Electronic skateboards are a must-have, well… at least for now until they learn how to make them fly. These boards allow you to travel as fast as an average of 25 to 68 miles per hour. These bad boys also have the capability of speeding uphill as well as breaking gently downhill. These are arguably the lightest, fastest people movers around today. Unlike the Traditional skateboard, the four wheels on the electronic skateboards are created to be a lot more stable so the need to self-balance is becoming a thing of the past while quicker movements, easier rides and a much lower chance of face-planting are becoming the future of skateboards. I’m sure this sounds exciting to you as well, but there are a few things you should consider before you purchase your first electronic skateboard.
Choosing an Electric Skateboard
[Video] Expert Tips For Buying
or
Building an Electric Skateboard
By: Enertion Electric Skateboards
Quality Vs Price
Be sure that you’re getting what you pay for.
Lithium is more expensive than lead acid if you want professionally branded skate parts to be ready to pay more. You’d be paying for the quality and you know you’re getting a better product than the off-the-shelf boards from China, if you get a board with a longer range this usually means you’re paying for a more expensive battery.
Where was the board produced?
Some companies in china perform mass production so they might not have taken the time to assure you of a super high-quality product. Some smaller companies are more likely to show their boards a little more TLC, so you can expect a more well-put-together board with better parts.
The Performance
You should compare the differences in electric skateboards the same as you would with other modes of transportation. i.e. Bikes, Cars, Planes, Boats etc.
Is it built for luxury?
Is it made for simple transportation, just to get from A to B?
If there was no electrical set up how would that electric skateboard perform?
These are some simple question that you should be asking while buying an Electric board.
And be sure to check the wheels and trucks’ as these are very important features when it comes to overall ride performance.
Size and Weight
You should always consider the length and weight of an electronic skateboard before making a purchase.
A massive and super-heavy electric skateboard would certainly end up being an annoyance. And can become a problem if you should run out of juice and end up having to carry it the rest of the way. But when you have an electric board with High performance, battery and range etc then Size and weight should not be one of the priorities.
Usually Lighter boards do not have that many features and flexibility. So, if you ride an e-board for a short distances and need to travel in public transport and carry it, only then go for lightweight and undersized Electric board.
Capacity
The capacity of an electric skateboard is about the amount of weight it can support. This is sometimes overlooked when purchases are made.
If you do happen to be a bit on the heavier side, be sure to purchase an electric skateboard that can support your weight.
Range and Speed
One thing to consider is the activities you plan on doing with your board.
Will it be used for long-distance travels?
Will it be in constant use?
You don’t want to purchase a board with a low mileage expectation when you plan on extended consistent usage. Unless you have the money to buy another one in a relatively brief period, you should think about buying an electric skateboard that can withstand a full load of what you intend to do with it.
For some people, speed does not matter much, but for some, It matters a lot. So Choose an appropriate speed which is safe and fits your requirement. Always riding a Fast e-board wear safety gear.
The Warranty
Skateboards can have a pretty tough career constantly being exposed to a variety of terrain moving at high speeds. So, wear and tear are common. It’s no different with electric skateboards.
No matter how well-built an electric skateboard is, there is always a chance it can break down. Be sure to read the fine print within the warranty so that you can understand what is being covered. the longer the warranty the better.
You can also extend the warranty at the time of purchase.
Wheels
Apart from having a durable board, the durability of the wheels is also extremely important. Good wheels provide a smooth and stable ride.
It is not uncommon for an individual to pay a great deal of money for an electric skateboard and end up having to replace the wheels after only a few rides. Wheels made from urethane are always recommended for any kind of skateboard because they have the potential to last a lot longer.
The Motor
Hub motors do not compare in acceleration, hill climbing or braking abilities as the geared/pulley motor systems. But the hub system allows for less drag, better brakes, and lighter weight, they’re quieter and require less maintenance.
Whereas, Belt drive motors provide you with more torque, better acceleration and regenerative braking but require more maintenance and are difficult to ride without a battery use.
Is it Waterproof or Water-resistant
Rain can most certainly be unpredictable, so if you plan on riding your electric skateboard far distances or even if not, you should consider purchasing a waterproof or at least a water-resistant electronic skateboard, be sure yours comes with environmentally sealed enclosures to protect the components inside.
Fully Waterproof electric skateboards can’t be expected because none of the major manufacturers provides waterproof boards. It is always recommended to avoid riding directly into the water.
Customer Support
Last but not least.
When purchasing an electric skateboard be sure to ask the seller about their post-sales services. This is important because you will have to contact them in case the electric skateboard malfunctions or doesn’t keep up to its standards. It would be extremely frustrating to have to speak to someone about replacing a malfunctioning electronic skateboard and your only option is an automated system as opposed to a real-life human being.
It is recommended to ask people who already own that board on social media or forums how is the response and attitude of their customer support assistants.
This short list of considerations should give you a few things to think about before buying your first board. Remember to always check the warranty, Know what you intend to do with it, and don’t buy one to get you from A-B when you plan to go to Z and back… a few times. And be sure that you’re getting what you pay for.
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