Best Electric Skateboards

Whether you are a professional skateboarder or looking to start a hobby, an electric skateboard is a brilliant purchase for improving skills and having fun.

They can be used as a cost effective option to driving, a challenge to improve a skill or hobby, a land replica to snowboarding or surfing, or just for the fun of it all! 

Fortunately, there are an abundance of different electric skateboards with different purposes on the market.

Whether you are looking for a way to commute to school or work, or whether you want to try a modern version of a manual skateboard - there will be an e-board for you.

The best part? They don’t even have to be that expensive to be good! 

Top 10 Best Electric Skateboards

Best Electric Skateboards Buying Guide

What to use an electric skateboard for

Electric skateboards are a versatile option for those who want to start their skateboarding hobby as well as those who wish to enhance their skateboarding skills.

As they do not require manual kicking as with regular skateboards, e-boards are designed for a smooth ride for the rider to practice their balancing skills using different speeds.

There are two main categories of why and how to use an electric skateboard, including cruising/commuting and replicating surfing and snowboarding. 

Cruising and commuting

Electric skateboards are the ultimate eco-friendly and efficient method of transportation for commuting.

Unlike a regular skateboard, the rider doesn’t have to worry about getting sweaty and tired from manually kicking and riding a board to work or school, because the motor does most of the work already. 

It’s much less expensive and more environmentally friendly than taking a car to work or school, and takes up minimal space as it does not require a parking space!

Simply carry it into your work or school and keep it under your desk or in your locker. If you take a bus to work, you can skate to the bus stop to never miss a bus again. 

This goes without saying, but electric skateboards are effortlessly cool. Not only are they efficient and practical in running errands and getting to places, but they are a fun and exciting method of transportation.

It’s the lazy equivalent of riding a bike or scooter, and kind of like taking an escalator to your desired location. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter.

You could easily be the coolest kid on the block or the coolest parent as you cruise around the neighborhood or town. Why not take your dog for a run on your skateboard? Lots of fun for the dog and minimal exercise for the owner! 

Whilst an electric skateboard does not offer as much exercise and movement as a regular skateboard, it’s still an excellent way to have an adrenaline rush.

The best part? You can use it absolutely anywhere - from your neighborhood street to a beach boardwalk in a European country. What a great way to explore new places! 

Snowboarding/surfing replicate

Electric skateboards are also commonly used by those who want to enhance their snowboarding and surfing skills on land.

A lot of the techniques and movements in snowboarding and surfing can be easily mimicked on an electric skateboard, from balance to maneuverability.

Electric longboards are the best for this, as they provide the most amount of space to replicate a surfboard or snowboard. Longboards were created in 1950s Hawaii, when the surfers could not surf in harsh or flat sea conditions.

Wanting to continue their hobby and sport, they used longboards to replicate the movements and skills of surfing on the land when the conditions were bad. 

What to look for in an electric skateboard 

As we have researched and shown in our recommended products, there are a variety of electric skateboards available on the market - all of which benefit different intentions and skill levels.

It is, therefore, important for a potential buyer to understand what their intentions are when looking for a board. 

Are you looking for a method of transportation? Do you want to enhance your surfing skills out of the water? Are you a budding skateboarder who wants to improve their balance?

Whatever your intentions, these are the key features and factors to consider when looking to buy an electric skateboard. 

Electric Skateboard or longboard? 

Before we look into specific features of an e-board, let’s look at the two main forms of boards: an electric skateboard and an electric longboard. 

Electric skateboards are the electric version of a regular skateboard (believe it or not).

This means that the board usually sizes between 28 and 33 inches in length, and often comes with a kicktail for tricks.

This size means that they can be used for normal cruising or for cool skateboard tricks, and also makes it the most portable for commuting. 

Electric longboards are essentially a longer and larger version of an electric skateboard. They exceed 33 inches and can reach 59 inches in length.

They are the most popular choice of electric longboard for surfers and snowboarders as the length mimics their boards the most.

These boards are also popular for cruising and even longboard dancing, as they provide more flexibility than a regular skateboard due to the material of the deck. 

Deck material 

Usually distinguishable by electric skateboards and longboards, there are two main types of deck material - maple wood and bamboo. 

Maple wood is usually in a 7 to 10 layer form and is the most sturdy material. For an electric skateboard, maple wood is the best material to look for.

Maple wood skateboard decks are also the most affordable option, though they aren’t always the most eco-friendly as maple trees take between 30-40 years to mature.

