5 Best Electric Longboards [2021 Reviews]

Electric longboards in their current form are an example of over 50 years of perseverance. With humble roots that go deep into the surfer subculture of that era, longboarding has since become a popular activity that can be a sport, a challenge, or a mode of transportation. As such, time has seen longboarding give rise to its own unique subcultures. As evidenced by the legendary MotoBoard of 1975, people have always envisioned a self-propelled longboard strong enough for adults to enjoy.

Top Electric Longboards

While it might be fair to say that in 1975 everything ran on gasoline, these days people want something a bit more eco-friendly and efficient. Honestly, people wanted it then, too, but the technology just wasn’t there yet. 

By 2012, lithium-ion batteries and electric hub motors had advanced to a point that they could carry an adult rider safely and reliably. It was the middle of that year that we saw major e-longboard brands like Boosted Boards and ZBoards launch their wildly successful Kickstarter campaigns; eventually these companies offered electric longboards for less than $1000. Breaking that barrier was a huge industry milestone – and it paid off! Even though those companies are no longer around, plenty of competitors have emerged to satisfy the market’s demand. 

There is one caveat, however, and it is a pretty important one. As we will discuss more thoroughly in our F.A.Q. down below, electric longboards of any type face two main hurdles:

  • Battery Potential/Capacity (Power Supply)
  • Motor Torque (Power Delivery)

The batteries and electric motors that are used in today’s longboard decks have come a long way, as have the drive-systems of modern electric longboards. The thing is, their performance is highly dependent on weight

If you meet the weight limitations/recommendations of the manufacturer, you will be fine. If you exceed them, especially if by a significant amount, then expect to see a drastic reduction in performance. This will most often be in maximum range, or battery life. The e-longboard software won’t shut down if you’re over but doing so takes more effort, more energy. And that energy is supplied by the battery.

Today’s electric longboards make use of advanced technology, but this translates into product lines where you get what you pay for. Higher-end models will use better materials during manufacturing and thus will come with higher price tags, but they also bring extra features or additional levels of performance that remain out-of-reach to those lower-end models. While cheaper models are more affordable and allow more consumers a more comfortable point of entry into the sport, just remember that if the experience feels subpar it could dramatically improve with a greater investment in your equipment – in this case.

Different e-longboard models will often pick a feature to excel at, leaving room for a few top brands at each price tier. Some models will have a greater distance that you can travel, while others will be capable of higher top speeds or offer unique features like faster charging. Carefully consider all of the features to the models below to find the electric longboard that meets your needs.

* (Disclaimer) Just a reminder that all aspects of performance, including but not limited to: top speed, traveling distance, incline ability, and the average speeds of any preset modes will vary based on rider weight, riding surface conditions, wind direction/speed, individual riding style and other factors.


[1] – SKATEBOLT Breeze II Electric Longboard

Product Features:

  • Top Speed: 28 mph (45 kph)
  • Max. Range: 15 miles (24 km)
  • Motor: Dual 350W
  • Max climb angle: 10-15° (~30%)
  • Max load: 265 lbs. (120.2 kg)
  • Deck Length: 39” (990.6 mm)
  • Deck Width: 9” (228.6 mm)
  • Deck Composition: Bamboo & Fiberglass (2 layers)

Additional Features:

  • Customizable Brake Settings – The Skatebolt Breeze II is equipped with 4 brake settings that range from soft to strong. You can adjust these settings directly on the remote control while you’re riding and it even has 2 tail lights built-in LED tail lights that flash while braking.
  • Cruise Control & Slide Start – There is an LED button on the remote that, when pressed, sets the cruise control at the current speed. “Slide Start” refers to the board powering on once it begins rolling forward, after “a push or two” according to the manufacturer. 

The Skatebolt electric longboard brand has brought a product line to market that features several electric longboard models. The most well known of these is likely the Tornado Series, which includes the Tornado, the Tornado II, and the Tornado Pro. While they may be made by the same company and do share a few similarities, comparing the Tornado Pro, which we will also review further down, with the Breeze II is really like putting apples against oranges.

