Ownboard W2 Electric Skateboard Review
Could be the Ownboard W2 the Best Budget Electric Skateboard for Now?
Ownboard W2 is an electric longboard with a few things to offer, including not impacting your wallet.
From their e-longboard line, this is the only one with a belt-driven motor incorporated.
Maybe it is not the most good looking one, but considering the technology used for the motor and battery, surely you will have a smile on your face.
So far, the WowGo 3X is the electric longboard to look at for under $1000, but is the W2 the best budget e-board in 2020? Let’s review some of its attractive things and what could be a deal breaker.
Table of Contents
Quick Ownboard W2 Summary Specs
| MOTOR | – Read dual belt-driven. – 650 watts each. – Max Claimed: 28 mph (45 km/h). |
DECK | – Fiberglass bamboo. – L: 96.5 cm (38″); W: 22.5cm (9″). |
| BATTERY | Samsung 20R:
Samsung 30Q:
Both Li_Ion chemistry. |
CLIMBING ABILITY | – 30% inclination. |
| WHEELS | – 83 & 90 mm diameter. – 52 & 62 mm width. – 78A and 85A composition. |
CHARGING TIME | – 2-3 hrs (from flat). |
| CARRYING WEIGHT | – 120 kg (265 lb). | OVERALL WEIGHT | – With dual motor: 16 lb (7.4 kg). |
| RIDING MODES | – LED display. – Three (3). |
EXTERNAL ACCESSORIES | – None. |
The Deck
The W2 deck’s design seems pretty similar to the Meepo V3 Electric Skateboard.
I find the carrying handle interesting, which not too many e-boards have.
There is also the alternative for the deck not to have the handle. It is up to you, but I would say it is handy to have.
As for the design, the positive concave shape is very noticeable. This will give more strength when loading the deck.
Materials and their flexibility
The deck was built with a combination of fiberglass and bamboo to give it enough strength when skating on harsh terrains.
Both materials aver very strong and lightweight.
On the other hand, it is known that the deck’s flexibility is higher than expected. Regardless, it won’t compromise the battery cover or the ride.
In addition to the above, the deck has a foamy grip tape dedicated to reducing vibration and bumps while skating.
Alternatively, you can stick a regular grip tape (it comes with the board) if you are an old-school skater like me.
I like the flexibility degree and the quality of the deck. It behaves well at high speed and gives enough comfort on rough ground.
Maximum carrying weight
This electric longboard was designed to be loaded below 120 kg (265 lb).
This number is not about the motor efficiency (at some degree); it lands on the deck flexibility.
I would suggest keeping it under 110 kg, as other factors (such as speed) can alter the deck’s flex travel.
Wheel Options, Bearings, and Trucks
Like any other e-longboard manufacturer, they also have provided good quality wheels and bearings.
The wheels
One of the cool things about this board is the inclusion of two (2) different wheel sets.
The brand has included 83 mm and 90 mm diameter wheels in this case.
The 90 mm ones are 62 mm wide, and the 83 are 53 mm wide. As for the durometer part, the green ones are 78A grade, and the black set is 85A (stiffer).
Why did they include two (2) different wheel types?
As you may be aware, a wheel with a small diameter will respond better at acceleration, whereas a bigger wheel will enhance top speed.
I think this is a good move. Rather than relying entirely on the motor power, the wheel diameter variation helps greatly.
Besides, every skater is different. Some may like speed, and others may love more torque.
The bearings
As for the bearings, this manufacturer differed slightly from their competitors.
Most electric skateboards will have a bearing made of steel. This is commonly used due to its low cost in the market.
The flip side is the long-term quality. Steel bearings tend to wear out quicker and heat up easier. This translates into frequent maintenance or replacement.
The W2 electric longboard uses ceramic bearings. This material is pretty much contrary to steel material.
This is another good move from the company. Yes, it will cost more to replace them, but they will last longer, give more momentum, and don’t require frequent maintenance (like adding oil).
The trucks
I cannot say these are the dream trucks. Their quality is good enough for what you need.
I like the inclusion of the rubber band for additional strength of the trucks. I believe this mainly gives extra control when reaching the top speed.
Despite the rubber band’s inclusion, the bushings are too rigid and may tend to crack easily. Maybe look for better ones?
The Belt Driven Motors
Becoming another strong competitor for Boosted Board Stealth, this belt-operated motor is ready to give a substantial boost.
See that the drive system counts with internal springs, which allows for getting the correct belt tension.
A loose belt will most likely wear out easier than usual and could affect the motor’s efficiency.
Maximum speed and torque
Each motor was designed to provide 650w maximum power. Depending on the mode selected, you will have a minimum of 20km/h or a top speed of 45km/h.
To be honest, I think it is insane
.
In this case, the front and rear trucks significantly affect that speed. I advise adjusting the bushings to your desired control and body weight.
As for the torque, it is acceptable. Of course, the size of the wheels installed will affect the performance, so check both alternatives.
