Best Electric Skateboards 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Not only are the best electric skateboards a great way to add a bit of fun to your journey, but they’re also portable enough to carry onto the train or bus to simplify your commute. If you’re tired of getting your bike stolen and want another set of wheels to getting around town, we’ve got you covered. We evaluated electric skateboards that offer different degrees of power and performance across the price spectrum before naming the Exway Flex Pro the best overall, followed by the Backfire G2 as the best budget electric skateboard and the Meepo Hurricane as best for long range distances.

Whether you use it to commute to work or take it off-road, the best electric skateboards can help ... [+] you get there with less effort.

“Electric skateboards open up a whole new world of opportunities: You can ride faster, farther, off-road, up-hill and you can experience that endless carving sensation all without breaking a sweat,” explains Jake Jarvis, chief merchandising manager of hard goods at Christy Sports and an e-skate enthusiast.

To help find the best electric skateboard for you, we’ve gathered a list of six boards that meet different needs.

Electric Ride Co.

Top speed: 31 mph | Range: 25 miles | Weight: 21.6 pounds | Max load: 440 pounds

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We ranked this do-it-all skateboard as the best overall because of its sheer versatility: It is stable enough for beginners, yet completely customizable through the ExSkate App, so it’s ready for even the most experienced riders. Plus, it has a high max load and plenty of power to climb nearly any hill you throw in front of it.

What’s more, it’s versatility doesn’t compromise the ride experience. The deck flexes nicely and is easy to turn thanks to subtle foot pockets that cradle your foot. The remote control is intuitive, even for a beginner, as you can control your speed with the flick of a finger on the thumbwheel. Ultimately, this is great choice for most riders looking for a punchy, powerful board that doesn’t disappoint for commutes or recreational riding. Keep an eye out for the Flex Pro 2 that’s set for release later this year.

Backfire Boards

Top speed: 24 mph | Range: 11 to 12.5 miles | Weight: 16.7 pounds | Max load: 240 pounds

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If you’re in search of an electric skateboard that hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance, the Backfire G2 should be at the top of your list. This little guy is powerful on flat ground: It cruises at a decent top speed—and could boost off to the front of the pack if, say, you pull up to an intersection alongside other commuters on bikes thanks to its rapid acceleration.

Although the G2 moves fast, it doesn’t have the rest of the bells and whistles found on more expensive models. There’s no regenerative braking technology, so the range is relatively low, and the wide deck is a bit clunky to maneuver. But for around $400? There aren’t many boards better than this one.

WowGo

Top speed: 28 mph | Range: 18 miles | Weight: 17 pounds | Max load: 330 pounds

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Electric skateboards can be heavy and annoying to lug around, especially if you’re used to a traditional board. So for people pressed for space or that just want extra maneuverability, that’s where mini e-skateboards come in.

At around 17 pounds, this compact board from WowGo is one of the lightest we’ve seen. You can easily grab it and go whether you’re bringing it on the subway or carrying it up a flight up stairs.

Thanks to its weight, the WowGo Mini 2S is fun and sporty, and it has a concave deck where you feet can nestle in and feel grounded with every turn. The board comes with built-in shock absorbers and 90-millimeter polyurethane wheels, but you can substitute 105-millimeter cloud wheels if you want a cushier ride on rough surfaces. And while most skateboards (especially models in this price range) can tackle hills with 20% grades, the WowGo Mini 2S can tackle grades up to 30%. If you test it out and find that the small size doesn’t meet your needs, it comes with a 180-day warranty for peace of mind.

Exway

Top speed: 37 mph | Range: 43 to 107 miles (with additional battery pack) | Weight: 39 pounds | Max load: 220 pounds (with street wheels)

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Not just any electric skateboard can tackle tough roads and trails—you need a board with adequate power, maneuverability and treaded tires for off-roading. And as one of the most capable skateboards around, the Exway Atlas Pro does not disappoint, but its performance capabilities come at the cost of price and weight.

For those willing to spend the money, the Atlas Pro is a powerful machine with high-tech features. As we mentioned above, Exway’s ExSkate app has a lot of functionality, including the ability to log rides, customize the drive mode and even put it into cruise control. But this board also features aluminum precision hubs, which have a quick-release feature so you can change a tire quickly, and a 7056W motor capable of charging up 60% grade hills. Bash guards protect the rear motor in case you encounter rocks, and mudguards cover the tires for rainy day riding. If you want to push the limits of an electric skateboard, this should be your trusty steed.

Amazon

Top speed: 31 mph | Range: 31 miles | Weight: 23.8 pounds | Max load: 330 pounds

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Have a long commute or just want to cruise around for hours without draining the battery? The Meepo Voyager is built to cover serious distances with an impressive 31-mile range. (Most boards top out around 20 miles, save for the Exway Atlas Pro which can travel more than 100 miles with a pricey auxiliary battery pack.) And when you’re covering such distances, durability is a main consideration, as you don’t want to be left stranded far from home. Fortunately, the deck is made of a strong carbon fiber and the battery pack is well-positioned so it doesn’t get knocked around while you’re riding.