One notable difference is in the deck composition, with the Breeze II’s deck being constructed from a bamboo laminate that is encased in 2 fiberglass layers. This allows for an incredibly lightweight and waterproof design that is well-suited to electric longboard use. The battery replacement process is intuitive and easy to carry out by using the included hex key (allen wrench). The Breeze II also comes with 100 mm drive wheels installed and an additional set of 90 mm drive wheels in the box (larger wheels accelerate slower but have higher top speeds). This allows you to fine-tune your ride experience beyond what the software design already allows for.

The Breeze II includes a wireless remote that you can use to select one of four preset speed settings or push the LED button to engage the cruise control feature. You can also use the thumb slider to manually accelerate and decelerate and track your battery levels on the screen display. The battery and computer are enclosed inside an aluminum alloy housing to provide impact protection while allowing for heat dissipation. LED tail lights also come fitted on the Breeze II right out of the box, which are designed to flash when you brake.

The Breeze II is an electric longboard model that has a following from nearly everyone who has tried one – they just haven’t been at market long enough to establish their brand as an Alpha player in the industry. The Alouette company, which manufactures these electric longboards under the Skatebolt brand, is a manufacturer that has its roots in the import “hoverboard” market. If you are familiar with other electric hoverboards, scooters, and similar products that have been coming out of Shenzhen, China you will have an idea of what the product line has been historically. It’s important to mention “has been”, because this particular electric vehicle brand from Shenzhen is evolving into one that is refined and high-quality (as opposed to some of its musical vapor-emitting cousins).

ProsCons
• Competitive Top Speed & Max. Range• Higher performance comes with a higher price tag
• Durable waterproof design• New import distributor; could come to be seen as a generic brand despite being quality-built  
• Comes with replacement motors
• Regenerating Brake  

[2] – Teamgee H9 Electric Longboard

Product Features:

  • Top Speed: 15 mph (24 kph)
  • Max. Range: 11 miles (17.7 km)
  • Motor: 480W
  • Max climb angle:  8-9° (~15%)
  • Max load: 165 lbs. (75 kg) *recommended by mfg.
  • Deck Length: 30.7 inch (780mm)
  • Deck Width: 8.2 inch (210mm)
  • Deck Composition: 10-ply Maple hardwood & 1 fiberglass
  • Net weight: 11.6 lbs. (5.26 kg)
  • Additional Features:
    • Thinnest E-longboard Available – Teamgee uses a high-performance battery that is streamlined into the deck itself, making it indistinguishable from a regular longboard deck. The construction is durable and the flex is comparable to any other longboard deck. What’s exceptional is that its 0.5“ (1.2 cm) thickness is currently the thinnest E-longboard on the market.
    • Adjustable Wireless Remote – Includes an ergonomic wireless remote control w/ 3 speed settings (Low: 0-9 MPH, Middle: 9-13 MPH, High: 13-15 MPH), battery display gauge, and an intuitive control setup that is easy-to-use.
    • Easy to Carry – Only 11.6 lbs (5.26 kg) and a ½” thick (1.2 cm) due to the innovative board design that incorporates the battery into the deck itself. Perfectly suited for commuting and walk/rideabouts.
    • Durable Construction – The Teamgee H8 deck is manufactured with 10-ply Canadian maple hardwood and 1 layer of fiberglass, providing a medium flex board for riders up to 160 lbs.

The Teamgee H8 electric longboard is a skim, low profile option that claims to be the thinnest and one of the best electric longboards available. Their design is certainly slim, measuring in at only a half-inch thick, overall! They accomplish mainly through their trademark deck design that incorporates part of the battery’s profile into the deck itself. This is then enclosed inside a layer of durable fiberglass and fitted with drop mount trucks and 90 mm wheels.

The board itself has a very clean look out of the box and it rides silently with any ambient noise present at all. The deck design is novel for creating a slimmer board, but the 10-ply maple hardwood and fiberglass wrapping allow it a deceivingly negligible amount of flex. Also worrisome is the fact that the oldest reviews we found for this model rated the weight limit at 245 lbs. And then later at 200 lbs. And finally lowering to the ~160-165 lb. range they advertise currently. To us, this implies that they have had problems with decks cracking or breaking – if so, it’s likely due to their novel design feature that removes wood from the deck to accommodate the battery’s profile. 

