Electric Skateboard Buying Guide

TL;DR

This guide provides insights into the best electric skateboards based on user experiences and expert reviews, highlighting key features and recommendations across different price ranges.

Top Picks

Budget: Backfire G3 - Great entry-level option with solid performance and affordability.
Mid-range: Exway Flex - Offers excellent ride comfort and flexibility with a swappable battery. Buy on Amazon
Premium: Tynee Explorer - Impressive range and build quality, ideal for long-distance commuters.

Quick Summary

Electric skateboards have gained immense popularity as a convenient and fun mode of transportation. With a variety of options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide aims to simplify the decision-making process by providing a comprehensive overview of the top electric skateboards based on user feedback and expert reviews.

TL;DR
Quick Summary
Key Buying Factors
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Top Product Reviews
Price Guide
Personalized Recommendations
Community Insights
Final Verdict

Key Buying Factors

Before making your purchase, consider these essential factors:

Range

Consider the distance you plan to travel on a single charge. Look for boards with swappable batteries if you need extended range.

Weight and Portability

If you need to carry your skateboard on public transport or store it in tight spaces, opt for lightweight and compact models.

Terrain Compatibility

Evaluate the types of surfaces you’ll be riding on. Some boards are better suited for rough terrains, while others excel on smooth pavements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others’ experiences - here are key pitfalls to watch out for:

Ignoring Customer Service Reputation

Many users report issues with customer support after purchase. Research the brand’s reputation for handling warranty claims and service requests.

Overlooking Maintenance Requirements

Some boards require more maintenance than others, especially those with belt drives. Ensure you’re comfortable with the upkeep needed.

Focusing Solely on Price

While budget is important, prioritizing features and performance over cost can lead to better long-term satisfaction.

Top Product Reviews

Our detailed analysis of the best options available:

Exway Flex

The Exway Flex has garnered significant attention in the electric skateboard community, particularly for its polished design and impressive performance metrics. Users appreciate its balance between usability for both commuting and recreational riding. The board features a flexible deck that enhances comfort over rough terrains, making it suitable for urban environments where potholes and uneven surfaces are common. Furthermore, the Flex is designed with a swappable battery system, allowing riders to extend their range without being tethered to a charging station. However, there have been some concerns regarding customer service responsiveness and occasional reports of random stopping during rides, which could pose safety risks.

Features

Swappable battery system for extended range
Flexible deck design for a comfortable ride

User Experiences

A user shared their experience with the Exway Flex, stating that it offers an incredibly smooth ride on city streets and handles rough terrain well. They highlighted the flexibility of the deck, which allows for comfortable carving and maneuvering around obstacles.

Pros

Polished design and build quality
Excellent ride comfort and flexibility

Cons

Customer service responsiveness has been reported as lacking

Best Use Cases

Ideal for urban commuting and recreational riding on varied terrains

Price-Performance Ratio

The Exway Flex is competitively priced for its features, particularly the swappable battery and flexible deck, making it a strong contender in the mid-range electric skateboard market.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Exway Wave

The Exway Wave is a compact electric skateboard designed for urban commuting and recreational riding. It has garnered positive feedback from users on platforms like Reddit, particularly for its portability and ability to handle various terrains. Many users appreciate the board’s performance in city environments, where it excels in maneuverability and ease of transport. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the durability of its battery and overall build quality, which could affect long-term reliability.

Features

Swappable battery for extended range and convenience
Lightweight design (approximately 15 lbs) for easy carrying

User Experiences

I ride my Exway Wave daily for my 6-mile commute in the city. It’s lightweight and easy to carry onto public transportation. The swappable battery feature is a lifesaver, allowing me to extend my rides without worrying about running out of juice.

Pros

Highly portable and easy to carry
Swappable battery allows for extended range

Cons

Concerns about battery durability and overall build quality

Best Use Cases

Ideal for urban commuting and short recreational rides

Price-Performance Ratio

The Exway Wave is priced competitively for its features, especially considering its portability and swappable battery. Users often find it offers good value for those looking for a reliable short-distance commuter board.

Purchase Options

View on Amazon

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Backfire Zealot S

The Backfire Zealot S has garnered a positive reputation among users on platforms like Reddit, where it is frequently recommended for its excellent performance and aesthetics. Users appreciate its speed and range, making it suitable for both commuting and recreational riding. The board’s design and features have been highlighted as key selling points, particularly for those looking for a reliable electric skateboard that can handle various terrains.

