Motorized skateboards have been around since the ’70s, but it wasn’t until recently that electric skateboards have become mainstream. This is mostly due to the evolution in technology and the improvements in batteries that make these gadgets more affordable and accessible.
If you’re new to electric skateboards, you may be wondering what they are, why to consider one, and the different types available. Fortuately, we’re here to answer those questions.
What Are Electric Skateboards?
As the name suggests, an electric skateboard is just like a regular skateboard except it has an electric motor and battery. This means the skateboard propels itself, rather than you pushing the skateboard forward with your foot.
As you can probably imagine, it’s easier to ride longer distances at greater speeds on an electric skateboard than a traditional board.
If you’re wondering how you control an electric skateboard, the answer is pretty simple: You typically manage the speed of an electric skateboard with a small remote control.
Why Do Electric Skateboards Exist?
Technology is evolving, so why not take advantage of it? The electric skateboard isn’t just a gimmick, though, they do solve a problem.
Electric skateboards are great for commuting in cities, where the electric motor saves you from turning up to work drenched in sweat. The motor can also help propel an electric skateboard over more difficult terrain than would be possible with a traditional skateboard.
What Types of Electric Skateboards Are There?
There are two types of electric skateboards:
- All-terrain skateboards
- Street skateboards
The primary differences between the two are the wheels and the axles. In skateboard terminology, the axles are called trucks.
All-terrain electric skateboards are most recognized for their large rubber wheels. As the name suggests, these electric skateboards are ideal if you want to do some off-road skateboarding.
They can go over virtually all types of terrain including:
- Grass
- Dirt
- Rocky areas
All-terrain electric skateboards tend to have wider decks as well, due to the larger wheels and the need to maintain balance over uneven terrain.
All-terrain skateboards generally have larger trucks that give more ground clearance and stability than the smaller trucks found on street-focused electric skateboards.
Street electric skateboards are more like a traditional board. The wheels are generally smaller and made from a harder polyurethane material, which makes them easier to maneuver around more urban environments.
While all-terrain electric skateboards are capable of riding on the street, they aren’t as easy to steer in tight spaces.
Want an All-terrain Electric Skateboard? Try One of These
There are plenty of options for all-terrain electric skateboards. So, we’ve chosen a couple you may want to consider if you’re looking to buy an off-road electric skateboard.
The Maxfind FF Plus Is a Beginner-friendly Electric Skateboard
If you’re looking for a solid all-terrain electric skateboard within a reasonable budget under $1,000 then the Maxfind FF Plus may be for you. This board is a good choice for beginners, as it has a top speed of 24 mph, which is lower than many of the other options on the market.
Key specs and features:
- Maximum speed: 24 mph
- Maximum range: 30 miles
- 38-inch-long composite deck
- 4.7 inches of ground clearance
- 6.5-inch diameter rubber wheels
This board can handle virtually any terrain and is an electric skateboard that is easy to ride.
Kick the Speed Up a Notch With the Raldey Carbon AT V2
The Raldey Carbon AT V2 will make the speed enthusiasts happy. This off-road electric skateboard can cruise at speeds over 28 mph thanks to its dual high-power motors. The board also handles well because its wide wheelbase is very stable.
Key specs and features:
- Maximum speed: 28.5 mph
- Maximum range: 19 miles
- 7.7-inch diameter rubber wheels
- 35-inch-long carbon fiber deck
Another benefit of the Carbon AT V2 is the included 2-in-1 cloud wheel kit. This kit comes with everything needed to convert the Carbon AT V2 from an off-road board to a street board.
Looking to Cruise the City? Look at These Street Electric Skateboards
Off-road riding isn’t for everyone. So, if you’re the type of skateboarder who prefers to skate in more urban areas, here are a couple of boards that you may want to consider.
The Skatebolt Tornado II Handles City Streets With Ease
The Skatebolt Tornado II electric skateboard was built for commuting to work and cruising the city streets. This board is designed for maximum maneuverability on the pavement with its premium, low-resistance trucks and polyurethane wheels. It’s beginner-friendly as well thanks to the four different speed modes that allow you to get used to the board before you get to maximum speed.
Key specs and features:
- Maximum speed: 26 mph
- Maximum range: 24 miles
- 39-inch-long maple deck
- 3.5-inch diameter polyurethane wheels
- Four different speed modes from 7.2-26 mph
This board won’t handle rough terrain very well, but for an electric skateboard to use on paved roads and sidewalks, it’s more than capable. It’s also one of the most affordable electric skateboards on our list.
The Meepo Mini 2S Is a Small but Powerful Street Electric Skateboard
As the name suggests, the Meepo Mini 2S is a small electric skateboard. It’s the shortest deck of any electric skateboard we’ve looked at and comes in at just 30 inches long.
Key specs and features:
- Maximum speed: 29 mph
- Maximum range: 20 miles
- 30-inch-long maple deck
- 3.5-inch diameter polyurethane wheels
- Lightweight construction (16 pounds)
This skateboard is great value at $579 and it boasts impressive speed and handling capability.
Don’t Forget to Focus on Safety
Electric skateboards are fun, but it’s important that you wear the right safety gear to protect yourself if you crash. At a minimum, a high-quality helmet is a must.
The Triple Eight Certified Sweatsaver Helmet is a good option. This helmet complies with ASTM F-1492 Skate safety standards, so it’s great at absorbing impact. The liner is also made from a special fabric designed to absorb sweat to keep it out of your eyes.
This helmet has also been endorsed by skateboard legend Tony Hawk, so you know it’s high quality.
It’s also important to wear knee and elbow pads while riding an electric skateboard. The Knee and Elbow Pad Combo Pack from 187 Killer Pads is made from premium quality foam to absorb impact. The pads are flexible and streamlined so they don’t impede your movement.
Bottom Line: There Are Electric Skateboard Options for Riders of All Types
Whether you prefer to ride off-road or on the pavement, there are plenty of options for good electric skateboards. Inexperienced riders may want to opt for boards with slightly lower speeds for the sake of safety, while adrenaline junkies and experienced riders may want to opt for boards with faster speeds and larger wheels.
Pick the right unit for your travel type and you’ll enjoy fast, convenient, and fun mobility on your cool new electric skateboard.
