Let’s be honest, electric skateboards are beyond cool. Every time you see someone riding one you can’t help but watch them zip on by. You probably wish you had one for yourself, but haven’t a clue where to begin in choosing the right one. Or maybe you do but would still like some help anyway. I hope this can help you better choose which one to buy and make the process much less daunting. There are a lot of factors to keep in mind when choosing one.
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Top 10 Best Quality Electric Skateboards for Less Than $1000
A grand or less seems like a reasonable amount to spend on something like this, and there are plenty to choose from in this price range. Some even go for far, far less, but with that comes far less quality. But we have picked over some that will give you the best bag for your buck, in terms of the best electric skateboards you can get. Whether you are looking for a cruiser skateboard, electric longboard, or something else to fit your riding style, here are the top ten best skateboards for under $1000.
Phoenix Ryders – Dragon
Buy on Amazon
About the Brand: This brand is dedicated not only to providing you with a fun, but also safe riding experience. It is a electric board of superb performance in so many ways. If you are new to the electric skateboarding scene, this is a good brand for those interested in a network of community support as well as technical support. They want to provide a community for those new to as well as well versed in the ways of the electric skateboarding world.
Specs on the board: This electric longboard has all the great aspects of high end electric skateboards at a lower price. The electric board has two speed modes, low and high. Top speed on the low end is 14 mph, whereas top speed on the high end is 25 mph, making it great for beginners, experts and anyone in between.
The Dragon is capable of climbing hills with a 25% grade, thanks to its hub motor system. The range is 18miles, giving you a lot more riding time than most others can offer. This means more time on the road and less time looking for an outlet. The electric board is thin, but also tall enough to ride over most bumps without getting scratched underneath, which gives you a lot of peace of mind while out and about.
The wheels on this board, measuring 90mm, allow for a very smooth ride on most road conditions. The electric board also features a taillight, making night riding much safer. One super nice feature of this electric board is that it’s waterproof, not just water resistant, which always comes in handy, especially if you live in climates more prone to rain.
One drawback is that this electric board is very heavy, weighing 18lbs, but it is very stable and durable because of that. It doesn’t flex much, which would likely ruin the battery if it did, but it makes riding long distances faster much more comfortable.
Pros
- Taillights for safety during night riding
- Waterproof.
- A smooth ride, esp. with a max speed of 25 miles per hour!
Cons
- Heavy. 18lbs.
Maxfind – Max 2
Buy on Amazon
About the Brand: Maxfind is committed to providing a safe and easy transportation system, using hub motors instead of a belt drive system, they try to be on the cutting edge of electric electric board technology however they can.
Specs on the board: At 32 in. by 9 in., and weighing roughly 13lbs, this is an excellent little electric board for its size and weight. It’s definitely on the lighter end of electric skateboards out there. It is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 24 mph while also having a regenerative braking system, allowing the battery to charge while braking. It is capable of tackling hills of more than 20% grade with ease and also rides over bumps and imperfections without a problem.
The battery has a range of up to 17 miles of range and when the battery does run out of juice, you won’t need more than 2 hours to recharge it, giving you more time out on the road and less time in search of a power outlet. One cool feature of this board, among many, is its newly designed grip tape. Instead of the traditional Emery paper, which offers slip resistant surface but is scratchy, they invited a surface made of PVC and PEA that is both slip resistant as well as scratch free.
Not only does this make the electric board friendlier on your beautiful hands, it also makes it much, much easier to clean. The Max 2 is durable and tested for scratch resistance, making the creative diamond design o the bottom ever more loveable. The electric board is designed for speed and stability, which means it is on the stiffer side. This also helps to protect the battery, which is made to almost blend in with the electric board on bottom.
This also contributes to the fact that the electric board is waterproof, a needed feature for certain riding conditions. Lastly, the remote control control also has a cruise control feature, which is nice when traveling an even terrain. Though the brakes are a little sensitive, this is not nearly enough to write off the electric board over, as it is an excellent piece of technology for what you are paying for it.
Pros
- Scratch free, gripping surface.
- Light. Only 13lbs.
- Regenerative braking system.
- A really cool-looking board, with its artsy designed deck.
Cons
- Overly sensitive brakes.
