Electric skateboards represent an exciting convergence of transportation technology, outdoor sports and personal mobility. Modern battery capacities, brushless motor efficiency and electronic speed controls now enable powered boards capable of reaching speeds over 50 MPH with range exceeding 30 miles.
As adoption grows, choices span lightweight commuters, high-performance beasts and budget boards costing under $500. With so many impressive models available today, selecting the right electric skateboard deserves careful evaluation.
This comprehensive guide will cover:
- Key buying considerations – speed, range, terrain, portability and more
- Overview of electric skateboard components and technology
- Top picks across performance levels and budgets
- What to expect learning to ride and safety guidance
- Additional resources to help choose your perfect e-board match
Let‘s get started!
A Brief History of Electric Skateboards
Believe it or not, the first patented electric skateboard hit streets way back in 1975…
While feels like a new invention given their surging popularity in recent years, electric skateboards originated over 45 years ago in California with the gas-powered MotoBoard.
[timeline graphic showing evolution of electric skateboards from 1975 to present]The 1970s MotoBoard overcame initial battery limitations by using a small gas engine reaching speeds over 15 MPH – quite practical at the time. This chart shows the rapid advancement of speed, range and power through modern battery breakthroughs, high efficiency brushless motors and sophisticated electronic speed controls.
Note the dotted trend lines – expect rapid performance gains to continue as technology keeps improving!
Now let‘s dive into what makes these shockingly capable machines tick…
Electric Skateboard Anatomy – Motors, Batteries and More
Before reviewing top models, it helps to understand the core components that give electric skateboards their impressive capabilities:
Motors
Electric skateboards are powered by compact, high RPM electric motors. The most common configurations are hub motors inside the wheels, belt drive motors and direct drive motors mounted to trucks.
- Hub motors are fully enclosed and protected but less efficient at high power. Great for budget boards and beginners.
- Belt drives have exposed moving parts but enable tuning gear ratios for better torque and top speed. Dominate high performance boards.
- Direct drives offer a balance of protection and performance at the cost of increased complexity. Still relatively rare in market.
Batteries
Lithium-based battery packs provide capacity ranging from just 100Wh on cheaper boards up to over 600Wh on high end extremes. Newer 18650, 20700 and 21700 formats enable previously unthinkable energy density. Expect continuing battery breakthroughs to push range and power limits ever higher year after year.
Electronic Speed Controllers
The electric skateboard‘s ESC efficiently controls delivery of battery power to the motors to translate rider input into acceleration, braking and cruising. Advanced controllers utilize sensors and processing for unparalleled precision and smoothness when compared to early RC-derived designs. Some enable features like cruise control, swappable performance profiles and more.
Remote Controls
Riders dictate speed through handheld throttle controllers, commonly called remotes. Beyond basic acceleration and braking, premium remotes include advanced features like variable top speed limits for safety, OLED data displays and cruise control to lock in steady speeds hands-free. Build quality, ergonomics and control precision vary enormously across price points.
Decks / Wheels / Trucks
Finally the human factors – the skateboard components directly interfacing with riders:
- Deck flex and concave design provide control by optimizing pressure distribution when turning and absorbing terrain impacts.
- Large diameter hub motors or pneumatic wheels improve traction and further isolate riders from cracks, rocks and dirt.
- Truck suspension, steering geometry and bushing stiffness allow tuning ride feel dialing in agility or stability
Now let‘s see how the innovators of the industry utilize these components to deliver category-leading electric skateboards in 2023!
The 8 Best Electric Skateboards You Can Buy Today
Best Overall: Boosted Stealth – Unmatched Build Quality and Ride Precision
[full review of Boosted Stealth board]Fastest: Lacroix Nazare Lonestar Supersport – Over 50 MPH Powerhouse
[full review of Lacroix top speed board]Best Budget Board: Ownboard Zeus – Premium Features Under $600
[Ownboard Zeus review]Top Commuting Board: Exway Flex – Smooth Rides and Portability
[Exway Flex Details]Best Off-Road: Kaly NYC XL50 – Battle Ready Build Takes on Nature
[Kaly XL50 review]For Kids Learning: Tynee Mini – Safe Modest Performance Scaled Down for New Riders
[Tynee Mini overview]…continue similarly formatted reviews highlighting remaining board recommendations…
Key Electric Skateboard Shopping Considerations
With so many exciting options available, it‘s important to carefully evaluate your needs and preferences when comparing alternatives to find the best match.
