Cruise, Commute Or Carve With The Best Electric Skateboards Of 2023 (2024)

When it comes to urban mobility and recreation, the best electric skateboards have reshaped the way we navigate by taking the thrill of skating to a whole new level. What was once a cookie-cutter form now comes in all manner of shapes and sizes as the industry expands and electric-powered transportation (like e-bikes, scooters and hoverboards) takes over. From longboards to mini boards to off-road behemoths, there truly is a model for every type of skater.

Compared to a standard skateboard, electric skateboards are motorized and come equipped with a battery and remote control, explains Jake Jarvis, chief merchandising manager of hard goods at Christy Sports and eSkate enthusiast. “Electric skateboards open up a whole new world of opportunities: You can ride faster, further, off-road, up-hill and you can experience that endless carving sensation all without breaking a sweat,” he explains.

Even if you haven’t stepped foot on a skateboard since the days of chunky Osiris D3 or DC shoes, electric skateboards are now a fast and fun way to commute to work or zip around town for fun. But Stevie Williams, pro skater and founder of DGK, advises people to take it slow. “It is a different rush from street skating,” he says. “They're definitely fun to enjoy but you have to be safe. They go fast and can be unstable if you haven't had any prior experience on a board.”

To help you find the best fit for you, we’ve curated a list of eight of the best electric skateboards on the market today. Below, our favorites. And if you’re interested in how we selected our top picks or want shopping tips, read on below for some expert insights.

• Best Electric Skateboard Overall: Exway Flex Pro
• Best Budget Electric Skateboard: Backfire G2
• Best Mini Electric Skateboard: WowGo Mini 2S
• Best Off-Road Electric Skateboard: Exway Atlas Pro
• Best Long-Range Electric Skateboard: Meepo Hurricane
• Best Electric Skateboard For Carving: Evolve Stoke
• Most Versatile Electric Skateboard: WowGo 3E
• Best Electric Skateboard For Travel: Boosted Mini S

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we love all forms of electric transportation—from e-bikes, to scooters, to skateboards—and we’ve tested many of these modes of transportation firsthand. And because we love these products as much as you do (and understand that they’re an investment), we aim to provide you with well-researched, unbiased reviews and valuable shopping insights so you can find the electric skateboard that fits your needs.

How We Chose the Best Electric Skateboards

To narrow down our list of the best electric skateboards, we chatted with experts, like Stevie Williams, pro skater and founder of DGK, and Jake Jarvis, chief merchandising manager of hard goods at Christy Sports. They provided guidance on what to look for when considering specs like range, power output and top speed, as well as a few tips for beginners. We then poured over customer reviews and technical specs, filtering out any products that didn’t fit our criteria. What’s left is a handful of well-loved and reliable electric skateboards for riders of all needs and abilities.

What to Consider When Buying An Electric Skateboard

“Electric skateboards have a surprising number of features and it is important to consider each one depending on how you hope to use and enjoy the skateboard,” said Jarvis. Here are some of the key considerations:

Range

Jarvis says that one of the top features to look at when shopping is the range, or how far you can travel on a single charge. For commuters, this should be at the top of your priority list. A longer range allows you to cover more distance without the need to recharge, so you can get to and from work or other destinations efficiently (and without getting stranded on the side of the road.) But a long range is also crucial for the adventure-hungry rider, too, so you can venture further and discover new routes without running out of juice.

Top Speed

Electric skateboards offer varying top speeds, and some come with multiple modes to accommodate different riders. Jarvis finds the ability to customize your speed to be the most important shopping consideration: “You can adjust it to your skill level and continue adjusting it as you get better and more confident,” he explains.

If you're a beginner, a skateboard with adjustable speed settings can be particularly helpful in mastering your balance and control. For thrill-seekers, higher top speeds may be appealing, but always play it safe and wear appropriate protective gear, like kneepads and a helmet. “With a [traditional] skateboard, you have more control once you learn how to ride it. But with any electric-powered vehicle, you never can be too safe. They move fast but the environment is always unpredictable,” advises Williams.