Boosted Boards – Boosted Mini X Electric Skateboard
Buy on Amazon
About the Brand: Boosted is one of the most trusted brands out there. They are a leader in electric skateboard technology and have continually ranked among some of the best electric skateboards in terms of performance and so much more. In fact, most other companies out there just try to make better and/or cheaper versions of what Boosted produces. They tend to cost more, but if you’re willing to pay more, then it will be worth it.
They also have one of the best customer support and service departments out there, so keep that in mind when considering them. They offer a speed in repair and professionalism in costumer service that many, many other companies cannot and do not.
Specs on the board: The Mini X is an amazing vehicle. Using a belt drive system, it can reach a top speed of 20 mph, which is plenty fast for most. It also has an extended range of 14 miles, giving you plenty of uninterrupted fun while only needing an hour and 45 minutes to recharge fully and get you back on the road. With Boosted you’ll enjoy some of the most cutting edge technology available without having to worry about quality.
One amazing feature is their trade marked Jerk Filter, which eases you into braking and accelerating alike. While braking, it also helps to recharge the battery, another great innovation by Boosted. The remote control control connects to the electric board using two Bluetooth signals, allowing for much better connectivity and far less interruptions or problems while using it.
With amazing torque and custom wheels that are soft enough for road imperfections and firm enough for riding, it can climb hills of 20%. The company stands by this product with a 12-month warranty, though with its reinforced polymer, fiberglass and poplar construction it’s unlikely that you will need to use it. It also has a deep-dish design, curving up on the ends to help you handle turns better. This electric board is great for beginners as well as experts, if you’re willing to spend the money.
Pros
- A highly trusted and reliable brand.
- Great product, maybe one of the best out there, quality-wise.
- Jerk Filter keeps the electric board from throwing you off violently.
- Excellent electric board for all around performance.
Cons
- It’s pricey. It’s worth it, but it’s pricey.
Skatebolt – Tornado
Buy on Amazon
About the Brand: Skatebolt is dedicated to offering people a safe and convenient form of transportation. They want you to have fun and be safe while doing it. And they don’t want you to spend too much either. They work to keep the cost down when and where they can, so you know you’re getting a great product at a great price.
Specs on the board: With two modes, mild and sport, this electric board can reach top speeds of up to 13.75mph and 25mph, respectively. The range is 21-24 miles, which is one of the most competitive ranges you will be able to find for electric skateboards like this, even for some of the more expensive ones. With 90 mm wheels, you can climb hills in excess of 25% grade and right over bumps smoothly.
It measures 38 in. by 9.5 in, making it larger than other electric skateboards , so more of a longboard. A electric board this size won’t be too light, especially with 9 layers of maple being used for the deck, so it makes sense that it weighs 19.5lbs. For safety, there are red taillights installed behind the rear truck that you can turn on and off with the remote control control. This is a solid board, built to be sturdy and handle high speeds safely.
It can speed up well and brake smoothly, both very important qualities. It can climb most hills with ease. This electric board is powerful, that’s for sure. With it’s 9 layers of maple, aside from being a little heavy, it is very sturdy and durable, so don’t be afraid if it gets bumped and bruised. This is also one of the more affordable electric skateboards on this list, so if it’s the price you’re concerned about, this might be a good choice. Just know that with a cheaper price, despite still being such a great board, means it may not be as good as some of the more expensive ones.
Pros
- Up to 24 miles of battery life.
- Taillights for safety.
- Much lower in price compared to other on the list.
Cons
- It’s a little heavy, at 19.5lbs.
Loaded Electric Skateboards – Solo Electric Skateboard Complete
About the Brand: This company is a little different than other electric skateboarding companies. Although they do sell electric skateboards , they specialize in making electrical components for skateboards. They cater to converting regular electric skateboards into electric ones, but also make an excellent electric skateboard where they put there electrical components on a deck for you. This is a company that caters more to those interested in an electric board for tricks. Though it can still be great for commuting.
Specs on the board: This electric board somehow manages to incorporate width and stability while also staying compact and nimble. Not many other electric skateboards can boast this. The electric board measures 33.5 inches by 10 inches, making it big enough to maneuver well, but also small enough to not be too clunky. Plus, it only weighs 13lbs, making it one of the lighter electric skateboards out there. It is capable of reaching a top speed of 23 mph, which is more than enough speed for most, especially on a electric board designed less for commuting and more for tricks and such.