After this, they cannot regrow as easily as bamboo, and therefore some maple skateboards are contributors to deforestation.

However, some manufacturers deliberately grow American or Canadian maple trees in controlled areas that do not negatively impact the environment.

If the maple is stated to be sourced in North America, this is better than buying a skateboard manufactured from another country. 

Bamboo is best suited for electric longboards as it provides the most flexibility. Don’t be fooled, as bamboo is deceivingly strong and durable - especially if it is mixed with fiberglass.

This flexibility and bouncier material is most effective in longboards as it allows for more maneuverability.

This makes it more beneficial for longboard dancers, people who enjoy cruising on twisting roads, and those who want to replicate surfing or snowboarding.

Bamboo boards also offer a better concave for the feet to reside on, which helps with balance and grip.

Bamboo is also more eco-friendly as it only takes 5 years for a single shoot to mature, and then it regrows again after being harvested. However, bamboo is the more expensive option.

If you can find a skateboard or longboard that offers a mixture of maple and bamboo, it will be more expensive but of the highest quality. This deck will offer durability, sturdiness, and strength as well as flexibility. 

Battery

As you can see from our recommended products, the majority of electric skateboards are equipped with a lithium ion battery.

This is because lithium ion batteries are much lighter than lead acid batteries, and depending on the product, can last anywhere between 500-1000 cycles. 

It’s important to look for a long lasting battery to make the most out of your product. Lead acid batteries, on the other hand, are much bulkier, cheaper, and don’t last nearly as long. 

The quality of the battery is essential to understand, so let’s delve into battery specifications.

A battery will determine how many miles an electric skateboard can ride for on one charge, and is indicated by the Ampere-hour figure (referred to as Ah or mAh). 

The larger the figure, the further it can run for. For example, a 10mAh battery can run for around 18 miles depending on the quality of the skateboard. 

The voltage figure (V) is also important to look at. This figure refers to the amount of torque - the moment of force - a skateboard has to offer. 

Remember to not overcharge your batteries! Overcharging can essentially burn off the energy cells which will limit its service life.

Always follow the manufacturer’s charging timescales - some electric skateboards only require 2-3 hours to fully charge. 

Motor

There are two main forms of motor - hub and belt drive. 

Hub motors work along with the wheels, so when the motor is one, the wheels are turning. These motors are virtually silent and non-intrusive to an electric skateboard, and allow the user to manually use the skateboard normally should the battery run out.

As they reside inside of the wheels, there are little to no maintenance requirements and they can withstand wet weather. Hub motors are generally the most popular form of motor in electric skateboards. 

Belt drive motors are better for hilly terrains, as they work similar to a bicycle in that it uses a belt to move the wheel.

These motors do offer more torque, but they do require more moving parts that will need replacements and tweaking.

This is why they aren’t the preferred motor for electric skateboards for children and teenagers, as they are more of a hassle to work with. 

Also, as the components of this motor are visible and outside of the skateboard, they are virtually non-waterproof and exposed to all of the elements. 

In terms of the power, measured in Watts, we recommend looking at electric skateboards with a Watts measurement between 250W or 350W. 

Wheels

There are two main materials of wheels for an electric skateboard - Pneumatic and Urethane. 

Urethane wheels have been the most popular wheel material since the 70s as they have a hard core and a soft tire.

The hard core keeps the wheels in place, and the soft tire provides traction and stability to uneven surfaces - providing an effortlessly smooth ride.

As skateboarding can be potentially dangerous depending on the texture of the surface, the stability and smoothness of the wheels is imperative.

These wheels are smoother and provide less traction than Pneumatic wheels, however they do work faster on a smooth surface such as a road. 

Pneumatic wheels, on the other hand, are full of air and essentially a smaller version of bicycle tires. The texture of these wheels provides more traction and grip to uneven surfaces that Urethane wheels.

However, they do require pumping and are more prone to puncturing. They also do not offer as smooth a ride as Urethane wheels on a flat road - making them more suitable for off-road riders. 

Braking

The braking system is most important for safety reasons. The most common form of braking system in electric skateboards is regenerative braking as it allows for longer riding sessions.

This system works hand-in-hand with the battery, as it does not generate unnecessary energy from the battery. 

Electric skateboards that offer multiple braking modes on the wireless remote control are really beneficial for beginners.

These modes offer a range of braking from relaxed to emergency braking, allowing any skill level to be used. 

