Exway Flex

Check out our list of the best electric longboards of 2020 to take your skateboarding experience to the next level!

We would say skateboarding is making a comeback, but it never really went anywhere did it? Of course, carrying around a board was the epitome of cool back in the day but kids today still enjoy spending their days learning new tricks at the skatepark. However, with a rise in popularity of personal electric transportation, skateboarding was taken to the next level and went from a cool niche sport to an electric thrill ride. 

Things to Consider when Purchasing your Next Electric Longboard

Buying an electric longboard is not the same as buying a regular board. While many of the considerations are the same: brand, wheels, trucks, and deck now you have to consider things like engine, battery, brakes, and remote. For someone new to electric skateboards there can be a considerable learning curve. Fortunately, here at BestERide, we are happy to take you not only through what you need to consider before you purchase, but also the best electric longboards on the market.

Deck

Decks for electric longboards come in many shapes and sizes. In general, there are three main things to consider when looking for a deck for your electric longboard: shape, flexibility, and wheelbase.

Shape

There are many different options when it comes to the shape of your electric longboard. The first option is to have a directional board or a symmetrical one. A directional board is one that has an obvious front and back and a symmetrical board is the same shape all around. Of course, no matter what shape you choose your board will still have an established ‘front’ and ‘back’.

The difference between these shapes is that directional boards are ideal for downhill boarding, carving, and cruising.  Symmetrical boards are more often used in freestyle riding.

One of the biggest considerations when picking out your deck is the shape or concave of the board. This shape is important to most riders because it is important to keep the rider put on the board.

Flat: while a flat board may give more room on the board for your feet, it is not a good idea for e-riding. You need some shape to your board to give your feet an idea of where they need to stay on your board.

Radial: A radial shape has a distinct U-shape curve. The depth of this curve will vary between decks, but it is the most common of all deck shapes. This concave shape is popular amongst skaters because it gives the rider a better grip on the board.

Progressive/Flat cave/Tub: There are two adaptations of the radial shape called progressive and flat cave/tub. These are just variations of a radial shape. The progressive shape has a flatter and deeper curve with a rounded curved edge and the cave shape is also flatter but with an angled edge.

The W Concave: This is another popular shape with skaters. Just like its name, the W-concave is a W shape double concave that keeps the rider’s feet on the board. Skaters like this shape because it gives a lot of grip. The only downside is that this shaped deck is often only found on the more expensive models of boards.

Wheelbase

The wheelbase is the measurement between your board’s inner mounting holes and measures the distance between where your front and rear sets of wheels are mounted. Typically this measurement is between 13’’ and 15’’ on an electric longboard.

These numbers are important as they will affect the stability and turning radius of your board. A wider wheelbase will increase the stability of your board, but it will also cause a larger turning radius. If you can get comfortable with a narrower wheelbase it will make turning easier on your board.

Flexibility

The thin layers of wood and other materials used to make an electric longboard deck and called ply. The more layers of ply (and the materials used) will determine the flexibility of the deck. Generally, the fewer layers used in the deck, the more flexibility it has. Flexibility in a deck helps absorb vibration when traveling over uneven surfaces. It is also ideal for carving. A stiff deck offers more stability when traveling at higher speeds. However, it does not absorb vibration and therefore the rider will have a less comfortable ride when riding on uneven asphalt.

Brand

The brand is an important consideration when purchasing an electric longboard because a well-established brand with good aftercare will provide far fewer headaches than a generic online brand. Also, a warranty isn’t worth the paper it is printed on if the company won’t be in business next year.

Quality Components

Often when purchasing an electric longboard, skaters feel they need to choose between quality components and price. However, many budget boards can still offer good value for your money.

Wheels

Wheels are one of the most important features to consider. After all, wheels are what connect you to the ground when you are on your electric longboard. Cheap wheels can chip, flake, or disintegrate which can be dangerous and even cause you to fly off your board.

There are two main types of wheels: generic wheels and clone wheels. Generic wheels are branded wheels that will give you more speed, mileage, and lifespan. Generic wheels are of poor quality and should be avoided if at all possible.