The battery only lasts for around 7 miles, which is a bummer, but it only takes 80 minutes to recharge. Plus, most usually have two batteries installed on it for extra distance and time between charges. It also feature brakes that recharge the battery, which always comes in handy, but don’t use the brakes immediately after a full charge, if you can help it.
This may wear more on the battery than it should. With 85mm wheels and the ability to climb hills up to 20% grade, you can easily tackle most obstacles you might face. This electric board offers 3 speed settings; Snail, Eco, and Pro, making it great for beginners and advanced riders alike. There are also cruise control and nitro features, making it both fun and practical. The electric board has a simple elegance about it, looking like a artistically designed classic skateboard.
Pros
- Super light- 13lbs.
- Short charging time (80 minutes).
- A different kind of board, for those looking for something unique.
Cons
- Short battery life, though you can install 2 batteries for more life.
Koowheel – D3M 2nd Gen.
About the Brand: This company is committed to making your riding not only safe, but fun. With more than 10 years of experience, you know you will be getting a good product when you buy from them.
Specs on the board: At 36 in long and weighing 17lbs, this board, known as the Kooboard, is more of a longboard than a skateboard. The deck is concave and offers more then enough room for both feet to sit comfortably. This deck, made out of 7 layers of Canadian maple, provides both durability and flexibility. It can tackle carving better than most, because of its gorgeous craftsmanship.
You won’t be violently thrown either, as the edges are slightly curved up to ensure you are cradled in while moving or carving or whatever you might be doing. This concave design also serves to reduce shock through dispersion. The electric board is propelled by 2 350W in-wheel motors, which allow for a top speed of up to 24 miles per hour in top speed mode, but 20 miles per hour in normal mode, which is plenty fast for most.
The battery has a maximum range of 15.5 miles, but with the removing of a single screw can be swapped out for a fresh one, in case you need to do so. The battery takes a while to charge, though, taking up to 4 hours to reach a full charge. This electric board can ascend hills of 25% grade, though 20% is more realistic. The wheels, offering great traction and resilience, are made of a high quality polyurethane. The wheels are replaceable without having to replace the motors, and vice versa, something not always common to in-wheel motors.
Pros
- Top speed of 24 mph.
- Replaceable wheels and motors, without having to replace both.
- Hub drive system allows for easier acceleration and braking without jerking.
Cons
- Potential to be jerked when starting up.
- Using Low-Energy function, the remote control control has a few connectivity errors.
MotoTech – 1600
About the Brand: MotoTech tried and succeeded in making a electric board for a different kind of audience. If you’re tired of letting roads and paths define your trip, this is a great electric board for tackling all kinds of fun “roads”.
Specs on the board: If you are looking for something different, this is a great electric board to check out. Designed for all terrain, this electric board is a monster that will make you the envy of road-bound riders. This 12-ply maple wood electric board weighs 71lbs, because it means business.
The wheels measure 10 inches by 3 inches and are pneumatic and knobby for the best comfort and traction. They are also supported with springs for shook absorption. They are powered by 2 separate motors, one for each rear wheel, allowing it to move through uneven terrain without getting stuck. The motors, 800W each or 1600W collectively, can propel the electric board from 0 to 15 mph in 3.5 seconds, so hold on. It can reach a top speed of 22 mph and will last about 10 miles before needing up to 5 hours of recharging. Be sure to wear safety gear on this longboard.
Pros
- Can ride over nearly anything with ease.
- A very powerful board.
- Don’t ever get stuck, as the wheels run on separate motors.
Cons
- Heavy!
- Takes a long time to fully recharge.
Teamgee – H5
Buy on Amazon
About the Brand: No need to worry about getting great skateboards from this company. You can know that when buying an electric skateboard from them you are getting a very competitive product at a great price.
Specs on the board: The Teamgee is one of, if not the, thinnest electric skateboards out there, measuring only an impressive 0.47 inches. And at being 3.1 inches off of the ground, this electric board offers a great amount of stability, since your center of gravity is lowered. You will notice the how this comes into play as you ride it.
