Meepo V3 Electric Skateboard (eLongboard) Review
Is the New Meepo V3 Electric Skateboard Better than the Previous Models?
No doubt, Meepo has developed some of the most affordable electric skateboards in the market. For this reason, the Meepo V3 electric skateboard is on our radar.
This could be an opportunity to buy your first e-board.
Over the years, the Chinese brand has evolved the technology of its parts.
Starting with the Meepo V1 (discontinued), there has been a good improvement in the battery and motor quality.
But what exactly does this budget-friendly e-board has to offer? Let us walk you through our review.
Table of Contents
Summary of the Meepo V3 Specs
MOTOR | - Read dual hub. - 540watt each. - Claimed: 28 mph (45 km/h). | DECK | - Shape: Concave. - Composite: Canadian Maple. - Flex: neutral. - Length: 99 cm (38"). - Width: 21.5 cm (9"). |
---|---|---|---|
BATTERY | Li-Ion Extended Range (ER): - 30Ah. - 288wh. - 36V. - Range: 20 miles (32 km). Li-Ion Standard: - 30Ah. - 144wh. - 36V. - Range: 11 miles (18 km). | MAX CLIMBING ABILITY | - 30% inclination. |
WHEELS | Standard: - 90 mm diameter. - 60 mm width. - 78A Durometer. | BRAKES | - Regenerative braking improved. - Four (4) levels of braking power. |
CARRYING WEIGHT | - 300 lb (136 kg). This is a lot. | OVERALL WEIGHT | - 16 lbs (7.2 kg). |
RIDING MODES | Four (4). See details in Meepo V3 Remote section. | CHARGING TIME | - 2.5 hrs for ER. - 2 hrs for Standard. |
The Deck and Design
Regardless of being a budget electric skateboard, Meepo has worked in a way to provide good quality elements to ensure a safe ride.
Deck construction
Version 3 is not so different from the previous models. It has been developed with seven (7) solid Canadian maple layers.
This type of material will not be as flexible as any other composite one, such as the one carried by Evolve Carbon GTR.
What is more important about the deck quality is the reinforcement around it.
I’m just thinking as an old fashion skater where the edges used to be cracked and dent.
I don’t think you will experience that because you won’t be doing tricks.
What about the design?
Clearly this design is based on a longboard shape. Based on its measurements, I will not classify it as a “skateboard.”
The carrying handle is a great feature, similar to what the budget WowGo 2S Electric Longboard has.
Adding to the above, it might not be necessary to you, but I like that they thought about the handle’s location.
You will see that the handle is closer to the heavier side, which is what matters when carrying this 7.2 kg e-board.
There is a couple of details I don’t find appealing:
– Battery design: the cover is excellent, strong, and lightweight enough; however, compared to other e-longboards and the clean look of the deck, I personally think it isn’t pleasant.
– Proximity to the ground: I know the deck has to be flexible enough for rough surfaces; however, I think there is not enough ground clearance for the battery and ESC covers to avoid potentially graspping the surface. Try to avoid speed bumps.
The Wheels Specs
This e-board won’t be able to reach such high speed without having the grip and traction these PU wheels offer.
Read More: Electric Skateboard Wheels Buying Guide.
Diameter and width
Here you will have two (2) options for the rear sleeves:
– Option 1: 90 mm diameter and 56 mm width or,
– Option 2: 100 mm diameter and 58 mm width.
The V3 normally comes with option 1, but you can request the 100 mm separately.
How to know what is best for you?
It all depends on what torque you would like to achieve—the smaller the diameter of the wheel, the more torque is transmitted by the motor.
90 mm to 100 mm is not much difference, but if you have to tackle hilly areas, 90 mm would be best.
Regarding the width, 58 mm is the best for responsiveness due to more contact patch.
Now, looking at the front set, you could expect three (3) alternatives:
– 90mm (D), 60mm (W).
– 97mm (D), 56mm (W).
– 100mm (D), 58mm (W).
At this stage, it is practically up to you what front wheels to fit for your Meepo V3.
Nevertheless, I suggest you pair the same diameter selected for the rear sleeves. This is to maintain a balanced ride.
NOTE
The diameter of the wheels MUST match the specification of the trucks. The minimum length of the trucks is 265 mm if using the 100mm ones. |
Quality and durometer
Both wheel options mentioned above are 78A grade.
According to our wheels guide, this durometer confirms that this e-board would land under the longboard category.
What else could you expect from an e-board hitting 45 km/hr? The grip is very crucial to maintain complete control of the ride.
Core, contact patch, and bearings
These three (3) elements are also essential to mention and only apply to the front pair.
The core is slightly moved towards the middle of the deck. This means you will have stability when changing direction or taking sharp corners at high speed.
The contact patch is flat, which adds to the overall stability.
Lastly, why not have ABEC 11 bearing rather than ABEC 9? The last one is okay, but for a better rolling experience, the higher, the better.
Dual Hub Motors
The dual hub motor is another improvement made with the V3 model.
There is not much difference compared to the previous version; nevertheless, the manufacturer states an increase of 30% in power.
