Electric Skateboards vs. Traditional Skateboards: Which is Better?

Introduction

Electric skateboards have revolutionized the skateboarding scene, with advancements in lithium-ion batteries and motors enabling riders to achieve greater speeds and distances without the need for manual pushing. Lithium-ion battery and motor advances now provide power-assisted riding, reaching speeds and distances beyond unaided pushing.

However, traditional non-electric skateboards retain devoted fans treasuring their pure experience. This analysis compares the core attributes of electric versus regular boards. Factors examined include speed, effort requirements, range or distance capabilities, maneuverability, costs, and maintenance needs.

Quick look sheet

Aspect	Electric Skateboards	Traditional Skateboards
Speed and Efficiency	Higher speeds and longer distances with motorized power.	Lower speeds, physical effort required.
Convenience and Versatility	Ideal for commuting, versatile for various terrains.	Typically suited for smooth surfaces and urban environments.
Beginner-Friendly	Easier for beginners, offer stability and control.	Steeper learning curve, require more balance and skills.
Skill Development	Less focus on physical skill, more on maneuvering.	Requires greater physical skill, improving balance and agility.
Creativity and Style	Limited tricks and stunts, less emphasis on style.	Abundant opportunities for tricks, stunts, and personalization.
Affordability and Simplicity	The initial cost may be higher, require maintenance.	Generally, more affordable upfront, less maintenance.

What are Electric Skateboards?

Electric skateboards, also known as e-boards or powered boards, basically put rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs and electric motor systems on a normal skateboard. This gives it a boost of speed and extends how far you can ride compared to just pumping your legs.

The motor is usually near the back truck and you control it either with a handheld remote or using self-balancing tech on fancier models. More advanced setups let you choose different speed modes and can recharge the battery as you brake downhill.

Now that we know what an e-skateboard is, let’s dive into how they differ from traditional non-electric skateboards. There are some tradeoffs between the high-tech e-boards and plain skateboards.

The Pros and Cons of Electric Skateboards

Pros	Cons
Speed & Agility: Electric boards feature powerful high-torque motors capable of speeds up to 30 mph, significantly faster than manual pushing. Precise motor control provides rapid acceleration and maneuvering. Whether commuting or enjoying leisure rides, riders benefit from the effortless ability to zip efficiently from place to place. Versatility & Convenience: Integrated all-terrain wheels allow electric skateboards to ride smoothly on paved streets as well as occasional forays off road. Commuters especially value how motors effortlessly glide boards through dense urban traffic with minimal exertion. Hills pose no obstacle, freeing riders to explore beyond level ground. Battery-powered propulsion yields unprecedented routing flexibility. Beginner-Friendly Design: Learning is less intimidating versus traditional setups due to motorized stability aids that cultivate balance, steering finesse, and risk-averse instincts from the start. This reduces potential falls and lets newcomers focus on fun over technique. Motors lessen the difficulty curve to encourage early confidence.	Higher Initial Investment: Price tags range from $500-2000+ to integrate high-capacity batteries, high-torque motors, and power electronics — costlier than manual boards. Upgrades like extended range or faster top speeds command premium pricing. Limited Range Per Charge: Ride durations are on average 10-25 miles, depending on the rider’s weight, speed, and terrain, but constant recharging is needed. Battery lifespan shortens with charging cycles, necessitating eventual replacements that drive long-term costs upwards. Increased Weight: Motors and heavy-duty batteries weigh boards down, averaging 15-30 lbs — bulkier to transport versus lighter traditional setups. Heft impacts agility for tricks and maneuvers. Potential Maintenance & Repair: Like any motor-driven device, electronic components may require periodic service or substitution. Damaged batteries, motors, or controllers can incur significant repair bills to return the board to full function.

Pros

Cons

Speed & Agility: Electric boards feature powerful high-torque motors capable of speeds up to 30 mph, significantly faster than manual pushing. Precise motor control provides rapid acceleration and maneuvering. Whether commuting or enjoying leisure rides, riders benefit from the effortless ability to zip efficiently from place to place.
Versatility & Convenience: Integrated all-terrain wheels allow electric skateboards to ride smoothly on paved streets as well as occasional forays off road. Commuters especially value how motors effortlessly glide boards through dense urban traffic with minimal exertion. Hills pose no obstacle, freeing riders to explore beyond level ground. Battery-powered propulsion yields unprecedented routing flexibility.
Beginner-Friendly Design: Learning is less intimidating versus traditional setups due to motorized stability aids that cultivate balance, steering finesse, and risk-averse instincts from the start. This reduces potential falls and lets newcomers focus on fun over technique. Motors lessen the difficulty curve to encourage early confidence.

