We are starting to see electric skateboards become more popular. As technology advances and we become more environmentally conscious, electric means of transport are on the rise, including electric skateboards.

Despite my innate ability to lose my balance every 30 seconds, I am a big fan of electric skateboards. They are so much fun to ride.

An electric skateboard allows you to speed up hills, commute quickly across town, and control your speed remotely.

But  with so many different choices and limited information, it can be tricky to find the right electric skateboard for you.

This article will answer some of the most common questions regarding electric skateboards and provide you with some of the best choices for your needs.

Electric Skateboard FAQ

How does an electric skateboard work?

Electric skateboards function by sending signals from a remote controller to the board's motor, which often sits below the board. Many boards have the option of turning the motor on and off, with some also offering you the ability to increase or decrease the amount of power you can use.

Not all boards are remote-controlled, with some boards operating based on where you place your weight on the board.

Is it hard to ride an electric skateboard?

After a little bit of practice, riding an electric skateboard can be pretty straightforward. However, the level of ease will depend on the type of board you ride. For boards that are less powerful and have a larger deck, it will be quick and easy to master. But for smaller decks that have a kick to them, it might take you a little longer to master.

Are electric skateboards safe?

The safety of electric skateboards depends entirely on how carefully you ride them and which board you choose.

If you respect the road and sidewalks when riding and choose a board that goes at a speed you are comfortable traveling at, they are extremely safe.

How fast are electric skateboards?

Average electric skateboard speeds range from 20-28mph. Some boards on this list can reach 30mph, and a couple can only reach 15-16mph. Experience riders might feel comfortable going at 30mph, whereas beginners may opt for a slower skateboard for safety.

Are electric skateboards legal?

As with other electric modes of transport like electric scooters, the laws are not as simple as you might hope. Currently, there are no Federal laws that permit or disallow eboards, but it is always worth checking your local laws before making a purchase.

How far can an electric skateboard go?

If you maintain your board and batter well, a Li-ion battery can last as many as 1000 charge cycles. In simple terms, that means your electric skateboard battery, if used daily, can last up to 3 years. 

It is always worth checking warranties before making any purchase.

What's the age when a kid can ride an electric skateboard?

Anyone can ride an electric skateboard, but people under 18 require adult supervision. It is worth checking that your child can stand on the board for long periods and have the physical ability to carry the board if needed.

What's a one-wheel electric skateboard?

A one-wheel skateboard is a self-balancing single-wheel electric skateboard option. Unlike other electric skateboards with four wheels in the traditional four corners of the board, a one-wheel contains one large wheel in the center of the board.

Can you do skateboard tricks on an electric skateboard?

While electric skateboards have many positives, they are not great for tricks. For starters, they are a lot heavier than traditional skateboards, even the lightest options. 

Due to the electric motor, the shape of electric skateboards also prevents many tricks, with almost all electric skateboards missing a kicktail, an essential requirement for most tricks.

The Best Electric Skateboards for Every Rider

Best electric skateboards for beginners and casual use - Meepo

Via: eBoards Advisor

Meepo, from $499

If you're new to skateboarding or electric skateboarding, you can't go wrong with a Meepo board. These boards might seem budget-friendly, but they are still high-quality and fun to ride.

Meepo has developed some of the best affordable electric skateboards, and for a good reason.

The boards are safe for beginners, with a large deck providing a solid foundation, but they also pack a punch. Even the Meepo Shuffle V4, their cheapest board, can get up to speeds of 29mph.

Each board comes with a six-month warranty, so if you are unhappy with the style or decide you are a more advanced skateboarder than you first thought, you can make a switch.

Best electric skateboard for pros or advanced riders - Halo Board

Via: Electric Travel

Halo Board, $997

Now, for all the Tony Hawker's reading this article, who fancy themselves as something of a skateboarding savant, you might want to consider the Halo Board 2nd Edition.

As you can see from the price, this board is a little more advanced than the Meepo board, making it perfect for experienced skateboarders.

Made from carbon fiber, the Halo Board is incredibly light, and although it only reaches 22mph, the board is much more durable, and the battery life lasts much longer.

It has already won the award for best electric skateboard of 2022 presented by Choose Wheels.

And we are only in January.

Best electric skateboard with remote - Backfire Boards

Via: eBoard Store

Backfire Zealot S Belt Drive, $999

Electric skateboards can reach some high speeds. 30mph is not a speed you want to be going at out of control.

If you worry about your ability to stop quickly if a situation requires it, you might want to choose an electric skateboard with a remote.

If that is the case, the Backfire Zealot S Belt Drive is an excellent choice. On top of reaching top speeds of 30mph and cruising up 30% hill gradients, it also comes with remote control, which allows you to turn off and on the electric support of the board.

This remote also allows you to dip in and out of using the electric power support if you want to get more of a workout on your board.

Best budget pick - Skatebolt

Via: Skatebolt S5 Miniboard

Skatebolt S5 Miniboard, $160 (refurbished)

Easily the cheapest electric skateboard on this list, but the Skatebolt S5 Miniboard still packs a punch.

As you would expect from such a small and affordable board, top speed is only 16mph, and it can tackle hills with a 10% gradient, but for experienced skaters looking for a small and portable electric skateboard, this is a great option.

It also comes with a remote, allowing you to turn the electric support on and off. 

Given the small deck, this is not the most stable board on the market, so it might take a little getting used to if you are a skateboarding novice.

Best for commuters - Linky

 

Via: Ride Fat Daddy

Linky, $650

Electric skateboards can offer an excellent environmentally-friendly and fun way to commute to and from work. However, one of the main issues with this mode of transport is the size of the board.

It might be easy to hop on your board and skate to work, but problems can arise when you try to store it somewhere or take it on public transport.

Until now. 

The Linky foldable board is perfect for commuting while also hitting speeds of up to 19mph. It also comes with a Bluetooth remote control, which lets you increase or decrease your speed or even turn on the jazy led lights when you flex in front of your coworkers.

Best safety pick - Possway

Via: Possway

Possway v4, $299

Given that electric skateboards can hit some breakneck speeds, safety should be at the forefront of your mind.

After all, there is no point in spending your hard-earned cash on a board, only to go flying on your first ride and never use it again.

The Possway v4 is one of the best and safest electric skateboards on the market. The Possway v4 has one of the largest decks available, providing you with a large surface area as a solid base. It also only reaches speeds of 15mph, so you can be confident you will never find yourself careening out of control down a hill.

Best one-wheel electric skateboard: Onewheel

Via: Ride and Glide

Onewheel Pint, $1050

Too good for four wheels? Then you might want to try the Onewheel Pint.

One of the most eye-catching ways to get around, the Onewheel is much easier to master than it looks. Although there is only one wheel in the center of the board, it is pretty wide and offers a surprising level of support.

With speeds that reach up to 16mph and a compact and stylish design that is easy to take on the go, the Onewheel Pint is an excellent choice for anyone who has a budget.

There are also options to purchase the board on Klarna if you don't have a casual 1k lying around.

Electric Skateboard: Conclusion and Takeaways

Now you have all the information you need to weave through traffic and fly past pedestrians on an electric skateboard that perfectly suits your needs.

Okay, so you should still skate with care, but now you can do so in the knowledge that you have picked the perfect board for you.

Here's a quick recap:

• Best electric skateboards for beginners and casual use - Meepo

• Best electric skateboard for pros or advanced riders - Halo Board

• Best electric skateboard with remote - Backfire Boards

• Best for commuters - Linky

• Best safety pick - Possway

• Best one-wheel electric skateboard: Onewheel