In the past few years, electric skateboards have emerged as a fast, fun and nimble option for getting around. 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. 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.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
“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 nine boards that meet different needs.
Stable Enough For Beginners, Fun Enough For Experts
Electric Ride Co.
Exway Flex Pro
Top speed: 31 mph | Range: 25 miles | Weight: 21.6 pounds | Max load: 440 pounds
Pros:
Impressive speed and range for the price
Stable enough for beginners without compromising performance
Mobile app gives total customization
Cons:
Not built for off-road riding
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.
Best Budget Electric Skateboard
An Affordable Board That Packs A Punch
Backfire Boards
Backfire G2
Top speed: 24 mph | Range: 11 to 12.5 miles | Weight: 16.7 pounds | Max load: 240 pounds
Pros:
Fun and speedy
Great price for the performance
Cons:
Low max load
Not enough power to climb steep hills
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.
Best Mini Electric Skateboard
Compact Yet Powerful
WowGo
WowGo Mini 2S
Top speed: 28 mph | Range: 18 miles | Weight: 17 pounds | Max load: 330 pounds
Pros:
Great price for the base model with ability to add high-performance components
Built for traditional skaters
Cons:
Shock absorption is lackluster
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.
Best Off-Road Electric Skateboard
Beefy Tires And Four-Wheel Drive Offer Unrivaled Performance
MOST POPULAR
Exway
Exway Atlas Pro 4WD
Top speed: 37 mph | Range: 43 to 107 miles | Weight: 39 pounds | Max load: 220 pounds (with street wheels)
Pros:
One of the most powerful skateboards on the market at this price point
Clip-on mudguards for messy roads
Up to 107 miles of range when you add on the AUXPack
Cons:
Expensive
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.
Best Long-Range Electric Skateboard
Go Farther And Faster With The Hurricane
Amazon
Meepo Hurricane Electric Skateboard
Top speed: 35 mph | Range: 44 miles | Weight: 34 pounds | Max load: 552 pounds
Pros:
Superior range and highest max load on this list
365-day warranty
Made of carbon fiber for shock absorption over any terrain
Cons:
Not the best for carving
Have a long commute or just want to cruise around for hours without draining the battery? The Meepo Hurricane is built to cover serious distances with an impressive 44-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 Hurricane 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.
Best Electric Skateboard For Carving
A Mid-Size Model For Cruising
Evolve Skateboards USA
Evolve Stoke
Top speed: 22 mph | Range: 10 miles | Weight: 21.6 pounds | Max load: 220 pounds
Pros:
Kicktail shape and classic design
Removable battery for easy travel
Cons:
Relatively heavy
If you’re looking for a board that closely rivals the aesthetic of a traditional longboard, the Evolve Stoke is made of four-ply bamboo and has brightly colored 85-millimeter Orangatang Caguama wheels for that classic California style.
But the Stoke also stands out for its performance: “Evolve’s premium electric skateboards offer that endless carving sensation snowboarders, surfers and all board riders seek,” says Jarvis. The removable battery is travel-friendly, and the board has smooth, regenerative brakes which recharge your batteries when you need to come to a stop. While this board is best for riders who want an electric option, it’s customizable enough for beginners, too.
Most Versatile Electric Skateboard
Stable And Agile For Any Rider Of Any Ability
WowGo
WowGo 3E
Top speed: 28 mph | Range: 13 miles | Weight: 16.5 pounds | Max load: 330 pounds
Pros:
Lightweight at less than 17 pounds
WowGo offers a solid warranty period (270 days)
Great price for the quality
Cons:
Not very off-road capable
For the skater who wants to commute to work and ride for fun in the same day, the WowGo 3E is a versatile board that’s agile enough to weave through crowded city streets and stable enough to feel secure over long distances. With a blend of style and power that promises a smooth ride, this board is designed to cater to both newcomers and experienced riders alike. Its user-friendly controls and stable platform offer a gentle introduction to the world of electric skateboarding, yet the powerful motor and responsive handling are a delight for riders looking to push their limits.
The board charges in only two and a half hours, so you can get back to riding in no time, and it has two wheel options (smooth 90-millimeter wheels or grippy 105-millimeter cloud wheels) to suit your riding style. And with a 330-pound weight capacity, it truly is a board for all riders.
