Electric skateboards have rolled their way into the mainstream in recent years. Once seen as a novelty, motorized skateboards are now a popular mode of recreation and transportation for kids, commuters, and thrill seekers alike.
With so many models on the market featuring different specs and capabilities, it can be tricky deciding which e-skate is right for you. In this guide, we’ll cover the top e-skateboards available today and provide tips on choosing the best board to suit your needs and riding style.
Introduction
The rising popularity of electric skateboards, also called e-skates, is easy to understand. With a motorized boost, you can cruise along at speeds up to 20 mph without ever pushing. This makes e-boards a convenient option for commuting short distances and an absolute blast for casual riding.
E-skates run on a rechargeable battery-powered motor that propels the wheels forward. A handheld remote connects to the board via Bluetooth and allows you to smoothly control your speed with the throttle as well as brake.
Beyond convenience and fun, electric skateboards provide other advantages:
- Requires less physical exertion compared to a traditional board – The motor does the hard work, so you just steer. Great for those who want to ride without arriving sweaty.
- All terrain capabilities – Motorized power can tackle hills, gravel, and grass much easier than regular skateboards.
- Compact size – Easy to carry into offices, store in car trunks or bring on public transportation.
In this article, we’ll review the top 5 electric skateboards on the market based on performance, features, quality and value. We’ll also provide a guide on how to choose an e-skate to match your needs along with addressing common questions new riders have. Let’s get rolling!
Top 5 Motorized Electric Skateboards
Boosted Mini X
The Boosted Mini X offers zippy acceleration and a smooth, flexible ride in a compact, lightweight package.
- Top speed: 20 mph
- Range: 14 miles
- Motor: 1500W belt drive
- Battery: 7.5 Ah lithium-ion
- Deck: Loaded Vanguard – flex 3, 29.5” x 10”
- Wheels: Orangatang Caguama 85mm
- Trucks: Cast trucks
- Weight: 17 lbs
Notable features
- Swappable extended range battery doubles distance
- Remote has 4 ride modes and shows speed/battery
- Handle makes carrying easy
- Wheel durometer provides shock absorption
Pros
- Excellent power and acceleration
- Carves well with flexible deck
- Very portable and lightweight
- Quality components and construction
Cons
- Standard range is somewhat limited
- Smaller deck less stable for large riders
Price: $999
The Boosted Mini X packs impressive performance into a deck size that’s easy to maneuver and carry around. The flexible Loaded Vanguard deck soaks up bumps for a smooth ride. While the standard range is moderate, you can double it with the optional extended range battery. Overall, this is a zippy, portable e-skate perfect for commuters and college students.
Inboard M1
With an innovative hub motor design and swappable battery, the Inboard M1 is a premium electric skateboard choice.
- Top speed: 22 mph
- Range: 7-12 miles
- Motor: Dual hub motors 1500W total
- Battery: Swappable 10.5 Ah lithium-ion
- Deck: Inboard maple/fiberglass 37” x 10”
- Wheels: Inboard Series Street 75mm 78A
- Trucks: Inboard Trucks
- Weight: 17 lbs
Notable features
- Completely enclosed hub motors are sand-proof
- Easily swap batteries to keep riding
- Large street wheels for smooth ride
- Adjustable truck angles for turning preference
Pros
- Sleek, integrated design
- Excellent power and braking
- Swappable battery extends range
- Durable construction for rough terrain
Cons
- Shorter range than belt drive boards
- Hub motors not as torquey from start
Price: $1199
With its totally enclosed hub motors and swappable batteries, the Inboard M1 is optimized for riding in real world conditions whether it’s on the beach or bumpy city streets. The convenient battery system lets you quickly double your range. While the hubs don’t provide quite as much low-end torque, the M1 has great top end speed. Overall, a uniquely designed e-skate that handles abuse and keeps you riding.
Wowgo 3X
The Wowgo 3X provides excellent value with high performance features at an affordable price point.
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Range: 15-20 miles
- Motor: Dual belt drive 900W motors
- Battery: 12 Ah Samsung lithium-ion
- Deck: 8-ply maple 38” x 9.75” flex
- Wheels: 95mm 78A PU wheels
- Trucks: Customized trucks
- Weight: 19.8 lbs
Notable Features:
- Quick acceleration and hill climbing power
- Reliable, long-range battery
- Integrated head/taillights for visibility
- Replaceable PU sleeves protect motor
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- Smooth, stable at high speeds
- Comfortable deck flex
- Large wheels handle terrain well
Cons:
- Remote feels cheaper in quality
- Braking could be stronger
- Firm bushings – less turning ability
Price: $799
For riders looking for serious e-skate performance on a budget, the Wowgo 3X delivers. It provides dual motor power comparable to boards costing twice as much. The flexible deck and large wheels provide a smooth ride with good stability. While the remote and bushings are a weak point, overall the 3X gives impressive bang for your buck.
Evolve GTR Bamboo
With all-terrain capability and a premium bamboo deck, the Evolve GTR provides a high-end e-skate experience.