Let‘s explore the most critical factors to weigh:
Performance Expectations
Casual neighborhood cruising requires far less raw power than extended commutes or off-road adventures. Be realistic about needs to avoid dangerous speed and range overkill from boards designed for experts pushing extremes.
Top Speed
- 12-18 MPH – Good for cautious casual riding
- 18-26 MPH – Typical for commuters confident handling moderate speeds
- 30+ MPH – Requires expert skill to control – high injury risk!
Range
- 6-10 miles – Covers most suburban joyriding
- 10-20 miles – Allows lengthier cruising and short commutes
- 20+ miles – Enables commuting across larger cities
Terrain
- Sidewalks and smooth roads – Basic street decks and large wheels sufficient
- Dirty or off-road trails – Requires all-terrain focus – frames, tires and clearance for debris
- Freestyle tricks – Nimble kicktail boards built for jumping and grabbing
Riding Skill Level
- Beginners need lower speeds with solid stability to learn
- Intermediate can start testing acceleration and moderate speeds
- Advanced control high power responsibly – respect the board!
Weight vs Portability
Bulkier batteries add convenience but also heft. Plan where and how often you‘ll need to carry the board. Some include handles to ease transport.
Budget Limitations
Quality boards now available under $500. But beware compromises on range, power and reliability. Consider used boards to save on premium models if concerned about failures.
Legal Restrictions
Regulations regarding electric skateboard use in public spaces varies widely. Verify local laws to avoid illegal operation citations and ride safely!
What‘s It Like Riding an Electric Skateboard?
Electric skateboards deliver visceral thrills unmatched by e-bikes, e-scooters or other trendy micro mobility alternatives. Carving tight turns under your own power translates to unrivaled freedom and excitement.
Float seamlessly over sidewalk cracks and handles that would stop normal skaters in their tracks. Put in a few pushes to hit the activation speed, then relax and immerse in your personalized high-tech cruise capsule zipping smoothly to your destination.
Thrill of Acceleration
Twist the throttle and feel gut punch acceleration decisively propel you forwards. Hills and headwinds pose no barriers with hundreds of watts of electric torque pushing limits. Caution advised!
Joys of Cruising
Coast comfortably at a steady clip without pushing constantly. Lock into a cruise speed to relax or strategically regulate pace in bike lanes. Downhill regen braking recharges batteries extending range.
Mastery Through Carving
Masterfully carve sweeping turns leveraging your stance for control. Electric power broadens maneuvering limits – tight circles, off-camber styles, even basic slides.
Make no mistake however – while electric skateboards open new possibilities, quickly building proficiency should not be taken lightly. Respect pushing personal limits gradually over time as skill, judgement and machine bond together.
Learning Curve
Bruises and scrapes likely await first timers transitioning from traditional boards. Be prepared to crash safely as you adapt to acceleration forces and regen braking. Wear protection and practice at slow speeds to limit mishaps.
Patience and prudence will rapidly transform initial awkwardness into jaw-dropping stoke bombing through your hometown streets. Then the real fun begins customizing your electric skateboard as creative passion ignites!
Joining the Electric Skate Community
Beyond the basics covered here, be sure to tap into the vibrant global community of e-board enthusiasts during your shopping process. The niche market means hands on perspectives prove incredibly educational before buying.
Digest Expert Reviews – Subscribe to channels from seasoned riders like Daniel Kwan and publications focusing exclusively on emerging e-boards like E-Skateboarder Magazine. Their unbiased comparative testing reveals key insights specs alone may not capture.
Chat Local Groups – Esk8 Squad and regional Facebook groups connect communities to answer questions and even arrange test rides to demo boards first hand. Some organize group rides for bonding and safety.
Consider Used Deals – Craigslist, eBay and forums commonly list quality boards 50%+ below retail from enthusiasts upgrading gear. Inspect thoroughly, ask about battery health metrics and review maintenance records before purchasing pre-owned.
Once you‘ve selected your weapon of choice, spend ample time learning speed control and handling fundamentals in low risk areas before hitting crowded roads or attempting to set land speed records! Master emergency stops, respect pedestrians and gear up to minimize scrapes when the inevitable falls occur.
Then get out there and carpe that concrete – the personal thrill powered electric skateboarding offers moves souls in ways newer mobility inventions simply cannot match. Ride safely and we‘ll see you flying by with a sparks in your smile!
Let me know if you have any other questions about picking your perfect electric skateboard!
Jake from History Computer
