Getting the Most from an Electric Skateboard

Almost two decades into the 21st century, automatic skateboards have zoomed out of science fiction and rolled into reality. These little four-wheel power-boards are able to carry riders gliding along at speeds faster than the typical bike rider averages, with no more effort than balancing on a skateboard deck and using a remote control in hand to operate the motor. In today’s crowded urban environment, electric skateboards are a quick and convenient mode of transport, and fun too!

If you’re in the market for an electric board, you’ve come to the right website. We have a wide variety of motorized skateboards. Some things to consider when you’re shopping for one of these futuristic marvels are speed, size, power, load capacity and price, as well as the safety gear you need to use them safely.

Smooth Ride

Most good electric skateboards feature large wheels and a wide sturdy board for optimal stability. People who haven’t been on a skateboard before should take some time getting used to the feel of balance and the slight leaning motions required to make turns on a board.

Every rider is likely to come across some bumps, as the world is not one flat smooth paved driveway, naturally. From the edge of concrete at a sidewalk exit out to the street, to loose rocks, cracked cement, and much more, skateboard riders must be aware of potential obstacles ahead. For things you can’t avoid, approach at a 45-degree angle and put some flex in your knees as you anticipate being jarred a bit when the wheels hit the bump.

Speed and Stopping

Modern electric skateboards are easily capable of reaching top speeds nearly as fast as downhill skaters on traditional boards are used to going. An electric board rider can get to this potentially dangerous speed in just seconds, on flat pavement with no downhill needed. Many electric skateboards achieve top speeds of 20 to 25 mph or more. While this speed may not sound very fast in comparison to the typical speeds of a car, it is important to remember that the rider is near ground level and in the open air.

While most boards also have regenerative brakes, similar to those on electric cars for using braking friction to add power to the battery, the brakes are not always capable of stopping the skateboard as quickly as the rider might expect. These brakes may not even be counted on to reach a complete stop, especially on downhill stretches. Riders need to know how to slow themselves with a foot on the ground for extra braking responsiveness.

Electric Boards are Still Skateboards

Although electric skateboards are motorized to get up to speed quickly with no effort from the rider, it makes sense to learn the basics of skateboard balance and control with a non-motorized skateboard, or with the motor inactive. The rider still must know some basics of how to skate, including how to kick with one foot, how to brake safely with one foot on the ground, and how to balance for turns and obstacles like rough pavement.

Stay Safe – Wear a Helmet

Electric skateboards can easily get to full speed almost as fast as a car on city streets. Unlike a car, however, these skateboards have no protective metal shell, so every rider needs to consider personal safety issues as part of the ride. You must wear a helmet every time you ride. At 20 miles per hour or faster, any impact of your head on the ground or against a tree or curb can do substantial damage to your brain without the solid protection of a good helmet. On a skateboard deck, you are close to the ground and bumps can send you down occasionally, so it is a very good idea to wear some extra protective gear like elbow and knee pads and even gloves, as long as they don’t interfere with operating the remote control.

Riding on an electric skateboard for transportation adds a bit of fun to your life, as well as the utility of a convenient and inexpensive way to get around town. Electric skateboards on the market are getting better all the time, adding new features like improved brakes, better stability, lights for safety, and other details as they improve the ride quality as well.

With the huge variety of options in our electric skateboard selection, at a variety of price points to fit every budget, there is an electric board out there for just about everyone. Shop with us today and have fun!