Motor

In most electric longboards you will either see a belt-driven or hub motor. There are a few main differences between the two, most prominently the location of the motors. A belt-driven motor is located on the underside of your board and a hub motor is located within the wheels. Both options have some pros and cons.

Hub Motors

Hub motors are noticeably quieter than belt-driven motors as they are located within the wheels. This is an important consideration for those who live in an area where electric skateboards are not permitted and want to keep their e-ride inconspicuous. As the motors are inside the wheels, they are less exposed to the elements. Often sand and other debris can get caught in the belt of a belt-driven motor and cause it to seize up. This is not a concern with hub motors. Also, the maintenance is often more straight forward since they can simply be swapped out.

However, as hub motors are located within the tire it does limit the amount of polyurethane that can be added to the tire and often results in a less comfortable ride. Also, hub motors also mean that you cannot swap out your tires on your electric longboard.

Belt Drive Motors

Belt-driven motors exist outside of the wheels, therefore they offer the rider more choice when it comes to the size, color, and durometer. Their ability to offer a thicker layer of urethane makes them more comfortable with a better grip.

These motors also offer the rider the option to customize things like torque, range, and top speed by changing the ratio of either your supplied pulleys or adding customized pulleys.

However, the fact that the motor is more exposed leaves it vulnerable to debris which can cause the motor to seize. Also, the operation of a belt-driven motor is usually noticeably louder so it is harder to ride under the radar in areas where electric longboards are not permitted.

Battery

Your longboard’s battery is an important consideration. Choosing an electric longboard with a quality battery will help you get the most speed and mileage out of your board. The difference in battery quality between a generic brand and a name brand is similar to the difference between batteries from the dollar store and name-brand batteries.

Look for a board that discloses the name and statistics for the battery.

In addition to the quality of the battery, you also want to consider the range. The range represents the maximum distance your board can travel under ideal conditions. This does not represent the distance you will get out of your board from day to day. The range will vary based on the weight of the rider, terrain, wind conditions, and more.

If you plan on using your electric longboard to commute, you want to look for a light board with a good range. Also, check how long your charge time is. The amount of time it takes to charge a board can vary from a few hours to most of your workday so it is important to know this information before you buy. 

Try Before you Buy

One comment that we hear over and over in the e-ride community is that many riders wish they could have tried out their board before purchasing. This makes sense since so many features on a board come down to personal preference.

While there are not many opportunities to do this, one company does offer this option. Friend With A is a company in the United States that allows riders to rent quality rides and there also lets e-board owners rent out their rides. This is a great opportunity to try out different types of boards before making a large investment.

Meepo V3

$448.83 USD or $580.29 CAD

Longboard| Flexy deck | Dual 540 watt hub motors | 90 mm X 60 mm 78A  wheels |

If you are looking for a budget board with a strong reputation, Meepo is a great option. Meepo has a strong reputation for producing quality electric budget skateboards and the V3 is certainly no exception.

The Meepo V3 is a great option for those who want to transition from a manual board to an electric longboard. The V3 offers the push to start feature which is not only familiar for those coming from a skateboard background but is also a great safety feature to make sure that you are not jolted off the board with a quick acceleration. It also ensures the board doesn’t start before you are ready.

The V3 also has a built-in handle, a 30% increase n power as well as a board that is moisture, dust, and weather-resistant.

Another reason that this board is a great transition for skaters is that it is designed for carving. It is 38” long x 9” wide with a 32.5” wheelbase (96.52 cm x 22.86 cm x 82.55 cm). The deck is made up of seven layers of Canadian maple to offer both strength and flexibility. The build features Shredder trucks which make carving fun and easy.

Power and Range

The V3 may be considered a budget board, but it still offers power and range. The V3 has dual 540-watt hub motors which can reach a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour (45 km per hour) and carry up to 300 lbs (136 kg). For those looking for quick acceleration, the V3 can go from 0 to 20 miles per hour (32 km/h)  in just 4.5 seconds!

The V3 offers two different battery options to suit your budget and needs. The standard battery offers a range of 11 miles (17 km), but we would suggest upgrading to the 20 miles (32 km) range battery. Charging either battery option is pretty efficient at either 2 or 3 hours to fully charge.

