by Chris |
Last Updated: September 21, 2021 Teamgee H5
Pros
- Enhanced durability with Canadian maple and fiberglass deck
- Low profile allows for reliable handling
- Moderate flexibility and aerodynamics for great downhill movement
- Battery pack built into deck
- Full waterproof construction for riding in any weather
- 11 mile range can be expanded through regenerative braking
- Quick recharge cycle at only 2 hours
- Can climb up to 25% inclines with per-wheel torque
Cons
- Low weight limit at 200 lbs.
- Batteries do not meet airport security requirements
- Battery replacement is a hassle
There’s an old adage about if something isn’t broken, you shouldn’t fix it. That’s all well and fine in most circumstances, but the practice of accepting current norms as a long-term solution have never jived with the skateboarding community. From its humble origins among Californian and Hawaiian surfers, skateboarding has always been an activity rife with innovation.
When skateboards and longboards began to feature urethane wheels in the 1970s, skateboarders across the world knew that the community was destined for even more major innovations in the coming decades. Today, one evolution those early skateboarders could never have imagined has come to fruition. Indeed, motorization is the next big trend in skateboard and longboard.
In order to meet the growing needs of folks using skateboards as a primary form of transportation, electric skateboards and longboards like the teamgee H5 have been designed to take a great deal of effort out of boarding in urban environments. From familiar board dimensions to a powerful degree of uphill torque, these boards are picking up new converts every day on their credentials alone.
The teamgee H5 stands out as a prime example in this emerging market, primarily for its ability to provide enhanced control and durability through its core construction. Unlike many other electric longboards, the teamgee H5 even has a sense of self-preservation when it comes to its waterproof battery. The teamgee H5’s 22 mph top speed is nothing to cough at, either.
While some will decry this technologically-focused skateboard evolution, you should fully appreciate this innovation’s ability to bring in new longboarders in communities without any previous skateboarding experience. While the teamgee H5 will serve these new boarders with ease, nearly any manual longboarder who wants a taste of the future will feel at ease on the teamgee H5’s spacious 38” x 8.5” deck.
Key Features
- 38 in. classic longboard construction
- 10 ply Canadian maple and 1 ply fiberglass construction
- 0.59 inches thick deck
- Medium flexibility with U-type concave structure
- 3 inches off the ground on 90 mm urethane wheels
- Battery built into the deck
- 11 mile range
- 22 mph top speed
- 25% hill-climbing torque
- 200 lb. max load
- 2 hr. recharge cycle
- Regenerative braking system
- IP54 waterproof rating
- User-friendly LCD remote control
Construction
When it comes to construction, many current longboarders are hesitant to jump on these modern models for fear that they won’t be able to get a grip on a modified board layout. Teamgee saw these concerns and implemented a facsimilar board construction into the H5 that will help both first-time and returning longboarders navigate their urban environments without reservations.
Much of the teamgee H5’s outstanding construction can be found centered on its 38 in. deck. Made from a unique combination of 10 ply Canadian maple and 1 ply fiberglass, this 0.59 in. thick deck is surprisingly durable all the way up to its 200 lb. weight limit. This deck also features a medium degree of flexibility and U-type concave structure, making it responsive and aerodynamic when riding downhill.
Also, this model’s 90 mm urethane wheels are worth noting, not least for their difference from regular skateboard wheels. While many urethane wheels today feature treads that degrade over time, the teamgee H5’s wheels start smooth and remain smooth through months of use in order to provide a ride optimized for urban pavement.
Motor & Technology
As with all so-called “eboards”, the teamgee H5’s is powered by a central engine that allows it to accelerate and decelerate without a manual input. This model’s motor, in particular, is noteworthy given its exceptional power and ultra-thin form factor. In fact, you’ll hardly even notice the motor box set flush against the rear trucks.
In terms of performance, the teamgee H5’s motor can push riders under 200 lbs. up to 22 mph. Hills won’t even stand in the H5’s way as its motor outputs 8 N-M of torque to drive riders up 25% inclines. This climbing capacity is further driven by each wheel’s brushless components, which allow it to minimize heat while in operation and operate smoothly as a manual board when the power is depleted.
The teamgee H5’s hand-held controller is also surprisingly user-friendly due to its crisp LCD interface. This controller includes a smooth-operating wheel for accelerating and decelerating, as well as clear indicators of battery life for both the board and the remote proper.