We find the effort to be so incredibly slim and lightweight to be further limiting to overall power and maximum range for a couple of other reasons as well. The decision to use a single 480 W electric wheel motor instead of dual motors is one that is obviously to reduce weight, but with it reducing the potential power from enjoyable to adequate one has to wonder if it was worth it. The smaller battery, while high-performance it may be, still translates into reduced total energy capacity. Again, to save weight on the battery the design has traded away the duration of time the board can be ridden. What’s worse is that there is nary a mention of a regenerating charging feature to lengthen the ride time by other means.

There is a saving grace perhaps in that the e-longboard can be fully charged in only 2 hours. If your ride regimen involves a stop with power plug-ins available, is within ~10 miles (16 km), and you can hang out for 2 hours or so, then this is the board for you. Well, actually, there’s one more thing with this board. With a weight limit of 165 lbs. this board is best suited for lean adults and teens. It isn’t  fast compared to other e-longboards and, honestly, the lighter you are the better it’s going to perform.

ProsCons
• Ultra-Lightweight• Choice to use single motor for less weight means less torque as well
• Affordable price; great as a gift• Battery is not intended to be replaceable
• Clean design• 10-ply maple offers virtually zero flex
• Good economy e-longboard  • Low weight limits make this basically a youth board

[3] – SWAGSKATE NG2 “A.I. – Powered” Electric Longboard

Product Features:

  • Top Speed: 18 MPH (30 km/h)
  • Max. Range: 11.8 mi (19 km)
  • Motor: Dual 450W
  • Max climb angle:  15˚ (~27%)
  • Max load: 220 lbs. ((100 kg) *recommended by mfg.
  • Deck Length: 38.5” (980mm)
  • Deck Width: 11” (280mm)
  • Deck Composition: Maple (6 layers), Bamboo (2 layers) 8-ply total
  • Net weight: 20 lbs. (9.1 kg)
  • Additional Features:
    • This premium electric longboard model features a state-of-the-art somatosensory navigation system (body control system) that allows for total control, including acceleration and deceleration, via shifting the body weight. 
    • The longboard’s software offers dual riding modes – a low speed setting for getting acquainted and a high speed setting when you’re ready for the full experience. 
    • The wireless remote control (which is completely optional) allows the rider to switch between power modes, control acceleration and deceleration, and includes a retention lanyard. 

The NG2 from Swagskate is a bold and sturdy e-longboard option. It brings both high-quality and good performance out of the box, with powerful twin 450W motors and an “intelligent” drive system that are top-shelf features in their own right. The intelligent-drive system is a somatosensory controller that senses weight distribution on the deck and translates it into a command. If you are familiar with a Segway scooter or Hoverboard, then you already get the idea. 

This feature makes this particular e-longboard’s remote entirely optional, though if you’re not familiar with the technology it might present a slight learning curve. The good news is that as long as the included remote control is powered on, then the NG2’s weight-sensory drive system remains dormant. Simply step off the board, power down the remote, and step back on to find the somatosensory system engaged.  

The charging system can charge to full in ~2 hours, according to the manufacturer, which is another good feature to have. The range of this board is average, but it is capable of above-average top speeds. This is largely owing to the design decision to incorporate dual 450W motors in both rear wheels. The DIY crowd is likely to find some real potential in this board’s components – a little tweaking is liable to go a long way. 

As usual, you’ll want to stay within the weight recommendations of any e-longboard. The NG2 is fairly generous in this regard by accommodating riders up to 220 lbs. Lighter riders are likely to see benefits in battery life and maximum range, making this an optimal choice for young riders. If you are looking for an electric longboard as a gift for a young longboarder in your life, the NG2 by Swagskate makes a great all-around choice.