Speed modes

As with multiple braking modes, the more speed modes, the better! The maximum speed of an electric skateboard depends on the battery, motor, and the weight of the rider.

Generally speaking, most e-boards can reach a maximum speed of between 10-15mph. If you want a faster board, longboards generally offer more speed - especially if they come with a dual battery or dual motor system. 

Hill climbing 

For skaters who aren’t looking to ride inclines, the hill climbing features don’t apply to them.

For those who know that their commute includes a slight hill, it is important to consider how much of an incline your electric skateboard can handle.

Fortunately, the majority of e-boards can ride up a 20-25% incline. 

Manufacturer features 

Refund policy

You could do all of the research in the world, and still end up with an electric skateboard that doesn’t work for you - whether it’s the size, the motor, or it doesn’t match your skill level.

It is always important to look at the manufacturer’s refund policy in case you wish to return your item. 

Warranty

Electric skateboards can be expensive. The cheapest boards range from anywhere between $120-$500, and the more expensive boards can be anywhere from $700 and above.

As this is a large purchase, it is important to consider the manufacturer’s warranty for any broken spare parts.

Generally speaking, the most expensive and high quality boards don’t require replacements for a long time, and therefore the warranty is almost never needed.

Regardless, it’s always worth considering the warranty deal to prevent having to pay more money for replacements in the future. 

Expenses

Whilst you can get lucky to find affordable electric skateboards, these cool boards can be quite costly. They can range anywhere between $150 to a couple thousand dollars.

As they are such an expensive purchase, it’s important to look for the best quality e-board for your intentions.

If you’re looking for an e-board to give to your child on their birthday, and you know they may only use it for a certain amount of time, it might not be worth buying an expensive e-board.

If you’re looking to practice your surfing or skateboarding skills and you require a high quality board to match your needs, then you will need to splash the cash. 

The price of the board will vary depending on a range of factors including deck material, wheel material, the quality of the battery and motor, and the legitimacy of the company.

Whilst cheaper options may seem more friendly to your bank account, keep in mind that cheaper electric skateboards may require more replacements due to cheaper materials.

If you’re looking for something durable and long lasting, it may be more beneficial to spend more in the long run. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can an electric skateboard go uphill? 

This depends on the type of electric skateboard you go for, but generally speaking the majority of e-boards are designed to ride up a hill incline of between 20-25%.

They can’t exactly climb a mountain, but they can make your commute to work a bit easier if there’s a slight hill!

How long does an electric skateboard battery last?

This also depends on the electric skateboard, as some boards will offer different types of battery. The best battery we can recommend is a Lithium-ion battery, as they are lightweight and long lasting.

On average, lithium-ion batteries can last anywhere from 500 to 1000 cycles. They also only take around 2-3 hours to fully charge. 

The distance an electric skateboard can travel on full charge depends on the Ampere-hour figure (Ah or mAh). The larger the figure, the further it can go on a single charge. 

How expensive are electric skateboards? 

Again, this depends on the type of skateboard you are looking for. An abundance of factors can affect the price of a board, from the material of the deck and wheels to the strength of the motor and battery.

Electric skateboards can range from $200 to several thousand dollars, with the more expensive options offering more durability and a longer service life.

Of course, it also depends on the manufacturer’s warranty guarantee and whether the board will be prone to breakage and replacements, as this will build up to be costly in the long run.

However, you don’t necessarily have to splash the cash on an $1000 board if you cannot afford it.

Some affordable boards are designed to last a long time and can be used by a variety of people regardless of age, weight, or skill level. 

How old do you have to be to ride an electric skateboard?

Anyone can ride an electric skateboard! Whether you want to be the cool kid on the block or if you want to add some adrenaline to your work commute, anyone of any age can ride an e-board.

However, make sure to look at the maximum weight capacity in your research, as some boards can only hold so much weight.

Is an electric skateboard good for beginners? 

Absolutely! Electric skateboards are perfect for any skill level. These boards work to improve balance and maneuverability and how to utilize speed and braking systems.

Most boards offer multiple speed and brake modes to suit a variety of skill levels, so each user can adjust to it accordingly.

Also, once the battery runs out on an electric skateboard (provided it has a hub motor system), the boards can be used like a normal skateboard without the electricity - it’s the best of both worlds!

Electric longboards may be more complicated for beginners as they are much longer and wider than a regular electric skateboard.

Longboards are generally used by advanced and experienced skateboarders, longboard dancers, and those who want to replicate surfing or snowboarding.