From first glance, it may be hard to tell that this electric board is an electric one, since the battery is so hard to notice. It really blends in with the deck, contributing to its thinness. The deck is made up of 11 plies, 10 being Canadian maple, and 1 being fiberglass, making it very sturdy and durable. With it being so thin, it is also fairly light, only weighing 13.7lbs, which makes it not as burdensome to carry around, if need be.
It is 38 inches long ad 8.5 inches wide, so it’s even more impressive that it’s as light as it is. It can reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour and tackle hills of 20% grade, while lasting for around 11 miles. When the battery dies, spend only a couple hours recharging it before hitting the road again.
The wheels are 90mm, giving you a very comfortable and enjoyable ride. As far as turning is concerned, the concave design of the deck makes turning easier and the nimbleness of the electric board only serves to make turning that much eaier. As the wheel wear out, instead of replacing the whole motor system, save money and time by just swapping out the wheels, something not every electric board offers and is a pain when they don’t.
Things will wear out, so invest, if you can, in a electric board that makes repairs and replacements as quick, easy and cheap as possible. Lastly, this electric board is waterproof, making it great for year-round rides. But if you do encounter a problem, the company gives you a 90 day warranty, giving you peace of mind as you ride.
Pros
- Thin. Super thin!
- Waterproof.
- Easily replaceable wheels.
Cons
- Only reaches a speed of 20 mph.
Vestar – V2 Pro
About the Brand: This company prides themselves on being the best budget brand out there. They compete with brands like Boosted, offering similar electric skateboards at nearly a third of the cost. Though not of the same quality as more expensive brands, they still offer great electric skateboards at great prices. They also offer a 180 day warranty and 24/7 customer support on all their products.
Specs on the board: This is a very classic looking electric board that does all it should do well. It’s meant to be a cheaper version of a Boosted board, and it doesn’t fall short. It is made out of two layers of bamboo and six layers of maple, making it durable while also being flexible. It utilizes a dual belt drive system, giving you excellent torque, excellent speed and acceleration and excellent uphill climbing.
The electric board stands at 38 inches tall, giving you plenty of room to stand. It can get up to 23 mph and the battery can tackle a max range of around 23 miles before needing a recharge. This makes it an excellent electric board for commuting. It can also handle hills in excess of 25% grade. It features, like most, brakes that recharge the battery. It weights only 16lbs and can be carried via the handle carved into the deck. This is a very portable electric board with plenty of great features for ease of use and enjoyment of travel. Though they don’t offer the network that Boosted does, for the price it’s a great vehicle.
Pros
- Dual belt drive, offering you more power
- Climb hills over 25% grade successfully.
- Handle carved into the deck for ease of transportation.
- Nitro and cruise control features.
Cons
- Belt drives are more expensive to repair and replace.
Verreal – V1S
About the Brand: Verreal is committed to helping you enjoy riding an electric board, as you should. They strive to have a great electric board with great performance. They offer free shipping to over 100 countries and offer a 90-day warranty on their products.
Specs on the board: This electric skateboard is made out of 8 layers of maple, making it very sturdy and durable. With a maximum speed of almost 25 miles per hour and the ability to climb hills of over 25% grade, this electric board strives to be fast and powerful. Capable of a max range of 8.7 miles on the fast end and 11 miles on the slow end, it doesn’t go as far as some, but goes far enough for more than most to get to work and back usually.
If you want, you could carry a screwdriver and an extra battery with you and replace it with ease when you need to. Weighing less than 15lbs and measuring 38 inches by 9.5 inches, it’s a much lighter electric skateboard while also remaining big enough to stand on comfortably. With all the great aspects of this board, there are some drawbacks, one of which being it not being waterproof. But that may not be a big deal, depending on where you are traveling to and from. The hub motor gives out a power of 500W max, but is also very easily replaceable, keeping repair costs low.
Pros
- Easily replaceable battery.
- Not too heavy for its size
- Can reach a top speed of 25 mph.
Cons
- Not waterproof.
Why not to go too cheap when buying an electric skateboard
Maybe in the short term a cheaper electric board is more affordable. But try to think of the long-term costs when buying an electric skateboard. There is a lot that could and will wear out on these skateboards, the cheaper the product, the faster stuff is likely to wear out. Especially with something as technical as this, you will do well to spend more on a great electric skateboard or longboard, than buying the cheapest electric skateboard you can find.
