by Chris |
Last Updated: September 1, 2021 Electric skateboards are picking up popularity as quickly as they can pick up speed on hills and you’ll be surprised at how much fun they are to ride compared to conventional skateboards. Electric skateboards have some impressive advantages applicable to all riders, incluading their eco-friendly operation. They’re also impressively safe, requiring as much practice and skill to learn as an average bicycle.
Whether you’re purchasing an electric skateboard for yourself or someone close to you, you’re almost certainly wondering which models are the best on the market in 2019. Before you shop online or at a local brick-and-mortar store, be sure to read our in-depth reviews of this year’s top 5 models, each of which include succinct analysis of the top specifications and features that make each model special.
Table of Contents
What are the Advantages of an Electric Skateboard?
Eco-Friendly
Compared to many other forms of transportation available, electric skateboards are among the eco-friendliest available to folks living in urban environments. At a base level, electric skateboards don’t require gasoline like an automobile. Instead, most modern models run on lithium ion batteries that power the board efficiently and only require a couple of hours to recharge – just like your cell phone.
Also, much like a bicycle, a properly-maintained electric skateboard can remain a viable mode of transportation for 5 or more years. Even if you need to replace the battery pack, you’ll be able to easily recycle your old battery with a local dealer in order to further cut down on the ecological impact of using your new electric skateboard.
Wireless Control Feature
Unlike manual skateboards, which you primarily operate with your feet and body momentum, electric skateboards are controlled with a wireless remote. This makes it easy to change speeds on the fly, especially as you approach a sharp incline. Whether trekking up sharp inclines or coasting down smooth declines, you’ll only need to put in a fraction of the effort to operate an electric skateboard.
Also, compared to other electronic modes of transportation (such as electric scooters), electric skateboard controls are designed with ergonomics in mind. Many of the top electric skateboard models today are designed to fit comfortably in a single hand. Also, some cutting edge models also use a “thumbwheel” in order to manipulate your movement speed smoothly and without stopping.
Ideal for Commuters
Even though most associate cities with car-based gridlock, savvy urbanites know the best way to get around the city is on a bike…or at least that used to be the case until electric skateboards hit the scene. With a bit of practice on an electric skateboard, you’ll be able to travel to work at comparable speeds and over a variety of urban surfaces while putting in only a fraction of the effort.
Also, you won’t have to worry about storage when it comes to an electric skateboard. Adult-sized bikes are cumbersome and difficult to lock up, especially if you live or work in a high-rise building. Most electric skateboards are fairly lightweight and can be stored in any compact space, be that in a backpack or under your office desk.
Are Electric Skateboards Safe?
Many parents and even some prospective riders are justifiably concerned about whether or not electric skateboards are safe to operate. While any type of automated form of transportation carries a degree of risk for injury, electric skateboards are among the safest methods of electronic transport available to young and adult riders alike.
While they require far less manual input, electric skateboards are not unlike a bicycle in terms of learning about safe operation. With a few days of practice at low speeds and in low stress situations, even folks without any prior skateboarding experience will be able to form the balance needed to remain on the board without falling.
That being said, riders of all skill levels should always wear a helmet while operating their new electric skateboard. This is doubly the case for folks who plan to use their board for commuting through urban environments, where unexpected obstacles can suddenly appear and put an unaware rider at risk.
To ensure maximum safety during operation in any environment, new riders should practice stopping on their new electric skateboard as often as they practice accelerating with the remote control. During regular operation, this can be accomplished by progressively shifting the board’s speed control to the lowest gear. However, for emergency situations, riders should also practice placing a foot out and slowing down their board manually with the heel of their shoe.
How to Ride an Electric Skateboard
Just like other forms of transportation, learning how to ride an electric skateboard takes time and effort. Along the way, you’ll learn specialized techniques that will help you efficiently and effectively engage this mode of transportation, regardless of where you ride or how you ride. Electric skateboarding is noticeably different from traditional skateboarding, so even experienced boarders should take some time to acquaint themselves with the transportation format.
After acquiring a new electric skateboard, your first step towards learning to ride should involving reading the entire owner’s manual. This guide is designed to acquaint you with your specific model’s parameters, including how to toggle the speed while in motion.
