If you’re just starting out on research about electronic skateboards, you already know that there are many brands and different options in the market. There are several modalities within electric skateboarding, and understanding that the equipment may have peculiarities for each of them is the first step in making a good purchase. Electric skateboards have become popular in the last decade as a new outdoor activity and leisure but also as a car alternative. Since then, what started with riders looking for the endless wave feeling has evolved and diversified into a sport with several categories, each with its own goals and suitable boards.

As the market has grown massively, check out some basic concepts about the equipment and how to choose the best electronic skateboard for your needs.

Types of electric skateboards

An electric skateboard isn’t the same as a regular skateboard. As the traditional longboard has a deck made of wood. For example, in the e-skate world, you can find boards with bamboo or carbon decks.

Bamboo deck

The electric skateboard with a bamboo deck features flexibility. This deck has what some riders describe as a bounce or a pop, which can act as a dampener for the bumps.

Carbon deck

The Carbon deck is completely rigid, with the only movement coming from the trucks. Some riders find this gives a much more predictable and responsive ride, so it’s viewed as the better choice stability.

Also, there are some substantial differences about the wheels:

Street wheels

These are perfect for smooth paths and roads, but if your journey has a lot of bad quality surfaces, that can be a little rough. They’re good for speed grip and range and also sliding.

All-terrain and off-road wheels 

Having proper pneumatic tires makes it much more comfortable and dramatically increases the grip. You make up for what you lose in top speed and range with the ability to skate off-road, on sketchy parts, or on damp surfaces.

2 in 1 board 

Finally, the 2 in 1 boards are very versatile electric skateboards that can be used perfectly for your daily life, as it comes with street and all-terrain wheels. It’s basically getting 2 boards in 1. 

To choose your ideal electric skateboard, it is essential that you honestly answer three questions:

What is your objective/purpose with an electric skateboard? 

Looking for a new hobby? Go to and from work? An alternative for when the ocean is flat, or there’s no snow on the mountains? There are so many reasons why people decide to buy an electric skateboard. What you want to achieve with the board is the main question, and it will define the type of skate and specs you should choose.

How fast will you ride the electric skateboard, and for how long?

As it is electronic equipment, you need to consider the range and top speed. These are key specs when choosing a board for your needs. If you want to ride only during the weekend, exploring different places, you will probably need a board which offers you more range. If you are looking for an electric skateboard for regular commuting and you can charge it during your working hours, the range is not that important for you, for example.

How much do you invest in it?

Finally, after defining your goal and knowing your needs, it’s time to be true to your pocket. How much can I invest in an electric skateboard? When choosing an e-board, make sure you compare apples with apples. The price difference between brands has a reason, the R&D investment, quality of the products, customer service and warranty. The last thing you want is to buy a board and, after a few months, get it stuck because the company doesn’t have spare parts or offers a warranty. 

To wrap it up: take it easy

It is common for those starting in the electric skating world to find unknown terms. The important thing is to begin with an e-board that suits your needs, and then gradually, you’ll get to know new technologies and concepts, changing some parts and components. The adventure has just begun! Find out more about electric skateboards!