Climbing ability and braking performance
Combining the motor power, selection of the wheels, and an average carrying weight of 90kg, the W2 can do around 30% inclined hills.
This is an estimate, so don’t be so eager to have an exact number.
The braking performance is also affected by the above factors. In saying this, I can’t tell you how many meters will take you to get to a full stop.
Nevertheless, this belt drive configuration is good enough but not the most powerful one.
Ownboard W2 Battery
To ensure reliability when powering the motor, they decided to add the quality of Samsung batteries.
When buying this e-board, you can choose from a set of three (3) packs of 10 batteries (30Q-3P10S), or a group of two (2) packs of 10 batteries (20R – 2P10S).
If you have an extra 100 dollars to expend, it would be better to get the 30Q version.
Range offered
The range will be dependent on the battery you choose from.
The 30Q will give you approximately 14 miles (~22 km), whereas the 20R will provide you with around 10.5 km (6.5 miles).
This battery range is applicable if using the “beginner mode,” so keep in mind a reduction of 10% when using the most demanding one.
Chemistry and charging time
As with any other Samsung battery, this one’s chemistry is also Lithium Ion.
4.0Ah or 9.0Ah is what you could get.
Lastly, I like that the batteries won’t take too long to charge fully. For the 30Q alternative, it could take approximately 3 hrs.
Overall, I think there is a good outcome from whatever battery option you select.
Minimalist Remote Control
The W2 electric longboard is very easy to operate; therefore, there is no need for a sophisticated remote control.
I know many of you would like to control every aspect of the board while skating, but with a three (3) speed mode setup, there is not much to play around with.
In terms of the modes:
– Beginner: approx 20 km/h or 12 mph. This is a very relaxing one and suitable for busy roads.
– Middle: expect 30 km/h or 18 mph.
– Proficient: this one will get you an approximate speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). It is full-on.
Luckily, the motherboard has Hobbywing technology, which is known to be reliable and responsive.
A limitation I find with the control is the travel speed. For cities where this is regulated, it could be a bummer.
Overall, I think this remote control model has what is needed for a safe electric skating session.
Portability and Weight
As mentioned before, this electric board has two (2) deck models to choose from: with or without a carrying handle.
Having the carry handle will improve the portability; in the long term, you won’t feel much weight (7.4 kg – 16 lbs).
Honestly, not sure why there are two (2) deck alternatives, but since there is no price difference, go for whatever is more comfortable for you.
Now, the battery is easily removable (not easily swappable on the run, though). This is a benefit of air travel.
Ownboard W2 vs. WowGo 3X vs. Boosted Stealth
As mentioned above, would the WowGo 3X and Boosted Stealth be the direct competitors for the W2 or the other way around?
Let’s digest the main details:
| Boosted Stealth (read review) |
WowGo 3X (read review) |
Ownboard W2 | |
| *Motor / Speed | 1050w each – 39 km/h (24 mph) | 600w each – 39 km/h (24mph) | 650w each (45km/h) |
| Battery Range | 22 km | 22 km | 25 km |
| Wheels | 85 mm | 90 mm | Both 83mm & 90mm |
| Carrying Weight | 120 kg | 130 kg | 120 kg |
| Riding Modes | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Deck Specs |
|
|
|
| Slope degree | 30 % | ||
| Overall Weight | 7.7 kg | 8 kg | 7.4 kg |
| *Charging time | 1.45 hrs | 3 hrs | 3 hrs |
| *Price | >$1000 | <$1000 | <$1000 |
As seen in the table, the W2 electric longboard provides better performance in (highlighted):
– Speed.
– Max Range and,
– Wheels alternatives.
For the market price and the main specs involved, my personal selection would be the Ownboard brand.
Ownboard W2: Should you Buy It?
So far, we have seen that the W2 board has plenty of benefits and some downsides.
The deck is one of its benefits: suitable materials, well shaped, acceptable flexibility, and easy to carry.
The motor and battery, which are the ones making the difference, are also interesting. A motor that can reach very high speed and a battery with enough power to supply.
To add to the above, I like how Ownboard has shown love to its users. It is just excellent. Two (2) sets of wheels with different specifications.
Lastly, to take it to a new level, the Kegel and Flywheel pulleys will allow you to use any third-party wheels.
As for the limitation, there are minimal things found in the review. For instance, the ceramic bearing is excellent but pricey; also, the remote control may not be the most state-of-the-art.
For a market price below 700 dollars, the Ownboard W2 electric longboard has way more benefits to offer and, undoubtedly, an alternative to look at.
Images courtesy of Ownboard
Ownboard W2
<$700
What we like
- ✅ Two (2) wheel sets included to choose from.
- ✅ Reaches high speed, over 40km/h.
- ✅ Very good battery range.
What we do not like
- Controller cold be basic for some electric skaters.
- Hard to tell what speed you are skating.
- It is not the most good looking one.
