7 Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Skateboard in 2023
Electric skateboarding is becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Europe, and it's no surprise why. Not only is it a fun and exciting way to get around, but it's also great for your mind and body. With the cost of public transportation and car ownership rising in recent years, more and more people are turning to electric longboards as a cost-effective alternative.
The average cost of public transportation in the Netherlands has risen by over 30% in the last five years, and the cost of owning a car in Lithuania has risen by over 20% in the same period. By choosing an electric longboard, you can save money on transportation costs while also reducing your carbon footprint.
If you're curious about how these boards work or what to look for when choosing the best one for you, you've come to the right place. Trust us, and you'll be grinning from ear to ear as you zip down the street on your new electric longboard. 5 reasons why Europeans are raving about electric skateboarding:
- Cost-effective: Electric skateboards are a cost-effective mode of transportation, allowing you to save money on gas or public transportation costs.
- Eco-friendly: Electric skateboards do not emit any pollutants, making them a great option for reducing their carbon footprint.
- Convenient: Electric skateboards are lightweight and easy to carry, making them convenient for commuting and running errands.
- Good for your health: Riding an electric skateboard is a low-impact activity that can improve cardiovascular health, balance, and coordination.
- Fun and exciting: Electric skateboarding is a fun and exciting hobby that people of all ages can enjoy. It's a great way to explore your city, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors.
[EXTRA] Board sports connection: Electric skateboarding provides an opportunity to get into board sports culture and develop skills similar to traditional skateboarding, longboarding, snowboarding and surfing. It can be a great way to take your existing board sports skills to the next level and try new tricks and maneuvers.
What is an electric skateboard?
Electric skateboards are like regular skateboards but on steroids. They've got a motor and battery pack that gives you a little boost, so you can reach higher speeds and go farther with less effort. They're pretty sweet, and you can find them in different types, like hub motor or belt drive and different types of controllers. You can even control it with your phone. They're great for the environment and your wallet, and it's a win-win situation.
How to ride an electric skateboard?
- Get to know your electric skateboard: Before you begin riding, make sure you understand the basics of your board, such as how to turn it on and off, how to adjust the speed, and how to use the brake.
- Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads when learning to ride an electric skateboard.
- Start on a flat surface: To get a feel for the board, begin by riding on a flat surface, such as a parking lot or a large paved area.
- Learn to balance: Once you feel comfortable standing on the board, practice balancing by standing with one foot on the board and the other on the ground.
- Gradually increase your speed: As you gain confidence and improve your balance, gradually increase your speed. Always ride in a safe and controlled environment, and never exceed your skill level.
Now, let's get into the needy-greedy of things: we listed the top 7 aspects that you need to consider when getting an electric skateboard 👇
Electric Skateboard range
Different types of wheels and environments can affect the range of your board. For example, if you're thinking of cruising around the city, street wheels will give you more range than all-terrain wheels. Your weight and riding style will also affect the range. Here are a few questions to help you to get the right board for your needs: Are you planning on using your electric skateboard for commuting to work or school? Or just for some weekend fun? You may be thinking about taking it off-road.
Whatever your plans, you want to make sure the board you're considering has enough range to get you where you want to go without worrying about running out of juice.
Ride experience
A specs sheet might tell you a board's top speed, range, and weight, but it doesn't tell you how well it handles, how smooth the ride is, or how easy it is to control. These are all important factors that can greatly affect your overall experience with the board.
A high-quality longboard will perform better than a basic off-the-shelf electric skateboard. The wheels and trucks play a crucial role in the overall ride performance. For example, the double kingpin trucks that Evolve uses in all their boards allow for smoother carving and sharper turning compared to other boards.
Board's weight
When comparing the boards' weight, the decision comes down to personal preference and your intended use. A lightweight board might be your best bet if you plan on carrying it around. But if you're looking for a board that can handle more rough and tough use, you might want to consider a heavier option.
Versatility
The ability to switch between different types of wheels and gears can greatly enhance the ride experience and open up new possibilities for how and where you can ride. Evolve's interchangeable gear e-skate, for example, allows you to use multiple styles of traditional longboard wheels on an electric skateboard.
With Evolve's conversion kits, you can easily swap out all-terrain tires for street wheels in just a few minutes. This means you can have the same deck but customize the ride experience to suit different riding styles and terrains. This level of versatility allows you to have a more diverse experience and make the most out of your electric skateboard.
Electric Skateboard Price
Electric skateboards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Generally speaking, more expensive electric skateboards will have better performance and features than less expensive models. This can include higher top speeds, longer ranges, more powerful motors, and better-quality components.
Expensive electric skateboards often use higher-quality materials and components, which can result in a more durable and reliable board. Additionally, they often have more advanced features, such as better controllers, which can give you more precise control over the board's speed and acceleration.
Another benefit of choosing a high-quality electric skateboard is that they often come with better customer support and warranties. This can give you peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong with your board, you'll be able to get it fixed or replaced quickly and easily - because the last thing that you want is to have a board collecting dust in the garage.
Warranty & Spare Parts
Talking about service and replacement... it's important to consider not just the specs and features of the board but also the level of support and service you'll receive from the company. After all, the last thing you want is to end up with a dead board that you can't repair or replace parts for.
That's why, when looking for an electric skateboard, it's important to consider things like the warranty, the availability of replacement parts, and the level of customer support offered by the company. For example, Evolve offers a 12-month warranty and has a global network of support centres in Europe and 40+ countries. This means that no matter where you are in the world, you'll be able to get the support and service you need to keep your board running smoothly.
In addition to this, every Evolve board goes through a meticulous quality control process to ensure that you receive a board that is perfect and ready to ride. With Evolve, you can be sure that you're getting a high-quality board and that you'll have the support you need to enjoy it for years to come. Also, Evolve heaps of content online, especially on Youtube, about how to service your board.
DIY Electric Skateboard
Building your own electric skateboard, also known as a DIY electric skateboard, can seem fun and cost-effective. However, it's important to remember that it's more complex than it may seem. Building your own electric board requires significant time, patience, and technical know-how. You will need to research and source the components and be prepared to invest time and money in the process.
Additionally, you may face challenges such as waiting for parts, troubleshooting issues, and fine-tuning the board to get it to perform well.
It's also worth noting that while there are some DIY kits available on the market, they may only sometimes be the most reliable or high-quality option. These kits may come with lower-quality components or may not be compatible with other parts you may want to add to the board.