Higher Initial Investment: Price tags range from $500-2000+ to integrate high-capacity batteries, high-torque motors, and power electronics — costlier than manual boards. Upgrades like extended range or faster top speeds command premium pricing.
Limited Range Per Charge: Ride durations are on average 10-25 miles, depending on the rider’s weight, speed, and terrain, but constant recharging is needed. Battery lifespan shortens with charging cycles, necessitating eventual replacements that drive long-term costs upwards.
Increased Weight: Motors and heavy-duty batteries weigh boards down, averaging 15-30 lbs — bulkier to transport versus lighter traditional setups. Heft impacts agility for tricks and maneuvers.
Potential Maintenance & Repair: Like any motor-driven device, electronic components may require periodic service or substitution. Damaged batteries, motors, or controllers can incur significant repair bills to return the board to full function.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Skateboards

Pros	Cons
Skill building: While traditional skating requires balance and coordination, electric boards allow new riders or those with limited mobility to enjoy skating as well. The motor helps overcome initial difficulties so anyone can participate. Skills still improve over time as riders progress to using less motor assist. Creativity and self-expression: Electric boards still allow for customization through choice of board design, style of riding, and tricks. The technology does not inherently limit individual expression. Riders can develop their unique approach within the capabilities of any board type. Economical design: While upfront costs are lower for traditional skateboards, lifetime costs should be compared. Repairs from falls may offset initial savings. Electric boards require battery replacement but provide motorized transportation that could replace other vehicles’ costs. Assist modes let electric boards be used with minimal battery drain too.	Intense Physical Exertion: Self-propulsion demands constant leg work, tiring riders more over longer rides versus battery assistance. Slower Maximum Speeds: Tops speeds only reach 8-12 mph without motor boosts, lengthening travel times versus battery-powered cruising. Steeper Learning Curve: Gaining braking/balance control without motor aids poses injury risks for inexperienced skaters as skills develop.

Pros

Cons

Skill building: While traditional skating requires balance and coordination, electric boards allow new riders or those with limited mobility to enjoy skating as well. The motor helps overcome initial difficulties so anyone can participate. Skills still improve over time as riders progress to using less motor assist.
Creativity and self-expression: Electric boards still allow for customization through choice of board design, style of riding, and tricks. The technology does not inherently limit individual expression. Riders can develop their unique approach within the capabilities of any board type.
Economical design: While upfront costs are lower for traditional skateboards, lifetime costs should be compared. Repairs from falls may offset initial savings. Electric boards require battery replacement but provide motorized transportation that could replace other vehicles’ costs. Assist modes let electric boards be used with minimal battery drain too.

Intense Physical Exertion: Self-propulsion demands constant leg work, tiring riders more over longer rides versus battery assistance.
Slower Maximum Speeds: Tops speeds only reach 8-12 mph without motor boosts, lengthening travel times versus battery-powered cruising.
Steeper Learning Curve: Gaining braking/balance control without motor aids poses injury risks for inexperienced skaters as skills develop.

Factors to Weigh When Choosing a Board

Purpose: Commuting long distances quickly? Leisure cruising or carving? Interested in tricks and stunts? Consider whether you prioritize speed, fun, or skill-building.
Skill Level: A beginner may feel more secure on an electric board, while experienced shredders get more out of a traditional setup for honing technique.
Budget: Dollars matter in the short and long run. Traditional setups are easier on wallets upfront. But motors could save on gas money over time for daily riders.
Environmental Impact: Electric power raises some eyebrows, but swapping gas for electric activity burns less emissions. Traditional carries a simpler production footprint too.

ECOMOBL electric skateboard

Conclusion

In the choice between electric and traditional skateboards, the decision boils down to your personal preferences and needs. Electric cruisers blast off but batteries bump costs and maintenance. Traditional boards build skills through effort, keeping setups affordable. There is a need to weigh goals, talents, and finances before your choice. Skating cultivates experiences worth the journey.

FAQs

Q: How do electric boards do on hills compared to regular boards?: Electric boards have a big advantage on hills since they’ve got that motor to help power you up. Steep hills are no sweat for them. With a regular board, hills take some grunt work.
Q: How long does it take to juice up an electric board battery?: Charge times are usually 2-6 hours for a full battery, depending on size and charger power. A lot of chargers can get you to 80% in under two hours though, which is plenty for most rides.
Q: What’s the weight limit for electric boards usually?: Most manufacturers rate their electric boards for riders up to about 200-250 pounds. Heavier riders will see reduced range and acceleration compared to lighter folks.
Q: Can I do tricks on an electric like a regular board?: Electric boards aren’t as nimble, so tricks aren’t their strong suit. If flips and spins are your game, stick with a regular board made for maneuvers.
Q: Are electric boards even legal to ride on roads and sidewalks?: Laws vary from place to place. Some spots allow roads and bike lanes, while others see them as motor vehicles needing licenses. Sidewalks are often okay for regular boards only. Check your local rules!
Q: Can I still use an electric skateboard like a regular if the battery’s kaput?: Yes, electric boards can be cranked manually when drained. But they may feel bulkier than a board designed without battery weight.