ProsCons
• Sturdy design that is built to perform• Remote looks basic & cheap compared to similarly priced models. 
• Weight-sensory control is well-suited to e-longboarding• Weight-sensory control may be ideal, but it still presents a learning curve to some riders.
• Bamboo & fiberglass are superior materials vs maple, for e-longboards 
• Extra-wide 11” deck
• Replaceable batteries

[4] – AZBO Electric Longboard

Product Features:

  • Top Speed: 25 MHP (40km/h)
  • Max. Range: 19 miles (30.5 km)
  • Motor: Dual-Hub 1000W (2000W overall)
  • Max climb angle:  25˚ (~46.6%)
  • Max load: 286 lbs. (130 kg) *recommended by mfg.
  • Deck Length: 30.7” (780mm)
  • Deck Width: 8.2” (210mm)
  • Deck Composition: Maple (6 layers), Bamboo (2 layers) 8-ply total
  • Net weight: 20 lbs. (9.1 kg)
  • Additional Features:
    • Azbo E-longboards are durable and sturdy as evidenced by their deck composition, their confidence in both advertising one of the highest weight limits and most comprehensive warranties.
    • The Azbo H6 rechargeable wireless remote controller allows for easy accel/decel, speed-mode switching, and features a battery-life indicator. 
    • With top speeds of 19 MPH the Azbo H6 is an e-longboard that is ready to slip past the competition!
    • The 8-ply deck consists of 6 layers of maple hardwood that are laminated with 2 additional layers of fiberglass.  Its contact surface is then fitted with high-density grip tape to form a safe & waterproof surface that is rideable in all conditions.
    • Azbo’s best feature might be its 1 Year Replacement warranty that will replace your e-longboard in the event it breaks, stops working, etc. within the scope of one year.

The Azbo Electric Longboard is a sleeper capable of great things in the right hands. This board is a powerhouse design that boasts dual 1000W wheel motors. Yes, this is a 2000W e-longboard. The company seems to be making bold strides towards leading the industry in terms of sheer power, and it seems to work well in the H6’s case. 

The deck design itself is simple and clean, with an almost retro feel to it. The remote is small and discreet and provides all of the basic features you need; speed mode toggle, brake, and battery indicator. This is a strong board that might lack some of the frills of higher-end options, but in terms of sheer performance it’s going to be hard to find a board at the same price that can beat it.

ProsCons
• High top-speed• Battery is not currently replaceable
• Competitive max. Range• Maple is a more durable core material, but cheaper and heavier than bamboo.
• Extra-Powerful Motor setup• Big motors are power thirsty, meaning shorter battery life spans
• Perhaps the highest weight limit of any e-longboard
• Good warranty

[5] – PHOENIX RYDERS Tornado I (b) Electric Longboard with Remote Controller

Product Features:

  • Top Speed: 25 mph (40 kph)
  • Max. Range: 18 miles (29 km)
  • Motor: Dual-Hub 500W (1000W overall)
  • Max climb angle:  25˚ (~46.6%)
  • Max load: 275 lbs. (442.6 kg) *recommended by mfg.
  • Deck Length: 38” (965 mm)
  • Deck Width: 9.5” (241 mm)
  • Deck Composition: 8-ply Canadian maple hardwood 8-ply total
  • Additional Features:
    • This e-longboard is built for performance! With top speeds reaching 25 mph, ranges of 18+ miles, and the ability to larger riders this board can do it all.
    • The powerful dual 500W drive motors provide more torque to the wheels than most competitor e-longboards – power you can feel!
    • As always, Alouette has safety in mind. This model comes equipped with red LED tail lights that can be powered on or off by the remote control for night riding. They can adobe set to flash while decelerating.
    • An intuitive and well-designed remote control is also included. The remote has a quality look and feel, and provides controls for speed modes, accel/decel, and displays battery life as well.
    • Alouette offers a 6-month replacement warranty in the event of breakage or failure.

The Phoenix Ryders Tornado I is an e-longboard offering from Alouette, the same company behind the Skatebolt brand. As such, there are several design characteristics that are consistent between the two. Both boards can reach top speeds that are competitive to the industry, and the reach of both are comparable as well. 

One notable difference lies in the deck itself. The Tornado I (b) uses straight Canadian maple in an 8-ply laminate for its deck fabrication; no bamboo or fiberglass layers at all. This allows for a more durable deck that can carry heavier riders at the cost of a slightly heavier board. Speaking of which, this board is large and fairly heavy compared to similarly priced models. This could make it awkward for smaller riders to carry in some situations.

