Electric skateboards take off

This story first appeared in the May issue of AutoTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Electric skateboarding is an alternative mode of personal transportation rapidly becoming popular.

More are being seen on cycleways and shared paths, particularly in Auckland where they can often pass cyclists going up the steeper slopes.

Electric motors are becoming smaller and more powerful, enabling an e-board rider to commute in style and in work wear without raising a sweat.

Evolve Skateboards has a list of things to consider when buying an electric skateboard.

Range: When buying an e-board, consider what you’ll be using the board for.
Is it for fun, commuting, or getting around on the weekend? All of these? Will the e-board comfortably get there and back without worrying about mileage? If not, maybe an e-scooter or e-bike would be better suited.

Weight: If you run out of battery, will you be able to carry or kick-push it?
Performance: Electric skateboards have difference performance set-ups.
There are boards that will go from A to B and then there are leisure skateboards that are a pleasure to ride.
When buying, look into the wheels and trucks, as they are particularly important to the overall ride performance.

Spare parts and support: How long is the warranty? How often will you need to replace the belts, wheels, or other parts and they easily interchangeable?
Price: You will need to ask yourself what are you getting for your money? Professional branded skate parts are more expensive and better quality than off-the-shelf boards from overseas.
An e-board that gives you a longer range means a more expensive battery has been used, therefore it’s more expensive to buy.
Who has made/assembled the board? There is a large gap in the e-board market in terms of price and materials used.
Reading reviews and doing your own research on the company pays off.

Motor wattage: By adjusting gear ratios on a motor it will affect torque and speed.
It’s important to have a complete system designed to work in unison, with proven and demonstrable performance.

Two motors or one? Only recently has motor technology advanced enough to allow good performance from two motors.
This used to be possible only with one designed motor.
In recent models, specifically designed brushless motors take advantage of the increased grip and performance from two-driven wheels.

Hub motors v gear/pulley motor system: Hub motors do not have the acceleration, hill-climbing and braking power you get with a geared/pulley system.

Thumb or trigger remove control: Would you rather use your thumb or index figure as a way of controlling your e-board? A thumb may not feel as comfortable as using a trigger control, though it does work.

DIY or making your own board: Making your own e-board sounds easy, but it’s not.
It requires a lot of time, patience, tinkering and money.
There are DIY options out there, however, enter at your own risk and be prepared to wait for parts and waste time which is very frustrating.
Evolve can make custom boards also and has been doing it for years.

What the e-board looks like is also important.
Whether you’re getting an expensive brand, or a cheaper option, you will hopefully be riding this e-board for a long time.
It’s up to you to pick a board that you will not get sick of looking at every day.
Choose wisely.

An e-board cannot be used on the road but it is able to be used on cycleways, shared paths and footpaths.

Check the rules in your area.

So get among the crazy, advanced technological transportation devices that are out there.