-certified hoverboard costs maybe $30–$50 more than a non-certified one, but it is tested against short-circuit, overcharge, drop, impact, crush, motor-overload, and temperature failures. For a deeper dive into choosing a safe model, check out our complete hoverboard buying guide and browse real-world hoverboard reviews.

⚡ Key Hoverboard Facts and Figures (Hard Numbers)

Here is the data-driven version of the hoverboard story. These numbers come from official sources including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Wikipedia’s curated patent records, Inventist’s own statements, and Guinness World Records.

Table 1 — Hoverboard Invention: Key Facts

Table 2 — The Safety Story in Numbers

⚡ The Patent War: Chen, Segway, Ninebot & Mark Cuban

If you think tech drama is a modern thing, the hoverboard patent war will change your mind. It involves a Chinese-American inventor, a Dallas Mavericks owner, a Chinese mega-manufacturer, and a long list of courtroom filings. Here is what actually happened.

Round 1: Chen vs. the Chinese Factories

After his U.S. patent was granted in 2014, Shane Chen first tried to sue Chinese copycats directly. It went poorly. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he admitted that Chinese patent enforcement was so weak that he essentially gave up trying to chase factories there. Instead, he focused his legal firepower on imports into the U.S.

Round 2: The Mark Cuban Deal

In August 2015, billionaire Mark Cuban — yes, the Shark Tank guy — announced plans to buy the Hovertrax patents from Chen. The plan was to use Chen’s patents as legal ammo against importers. Cuban even sued Chic (the maker of IO Hawk) using the license. But Cuban backed out roughly three months later, saying the lawsuit chaos was too much and that he would rather just build his own “respectful” board.

Round 3: Segway, Ninebot, and the U.S. ITC Injunction

Meanwhile, Segway Inc. claimed its own self-balancing patents gave it exclusive U.S. rights. In April 2015, the Chinese company Ninebot simply bought Segway — ending the dispute by merging the two. Then in June 2016, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued an injunction against six importers for patent infringement (UPTECH, U.P. Technology, U.P. Robotics, FreeGo China, EcoBoomer, and Roboscooters). Several others — Robstep, INMOTION, Tech in the City, and FreeGo — settled with Segway.

The Final Outcome

Today, Razor USA holds the exclusive license for Chen’s patents and sells the officially branded Hovertrax line. Segway-Ninebot controls most of the higher-end self-balancing scooter market. Chen himself admits he never earned serious money from his own invention — a pattern he says has happened with about six of his inventions over the years.

“Most factories that make ‘hoverboards’ actually didn’t copy from me, they didn’t even know me. They copied from other factories.” — Shane Chen, GeekWire interview

⚡ The 2016 Fire Crisis and Massive Recalls

The fire crisis of 2015–2016 nearly killed the hoverboard industry. The problem was not the invention itself — Chen’s design was sound. The problem was cheap batteries paired with cheap chargers.

Inside a cheap knockoff, a few things could go wrong. Poor-quality anode/cathode separators could short-circuit, causing a rapid chemical reaction called thermal runaway. Low-cost chargers sometimes lacked cut-off circuits, so the battery would keep charging past 100%. Either path ended the same way — fire.

By late 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission had documented more than 60 fires across 20+ states. In one devastating case in March 2017, a self-balancing board caused a fire that killed two children in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A 2018 fire in Michigan severely damaged a home. Major airlines — including Delta, American, United, and most international carriers — banned hoverboards from both checked and carry-on luggage, a policy that mostly remains in place today.

How the Industry Fixed It

The rescue came in the form of a new safety standard: UL 2272. Launched in early 2016, it is a strict certification that tests a hoverboard’s entire electrical system — not just the battery, but also the charger, circuit, motor, and housing. The first UL 2272-certified board was the Segway miniPRO in May 2016, followed by Swagtron in June 2016. Since then, every reputable brand has adopted the standard.

⚡ The Hoverboard Today — Who Makes the Best Ones?

Fast forward to 2026, and the hoverboard market looks nothing like the Wild West of 2015. The surviving brands are safer, smarter, and in many cases cheaper than the originals. Here is how the landscape breaks down.

The Main Modern Brands

The market is now dominated by a handful of reliable names, each with a distinct focus. Segway-Ninebot controls the premium segment with models like the S-Plus and miniPRO, aimed at commuters and adult riders. Swagtron — the first U.S. brand to get UL 2272 certified — offers some of the most popular mid-range family-friendly boards. Gyroor focuses on stylish design, bright LED aesthetics, and off-road 8.5″ tires. Hover-1, sold through big retailers like Walmart and Amazon, emphasizes value and kid-friendly features. Razor remains the only brand still selling the original, officially licensed Hovertrax line, meaning anyone who buys a Razor Hovertrax is technically buying Shane Chen’s original invention.

