Perhaps you've seen somebody riding an electric skateboard, cruising down the street without having to use precious energy to propel themselves. You may not even notice that it is electric, as they look quite similar to a standard skateboard, save the battery pack attached to the bottom of the deck. Considering their similarities, is splurging on one of these worth it?
Currently, electric skateboards can travel anywhere from nine to thirty miles an hour. You pay for speed though, with the slowest models beginning at $200 and the fastest costing roughly $700 and up. Spending more will also get you less board for your money: a good thing, considering how heavy they can be. Most weigh over fifty pounds, though newer technology is allowing these to get lighter all the time.
Advancing technology is also giving the electric skateboard more maneuverability. No, you can't perform a whole lot of tricks on one, but they are getting easier to turn and carve on. A fully charged battery on an electric skateboard can get you anywhere from about ten to fifteen miles if you're of an average weight. They are much more environmentally friendly than other ways of getting around (like a car). Of course you'll also save money on gas if you're planning on taking it around town.
The final decision as to whether one is right for you depends mainly on what you intend to use the skateboard for. If you're interested in learning to skateboard and to be able to do tricks or you're looking for a cheap way to get around, then you should stick with a regular skateboard. If you're looking at an electric skateboard primarily as a mode of transportation and the cost doesn't deter you, it's an ideal purchase.
 | Choosing a skateboard is a question of balancing flexibility, durability and control with the weight of the board itself. Street skaters should look for small, lightweight boards while cruisers will get more stability from larger, heavier boards. |
 | Try getting creative with your grip tape. Skateboards are more than just a deck with trucks, bearings and wheels. They are an expression of each individual skateboarder, and there are endless designs to choose from. |
Learning how to make a motorized skateboard can save you some money, if you are in the motorized skateboard market. |
It's easy to learn how to skateboard. The rest is just perfecting the tricks. |
Do you know how to make a skateboard deck from scratch? It's not as hard as you've guessed. |
