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Zipping down the street on a slick electric skateboard just got more accessible! These thrilling rides use powerful motors to propel you up to 20 mph, turning any sidewalk into a personal raceway. But high-performance e-boards often come with eye-watering price tags.
Luckily, the upcoming holiday shopping season brings significant bargains on electric skateboards. When Black Friday rolls around, all the top brands like Boosted, Evolve, and Inboard will offer deep discounts.
Keep reading to uncover the best electric skateboard Black Friday deals of 2023. With the savings you’ll discover, you can finally afford to gift that e-board on your list the upgrade they’ve been longing for!
Top Black Friday Deals on Electric Skateboards
Based on discounts from last year, here’s what we can expect:
- High-end electric skateboard models could see 20-30% discounts, which translates to hundreds in savings on premium boards.
- Budget-friendly electric skateboards may enjoy even steeper discounts, around 30-40% off.
What to Look for When Buying an Electric Skateboard
Purchasing your first electric skateboard can be overwhelming, given the variety of models and technical specs on the market. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider to find the best electric skateboard for your needs and riding style.
1. Motor Types
Electric skateboards use one of three motor types to propel the wheels:
- Hub motors are built into the center of the wheels for a streamlined look. They require less maintenance but offer less power compared to belts.
- Belt drive motors use a belt and pulley system attached to the wheels. They deliver the most torque and customization potential.
- Direct drive motors sit directly on the trucks and spin the wheels directly—a middle ground between hub and belt motors.
Belt drives are the best choice for most riders who value performance and wheel flexibility. They provide superior acceleration and hill-climbing torque.
Hub motors work well for budget boards, while direct drives split the difference.
Test ride different motor types to decide which suits your riding needs and priorities best. An experienced rider will get the most thrill from the power of a belt-drive electric skateboard.
2. Range
One of the most important features is the board’s maximum range, or how far it can travel on a single charge. It depends on the battery size, motor power, wheel size, rider weight, terrain, and speed.
The range can vary wildly from as little as 5 miles up to 30+ miles for high-end boards.
Consider how far your average ride will be. For basic commuting and casual riding, aim for at least 7-10 miles of range.
Longer is always better to avoid being stranded with a dead battery. The trade-off is that larger batteries add weight.
Some models have swappable batteries or fast charging options to extend the range.
3. Top Speed
While beginners should focus less on speed, top speeds typically fall between 20-30 mph on most boards. Entry-level models max out at 20 mph, while premium electric skateboards can hit 25-30+ mph.
Again, consider your experience level. New riders should look for a lower top speed, around 15 mph, while veteran riders will want the fastest board they can control safely.
Also, consider models with multiple speed modes or remote controllers that let you adjust the speed easily.
4. Power and Torque
These measure the board’s acceleration and ability to climb hills. Look for motor power between 500-1500W. Higher wattage means more torque and punch off the starting line. Hub motors offer less power than belt or gear drives.
If your area is flat, 500W will suffice. Hilly urban areas will benefit from 750-1500W boards.
5. Choosing the Right Deck
The deck is the board you stand on when riding an electric skateboard. It impacts stability, flexibility, and comfort. There are two main factors to consider when selecting a deck:
Style
- Longboards (32 inches+) are more stable at higher speeds and ideal for cruising and carving.
- Shortboards (28-32 inches) are more agile for tricks, tight turns, and navigating crowded areas.
Material
- Wood decks absorb shock better and allow for more flex. Maple and bamboo are common.
- Carbon fiber and fiberglass decks are highly stiff and durable. They are also lightweight.
For most riders, a mid-size bamboo longboard deck provides the best blend of stability, maneuverability, and shock absorption. Carbon fiber is best for high performance and speed.
6. Weight and Size
Deck sizes start at 32 inches and go up to 40 inches. Bigger boards feel more stable at high speeds, while compact boards are better for portability.
For weight, 10-15 lbs is the norm. Heavier boards sacrificed portability but can handle bumps better. If you’ll carry your board a lot, aim for 10-12 lbs.
7. Weight capacity
Weight capacity is the maximum load that an electric skateboard can support. It depends on the deck strength, motor power, battery size, and wheel size.
You should look for an electric skateboard that can handle your weight and size without compromising the performance or safety of the board.
8. Wheels
Wheels are a key factor affecting your electric skateboard’s ride quality, terrain handling, and range. You have two main options:
Pneumatic (Air-Filled) Wheels
- Provide the best shock absorption and traction off-road
- Softer ride that handles cracks, bumps, and uneven terrain
- Add weight which reduces efficiency and hurts range
Urethane Wheels
- Maximize your board’s range since they have less rolling resistance
- Best suited for smooth pavement and concrete
- Small contact patch requires caution around cracks and debris
For all-around riding, larger urethane wheels around 90-97mm provide a blend of comfort, range, and pavement handling. Pneumatic wheels excel off-road at the cost of efficiency.
9. Brakes
Safely slowing to a stop is crucial, so brake performance should be a priority.
- Look for regenerative braking that recharges the battery when slowing down. This extends your range.
- Check the stopping distance at different speeds. Higher-end electric skateboards can brake harder from high speeds more safely.
- Make sure the brakes are not too grabby and don’t lock the wheels. Progressive braking is ideal.
Test ride braking from different speeds to ensure they can slow you smoothly without tipping the board. Strong, controlled brakes are a key safety factor.
10. Your Budget
Electric skateboards range widely in price from around $300 to the thousands. Set expectations accordingly:
- Budget boards under $500 make decent starters but lack refinements and use cheaper components.
- Mid-range boards from $800-$1200 offer improved speed, range, ride feel, and reliability from top brands. A good intermediate option.
- High-performance boards, $1500+ deliver premium parts, technology, range, innovation, and durability. Best left to experienced riders.
Consider how often you’ll ride and your skill level when setting a budget. Novices can start affordably and upgrade later once skills progress. Invest more if electric skateboarding will be your main hobby.
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Useful Resources:
- https://medium.com/@bfadsdeals/5-best-black-friday-deals-on-electric-skateboards-f5d9727650fc
- https://www.reddit.com/r/everydayblackfriday/comments/16ozdj8/top_5_electric_skateboard_black_friday_deals_2023/
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