After reading your owner’s manual and strapping on your helmet, you are ready to practice with your board. First, mount your board and place your feet at shoulder’s width apart. Once you’ve found a comfortable and stable footing, turn on your board using the switch on your remote controller.
With the board switched on, you are ready to move. Be sure that you are practicing initially only on smooth, flat surfaces. With your pathway cleared, toggle your board to its lowest speed setting. Then, lean forward slightly while maintaining your balance and bending slightly at the knees. You should begin moving.
Next, practice braking and stopping as described above. While in motion, remember to always keep your remote at waist height and pointed at the board in order to maintain a responsive connection between the two.
Most electric skateboards operate with slight variations based upon the set-up of the wireless controller. To learn gain a general visual understanding of how ride an electric skateboard, check out this brief video guide:
Reviews of the Top 5 Best Electric Skateboards in 2019
Evolve Bamboo GTX
First and foremost, we have to lead off with one of the absolute best electric skateboards on the market today, regardless of price tag. But when it comes to core specifications, the Evolve Skateboards Bamboo GTX is entirely unrivaled. This model is capable of traveling up to 31 miles on a single charge, which is more than three times the range of other lessor models.
Along the way, this model is capable of traveling between 22 mph and 26 mph, depending on the weight of the rider and the incline of their traveling surface. Speaking of traveling surface, the Evolve Skateboards Bamboo GTX is unafraid of hills because it can conquer up to 25% gradient inclines thanks to its proprietary GT mode. This is in addition to its three other speed modes that include fast, eco, and slow.
Finally, this model’s remote control is among the most user-friendly in its class. With a magnetic trigger that smoothly accelerates and decelerates with a miniscule amount of input, you’ll be in full control of speed on this board. The LCD screen on this wireless controller also makes it easy to complete board diagnostic, ensuring that your board is always at peak performance.
For all of this, you’ll certainly pay one of the highest prices for a consumer electric skateboard. But if you’re in the market for a near-professional grade electric skateboard that will provide you more power and range then you could ever ask for, then the Evolve Skateboards Bamboo GTX is for you.
Pros
- Pro-tier specifications, including 31 mile range and 26 mph top speed
- Can climb hills up 25% grade without losing speed
- User-friendly controller features LCD screen and diagnostics programs
Cons
- One of the priciest longboard models on the market
- May not be appropriate for new or young riders
Boosted Board Mini X
While the Evolve Skateboards Bamboo GTX is built with longboard-style architecture, the Boosted Mini X Electric Skateboard is built with traditional compact skateboarding dimensions that will make for an easy transition for seasoned manual skateboarders. This transition will be made even more seamless once you feel the way this model’s “deep dish” composite deck keeps you stable and in control while in motion.
In terms of motion, this model can zip through city streets at up to 20 mph, which is pretty impressive for such a compact model. Between its speed and compact form factor, this model is among the very best in the market for folks who intend to use their electric skateboard for short commutes, cruising around campus, or running quick errands.
In terms of construction, the Boosted Mini X Electric Skateboard is also among the most durable thanks to its unique combination of wood and plastic components. While the composite deck is made from an ultra-resilient rubberized material, you’ll still feet the expected reverb of traditional boards thanks to this model’s lightweight poplar and fiberglass core.
All in all, this is one nifty electric skateboard that will make for a great first fore into the hobby as well as worthy upgrade for seasoned riders. Though it cost more than most introductory-class electric boards, you can be sure that the Boosted Mini X will remain reliable long after those lessor models have puttered out.
Pros
- “Deep dish” architecture enhances stability and control
- Can reach up to 20 mph on city streets
- Composite deck is ultra-resilient, yet still very responsive
Cons
- Up to three times the price of similar models
BLITZART Huracane
For folks looking for an affordable electric longboard on which to learn the ropes of this unconventional mode of transportation, turn to the BLITZART Huracane. This model manages to pack a great deal of worthwhile specifications into a much more price-conscious package.
In terms of core operation, the BLITZART Huracane is able to reach up to speeds of 17 mph when traveling over smooth urban surfaces. While its 6-8 mile range is less than stellar, it more than makes up for it by providing a 350 watt hub motor that is more reliable and less burnout prone than their belt-driven competition.