- Top speed: 26 mph
- Range: 19 miles
- Motor: Dual belt drive 3000W motors
- Battery: LG lithium-ion 14 Ah
- Deck: Flexible bamboo 40” x 10”
- Wheels: All-terrain pneumatic 105mm
- Trucks: Evolve GTR
- Weight: 19 lbs
Notable Features:
- 3 speed modes for beginner to advanced
- All-terrain wheels with great shock absorption
- Large contact patch gives grip off-road
- Handles roughest terrain
Pros:
- Incredibly flexible deck for comfort
- Amazing power – can climb 30% grades
- Smooth pneumatic wheels for off-road
- High quality trucks/bearings
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Low ground clearance
Price: $1999
With brute power and giant pneumatic tires, the Evolve GTR dominates rough terrain that stops other boards. The flexible bamboo deck provides a surfy feel, and interchangeable street wheels make it great on pavement too. While very heavy and pricey, nothing can touch the GTR for off-road performance. It’s the electric skateboard for hardcore shredders.
Teamgee H20
The Teamgee H20 provides a budget-friendly way to ride dirt trails and grass with fat, all-terrain wheels.
- Top speed: 15 mph
- Range: 7 miles
- Motor: 350W single hub
- Battery: 4 Ah lithium-ion
- Deck: 7 layer maple 36” x 9”
- Wheels: 6” pneumatic fat tires
- Trucks: Teamgee 7” trucks
- Weight: 15 lbs
Notable Features:
- Wide foot space for stability
- IP65 water resistance rating
- Front LED headlight
- 90mm grip tape clearances debris
Pros:
- Excellent value for all-terrain board
- Shock absorbing airless tires
- Works great on sand and grass
- Waterproof design
Cons:
- Mediocre range and power
- Clunky to ride compared to urethane
- Low ground clearance
- Cheap hardware
Price: $369
While it lacks the power and range for serious trail riding, the Teamgee H20 provides an affordable way to cruise grass and hardpack dirt trails thanks to its fat tire design. The single hub motor drive train keeps the costs down. While not a speed demon, the H20 floats over terrain that would stop most e-skates. Ideal for new riders wanting to get off pavement without spending a lot.
How to Choose a Motorized Electric Skateboard
With so many e-skate models available, it can be hard to decide what’s right for your needs. Here are the key factors to consider:
Speed and Range
Think about your typical riding distance and speed preferences. Range varies wildly from 5 to 20+ miles per charge. Faster top speeds will drain the battery quicker. Commuters need 8+ mile range, racers want speed. Also look at battery size in Ah. Swappable batteries effectively double range.
Deck Style
Deck shape, flex, and material impact comfort and stability. If you’ll ride at high speeds, a stiff, dropped deck longboard is most stable. For cruising around town, a flexible shorter deck is more agile and portable. Choose the right width for your stance and foot size.
Wheels
Larger, softer wheels provide more shock absorption and grip over rough terrain at the cost of slowed acceleration and range. Smaller, harder wheels pick up speed quickly on smooth pavement but ride rougher. All-terrain pneumatic wheels offer the best compromise but reduce clearance.
Motor Power
More motor power equals faster acceleration, climbing ability and higher top speed at the expense of efficiency and range. Look at motor wattage ratings – Hub motors tend to be less powerful than belt drives. Single vs dual motor configs also impact power and torque.
Weight
Heavier boards (18-20 lbs) have stability at speed but are more difficult to carry. Lighter decks under 15 lbs offer better portability at the cost of stiffness. If you need to routinely carry your board onto transit, go lighter.
Remote Control
A handheld remote controls motor acceleration and braking. Make sure it provides variable speed control not just on/off. A display screen is useful to show speed, battery level, mode etc. Belt drive remotes are more ergonomic.
Safety Features
Look for headlights and taillights for riding at night – some are very bright. Swappable batteries allow you to go the distance by carrying spares. A hand carry handle makes transportation easy when not riding.
FAQs About Motorized Electric Skateboards
How fast can electric skateboards go? What’s the legal speed limit?
Top speeds range from about 15 mph on entry level boards up to 28+ mph on high performance models. Many can reach 20+ mph which covers plenty of commuting needs. Be aware of local speed limits on multi-use paths and laws classifying e-skates as vehicles in some areas. Ride safely!
How far can I ride on one charge? What impacts range?
Range varies substantially from 5 miles on cheaper boards up to 20+ miles on premium e-skates. Faster speeds, rougher terrain, hills and rider weight reduce range. Hub motor boards currently have less range than belt drives. Look for larger batteries (12 Ah+) and swappable packs to maximize distance.
Can electric skateboards go up steep hills?
Better electric skateboards handle hills with grades over 15% that would stop a human pusher. Look for higher power dual motor boards with over 2000W capability. Belt drives have better initial torque. Avoid cheap low power single motor boards for hilly areas.
How much maintenance do electric skateboards require?
Electric skateboards need basic care but less maintenance than a regular board. Keep your deck clean, check belt tension monthly, clean bearings every 100 miles or so, swap grip tape when worn, and monitor battery health. Motorized parts like belts, wheels and bearings take more abuse.