Ultimately, this electric longboard option is one that will likely work out best for, you guessed it, heavier riders. You can find comparable performance in several models that are lighter and easier to carry while you’re not riding – however riders over ~220 lbs. or so will soon find their options to be somewhat limited. The Phoenix Ryders Tornado is tried and true, and certainly worth keeping in consideration as you explore the possibilities.

ProsCons
• Competitive performance overall• Extra power means shorter battery life spans – riders >200 lbs. will see drastic reductions
• Dual 500W motors are powerful, and deliver torque you can feel• Battery is not replaceable
• Powerful enough for heavier riders to enjoy
• (b) model of Tornado I features superior water resistance and protection from moisture

[Bonus Accessory Review]

WONDERHOO Rechargeable Longboard Lights

Never get left in the dark again!

  • The Wonderhoo longboard light uses micro-COB diodes (energy-efficient and very bright), producing an incredible 210° cone of light which is attention-grabbing from all angles.
  • You can choose between 5 preset combinations of red and white LED light to suit your needs and environment.
  • This product’s mounting is easy-to-use and universal! This means it doesn’t have to stay on your e-longboard but can be easily moved to a bike, regular longboard, or anything else you might use outside at night.
  • The Wonderhoo safety light features USB charging – a 2 hour charge provides you with 4-5 hours of continuous light.

If you’ve ever ridden a longboard at night, electric or otherwise, then you know the gut-wrenching fear that you feel when your front wheels take a plunge. Or – any time your board stops fast while you do not.

Not only is this a pretty terrifying situation, it’s dangerous. This simple little light can change all of that. Mounting this on your longboard will allow you to see everything on the path ahead of you, before it becomes an issue. Just as important, it will allow everyone else to see you from quite a ways off. Including motorists. You won’t miss a crack or crevice in any sidewalk. You will spot curbs from halfway down the block.

If you expect to ever find yourself riding at night, or even in situations where you could end up riding at night unexpectedly, then you need one of these in your bag or on your board. An ounce of preparation is worth a pound of cure, and even if you only need it once –  you will be very glad you had it.

ProsCons
• Ultra-bright 210° LED light cone• Power and lighting mode must be set before riding
• Affordable price
• Universally attachable
• USB rechargeable
• SAFETY!!!

FAQ

We have tried to compile a list of the most common questions we see regarding electric longboards. While we aim to make the list exhaustive, we try not to be redundant. 

One area where we will risk it is Safety!

Protective gear should be worn at all times while on your longboard, even if you’re only cruising in the driveway. You are responsible for your own safety, so make sure you are wearing a minimum of a helmet before you ever put your feet on a board.

What happened to BoostedBoards?

California startup Boosted Boards had successfully positioned themselves as one of the best electric longboards, rising up from the grassroots Kickstarter platform. They promised customers an innovative electric longboard for a $100,000 investment, a goal they surpassed substantially by raising over $467,000 in donations. 

In mid-2012 Boosted Boards released the Dual+, their first electric longboard. Their trajectory was like a rocket aimed at success as they added additional options to their product line and stood poised to dominate a market niche that no other company has ever been able to put in-check. TIME Magazine recognized the Boosted Mini in its Top 50 inventions of the year in 2018, and in December of that year the company was awarded a new investment of over $60M dollars to continue their plans of global expansion and to aid in developing new products.

So how does a company that is doing so great just disappear overnight?

While it’s true that there wasn’t much press coverage of the startup’s plight, there were whispers going back to the beginning of the year that hinted at the trouble on the horizon. On Feb. 2, 2020 The Verge published an article that took an in-depth look into the company’s situation, and it was grim. 

Despite all of the accolades, the company’s rapid growth combined with high production costs and low profit margins to inhibit their profitability. While this is not uncommon among startups, these obstacles were magnified by a delay in shipping the company’s first electric scooter. 2019 was just a dismal year for Boosted; first the delay in shipping out the highly anticipated electric scooters and then an inability to adequately pay all of their vendors. Just as customer service complaints start piling up, Trump’s tariff dispute with China blooms into a full-blown trade war. 