Not all electric skateboards are made the same, not by a long shot. Also, it’s not just the electric board you are buying, but the customer support and warranty. Cheaper companies will not have your back like a companies selling more expensive products will. There are seen costs and unseen costs. Pay attention to both.
Things to look out for when buying cheap electric skateboards
Hill climbing ability
Consider where you will be riding and the paths you will be taking. Some hills are just impossible to climb for any board, but for the most part you can find something suitable for your commute and/or adventures, so bear that in mind.
Brakes
My favorite review was one that had a category for brakes and in the other box was the word “yes”. You need brakes, obviously. Find a electric board that brakes well without throwing you violently. Find one with good quality brakes, especially if you plan to go fast. Brakes aren’t going to do all the work for you, though. You’ll need to learn how to use them as well.
Range
How far are you going to go? This is a good question to ask yourself. You’ll hate it if you keep getting stranded on your journey with a dead board. If it doesn’t have a great range, see if it has a replaceable battery and maybe you can carry one with you.
Battery Quality
Not all batteries are created equal. Motors are a great thing to bare in mind when buying a board, but more importantly you will want to make sure you are getting a good battery. This, sometimes, is the only difference between a skateboard and an electric one.
Component Quality
Not all electric skateboards are created equal. A cheaper electric board will probably include cheaper components. Look at the warranty options to see how much the company trusts their product. Look at the motor specs and read the review and make sure you are getting what you are paying for. This does not mean a more expensive electric board is always better, but with a cheap electric board undoubtedly comes cheap parts, and it will not be cheap in the long run.
Performance
Read the reviews and see how happy those who are happy are and how upset those who are upset are. Also, bare in mind what you are buying one for. If it’s for commuting, ignore ones with off-roading tires. If it’s for doing tricks and having fun, find a electric board with a more flexible deck. Look at how it preforms in the ways you plan to use it.
Conclusion
Electric skateboards will only get better from here on out. There is so much companies have already innovated and so much left to innovate. This is still a fairly new product, in terms of skateboards, and there is still so much left to discover. Especially as the rules, specifically in the US, have been pretty lax, and as new restrictions or requirements are put on companies and their products, you will find new things in the future that you can’t find now.
The features will only become boarder, the products better and the prices more competitive. Every electric board is different in one way or another, so know what you are wanting out of your electric board before you go looking for it. Think of repairs and warranties, think of style and reputation. This will not be a cheap purchase, if you want a good one, so be wise about it. The product, the brand and the popular opinion are all to be taken in tandem when looking around, because from here only will you be able to know which is best.
I hope you get your money’s worth out of your purchase. Electric skateboards can be loads of fun and super practical, so you are already making a great decision. Whether it’s for commuting, showing off your skills or something else, you’ll have a blast on skateboards like these!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cheap electric skateboards work?
Yes, they work. Do they work well is another question. They will ride and get you from point A to point B, but it may not be as fun or safe and it will likely wear out and break much faster than a more expensive board would. Look for a cruiser skateboard, electric longboard or electric skateboard you will love and that will last you long.
Are electric skateboards legal?
The short answer, yes. Every state in the US permits them. Some may not be permitted on aircrafts, though. As far as other countries are concerned, everyone has their own rules in regards to speed, protective gear, electrical components and battery or some variation thereof. Basically, there are a lot of concerns legislatures have when it comes to these vehicles, so check before you buy it or plan to travel.
Are electric skateboards waterproof?
Some are. Not all, though. Also, look into what the warranty does and doesn’t cover as far a s water damage, if this is a concern.
Can kids use electric skateboards?
Generally they are meant for riders 16 years and above, so they aren’t really for kids. There is probably a company out there developing an electric skateboard for kids, though. Most electric skateboards are tested for a weight of 150lbs and can usually support a max weight of around 230lbs, give or take 10 lbs.
Always err on the side of caution, though. If it doesn’t seem like someone can handle the board, whether it be their size or weight, don’t buy it for them or let them use it.
Do I need a license to ride an electric skateboard?
No, you do not. Laws on electric skateboards are pretty lax right now. That may change in the future, but for yours and everyone else’s sake, ride safely and be courteous of others and you will be fine.