What safety gear should I use on an electric skateboard?
Safety gear is a must due to higher speeds. Always wear a helmet and gloves at minimum. Padding like knee pads helps prevent road rash from falls. Use lights and reflectors to be seen. Maintain moderate speeds and be alert at all times – speed wobbles can happen.
Can I take an electric skateboard on an airplane? What are the rules?
E-skate policies vary by airline. Most allow batteries under 100 Wh in carry-on but not checked bags. Southwest, Delta and United are e-skate friendly. Check your airline’s policy. For longer flights, battery removal may be required. Expect to show your board turns on to prove it’s not damaged.
What’s the best way to learn to ride an electric skateboard?
Start in beginner mode at low speeds on flat ground. Practice starting, stopping, turning and balancing both feet. Wear full protection while building confidence. Take it slow until the board feels stable. Maintenance skills help keep it dependable as you progress to faster riding. Lessons from an experienced e-skater accelerate the learning curve.
What’s the difference between hub motor vs belt drive electric skateboards?
Hub motors are contained inside the wheel for a clean look. But they generate more heat, have less torque and lower top speeds. Belt drives have better performance and efficiency but are exposed to weather and need more maintenance. Belts can snap. Hubs suit light riding, while belt drives excel at speed, range and terrain.
How to choose between a single vs dual motor electric skateboard configuration?
Dual motor boards provide more power and torque. Acceleration is faster, they’ll climb steeper hills and the overall experience is more responsive. But two motors drain the battery faster reducing range. Single motor boards are more efficient with longer range, but have less power for the same battery size. Singles better suit flat land cruising where duals excel at off-road.
What are the different parts of an electric skateboard?
Key components include:
- Deck – maple wood or composite material that forms the riding platform.
- Griptape – Gritty tape on top for traction.
- Trucks – Metal T-shaped axles that connect wheels to deck. Have adjustable tightness.
- Wheels – Typically polyurethane. Larger = more stability and shock absorption.
- Bearings – Allow wheels to spin smoothly around axles inside trucks.
- Motor – Typically hub type inside wheel or belt drive mounted under board. Provides propulsion.
- ESC – Electronic speed controller regulates power between motor and battery.
- Remote – Wireless handheld controller to adjust motor acceleration and braking.
- Battery – Provides current to the motor. Lithium-ion packs are standard now. Range varies based on capacity.
How should I charge an electric skateboard battery for optimal health and lifespan?
- Avoid depleted discharges – recharge before fully empty.
- Charge to around 80% capacity for daily use, 100% occasionally.
- Use only the included charger and follow guidelines.
- Avoid hot areas – don’t leave battery charging in a hot car.
- Store battery around 50% charge if board won’t be ridden for weeks.
- Expect 500 to 1000 charge cycles before noticeable reduction in battery capacity.
How does weather and terrain impact electric skateboard performance?
Cold weather reduces battery performance and range. Store board indoors to prevent this. Wet conditions don’t harm quality boards but avoid puddles deep enough to splash components. Off-road terrain like dirt trails reduces range but most boards handle hardpack fine with all-terrain wheels. Steep hills drain batteries quicker but dual motor boards can still climb them.
When should components like belts, bearings, and wheels be replaced on my electric skateboard?
- Belts – Replace when damaged or every 200-300 miles. Keep at proper tightness.
- Bearings – Swap every 300-500 miles or when they begin to seize up.
- Wheels – Replace PU wheels when core is showing through tread. Pneumatics last 500-1000 miles.
- Grip Tape – Fresh tape provides the best traction and foot control. Replace when too worn.
Troubleshooting guide – how to diagnose common electric skateboard problems:
Won’t turn on – Check battery connections. Charge battery. Inspect power button.
Lack of power – Charge battery. Check belt tension. Clean debris from wheels/motors.
Reduced range – Battery may need replacement after 500+ charges. Clean connectors.
Slow acceleration – Low battery. Dirty motor or wheels. Belt slippage.
Wheel slippage – Tighten trucks. Replace worn griptape. Tighten belts.
Remote not connecting – Re-pair remote. Check for interference. Battery may need replacement.
Speed wobbles – Loosen trucks slightly. Tighten wheel nuts. Lower stance. Add riser pads.
Conclusion
Electric skateboards provide a convenient and exhilarating way to commute, cruise and carve. Choosing the right e-skate for your needs depends on factors like budget, riding style, terrain and portability.
The top models reviewed above offer the latest technology and performance to take your riding to the next level. Brands like Boosted, Evolve and Inboard are leading the way with high quality boards, but more affordable options from Wowgo and Teamgee also deliver great value.
Start with safety gear, learn at slower speeds, and gradually build your e-skating skills. Maintain your equipment and battery well so you can keep riding for miles to come. Electric skateboarding combines the thrill of boarding with modern electric power for an experience that just keeps getting better.
With the right electric skateboard, you’ll look forward to leaving the car keys behind and enjoying the ride like never before. Now grab your helmet and get ready to roll out!