In that same February interview with Verge,, CEO Jeff Russakow added that Boosted “has not had any layoffs, and no layoffs are planned or pending.” Notably, the article provides this information in the context of employees voicing their concern over the previous Christmas holiday about being laid off.

Fast forward one short month later to Mar. 4, and Boosted Boards announced via their website, (already taken down), that they had laid-off a “significant portion” of their team and were in the process of looking for a buyer for the brand and remaining assets.

Boosted’s explanation for the layoffs pointed mainly to the high costs associated with producing and maintaining electric vehicles, the research & development costs to stay abreast with technology, as well as the “unplanned challenge with the high expense of the US-China tariff war,” as CEO Jeff Russakow and CTO John Ulmen of Boosted Boards wrote in their blog post.

“The Boosted brand will continue to pursue strategic options under new ownership,” they included. 

Once the cat was out of the bag, things happened fast. By April 16, former Boosted CEO Sanjay Dastoor had taken to the r/boostedboards subreddit to post a heartfelt message to fans and followers of the brand. He was addressing the rumors that were spreading across the internet, and wanted to provide an “unofficial press release” to the consumers that were obviously still interested. Chiefly, he stated that:

  • Boosted Boards, as a company, was closed for business. While the likely bankruptcy proceedings would take time to work through the courts, the company wouldn’t be dissolved for a while yet.
  • Electric scooter rental company Lime, traded under Neutron Holdings Inc., has purchased Boosted Boards’ physical assets and Intellectual Property. At that time, it was uncertain whether Lime would assume responsibility for upholding warranty claims, but several executive-level engineers from Boosted transitioned to Lime so it is possible.
  • Lime had also taken complete possession and control of the Boosted corporate headquarters, including the service center. This means there were boards in mid-service that are now caught in limbo, with customers likely near panic in the hopes their board doesn’t end up in a wholesale lot or a dumpster somewhere. He did include that he was working closely with Lime to prevent that sort of thing from occurring.
best electronic longboard

How do electric longboards work?

The best electric longboards can be a lot of fun to ride, but it’s important to remember that they aren’t (just) toys. They are machines intended to be used for personal transportation…but they really can be fun!

Like any well built machine, the electric longboard is simply the sum of its individual parts working in harmony. Despite being built from pretty sophisticated technology, there are surprisingly few parts that go into an electric longboard;

  • Deck
    • Honestly, any regular longboard deck can work well as an e-longboard. That being said, the lighter the better, so bamboo & fiberglass combinations are especially well-suited. Also, drop-through truck mounting is more seen as it offers greater stability and lower center-of-gravity.
  • Electric Motor (Drive System)
    • Electric motors are ½ of what makes an e-longboard what it is. Modern motors are more efficient and require zero-maintenance, and will be quantitatively valued by Wattage (W). Pay special attention to whether a given e-longboard uses a single or dual motor design. There is a correlation between motor strength and power consumption that sways drastically with changes to rider weight. Ensure you have as much power as you need, because more will cost you in range w/o returning the favor.


