There are plenty of ways to carry on shredding during the summer days, but if you are tired of pushing, we’ve got just the thing. We’re seeing some great innovations in electric ‘last-mile’ transportation, which doesn’t mean you can’t buy one of those just for the fun. Yes, electric longboards are getting serious.
Electric longboard have been around for a few years but they’ve only recently become really sexy. The first commercially available decks had cables everywhere, huge battery packs and weighted tons. But the world wants better and cleaner energy sources and this means there is more research done on technologies like batteries and electric motors. The new generation of e-longboards is faster, longer lasting and weights less. If you have the cash to spare, they also look insanely fun to ride.
Boosted boards
Boosted boards are, in our opinion, the best looking available right now. The slick and minimal design, orange wheels and bamboo deck just looks stunning. They also offer three different configurations depending on your need and wallet. The cheaper config gives you around 8 miles of range with a top speed of 18 mph. It has regenerative braking, can climb 10% hills and uses top of the line parts like Caliber trucks and Loaded’s Vangard Bamboo deck. Weights 13.5 lbs and costs $999. The only problem, it’s only available in the US and Canada. Bummer.
Yuneec E-Go
The Yuneec E-Go is relatively new and is also the cheapest in our selection. For 749€ ($840) you get pretty much the same specs as the Boosted. It’s just slightly heavier at 13.8 lbs (6.3kg) and not as sexy.
ZBoard
Marble Board
The Marbel board is a Kickstarter-funded e-longboard. There seems to be a new campaign for e-longboards every week right now. This one is supposed to be the lightest in the world at 10 lbs (4.5 kg). The prowerfull 2000W motor will climb up to 20% hills. The rest of the specs are similar to the ZBoard 2, 25 mph top speed, 16 miles range. We really like that all the electronic is neatly integrated into the board. You can pre-order one now for $1299. Ships August-September this year.
Mellow drive
DIY Electric longboard
Now there is also the DIY route. The community is very active, with small companies selling parts to build your own from the deck of your choice. Sites like http://diyelectricskateboard.com/ or http://www.enertionboards.com/ sell almost all the parts needed to build an electric longboard for less. If you need advice, head to the dedicated section on the Endless Sphere forum. There is a ton of info there plus genuinely interested people that could help you out.