The V3 has four different ride modes and regenerative brakes that can go from 20 miles an hour (32 km/h)  to a complete standstill in 32 feet (10 meters).

Pros: kick to start feature, good for carving, inexpensive

Cons: Not as good quality of a build, can be a bumpier ride

Backfire G2 Black

$389 USD $501.19 CAD

Longboard | Medium flex | Dual 400 watt hub motors |180 WH battery | Honeywing ESC

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Backfire is another example of a quality brand that produces a budget board. The G2 Black is a great option for those who want to enter the world of electric longboards without investing too much money. While electric skateboards are never considered ‘cheap’ getting a quality board at a more affordable price is the best way to enter the world of e-skating.

The Backfire G2 Black is a great option that an attractive design for the road and a quality build. The 38-inch deck has a slight concave which helps to make the rider feel comfortable on the board. The 8 ply Canadian maple deck offers medium flex which is a great option for a new rider unsure of whether they would prefer a stiff or flexible board.

The G2 uses hobbywing ESC which offers lots of torque, four-speed options, and hard or soft braking. This is a great option for a beginner who will grow to want a more thrilling ride. Speaking of speed, the G2 has a top speed of 24mph / 38kph.

The build of the G2 features PU Tire Hardness 83A SHRAA 96mm Diameter wheels and 7-inch generic trucks. The battery pack and motor have been completely ABS sealed to offer protection from the weather and the tires and motors are independently replaceable for lower maintenance costs.

There is a  42V, 5.2Ah battery that offers a maximum range of 11-12.5miles / 18-20km (80kg rider S mode 30km/h speed flat road). The charging time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Pros: good brand reputation, lots of speed and braking options, solid build.

Cons: Limited range, lots of generic components. 

Teamgee H20T

 $649 USD or $824.53 CAD

Stiff | 1200W Hub Motor | comes with all terrain tires | top speed of 26 Mph/42Kph

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This board was brought to life by a Kickstarter campaign. Teamgee has called the H20T the affordable electric skateboard for all terrains. One of the cool features about the H20T is that the board comes with 103mm Rubber All-Terrain tires. This gives the rider more freedom when riding because you can easily switch onto the grass from the road if an unexpected roadblock comes up in your way.

This is also a nice feature since many areas with poorly serviced or roads with a lot of gravel need larger tires as well. The all terrain wheels have been speciality designed to help absorb the vibrations and shocks from the ground with specialty placed holes to widen the tires and act as a buffer between the ground and the board.

The H20T uses hub motors that can reach a maximum speed of 26mph / 41kmh and has a top range of 15 miles / 24km. There are four different speed modes so those new to e-skating can get a slow start and those more familiar can pump up the speed. This board has some great accelerating ability. In fact, it can accelerate from 0 to 28MPH (45km/h) in a mere 3-5 seconds.

Pros: All terrain wheels and a hub motor for versatility and durability, good acceleration

Cons: Many backers sight shipping delays and poor customer communication

Skatebolt Tornado Pro

$649 USD or $ 824.53 CAD

Stiff | 350 watt hub motors | Max range up to 25 miles (40 km) | Max speed up to 27 mph (43 km/h)

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The Skatebolt Tornado is a great electric longboard for those looking to upgrade their morning commute.

The 39 inch long 8 ply maple deck is stiff to give the rider more control at higher speeds. Unlike many other electric longboards, the Tornado offers rear taillights that glow solid during acceleration and blink during braking to keep riders a little safer.

The Skatebolt Tornado offers a sleek symmetrical design that although a little heavy at just under 20 lbs (9kg), is a great option for a fun daily commute. The Tornado offers two speed modes, regenerative braking and can tackle up to 25° inclines.

While this is considered a budget board, it is not necessarily for beginners. The braking system takes some getting used to and could feel jerky, especially if you are stopping at high speeds. It is important to get used to the mechanics of the brakes at lower speeds so you don’t risk falling off the board.

Skatebolt currently has the next generation of Tornado on preorder which has upgraded motors and more speed options.

