Searching for the next modern electric skateboard is not as easy as you may think. There are dozens of skateboard models each claiming to have a robust wireless hand-held throttle, and suitable for off-road coasting and local transportation. We’ve thoroughly scoured the market to find motorized skateboards which outlay the right rotational force or turning effect when travelling through sharp corners. We reveal which bi-directional skateboards are right for your type of surrounds.
Premium and Speed-driven Electric Skateboards in 2024
What to look for in the best electric skateboards?
When searching for the best electric skateboards around, there are a lot of things you need to take into consideration before making a purchase. These can vary depending on your ride level, where you want to use it and how far you need to travel but each of these can make a telling contribution as to what you will get from your new skateboard.
Performance
Undoubtedly the biggest question surrounds electric skateboards is their performance. It can be daunting for new riders to jump on a board and expect to go 20mph in an instant but that doesn’t have to be the case. It’s a good idea to look for a motorized board that has a variety of modes that let you get the feel for the board and advance from there. Many will have beginner or slow modes to let you find your feet at a low speed before advanced to a medium mode that can be set for cruising. You can switch between the two using the accompanying remote control or app and get accustomed to it. Only once you feel comfortable, should you attempt to access the fast or sport mode to see its true potential.
Of course, for more experienced riders, jumping into the deep end is one of the more thrilling aspects of electric skateboards and the high-end boards can hit speeds that can match cars in an urban setting. It’s here where the true mettle of the board can be tested and it can be quite a white knuckle ride outpacing a car on just a skateboard when the circumstances are right. These stats can make a huge difference when making your final decision.
Range
Like any electric vehicle, the battery range of the skateboard is important as that will define how far you can go. Many top electric longboards are capable of pushing their range around 10-15mi (20-30km) giving you the chance to make short journeys with ease. This makes taking your board to college or works a great choice on a warm, sunny day without having to worry about it dying on the journey back.
It’s always worth considering some things though when riding though. If you travel at higher speeds, it will wear the battery down quicker as would riding up steeper gradients regularly. There are indicators on some remote controls about the battery status so keep an eye on it if you have any concerns. Some batteries do have rapid charging times too though which can allow for you to take the charger with you, charge it during a lecture or shift and have it ready to go again as you leave – a handy feature for fast charging devices. Furthermore, many motorized skateboards allow you to switch batteries over too so having a spare handy is always valuable if you have any doubts.
Street vs All-terrain
The other furious debate that ranges on is just where to ride your electric skateboard and how it may perform in multiple environments. Most boards are designed to ride on the street meaning they are best suited for roads or concrete paths. Trying to ride these designs on dirt or grass can quickly backfire being uncomfortable to ride or risking damaging the wheels and underside of the decking.
If you want to ride on dirt or grass, many models can be fitted with all-terrain tyres and trucks that are well suited for riding off-road. These have thicker wheels and give higher ground clearance to cope with rocks and any small debris that street spec boards may struggle with. This won’t have a detrimental effect on performance either and let you experience the terrain uninhibited. On the other hand, street spec designs are much better with a thinner wheelbase and lower ground clearance as you can have greater control on the roads and navigate turns at greater speeds. It always worth considering this before setting off.
Conclusion
Overall, any of these picks would make an excellent electric skateboard to own as they all reach good speeds, have excellent range and accommodate for riders of all abilities. Our personal favourite is the Boosted Stealth as it works on all surfaces, enjoys modern features such as regenerative braking, and doesn’t sacrifice any speed or range. With that in mind, that is why we consider that the top pick amongst the best electric skateboards in the market today.
FAQ
You should have a general idea about your skill level before purchasing any electric skateboard. Almost all of the best electric skateboards have multiple modes to suit riders of different skill levels. If you are ever unsure about which mode to use, start on the lowest setting possible and see how comfortable you are on it. You can then work your way up slowly before pushing yourself and experiencing the thrills at top speed. All electric skateboard modes are operated through their remote control meaning everything is manageable at a click of a button so you never lose control.
Yes – many of the best electric skateboards can be customized to suit what their rider wants to do. Almost anything can be customized from the battery to the drivetrains and the wheels themselves to suit what you are doing. Batteries can be swapped over in just a few seconds if you are worried about it dying on a journey and the trucks can be switched over if you need to tackle various hills or surfaces. The wheels themselves can also be changed depending on what surface and speeds you intend to ride. Always think about this and customize your electric longboard to suit your needs.
Not really. Many electric skateboards will say that they are waterproof but this generally covers riding through the occasional puddle. As the motors and battery packs are located on the underside of the board, they are particularly vulnerable to any large exposure of water on a path – be it a puddle, rain droplets or a large body. It is generally recommended to not use skateboards at the beach or during rainstorms to avoid long term damage but they should still work if out in a little bit of drizzle or a short shower.