Modern electric skateboard batteries are smaller and more efficient than ever before. This might be one reason the industry has grown so much in recent years. Electric skateboards make it easier to get around.
But it can still be hard for consumers to find the electric skateboard that’s right for them. Electric skateboards can vary in performance, quality, cost, and more. Choosing the right skateboard is no small task. The wrong board can leave consumers dissatisfied, frustrated, or worse. The wrong electric board may even leave consumers on the ground after a nasty fall!
This guide will list some of the most important elements of choosing a new skateboard. This information will be most helpful to beginners. Advanced electric skateboard fans will have different goals and priorities. Consumers should always pair any buying guide with their own research.
Types of electric Skateboards
For most consumers, this is likely the most important consideration. Electric skateboards can serve many purposes. This is true even outside of the electric skateboard niche. Longboards, for example, are often used for commuting and traveling. By contrast, some boards are perfect for tricks and ramps. Choosing a longboard to do a kickflip or an ollie would be like picking up a hammer to unscrew a stuck screw. It just isn’t the right tool for the job!
If you want to commute, I would highly recommend that you check out the fastest electric skateboards. Time is a pricey commodity, and we don’t want to waste it on a slow ride. The fastest electric skateboards are built to travel fast especially with an in-built powerful engine and suitable wheels.
Luckily, many electric skateboard companies design their boards for commute and extended movement. This gets a bit more complicated than it sounds, though. Traveling through the city is different from carving up off-road trails. Different electric skateboard models also allow for different speeds. Skateboard type is an important factor in any purchasing decision.
Commuter
Using electric skateboards for commuting is becoming more popular in many areas. Electric skateboards are very maneuverable. The devices cut down on the carbon footprint of users, eliminating the need for cars almost . Users of electric skateboards should remember to follow all traffic laws. Stop at stop signs, only use designated roadways, and be cautious around pedestrians.
Commuter electric skateboards should feature a smooth design and moderate speed. It wouldn’t be great to go crashing every time a pebble slips underneath a wheel. Consumers using a commuter board should avoid brands that quickly hit top speeds. Big wheels are always a plus for commuter electric skateboards. Bigger wheels are slow to turn on a dime, but they provide a consistent and smooth ride.
Length of battery life is also an important concern for electric skateboard commuters. Battery life can vary widely across different models. Commuters should look for an electric skateboard with a charge of several miles or more.
Carving
Not all people use their electric skateboards to get to work. Electric skateboarding can also be an ideal sporting activity. “Carving” is when skateboarders quickly go back-and-forth while speeding down a hill. Carving can also help to watch speed by keeping users from going too fast. Going too fast down a hill can lead to a crash.
Skateboarders interested in carving should look for smaller wheels. Boards made for carving should also be incapable of hitting larger speeds. Speedy boards can be a recipe for disaster when heading down a hill.
The key to a good carving board is control. Skateboarders should be able to turn and pivot their wheels on a dime. Low control or stability on the ride could lead to sliding and crashes as users glide down hills.
Off-Road
Off-road electric skateboards were once a niche product category. But they continue to grow in popularity. These boards allow consumers to travel over a wide range of surfaces with speed and control. Off-road boards are also extremely specialized. Off-road skateboarders should look for boards that have been made for this purpose.
The most distinguishing feature of most off-road boards is the feet straps. Users skateboarding off of traditional roads may hit bumps, pebbles, and other debris. Tight feet straps keep consumers from flying off their boards every time they hit a loss stick or rock in the road. Not all off-road electric skateboards have this feature. Users who want the most safety from their board should search for models with a solid pair of feet straps.
The wheels are also important to off-road electric skateboards. Tires should be large and textured. Flatter wheels might not be able to establish traction outside of a normal road. Pay careful attention to wheel type when searching for an off-road electric skateboard.
Long Range
Many long-range electric skateboards can be used as commuter boards as well. But some riders might want to take their boards on longer trips. Some skateboards just don’t have the battery life for this kind of adventure. Others might have the battery life but use tires that could fall apart after continuous use.
Besides wheel type and battery life, top speed might be a concern. This factor depends on personal preference. Some consumers might want a long-range electric skateboard that hit high speeds. Others might want a smoother, more consistent ride.
What is your skill level?
This factor can be variable. Electric skateboards are not made for any skill level in particular. Whoever that wants to use an electric skateboard should be able to find one that works or them. But skill level is an important factor in buying an electric board.
New skateboarders should try to avoid electric skateboards that hit high speeds. It can be hard to control speedier skateboards as they hit top speeds, and this can be dangerous. Many boards market themselves as ideal boards for beginners. But there’s no reason that users should limit themselves to only these brands. Any board with ample safety and stability should work.
How much do you want to spend?
This is the trickiest concern of all. Electric skateboard prices can be anywhere from less than $100 to over $4,000. The amount of money consumers will pay for their board depends on many factors. The quality of the wheels, strength of the battery, and smoothness of the ride might all play a role in pricing.
We recommend users look for an electric skateboard that balances price and quality. New skateboarders should be especially cautious about overpaying for a beginner’s board. More experienced skateboarders might consider paying more for a higher quality board.
Final Thoughts
Buying an electric skateboard can be overwhelming at first. Different types of boards, technical specs, and prices might complicate any purchasing decision. But users can find the right skateboard by figuring out what they want from their electric board. An effective board can help consumers commute to work, carve-up hills, or even go off-road.