Pros: Good safety features including rear LED light, good range and speed

Cons: Braking system requires a learning curve

Blitzart Hurricane Electric Longboard

 $289.99 USD or $371.28 CAD

Longboard | Flexy | 350 w brushless hub motor | Top speed up to 19 mph (30.5 km/h)

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If you are looking for a budget board from a solid brand, the Blizart Hurricane is a perfect choice.

Blizart boards are shipped fully assembled and the company is US-based with great customer service.

The Hurricane combines a quality build with a smart design. The 38 inch deck combines the strength of maple wood with the flexibility of bamboo to make a flexy board perfect for carving. There is even a built in handle for perfect portability.

This budget board offers two different speed modes for both beginners and more experienced riders and can reach a top speed of 19 mph (30.5 km/h). The board carry a maximum weight of 250 lb (113.3 kg), so it is definitely made for the adult rider.

The board offers a somewhat limited range of about 6-10 miles or 9.6 to 16 km. The good news is that if you run out of power, you can always use it as a manual board. Furthermore, the charging time for this board isn’t too long at 3 hours.

Pros: great brand and customer service, good design and speed. Great for beginners

Cons: short range, but good for someone who wants to use it as a manual board as well

Wowgo 3

$699 USD or $894.93 CAD

| longboard | flexy deck | Hobbywing ESC | Front Paris Truck | Hub motor

The Wowgo 3 is an example of paying a little more for an electric longboard and getting a better build with higher quality components.

The Wowgo 3 is built to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. The deck is a combination of bamboo and fibreglass to offer a flexible, yet strong board. The flexy deck is great for absorbing the vibration from the road to offer a smooth ride.

The smart LCD remote has a comfortable design that shows the speed, speed mode, battery power, direction and total range. The hobbywing ESC offers quick acceleration and up to 55% increase in power when in turbo mode.

In addition to a flexy deck, the Wowgo3 also  features a world-renowned Paris truck (in the front only) to provide both stability and the ability to carve easily. The 90*62mm 78A eccentric wheel with wider wheel wells. These softer wheels are both wear resistant and provide a stable, yet smooth riding experience.

There are four different speed modes:

•  1 Slow mode: 0-12miles/h(0-20km/h)
•  2 Normal mode: 0-18miles/h(0-30km/h)
•  3 Fast mode: 0-24miles/h(0-39km/h)
•  4 Turbo mode: 0-24miles/h(0-39km/h) 

Exway FLEX

$930 USD or $1181.53 CAD

Flexy | Hub 1200W×2 / Riot 1500W×2 | modular design | Max speed up to 25 mph / 40 kph

The Exway Flex truly is a board with flexibility. With so many design innovations and choices with your purchase, it truly allows the buyer to enjoy the best of both worlds.

The Exway Flex was designed for riders who want to get more performance out of their electric longboard and customize their board to their taste. Exway offers the buyer the option of either a hub motor or belt driven motor. The Flex is also a modular build so the battery, esc or motors are easily swapped out for simple maintenance.

The Flex was designed with the rider in mind. The flexy deck has wider areas with more stability and narrower areas have more flex for a smoother ride. The larger parabolic cutouts allow for more wheel versatility. The Flex has 85 mm 90% ultra-high-rebound urethane wheels.

The Flex also has an intuitiuve app that allows the rider to customize their wheel size in the app to more accurately capture speed and distance. In addition, the app allows the rider to choose from three preset riding modes to further customize their riding experience.

Along with a smooth ride, the Flex is also a fast one. With a max speed of up to 25 mph / 40 kph and an ability to climb up to a 30% grade hill, the Flex can get you where you are going fast.

The SONY VCT6 high-capacity battery has a replaceable design with an IP55 waterproof rating. It offers a maximum range of 20 miles/ 32km.

Pros: High quality build, option to get either a hub or belt driven motor, 12 month warranty

Cons: Higher price point-but you get what you pay for.

Choose Your Ride

No matter what board you choose, whether it is a budget board or one more moderately priced, make sure it is one that you will ultimately be happy with for a long time. Are you unsure if a longboard is the right choice for you? Check out our best electric skateboards for every budget!