Features

Top speed of 25 mph
Range of 15-20 miles

User Experiences

One user reported riding the Zealot S for over 1000 km with minimal issues, highlighting its performance and the responsive customer service from Backfire, which resolved a minor motor issue quickly by sending spare parts without additional costs.

Pros

Good speed and range for commuting and recreation
Strong customer support from Backfire

Cons

Some users express concerns about the maintenance required for the belt drive system compared to hub motors

Best Use Cases

Daily commuting and casual rides on various terrains, including hilly areas.

Price-Performance Ratio

Overall, the Backfire Zealot S offers strong performance and features for its price point, making it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced riders looking for a reliable electric skateboard.

Purchase Options

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Backfire G3

The Backfire G3 is a hub motor electric skateboard that has garnered a positive reputation among users for its reliable performance and solid build quality. With a focus on user-friendly features and a comfortable ride, this board is particularly appealing to those new to electric skateboarding as well as experienced riders looking for a dependable option. Discussions on Reddit highlight its ability to handle urban commuting and casual riding with ease, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

Features

Hub motor design for a quieter ride and lower maintenance
Lightweight and portable design, making it easy to carry around

User Experiences

Many users on Reddit have praised the G3 for its smooth ride quality, especially over rough city sidewalks and small inclines. One user noted that it performed well during their daily commute, providing a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience.

Pros

Good range of approximately 20 miles on a single charge
Lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for commuting and casual rides

Cons

Limited off-road capabilities compared to more rugged all-terrain boards

Best Use Cases

Ideal for urban commuting and casual rides on paved roads, with the ability to handle small hills and rough surfaces

Price-Performance Ratio

The Backfire G3 offers a solid balance of performance and affordability, typically priced around $600, making it a great entry-level option for those looking to explore electric skateboarding without breaking the bank.

Purchase Options

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Tynee Explorer

The Tynee Explorer is a well-regarded electric skateboard that has garnered positive feedback across various Reddit discussions. Users have highlighted its impressive range and build quality, particularly noting its suitability for those interested in maple or bamboo decks. The Explorer’s design allows for a smooth ride, making it a strong contender in the mid-range electric skateboard market. With a battery capacity of 725Wh, it offers a good balance of performance and usability, although some users suggest that achieving the maximum advertised range may require riding techniques that involve coasting and maintaining lower speeds.

Features

12S4P battery configuration with P42A cells
Capable of reaching a range of approximately 50 miles with the right riding conditions

User Experiences

Users have reported a significant difference in ride quality when upgrading from lower-end boards, noting the Explorer feels stable and smooth, especially with street wheels.

Pros

Great battery capacity for long range rides
Stable and smooth riding experience, especially on street wheels

Cons

Achieving the maximum range may require specific riding techniques, which could be challenging for beginners

Best Use Cases

Ideal for commuters looking for a reliable long-range electric skateboard

Price-Performance Ratio

At a price point of $1,099, the Tynee Explorer offers excellent value for its features and performance, especially for users seeking a long-range electric skateboard.

Purchase Options

View on Manufacturer’s Website

Price Guide

Find the best option for your budget:

Personalized Recommendations

For Enthusiasts

Backfire Zealot S
Exway Flex

For Professionals

Tynee Explorer

For Budget conscious

Backfire G3
Exway Wave

Community Insights

Overall Trends

Users favor boards with swappable batteries for convenience.
There is a strong preference for brands with good customer service and support.
Performance and range are top priorities for most riders.

Top Picks from the Crowd

Tynee Explorer for long-range needs.
Exway Flex for versatility and comfort.
Backfire G3 for budget-conscious beginners.

Controversial Opinions

Some users prefer hub motors for their low maintenance, while others advocate for belt drives for better performance.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the electric skateboard market offers a variety of options catering to different user needs and budgets. The Exway Flex stands out for its versatility and comfort, making it an excellent choice for urban commuters and recreational riders alike. For those on a budget, the Backfire G3 provides solid performance without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Tynee Explorer is a premium option for serious riders seeking long-range capabilities. As the market continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations in battery technology and design, enhancing the overall riding experience.