Drive systems will come in two varieties: belt and hub

  • Belt drive systems are the traditional means of transmitting power from an electric motor to the wheels of a longboard. In these systems, more ground clearance may be required. The motor is not enclosed in a housing, but offers superior water resistance due to the motor’s own protections. These systems stay cooler due to the exposed motor and lack of enclosure, but they are notoriously loud compared to hub drive designs. One way to envision the design of belt drive systems is to picture a regular bicycle, and the way the pedals turn the rear wheel by way of a chain. Replace that chain with a belt and the bike with a longboard, and you’ve got it!
  • Hub drive systems are much more discreet, and are often overlooked as being normal longboard wheels. In these systems the hub motor is located inside the wheel itself. This more compact design is also virtually silent as there are no moving parts between the motor and the wheel to flap or vibrate. Newer and higher-quality e-longboards will almost always incorporate hub drive motors, as they transfer power more efficiently to the wheels. It is of note that hub drive motors, while generally considered superior to belt drive, will produce and retain more heat than belt drive counterparts. This is due to the design’s limited options for heat transference, and is illustrated in some manufacturers’ decision to cut holes or slots in the motor enclosure to let air in and heat out. Just realize that these can also let water in
  • Battery & Charging System
    • And this would be the other ½ of what makes e-longboards so special. Modern systems can fully charge inside of 2 hours, provide 8+ hours of standby time, and allow for 10-15 miles of riding, on average. We can’t stress enough how much weight can impact ride time – motors are designed to spin at the speed you set them to with an attempt to ignore resistance. The hit comes at the battery, where riding time can be drastically reduced once you pass ~200 lbs. Lithium-ion batteries don’t suffer from the same “charge memory” problems as older batteries, but they still lose their potency over time. Look carefully into warranty options and realize that if a board doesn’t allow for batteries to be replaced, it is intended to be disposable.
  • Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
    • This would be the “brain” of the e-longboard that keeps the two-halves working in sync. The ESC takes the input from your remote control (or weight-sensory input in some cases) and translates it into an electrical signal that regulates the speed of the drive motors. Some models may use the ESC to limit, or “govern”, the top speed or other performance aspects, but this practice is extremely rare in an industry that tries hard to cut costs without reducing those numbers in the slightest. ESC’s are fairly basic as far as computers go; the most important consideration is going to be moisture resistance and protection from the elements. Look for models that take extra steps to insulate their ESC from water, impact, etc.
  • Wheels & Trucks
    • The wheels on e-longboards are usually a bit different than what you might find on a more traditional longboard. Most of the time this will be because they are actually hub motors, with what is essentially a wheel wrapping. Beyond the intricacies of hub motors it’s important to understand the dynamics of wheel size. It’s not too complex, and will save you tons of confusion later. Basically, you can always choose between top speed or acceleration, right? Pretty tough to maximize both. Smaller diameter wheels, then, will accelerate more quickly but reduce top speed. Likewise, larger diameter wheels will increase overall top speed, but reduce acceleration efficiency.

      The front trucks on an e-longboard can be identical to regular longboard trucks while the rear trucks are usually dedicated to the drive system. The trucks are always made from metal and serve as the pivot point between your body weight and the wheels. This torsion is what allows you to turn the board, by simply leaning in either direction.

Trucks are actually smaller machines and consist of several pieces: the baseplate, bushings, hanger, the kingpin (which is reversed for longboarding),and the axle. In traditional longboarding the trucks and bushings are among the most important components in determining the overall ride quality of a board. Don’t overlook them in the case of an electric longboard.

  • Wireless Remote Control
    • Virtually every electric longboard available is going to come with some type of remote control. First of all, it should obviously be wireless (this isn’t the 80s). Second, it should offer, at a minimum, accel/decel, brake, and battery life indication. Most will also offer features unique to their model like pre-programmed speed settings, cruise control, LED light control, etc.

If you’re the DIY type and you’re starting to think you might be interested in making your own electric longboard, you’re not alone. There is an entire subculture dedicated to the practice of DIY e-longboarding, and there are quite a few resources available. To get you started, check out this comprehensive tutorial and get familiar with the process and the components.

If you’re curious what these individual components might cost, check here for a ballpark snapshot.


electric longboard

What should I look for in an electric longboard?

While we reviewed several top-notch selections above that are all good e-longboards, there’s no guarantee you found what you were looking for. As you go off into the wilds of the Amazon (that never gets old) and hunt for your own electric longboard, how do you know it’s right for you?

Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:

  • Performance
    • Maximum speed can equal fun, but range or riding time is important to consider too.
    • Think carefully about how you intend to ride your e-longboard, and where. Most models aren’t built for use in wet conditions, so if you are in a damp or humid area it might be worth paying more for extra protection or warranty service.
  • Price
    • At a glance, prices on electric longboards might seem high. In truth, the earliest models averaged $1200-$1400 so current prices are a breath of fresh air. Still, there are “tiers” that organically group products by range, such as <$300, $300 – $599, and $600+ for example.
    • Research into the internal components shows a direct relation between production costs and final retail pricing. The profit margins on most models is low, so you really do “get what you pay for,” in most cases.
    • Higher priced models should have competitive numbers in every area with other models, as well as offer features unique to the model or brand. Comprehensive warranties are highly recommended due to the nature of rechargeable batteries in general.
  • Reviews and Brand Popularity
    • Longboarding is a subcultures where the blind following of a mainstream brand can be frowned upon, and understandably so. However, electric longboarding is a niche market that has demonstrated tremendous volatility throughout its life span, and if a brand or company has any longevity at all there is likely good reason for it.
    • Reviews and enthusiast forums can be valuable pools of information. If you are considering a specific model or brand you can often find a discussion pertaining to it. If not, most forums are happy to receive questions and employ their collective knowledge to help answer them.