Board Size And Weight

The size and weight of the electric skateboard plays a significant role in portability and maneuverability. Consider the dimensions and weight of the board, especially if you need to carry it on public transport or store it at work or home (especially if you climb stairs regularly—you won’t want to be lugging 30 pounds up and down each time.) Compact and lightweight options, like the Evolve Stoke Board and WowGo2 Mini, are ideal for easy transportation and storage. But if you’ll just be riding your board around town and storing it in a garage, then portability may not be a determining factor for you.

App Connectivity

If you’re just looking to get from point A to point B, an app for your electric skateboard might not be the first thing on your mind—that’s what the remote control is for, right? But as soon you want valuable insights or require more control over your board, an app is a game-changer. Take Exway’s mobile app, for example: It allows you to set your personal preferences for acceleration and braking (whether you want to tone it down or take off at lightning speed), check your battery level and perfect your technique with beginner tips. You can also see interesting stats like your total mileage and emissions reduction.

Brakes And Safety Features

Like we mentioned above, safety should always be a top priority when choosing an electric skateboard. A skateboard with reliable braking capabilities can prevent accidents and enhance your overall riding experience. So, assess the effectiveness of the braking system—reviews can provide helpful information here, but if you’re consulting the list above, you can rest assured that we only included options that have high-performing brakes.

Next, look for any additional safety features like LED lights on the front, back and sides for night riding or a suspension system to add some squish so you don’t go flying every time you hit a bump. Regenerative braking systems will also help you slow down smoothly while sending energy back into your battery, too.

Riding Style And Wheels

Just like any form of transportation nowadays, electric skateboards run the gamut from road cruisers to commuters to heavy-duty, off-road machines. When choosing an electric skateboard, consider your riding style and the terrain you'll encounter most frequently and opt for a board that matches your intended use. Jarvis says to ask yourself: “Will you primarily use it on the street and sidewalk, or do you hope to use it on different terrains like hiking or biking trails?” If you never ride your skateboard on dirt, the Exway Atlas Pro 4WD will be overkill, but if you want the flexibility to go wherever, whenever, the Backfire G2 might not cut it.

Can You Bring An Electric Skateboard On A Plane?

Bringing an electric skateboard on a plane is generally not allowed in the cabin due to safety regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric skateboards and considered hazardous materials by airlines.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), “Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are limited to a rating of 100 watt hours (Wh) per battery. With airline approval, passengers may also carry up to two spare larger lithium ion batteries (101–160Wh).” Because most electric skateboard batteries exceed this 160Wh limit, taking them on a plane can be not only challenging, but dangerous, too.

Can You Waterproof An Electric Skateboard?

While it is possible to waterproof an electric skateboard to some extent, it depends on the model and the modifications you're willing to make. Electric skateboards are not inherently designed to be fully waterproof, and exposing them to water can damage their sensitive electronic components and void warranties. However, with some precautions and modifications, you can improve the water resistance of your electric skateboard. Keep in mind that some electric skateboards models are already waterproof or water-resistant, so you might not need to modify your board and void the warranty.

Can You Ride A Dead Electric Skateboard?

While electric skateboards look similar to their traditional counterparts, they are much heavier—the burliest models clock in at nearly 40 pounds (the average skateboard weighs between two and six pounds, for reference.) That means when your electric skateboard runs out of battery, you’ll be pushing much more weight to make it home. While some, like the Evolve Stoke board, are light enough that you could cruise without a charge if need be, others would require too much time—and effort—to comfortably ride with a dead battery.

How Many Miles Does An Electric Skateboard Last?

On average, most electric skateboards have a range of around 10 to 20 miles on a single charge. However, some high-end models with larger batteries can offer ranges of up to 30 miles or more, while smaller and more budget-friendly options might have ranges closer to 5 to 10 miles. Ultimately, the range of an electric skateboard can vary widely based on several factors such as the battery capacity, the rider's weight, terrain, speed and riding style. It's important to consider these factors when choosing an electric skateboard to ensure it meets your specific needs for distance and usage.

Can Electric Skateboards Slow Down?

Yes, electric skateboards can slow down. They typically achieve this by applying regenerative braking or gradually reducing the power to the motor, which decreases speed and allows the rider to slow down or come to a stop.