Battery & Charging
One of the teamgee H5’s most innovative technologies is, by far, its built-in battery. Rather than appearing bulky on the deck’s bottom, the H5 packs the battery into an ultra-thin form factor inside the deck. This, in turn, protects it from harm, allowing this board as a whole to earn an IP54 waterproof rating.
In terms of charging, the teamgee H5 is ready to go when you are. With a 2 hour charging cycle, you’ll be ready to hit the city streets in half the time of many of its competitors. One charge on the teamgee H5 can take you pretty far too – up to 11 miles, depending on road conditions.
Bonus Features
The teamgee H5 also includes several features that take advantage of several of its core mechanics at once. The most notable of these bonus features is its overall low profile at just 3 in. off of the ground. While in motion, this low profile lowers the rider’s center of gravity to improve responsiveness when banking and braking.
Speaking of braking, the teamgee H5 also includes a regenerative braking system that converts kinetic motion into battery charge as you slow down. This can really expand your battery life beyond the standard 11 mile range, especially if you travel downhill often.
Overall
All in all, the teamgee H5 is another great option for folks looking to get into electric longboarding or those looking to upgrade from their baseline model. With a low profile and ultra-thin deck, this model will mimic the longboarding experience while adding an extra torqued kick when traveling up hills.
Everything built into the teamgee H5 – from its Canadian maple and fiberglass deck to its in-line battery – speaks to this model’s outstanding durability and performance. Between its medium flexibility and U-type concave structure, this electric longboard provides a very smooth ride at a fairly modest price point.
When it comes to a targeted audience, the teamgee H5 will certainly serve as an excellent bridge for those looking to make the jump to electric boarding without paying thousands of dollars. This model is also geared at those who appreciate its fine-tuned handling compared to traditional manual longboards.
How Does It Compare?
Because electric longboards are starting to pick up popularity, folks looking at the teamgee H5 are often comparing it to other models based on specification and features. Below are a few of those common models, compared side-by-side in order to highlight which eboard will best serve your needs and budget:
teamgee H5 vs Riptide R1X
The Riptide R1X is definitely one of the most popular electric skateboards available today, gaining it a fair number of comparisons to teamgee H5. These comparisons are apt, in some regards, given that they are both matched for top speed at 22 mph. Both are even able to handle hills up to a 25% incline during regular operation.
The Riptide R1X, however, packs in a 1800w motor compared to the H5’s 750w engine. This means that it is able to maintain its speed and power with heavier riders, well beyond the H5’s 200 lbs. weight limit. As such, the Riptide R1X may be the better choice for adult riders.
teamgee H5 vs teamgee H9
The teamgee H5 and H9 share a common lineage, one that imbues both of them with a refined attention to maintaining the form and grip of manual longboards. Even in performance, they are well matched for speed, with top speeds of 22 mph on the H5 and 23 mph on the H9. Both even feature the same speedy 2 hour recharge cycle.
The major difference between these two boards comes down to weight capacity and aesthetic value. The H9 can hold 85 more pounds than the H5, allowing larger riders to enjoy it safely. Also, the H9 features more unique deck designs, making it the best choice for those looking to express their creativity through their longboard. Read our review
teamgee H5 vs Spadger Electric Skateboard D5X Plus
Visually speaking, the teamgee H5 and the Spadger Electric Skateboard D5X Plus are very different. While the former maintains both the look and performance of a classic wood longboard, the latter incorporates a magnetic steel grip that is more durable and less responsive.
The Spadger Electric Skateboard D5X Plus can take on hills more effectively than the H5, with the ability to take on up to 30% inclines compared to 25% inclines alone. This capability is primarily geared at professional and competitive longboarders, who will appreciate Spadger Electric Skateboard D5X Plus more. Casual longboarders should opt for the H5, instead.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, the teamgee H5 is another great option that follows in Teamgee’s ongoing tradition of providing modernized upgrades to well-loved longboards. Between its solid construction and modest level of performance, the H5 in particular stands out uniquely for its ability to accommodate the needs of nearly any rider, amateur or professional.
With its familiar handling and low profile, this model can also serve as a great bridge from manual longboarding to modern, motorized transportation through your urban environment. For a modest price tag, you can count yourself among the satisfied boarders who exclusively ride the teamgee H5 today.