You could expect 540 watts of power per motor capable of taking slopes around 30% inclination.
Note that the inclination will be affected by many factors.
Torque and power
On the other hand, the main thing here was to consider good power and torque.
Most riders would love this factor; some others also prefer low vibration.
Having a more powerful motor also means thin PU sleeves. Luckily, as mentioned before, you can fit 100 mm wheels to add shock-absorbent features.
Braking performance
The improvements to the motors have also contributed to better braking performance; this is a critical factor since you must have the best response when stopping from 45 km/hr.
In general, considering the price, I think these hub motors are more than reasonable.
V3’s Battery: Standard Vs. Extended Range (ER)
Adding to all the improvements, this Meepo model also offers the option to fit a standard battery or a more long-lasting one.
Standard range
With the standard battery option, you could expect a decent range of 11 miles (18 km). This is, in fact, very good compared to other competitors.
The upgrade version – extended range (ER)
If you think it is not enough range with the first alternative, the extended battery will give additional power.
I’m talking more than 9 miles (32 km with a full battery).
NOTES
More range does not translate to more power. You will still have the same power delivered by the hub motors. The range for both the standard and the extended will be affected by the rider’s weight, power mode, and surface inclination. |
Battery chemistry
You should not expect less from the chemistry of the batteries. Of course, the standard and ER have different arrangements.
The Li-Ion array is composed of ten (10) sets of two (2) packs, each line delivering an output of 4Ah, 144 watts per hr (standard) and 8Ah, 288watts per hr for the ER.
The difference lies in the battery type.
One last thing to consider:
The ER alternative is bigger in size, adding additional weight to the board. In the end, this does not matter.
How to Control this e-Board?
While the Chinese brand did try to improve the user experience with the MR remote control version, I think it has some good and no so good things.
I like that all the metrics of this e-longboard are now accessible, meaning you can be confident with the performance of each element.
But,
What I’m not too fond of much is the safety involved. I personally liked more the V2 remote control – straightforward.
It could be too distracting, similar to what a smartphone does.
Aside from this minor issue, I think it is terrific to have access to the metrics.
Two alternatives for the remote control
Usually, you would have the MR model, but the latest one is the M4 model.
Overall, there is not much difference between the two (2) options; both provide the same; however, I would go for the M4.
The M4 has a bigger LCD screen; most importantly, the stats are easier to read and understand.
Assistance modes
As with many other brands, it gives you four (4) riding alternatives:
MR (acceleration and braking) | M4 (acceleration and braking) |
Low Medium High Pro |
1 2 3 4 |
I recommend starting with this one, even if you are an expert. The low mode (Lv 1) will give you peace of mind before trying it for the first time. Speed: 5 mph. The Medium mode (Lv 2) gives enough power to gain your confidence. Speed: 10 mph. The high mode (Lv3) is an excellent option to gain speed and momentum for hilly locations. Speed: 27 mph. Lastly, the Pro mode (Lv 4). This mode provides the same top speed, but you will experience a more aggressive torque. Use it if you think you can handle it. Speed: 27 mph. |
With the Pro mode, you will drain the battery quicker than expected; be mindful of that.
The acceleration mode is not directly connected to the braking power.
The metrics you will get
Aside from the usual speed, the battery percentage, and the assistance mode, with the V3 MR, you can also:
– Change the braking power from low to high. This setting is recommended if going downhill.
– Check how far you have traveled over time (odometer) and,
– Battery of the remote itself. This is great for identifying when the connection is poor.
Some Extras to Pimp the V3
Not too many manufacturers offer users some extra elements for a better skating experience.
I guess safety is very important for this Chinese brand. For this, you could invest in the following:
– Front and rear lights to ride at night.
– Bash guards to protect the front and rear of the deck.
– Three (3) more bushing alternatives.
This last item is perfect to consider.
You can have from 83A (soft) to 100A (hardest). If you are a heavy rider, then better to go with a 96A or 100A, especially to maintain stability at high speed.
Meepo V3 Electric Skateboard (e-longboard) Review Wrap Up
Despite being a Chinese brand (sometimes associated with low-quality products), this budget electric skateboard is not the case.
So far, this model is one of the fastest e-boards in the market (45 km/h) just by using hub motors.
Power and torque are what the dual hub motors deliver. This is complemented by the different options in wheel sizes and bushings.
The battery is not bad at all too. Either way, the standard or extended range (ER) will deliver what most riders want.
Lastly, the remote controls. MR or M4 also provides a better user experience, which some other manufacturers lack.
In summary, the Meepo V3 electric skateboard has what is needed to compete with other more prominent brands in this market.
Images courtesy of Meepo
What do you think about the V3?
Meepo V3
What we like
- ✅ Good quality affordable electric skateboard.
- ✅ Braking performance is better than most competitors.
- ✅ Easy to carry at any time thanks to the handle in the deck.
What we do not like
- Ground clearance from the battery and ESC casing are too low.
- Possibly too heavy for some riders.
- Spare part (eg, hub sleeves) are hard to get.