Best Electric Skateboard For Travel
A Kit That Lets You Turn Any Deck Electric And Airline-Safe
Revel Kit
Revel Electric Skateboard Kit
Top speed: 28 mph | Range: 10 to 15 miles (standard battery vs. extended range) | Weight: 11 pounds | Max load: 264 pounds
Pros:
Airline-safe in most instances
You can use your own deck and wheels that you already love
Intuitive, smooth remote control
Cons:
Assembly and deck required
Finding an airline-compatible electric skateboard can be a challenging task: There are only a few available on the market because they must meet FAA guidelines with a battery that is under 160 Wh. When skateboards meet this guideline, they often aren’t powerful enough to be of any use. But this electric skateboard kit from Revel comes with a 144 Wh battery that allows you to turn any deck into an airline-safe skateboard without sacrificing performance. Keep in mind this battery still requires prior airline approval, as it is over 100 Wh.
For true skaters, this kit is appealing because you can use your own deck to customize your experience. If you’ve ever built up your own skateboard (and even if you haven’t), this one is quick and easy to assemble. Simply bolt on the battery and components like you would any other pair of trucks. It comes with wheels and all the hardware you need—but you can also swap the wheels for a compatible brand if you have a personal preference. Once you get it assembled, the ride feels fluid and smooth, thanks to the slider remote which is much more intuitive than a thumb wheel.
Best Performance Electric Skateboard
A Next-Level Riding Experience
Acedeck Electric Skateboards
Acedeck Nomad N3
Top speed: 37 mph | Range: 49 to 56 miles | Weight: 44.3 pounds | Max load: 330 pounds
Pros:
Advanced components like the motor, gear drive, deck and trucks
Long range up to 56 miles
Grip tape helps dampen vibrations so you don’t get rattled
Cons:
Very heavy
Expensive
Once you get comfortable on an electric skateboard, you may be looking for a model that’s faster, flowier and more fun. The Acedeck Nomad N3 offers a premium experience because it is powerful yet smooth—no clunky or unstable riding as you open the throttle. It offers two battery options: a standard 1305 Wh and an elite 1554 Wh, promising extensive ranges of up to 49 miles and 56 miles respectively, which is considerably higher than many competitors in the market.
But the key is in the custom components—a powerful 150kV motor and steel gear drive system—that deliver impressive torque and efficiency, ensuring smooth acceleration and maintained speeds even on challenging terrains (like 50% grade hills—something most wouldn’t dare to touch on a normal electric skateboard). Beyond the motor, other components, like a grippy deck, take the performance factor up a notch so you’ll feel stable and comfortable on all of your rides.
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.
Forbes contributor Hannah Singleton tests and writes about many of these products. She is an outdoor gear and travel enthusiast and has also been published in such outlets as Outside and Climbing.
This section’s editor, Cam Vigliotta, is also an adventurer who covers fitness, camping, biking, hiking and other outdoor categories. His bylines also include Gear Junkie and Field Mag.
In addition to our own experience and insights, we relied on the expertise of Jake Jarvis, chief merchandising manager of hard goods at Christy Sports; and Stevie Williams, pro skater and founder of DGK.
We know that technology advances quickly, so we regularly assess our selections and add new picks. We last updated this article in April 2024, removing a Boosted board selection because the company went out of business, and adding a performance model that’s more durable.
How We Chose The Best Electric Skateboards
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.
To narrow down our initial list of the best electric skateboards, we chatted with experts Stevie Williams and Jake Jarvis and incorporated their insight and advice for beginners.
We considered necessary specs like range, power output and top speed. We made sure to look for examples appropriate for riders of all experience levels, needs and abilities.
We then poured over customer reviews and other technical specs, filtering out any products that didn’t fit our criteria or that hadn’t earned a 4+ rating.
What To Consider When Buying An Electric Skateboard
“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:
Range
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.
Top Speed
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.
Board Size And Weight
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. Compact and lightweight options, like the Evolve Stoke Board and 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.
App Connectivity
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.
Brakes And Safety Features
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.
Can You Bring An Electric Skateboard On A Plane?
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.
How Many Miles Does An Electric Skateboard Last?
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.
Can Electric Skateboards Slow Down?
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.
