The rise in popularity of electric scooters, skateboards and hoverboards has made more and more manufacturers join the market, which means there's more to choose from now than ever before. Electric skateboards, in particular, have seen a boom in popularity, and for all the right reasons. They're more versatile than hoverboards, more portable, and they're more familiar for people who have experience with conventional skateboards. Electric boards are ideal for short commutes, rides around the park with family or friends, or just having a good time in your neighbourhood. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits offered by electric boards. That being said, here are some of the other advantages.
Eco-Friendly
Electric skateboards run on rechargeable batteries, and they don't release pollutants or smog into the atmosphere, making them the ideal alternative to vehicle and motorcycle transport. You can easily get around town with an electric skateboard, instead of taking your car, meaning you're significantly reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, you can pick an electric skateboard that's made of mostly recyclable materials, making them an even more environmentally-friendly option.
Good for Your Health
Skating, including skating on electric board is definitely better for your health than taking the car anywhere. Breathing in fresh air, moving your feet (even minimally) can have great health benefits on your health. Even the slightest movement can help you boost muscle mass and overall strength. Furthermore, skating can be a great stress reliever and it can help you improve balance and coordination. Additionally, it can help improve the general function of your nervous system.
High Acceleration and Speed
New electric boards, such as the advanced Boosted skate boards, have the ability to accelerate faster and run at higher speeds. A Boosted skate board can reach up to 30-40 kilometres per hour on level ground, which is incredible for a device that runs on under 1000 watts. Additionally, these boards can cover more than 30 kilometres, which is enough to get around for an entire day. However, keep in mind that the mileage can depend depending on your weight and the battery your electric board uses.
Wireless Control
You can easily operate the electric powered skateboard with a Bluetooth remote control and sensors. You can switch speed and acceleration with the simple push of a button. You can decide whether you want to push, cruise down the road or up a hill with the help of the motor. This makes electric boards versatile and convenient for riders of all walks of life. In other words, you get the best of both worlds - you can use the electric board as a traditional board, or take advantage of its motorised drive system.
If these benefits have convinced you that an electric skateboard is going to be a worthy investment for you, then you're probably interested in looking at a few different models available. But how do you pick the right electric board for you? Well, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind in order to ensure you get a suitable model.
Wattage
The wattage of the board is arguably the most important thing to consider, as it represents how powerful the electric board is. Simply put, lower wattage means less power. Low power translates into low speed and torque. That being said, depending on where you live and how you intend on riding the skateboard, your choice will vary. If your area includes a lot of steep inclines and hills, you'll want a board with at least 1500 watts.
Speed, Range and Recharge Times
These three specs are what most people already look for, as they're pretty straightforward. However, keep in mind that many manufacturers provide ranges for these specs. For instance, if a company lists the speed of the electric board as 10-20 km/h, chances are it will be more like 10 km/h. The same applies to charge times and range. Always assume the lower end of the range, because the maximum oftentimes represents the board's capabilities of performing in ideal conditions, which you will rarely find.
Deck Materials and Style
Electric skateboard decks are usually made of two materials - carbon fiber (fiberglass) or bamboo. While many boards use a combination of both materials, most brand names go for either one or the other. So how does this impact you - the rider? Well, the main difference between the two materials is the flexibility they provide. Bamboo is more flexible, whereas carbon fiber is stiffer. Your choice will depend on your riding style. If you prefer riding at higher speeds, then you'll need a stiffer board, whereas if you want a more mellow ride, you'll benefit from a more flexible board.
Warranty, Part Availability and Support
Don't buy an electric board that's not accompanied by a warranty. The truth is, anything containing motorised parts is bound to fail at some point. While a good quality board will serve you well for many years, there's always the chance of premature failure. You want to have the peace of mind knowing that at least for a year or two, you won't have to worry about your electric board failing. Further, make sure you shop for boards that have widely available replacement parts. And lastly, make sure the vendor you're buying from offers outstanding support.