The BLITZART Huracane’s deck is also among the supplest in its class, allowing boarders who are accustomed to a great deal of responsiveness from their deck to feel right at home. This deck in particular is constructed from 6-ply maple wood sandwiched between 2 layers of bamboo wood. Taken together, this model can hold up to 250 lbs. riders without trouble.
Altogether, the BLITZART Huracane is a fully capable and durable electric longboard that can provide a great onboarding opportunity for prospective rider who doesn’t want to drop a lot of cash on a new piece of gear.
Pros
- Affordably priced as a beginner-class model
- 350 watt hub motor is not prone to burnout compares to belt-driven models
- 6-ply maple wood and 2-ply bamboo deck can hold up to 250 lbs.
Cons
- Low range at only 6-8 miles
- May not last long without proper maintenance
VOKUL V1
As another entry on the affordable end of the electric skateboarding spectrum, the VOKUL V1 is a solid boarding option that provides enough speed and range for any recreational rider can appreciate. On a single charge, this model is able to travel up to 10 miles in today at a top speed of 13 mph thanks to its reliable 350 watt hub motors.
Out of the many top-ranked electric skateboards available today, the VOKUL V1 is one of the only options that uses an all-wood deck construction that looks and feels like a classic manual board. In fact, this model uses a 7-ply maple wood construction that responds to manual input efficiently even if the 4.4Ah lithium battery runs dry.
Of note, this model also makes use of an ergonomic wireless remote that is exceedingly rider-friendly. For example, you can smoothly switch between speed modes on this remote with only your fingertips. Also, this remote with immediately cut power to the board if it senses that it has been dropped.
In short, don’t overlook the VOKUL V1. This model can ride a great distance on a single charge while maintaining enough speed to provide a fully fun experience from start to finish.
Pros
- Can travel up to 13 mph across 10 mph range
- Smooth speed switches on wireless controller
- Can be used as a manual board if 4.4Ah lithium battery runs dry
Cons
- Remote is rather fragile
- Doesn’t handle hills as well as competitors
Teamgee H5
If you’re looking for a worthy alternative to many of the more expensive electric longboard, then give the Teamgee H5 a try. While this model has a lot to provide in terms of performance, it is also a sight to behold. That is because Teamgee designs each deck with artistic inspirations, proving its rider with a splash of color in a sea of drab black and grey boards.
At just 0.59 inches thick, Teamgee certifies this model as “the thinnest e-skateboard” available on the market today. But that’s not to say that the Teamgee H5 is flimsy. In fact, this model is surprisingly durable due to its multi-material construction of 10-ply Canadian maple wood and 1-ply synthetic fiberglass. This construction provides great stability across its 37 inch long, 8.7 inch wide body.
At its core, the Teamgee H5 is able to travel at up to 22 mph for over 11 miles. But that’s just a ribbon on top of another great pick for riders looking for a fresh start in electric skateboarding or an efficient upgrade.
Pros
- Stylish deck designs show off rider’s creativity
- Can reach up to 22 mph while maintaining 11 mile range
- Longboard architecture made up of 37 inch long, 8.7 inch wide 10-ply Canadian maple wood body
Cons
- Grip tape tends to peel off with minimal wear
- Cannot swap out batteries
Conclusion
While every single one of these electric skateboards is great in its own right, only a couple rise above the pack due to their safety, productivity, and overall ease of use. The first of these is the Evolve Bamboo GTX, which is the best overall electric skateboard.
While this is among the priciest options available, it is also the only top-tier model that can claim to match professional grade equipment when it comes to top speeds and range. In short, the Evolve Skateboards Bamboo GTX is the best choice for enjoying everything that electric skateboarding has to offer as a form of recreation and as a means of transportation.
If you’re searching for an electric skateboard on a budget, though, your best bet would be the VOKUL V1. As the best electric skateboard for overall value, this model is able to provide its rider an efficient, well-balanced ride without forcing them to burn a hole in their wallet. This model is also among the safest options given that it only reaches a top speed of 13 mph.