Do electric longboards have brakes?

Yes, electric longboards do have brakes – or at least a means of slowing down and stopping on command. Nearly all models include a remote control that allows the rider to accelerate, decelerate, and stop by means of a trigger, slider, or dial. Some more innovative models incorporate somatosensory (weight-sensory) technology to use shifts in body weight to control these functions. Higher-end models even offer regenerative braking, which allows you to use light braking on downhill parts of your ride to help recharge the battery. This can lengthen your maximum range considerably in the right conditions.


How fast do electric longboards go?

Most electric longboard models will travel at speeds averaging between 10 – 18 mph (16 – 29 kph). Premium models can reach top speeds exceeding 25 mph (40 kph), though all performance  numbers can be impacted by rider weight, surface conditions, condition of the longboard, battery charge level, etc.


How far can electric longboards go?

Modern electric longboards can ride for an average of 12-20 miles (19-32 km) before needing to recharge. Some higher-end models make claims of being able to reach much farther distances, but it’s important to verify such claims by checking reviews before basing the decision to buy on assertion alone. As with top speed, range can be drastically reduced by anything that increases resistance, such as rider weight, riding against the wind, or riding uphill.

Additionally, most batteries will hold a full charge for 6-8 hours while on standby, waiting to be ridden.

How much do electric longboards cost?

The price range of electric longboard models can run from ~$300 to ~$1400. Production costs, namely, the costs of lithium-ion battery systems and their chargers are the biggest contributors to high costs with powerful wheel motors being a close second. Features like dual motors, integrated LED lighting, bamboo & fiberglass decks, and replaceable parts can all add to the costs of an electric longboard – but in most cases will prolong its lifespan and increase its overall value.


How much do electric longboards weigh?

On average, electric longboards will weigh between 15-20 lbs. (4.5-6.8 kg). Some models, like the Teamgee H9, include weight-reduction features in the design that can make for drastically lighter boards. The principal factors affecting the net weight of an e-longboard are deck composition, electric motor size, the number of motors, and the truck material. 


Are electric longboards worth it?

Despite this being a pretty subjective question, it remains a popular one! Yes, electric longboards are worth it – if you intend to use them for commuting, cruising, or general transportation. To get the most out of an electric longboard, you’ll probably want to be under 200 lbs. (90.7 kg) and have plenty of flat, paved surface to ride on. 

Can you take electric longboards on airplanes?

Generally, no, these batteries are far too large to be in compliance with FAA regulations. However, there are options you can consider when you’re thinking about taking an electric longboard on a flight with you. 

  1. Removable Batteries
    • This is the biggest factor, as most electric longboard batteries are far too large to be allowed on commercial flights. If you plan on traveling with your e-longboard, look for a model that allows you to remove the batteries so you can mail them to yourself if need be.
  2. Deck Dimensions
    • While today most airplanes will allow you to carry longboards with you, you’ll want to double-check that your specific deck dimensions fall into compliance with your airline.

To conclude, let’s briefly recap some of what we covered. 

First, we talked a bit about the rise of electric longboarding and how it stands out as its own niche market and subculture. Consumers have desired an electric longboard before such a thing even existed, and we saw them try to get there for years. The market as a whole has seen some turbulence over those years, and like most of the obstacles to e-longboarding becoming mainstream, they have been external to the industry. Things were slow to evolve, but the industry is finally starting to grow and evolve thanks to breakthroughs in lithium-ion battery technology. 

We also followed our product reviews up with an FAQ that hopefully addresses all of the potential questions that anyone looking at electric longboards might have.

As always, wear your safety gear, pay attention to your surroundings, stay safe, and have fun! 

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