While it’s not the most agile board on this list, the Voyager is built for going fast and far, as evidenced by the stiff deck and stable trucks. Depending on your riding style and road conditions, you can choose between four speeds and four braking intensities, all adjustable via a wireless remote control.

Onewheel

Top speed: 20 mph | Range: 20 to 32 miles | Weight: 35 pounds | Max load: 275 pounds

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If you're looking for a ride that both mimics the feeling of a skateboard and pushes the limits of innovative and unique design, the Onewheel is right up your alley. Since 2014 the company has been crafted single-wheeled vehicles designed to be ridden on-road and off, and their redesigned flagship model continues the company's track record of boundary-pushing design.

The Onewheel GT has more power, torque and dynamic response than predecessors, and although it's much heavier than most models on this list, it's a breeze to ride. Concave foot pads, enhanced grip tape and a custom rubber wheel combine to provide a ride that allows for more control and precision than many other electric boards in its class.

The Onewheel GT isn't the most travel-friendly ride on this list, or the cheapest, but its reliable customer service, enjoyable riding experience and novelty more than make up for its higher weight and cost.

At Forbes Vetted, we love all forms of electric transportation—from e-bikes to scooters to hoverboards—and we’ve tested many of these modes of transportation firsthand. And because we love these products as much as you do (and understand that they’re an investment), we aim to provide you with well-researched, unbiased reviews and valuable shopping insights so you can find the electric skateboard that meets your needs.

Choosing the best electric skateboards to recommend was a group effort based on our own knowledge and experience and augmented by expert advice and reviews from real users.

“Electric skateboards have a surprising number of features and it is important to consider each one depending on how you hope to use and enjoy the skateboard,” says Jarvis. Here are some of the key considerations:

Jarvis says that one of the top features to look at when shopping is the range, or how far you can travel on a single charge. For commuters, this should be at the top of your priority list. A longer range allows you to cover more distance without the need to recharge, so you can get to and from work or other destinations efficiently (and without getting stranded on the side of the road). But a long range is also crucial for the adventure-hungry rider, too, so you can venture farther and discover new routes without running out of juice.

Electric skateboards offer varying top speeds, and some come with multiple modes to accommodate different riders. Jarvis finds the ability to customize your speed to be the most important shopping consideration: “You can adjust it to your skill level and continue adjusting it as you get better and more confident,” he explains.

If you’re a beginner, a skateboard with adjustable speed settings can be particularly helpful in mastering your balance and control. For thrill-seekers, higher top speeds may be appealing, but always play it safe and wear appropriate protective gear, like kneepads and a helmet. “With a [traditional] skateboard, you have more control once you learn how to ride it. But with any electric-powered vehicle, you never can be too safe. They move fast, but the environment is always unpredictable,” advises Williams.

The size and weight of the electric skateboard plays a significant role in portability and maneuverability. Consider the dimensions and weight of the board, especially if you need to carry it on public transport or store it at work or home. Additionally, think about the weight if you climb stairs regularly—you don’t want to be lugging 30 pounds up and down each time. If you’re on the ground floor, the Onewheel GT may suit you fine. Compact and lightweight options, like the WowGo2 Mini, are ideal for easy transportation and storage. But for just riding your board around town and storing it in a garage, portability may not be a determining factor for you.

If you’re just looking to get from point A to point B, an app for your electric skateboard might not be the first thing on your mind—that’s what the remote control is for, right? But as soon you want valuable insights or require more control over your board, an app is a game-changer. Take Exway’s mobile app, for example: It allows you to set your personal preferences for acceleration and braking (whether you want to tone it down or take off at lightning speed), check your battery level and perfect your technique with beginner tips. You can also see interesting stats like your total mileage and emissions reduction.

Like we mentioned above, safety should always be a top priority when choosing an electric skateboard. A skateboard with reliable braking capabilities can prevent accidents and enhance your overall riding experience. So, assess the effectiveness of the braking system—reviews can provide helpful information here, but if you’re consulting the list above, you can rest assured that we included only options that have high-performing brakes.

Next, look for any additional safety features, like LED lights on the front, back and sides for night riding, or a suspension system to add some squish so you don’t go flying every time you hit a bump. Regenerative braking systems also help you slow down smoothly while sending energy back into your battery.

Bringing an electric skateboard on a plane is generally not allowed in the cabin due to safety regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric skateboards and considered hazardous materials by airlines.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), “Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160Wh).” Because most electric skateboard batteries exceed this 160Wh limit, taking them on a plane can be not only challenging, but dangerous, too.

On average, most electric skateboards have a range of around 10 to 20 miles on a single charge. However, some high-end models with larger batteries can offer ranges of up to 30 miles or more, while smaller and more budget-friendly options might have ranges closer to 5 to 10 miles. Ultimately, the range of an electric skateboard can vary widely based on several factors such as the battery capacity, the rider’s weight, terrain, speed and riding style. It’s important to consider these factors when choosing an electric skateboard to ensure it meets your specific needs for distance and usage.

Yes, electric skateboards can slow down. They typically achieve this by applying regenerative braking or gradually reducing the power to the motor, which decreases speed and allows the rider to slow down or come to a stop.