10 Common Errors When Buying an Electric Skateboard
Do you think that buying an e-board is hard?
In theory, buying an e-board is easy. You only have to check the models, see which one you like, and complete the transaction. Fuss-free, right? Well, no! It’s not that simple.
Something to remember is that not all models are suitable for all riders. If you want to make sure the one you like is right for you, check out the 10 common errors below and stay away from them when buying your ride.
Table of Contents
1) Not Weighing in All Your Options
One of the biggest mistakes you could make when buying an electric board is not weighing all your options.
E-skateboards come in all shapes and sizes. From mini versions suitable for kids, teens, ladies, and beginners to longboards ideal for experienced riders.
When buying, make sure to check the whole offering on the market. This is the only way to make an informed decision.
2) Not Considering the E-board Battery Chemistry
It’s easy to understand that the battery’s performance will ultimately determine your ride’s performance.
If the battery is powerful, your board can reach longer distances keeping the power balanced. Yet, it’s surprising how many people fail to check the battery chemistry before buying.
Read More: Electric Skateboard Battery Explained For Rookies
In a nutshell, you should go for lithium-ion batteries with a power of at least 250 watts and at least 2.5 Ah. The watts determine the battery’s capacity, thus its ability to drive the motor longer and faster.
The amp-hour determines the charging speed – the higher this number, the quicker the battery will recharge.
3) Overlooking the Hill Climbing Ability
Newbies might wrongfully believe that their electric skateboard can go anywhere. However, it might not be exactly performing when climbing hills.
Depending on the motor’s power, you can climb up to 35% on inclines. However, this is more of an exception than a rule.
Cheaper boards can’t usually deal with anything steeper than 20%. If you live in a hilly area or plan to use it for competitions, it’s better to check its specs beforehand.
4) Forgetting to Check the e-board Maintenance and Care Requirements
Like all motorized vehicles, it needs periodical maintenance. Some of the most obvious are changing the wheels when they wear out or changing the motors.
Wooden decks might also need more care and maintenance than composite ones.
If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, get it with removable hub motors, such as the Teamgee H5 electric longboard or the Maxfind Max 2 electric skateboard.
This will allow you to change the wheels only when they wear out. I also recommend checking the overall maintenance requirements to ensure you won’t have to spend a lot of time and money to keep it pristine.
Read More: Choosing an E-Skateboard Deck: Materials, Shape, and Flexibility
5) Buying From the Wrong Dealers
This should go without saying; make sure the dealer you’re buying from is reputable and trustworthy.
Buying from the wrong dealer could mean no aftersales support. If you have an issue with the board while in warranty, you might have to figure out everything on your own.
6) Not Checking the Price vs. Quality
Another vital thing to check is the overall value for money. A cheap one could be ideal for beginners, but your desired model must still be responsive and provide quick braking.
A cheaper electric skateboard or longboard might also get damaged faster.
However, a higher price isn’t necessarily a guarantee of the quality. The easiest way to assess the value for money is by reading customer reviews before buying.
Lastly, if you still need a budget one, I recommend having a read to the Kooboard Gen 2 Electric Longboard Review.
7) Not Testing Your Ride
Testing your ride doesn’t only guarantee that the board performs as advertised; it also allows you to check how you feel about it.
Even if you’re planning to buy online to secure a better deal, you can still visit a local dealer in your area (if any) and have a ride before placing your order.
Lastly, there are three (3) factors that also need to be tested:
– your height,
– weight and,
– your needs.
Your height will rely mainly on the width of the deck since your feet should never be out of the deck’s perimeter. This is for safety reasons.
The weight will drastically impact the motor’s performance (not the battery), so think about how much load you will put on the board.
Lastly, your main goal of having the board. What is it?
8) Forgetting to Check the Local Laws
Most e-board riders forget that an electric skateboard is not the same as a traditional one. These boards can easily reach speeds around 25mph, meaning they are capable of causing harm to you and others.
Most municipalities have implemented local laws and regulations you should follow.
For example, in Victoria, Tasmania, ACT, and Northern Territory in Australia, it is illegal to ride an electric scooter if the motor is above 200watts and the top speed is over 10km/h (source: The Guardian).
You should also check if there are any restrictions as far as it comes to riding. In some residential areas, skating could be forbidden, even if riding on the footpath. For instance, in New South Wales (NSW), South Australia, and Western Australia, it is only legal to ride an e-scooter on private property (source: The Guardian).
I know I’m talking about e-scooters, but this also applies to any element powered by a motor.
If you don’t want to invest your hard-earned money to realize that you can’t use it the way you wanted, always check if there is any law and regulation.
9) Not Considering Your Skating Skills
It should go without saying that if you’re buying an e-board, you should be able to ride it.
A few things newbies often forget to check are the rider’s height and weight specifications. Small or mini e-boards, for instance, are often unsuitable for most riders. On the other hand, an electric longboard might be too cumbersome for a short rider.
Ideally, getting one rated at least 20 pounds above your weight would be best and suitable for your height.
10) Forgetting the Minimum Safety Requirements
Lastly, don’t forget that riding an electric board without considering the minimum safety requirements could result in injury.
Make sure the model you like has an easy-to-use remote, responsive brake, and smooth acceleration. Please don’t use it on hills steeper than it can handle; always wear protective gear.
Yea, I know you want to look cool, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Buying an electric skateboard shouldn’t be challenging, especially now that you know the most common mistakes you should consider.