What Has Changed Since 2013

Modern hoverboards are dramatically better than the original Hovertrax in several ways. They include automatic self-balancing mode (added around 2019), which lets the board level itself so beginners do not fall off when they step on. They use UL 2272 certified batteries instead of the risky cells of 2015. Many now come with Bluetooth speakers, app connectivity, and GPS tracking. Top models handle 6.5″ to 10″ all-terrain tires, versus the original 6.5″ urban-only wheels. And typical top speeds have risen from Chen’s original 6 mph to 7–15 mph depending on the model.

⚡ Common Mistakes People Make About Hoverboard History

There is a lot of misinformation online. Here are the most common myths — and the real facts that fix them.

⚡ Pro Tips: What the Story Teaches Modern Buyers

The hoverboard story is not just history — it is a practical buyer’s guide hiding inside a timeline. Here are the expert takeaways you can actually use when shopping.

Tip 1: Always Check the Certification

The single biggest predictor of whether your hoverboard will be safe is the UL 2272 certification mark. It tests the entire electrical system, not just the battery. Any model without it is playing with 2015-era rules. On Amazon, type “UL 2272” directly into the search filter, or look for it plainly listed in the product description. If a seller dodges the question when you ask, walk away.

Tip 2: Original vs. Licensed Matters

If you want to own a piece of actual hoverboard history, the Razor Hovertrax line is the only one licensed from Shane Chen’s original patents. You are literally buying his invention, not a clone.

Tip 3: Battery Brand > Battery Capacity

A bigger battery sounds nice, but the brand matters more. Look for LG, Samsung, or Panasonic cells. These three manufacturers make the safest lithium-ion batteries in the world, and most high-quality hoverboards advertise them clearly in the specs. A cheaper “generic” battery with a slightly higher mAh rating is not a bargain — it is a risk.

Tip 4: Match the Wheel Size to Your Terrain

Small 6.5″ wheels are for smooth indoor floors and flat pavement only. If you want to ride on grass, gravel, or uneven sidewalks, you need 8″ or 8.5″ pneumatic (air-filled) tires. Our full pneumatic vs solid tires comparison guide walks through the trade-offs in detail.

Tip 5: Respect the Airline Ban

Even in 2026, nearly every major airline still refuses lithium-ion powered hoverboards as luggage. Do not pack it, do not try to sneak it, do not waste money on a board you can’t fly home with. If you travel often, consider an electric scooter with a removable battery instead.

⚡ Real-Life Examples From Celebrities and Social Media

The hoverboard’s rise is one of the most vivid examples of celebrity-driven product discovery in modern e-commerce history. The invention existed from 2013, but it did not explode commercially until famous people started posting videos in 2015.

The Celebrity Moment (2015)

In mid-2015, Justin Bieber posted a now-legendary Instagram video of himself cruising through a hallway on a hoverboard. Days later, Jamie Foxx performed an entire song on The Tonight Show while riding one. Wiz Khalifa famously refused to get off his at LAX airport and got briefly detained. Kendall Jenner and Chris Brown followed suit. Overnight, the hoverboard shifted from “quirky tech product” to “status symbol.”

Amazon data from late 2015 showed hoverboards becoming one of the platform’s best-selling holiday items that year. According to patent analytics site GreyB, about 2.5 million hoverboards were sold in the U.S. alone over a 12-month window at that peak.

The TikTok Revival (2020–2026)

You might think hoverboards had their moment and faded. In reality, TikTok and Instagram Reels brought them roaring back. The hashtag #hoverboard now has billions of cumulative views. Content creators use hoverboards for “effortless floating” camera moves, parents post funny family-fail clips, and dance creators have built entire routines around them. Modern models with underglow LEDs and Bluetooth speakers are purpose-built for this social-media second act.

Real User Story

One common Reddit thread on r/ElectricScooters captures the arc nicely: a user shares how they bought a $180 no-name hoverboard in 2015, watched it spark while charging in their dorm, and switched to a UL 2272-certified Swagtron in 2017 that is still running today. Their takeaway: “Paying an extra $50 for certification saved my life. Literally.” That’s the post-2016 hoverboard experience in a single sentence.

⚡ Frequently Asked Questions

⚡ Final Checklist & Key Takeaways

Here is the entire story distilled into one page you can bookmark or screenshot. Whether you are buying a hoverboard, writing a school report, or just winning a trivia game, everything important is on this list.

Closing Thought

The story of “who invented the hoverboard” is really the story of how innovation, imitation, and imagination collided in the 2010s. M. K. Joseph gave it a name, Robert Zemeckis gave it a dream, Shane Chen gave it a body, and Chinese factories gave it to the world — for better and for worse. The next time you see a kid gliding down the sidewalk on an LED-lit board, you will know the full, true, fact-checked story behind it.

Want to go deeper? Explore our best hoverboards buying guide, or read our related breakdowns on how fast hoverboards go, hoverboard laws in the USA, and pneumatic vs solid tires. For broader context, the Wikipedia article on self-balancing scooters is also a great resource.