Buying guide for best electric skateboards
If you're looking for a zero-emissions mode of transportation that will take you places quickly without too much effort, an electric skateboard might be your new best friend.
Anyone is who new to electric skateboards may find, however, that it is tough to select the best one. With a whole collection of new lingo to learn, the "esk8" world can seem impenetrable at first glance.
If you need some help, you've come the the right place. At BestReviews, we’re dedicated to the art of crafting fair, thorough guides that cut through the jargon and aid you in choosing the perfect products for you. To do so, we perform extensive product research, test items in our labs, talk to existing customers, and consult with experts.
The product list above contains information about our five favorite electric skateboards on the market today. If you’d like to learn more about electric skateboards before investing in one, read on for our full guide ... and prepare to channel your inner Tony Hawk.
What is an electric skateboard?
Before you make your purchase, you might want a crash course on all things electric skateboard.
-
An electric skateboard looks similar to a regular skateboard or longboard, but it's propelled by a powerful motor that is controlled by a microprocessor.
-
Rechargeable lithium ion battery packs provide the power to move electric skateboards, making them emissions-free.
-
While it is possible to do tricks on them, electric skateboards are primarily designed as a mode of transportation, much like a bike.
-
Electric skateboards are operated by a remote control that the rider holds. The remote can be used to switch the motor on and off and to control the speed.
For your safety
For your own safety, we recommend wearing a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads when you ride an electric skateboard.
STAFF
BestReviews
Considerations for selecting an electric skateboard
Deck
The deck is the only part of your electric skateboard that you physically interact with while riding, so you want one that is comfortable and able to withstand regular use. While the majority of electric skateboards have decks akin to those you'd find on a longboard, you can find some models that are closer to street skateboards. If you want to do tricks on your electric skateboard, the latter is what you should look for.
Also consider the quality of the deck on your chosen electric skateboard. Some electric skateboards have decks from established manufacturers, such as Loaded, which have already been tried and tested. Some of the most high-end options have carbon fiber decks that are designed to stand up to the unique load of an electric skateboard.
"While most electric skateboards are designed for street use, you can find off-road models, too. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Wheel quality
The quality of the wheels on your electric skateboard greatly impacts its performance and how smoothly it rides. We recommend boards with wheels made by a trusted brand such as ABEC11, Enertion, or Orangatang. Generic unbranded or self-branded wheels that were made by the skateboard company or a third party are not necessarily the best choices.
"A good electric skateboard should be water-resistant for those times when you want to cruise in wet weather. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Speed
Electric skateboards can move you from place to place surprisingly quickly. The achievable top speed varies depending on the terrain, the incline, and the weight of the rider, but the fastest models can travel up to 25 mph in optimum conditions.
That said, your need for speed probably shouldn't be your primary concern. A high-quality board with a lower maximum mph (say 20 mph) is a wiser investment than a low-quality board with a higher mph.
"Make sure your chosen electric skateboard has quality trucks. Cheaply made steel components are more likely to break. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Range
The range of an electric skateboard is the distance it can go before the battery power runs out. Think about how you'll be using your board, or in other words, the range you will need. Do you plan to commute, take the board on errands, or simply ride around for fun?
Basic models tend to have a range of under five miles. During the course of our research, the largest range we found on an electric skateboard was a whopping 40 miles. A more average range is somewhere between 10 and 20 miles. For most riders, this is ample enough.
"You shouldn’t push your board to its range limit unless you have an alternative way to get home – just in case the juice runs out earlier than expected."
STAFF
BestReviews
Size and weight
Think about the size and weight of your chosen board. It should be light and compact enough for you to comfortably carry home if the battery runs out.
If you constantly hop on and off public transit all day, you probably won't want a board that's too long or heavy. Something around 30 inches long and under 16 pounds should be fairly manageable for most people, but your mileage may vary.
"Taller and heavier people may find they need a more powerful battery to go the same distance as shorter, lighter people. Increased weight and greater wind resistance puts more strain on a battery and decreases ride time and range. "
STAFF
BestReviews
Remote control type
The remote control of your electric skateboard connects wirelessly to the motor, usually via Bluetooth, and is what allows you to start, stop, and control your speed. Some remote controls are thumb-operated, whereas others have a trigger-like mechanism. Most users find trigger remotes more intuitive to use, but you may have a different preference.
Electric skateboard prices
You can find electric skateboards at a range of prices. Notably, the very cheapest of electric skateboards are made for those who want them as a novelty toy. If you’re serious about e-skating, it’s generally best to avoid products that cost less than $100.
-
$100 to $300: Budget electric skateboards are found in this price range. Most are made by little-known brands. The parts may be cheap and generic. If you plan to e-skate only occasionally, a board in this price range might suit your needs.
-
$300 to $600: You can find some gems in this price range that are made from fair-quality parts and offer a decent range. However, you'll also find a fair amount of duds below the $600 mark.
-
$600 to $1,600: If you’re serious about using your electric skateboard as a daily mode of transportation, you'll need to look at models in this price range. High-end boards offer the best in durability, range, and comfort.
Did you know?
Although there's a bit of a learning curve, most people agree that riding an electric skateboard is easier than riding a regular skateboard.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
-
Base your travel plans on the battery life of your skateboard. Most electric skateboards can go for about an hour before they need to be recharged.
-
Consider the overall performance of your chosen board. If it feels horrible to ride and can't handle corners, you're not going to have a good experience. When in doubt, check reviews from real users.
-
Don’t exceed the weight limit of your electric skateboard. Put simply, it’s not safe. Most electric skateboards have a maximum weight limit somewhere between 200 and 350 pounds.
-
Not all electric skateboards can deal with inclines well. In fact, some cannot accommodate them at all. If you live in a hilly area, be sure to select a board that can tackle slopes.
-
The wattage of your skateboard motor dictates how powerful it is. Anything around 150W is essentially a toy. Mid-range power hovers around 350W – that’s not extremely powerful, but it’s fine for occasional riding. If you’re serious about e-saking, look for a board with a wattage between 800 and 2,000.
FAQ
Q. Is it easy to find spare parts for an electric skateboard?
A. At some point – even if it's years down the line – you're going to need replacement parts to fix up your electric skateboard. It should be easy to find replacement parts for boards from reputable manufacturers, but that's not always the case with cheaper models. Make sure you can source spare parts for your chosen electric skateboard before you buy it.
Q. Should I choose an electric skateboard with one or two motors?
A. Some electric skateboards have one motor that powers one set of wheels only. Others have two motors to power both sets of wheels – a bit like a front-wheel-drive car versus a four-wheel-drive car. Models with two motors are better at accelerating, braking, and hill-climbing, but they consume more battery power and tend to be more expensive than boards with a single motor.
Q. Will my electric skateboard come with a warranty?
A. Electric skateboards do tend to need maintenance and repairs over time, so we highly recommend choosing a model with a long warranty and a good customer service record.
