How Fast Are Electric Skateboards? An Ultimate Guide

The idea of switching from a conventional board to an electric skateboard can be quite enticing—after all, who wouldn’t want a board that can zip around at high speeds without any effort on your part? But before you make the switch, it’s important to know just how fast electric skateboards can go.

In this guide, we’ll look at the top speed of electric skateboards and how long it takes them to reach that top speed. We’ll also touch on factors affecting an electric skateboard’s speed, such as wind resistance and the rider’s weight. Let’s get into it.

What’s The Top Speed Of An Electric Skateboard?

The average top speed for an electric skateboard is around 18 to 28 mph (29-45 km/h). But some models can go even faster, up to 35 mph (56 km/h). The speed of an electric skateboard depends on many factors, such as the type of board, the weight of the rider, the terrain, and so on.

While traditional skateboards can also go fast, they are limited by the rider’s power. On the other hand, electric skateboards are powered by motors, which means they can go much faster than traditional skateboards.

There is a Guinness record for the fastest speed set by Mischo Erba in 2016. He used a modified NGV electric skateboard and reached a top speed of 59.55mph at the Slovenia airport. However, the current fastest electric skateboard can reach an unbelievable 68 MPH. This shows how much these boards have progressed in recent years.

Are Electric Skateboards Faster Than Ordinary Skateboards?

Electric skateboards are faster than a regular skateboards. With speeds of up to 20 mph, electric skateboards can help you zip around town or commute to work quickly and easily. An electric skateboard is a great option if you’re looking for a fast and fun way to get around.

Also, electric skateboards are more powerful than regular skateboards. This means they can go up hills more easily and handle rougher terrain. If you’re looking for a board that can take you anywhere, an electric skateboard is a way to go.

The power of the rider limits traditional skateboards. An electric skateboard is only limited by its battery life. This means you can ride for longer distances and at higher speeds without tiring yourself out.

What Affects The Maximum Speed Of Electric Skateboards?

Several factors affect the maximum speed of electric skateboards. From the rider’s weight to the terrain, each can impact how fast your e-board will go. Here are some common factors:

1. Motor Power

Starting with the most obvious factor, the motor power will greatly affect how fast your electric skateboard can go. A more powerful motor means that the board can reach higher speeds. It starts from 100W and can go up to 4500W. While the average power is around 1000W to 1500W.

2. Battery Capacity

The battery capacity is another big factor in how fast your electric skateboard can go. A higher capacity means the board can travel further and faster on a single charge. The battery voltage also affects the maximum speed, with a higher voltage providing more power to the motor.

3. Wheel Size

Larger wheels can roll over obstacles more easily and provide a smoother ride, but they also have more contact with the ground, which makes them slower. Smaller wheels are lighter and can accelerate faster, but they can’t roll over obstacles easily and may provide a rougher ride. Don’t forget that safety should be your top priority when choosing a wheel size.

4. Weight

The rider’s weight will affect how fast the electric skateboard can go. Heavier riders will require more power to reach the same speed as lighter riders. If you’re planning on carrying anything on your board, remember that this will add weight and affect performance.

5. Terrain

Smooth surfaces like concrete or asphalt will allow the board to reach higher speeds, while rougher surfaces like dirt or gravel will slow it down. Be careful when riding on wet surfaces, as this can cause the wheels to slip and make it difficult to control the board.

6. Component Quality

To support high speeds, the components of your electric skateboard need to be high quality. Low-quality parts can break or fail at high speeds, so choosing a board with good components is important. This includes the motor, battery, wheels, and deck. Also, make sure the board has a good-quality wireless remote.

7. Gear Ratio

For those who don’t know, the gear ratio is the number of rotations of the wheels for every one of the motors. A higher gear ratio means the board can go faster, but it will also use more power and may overheat the motor. A lower gear ratio will make the board slower but more efficient.

Comparing the motor, a high speed is observed with an electric skateboard. It is also efficient in a wide RPM range. Good torque can be generated from low RPM. The motor can easily adapt to the top speed. By providing good torque and acceleration, high-speed gear transmission is not necessary. There are no disadvantages in terms of acceleration or torque.

8. Controller

The controller is the brain of the electric skateboard. It tells the motor how fast to spin and how much power to use. A good controller will give you fine control over your board and allow you to reach high speeds safely. A bad controller can make it difficult to control your board, leading to accidents. Choose a board with a good-quality controller to ensure a safe and fun ride.

9. Tires

The type of tires you choose will affect how fast your electric skateboard can go. Soft tires provide a good grip and a smooth ride, but they’re not as fast as hard tires. Hard tires are faster but may provide a rougher ride. While you can choose any type of tire, keep in mind that soft tires are better for beginners and hard tires are better for experienced riders.

10. Air Resistance

This is the force that acts against the motion of the electric skateboard. The faster the board goes, the more air resistance it encounters. This resistance increases exponentially, which means that it becomes more and more difficult to reach higher speeds. To overcome this, electric skateboards are often designed with low-drag aerodynamic shapes.

Safety Tips For Riding An Electric Skateboard

High speed is one of the things that make electric skateboards so thrilling to ride. But with that high speed comes a need for safety. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while riding your electric skateboard:

1. Wear Protective Gear

To help protect your head, knees, and elbows, be sure to wear protective gear when riding your electric skateboard. A helmet is a must, and knee and elbow pads are also strongly recommended. Also, be sure to wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet.

2. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

When riding your electric skateboard, be sure to pay attention to your surroundings at all times. This means being aware of things like cracks in the sidewalk or potholes in the road. You can avoid and stay safe by being aware of potential hazards.

3. Don’t Ride In Traffic

Riding in traffic is dangerous, no matter what type of vehicle you’re on. So, when riding your electric skateboard, be sure to stay out of the flow of traffic. This will help you avoid potential accidents. Also, yield to pedestrians and give them the right of way.

4. Follow The Rules Of The Road

Just like any other vehicle, electric skateboards are subject to the rules of the road. This means obeying things like stop signs and traffic signals. By following the rules, you can help keep yourself and others safe. Don’t forget electric skateboards are not toys, so treat them with respect.

5. Be Careful When Riding At Night

Riding at night can be more dangerous than riding during the day. This is because it’s harder to see potential hazards. So, if you must ride at night, wear reflective gear and use lights. This will help you stay visible to others and help avoid accidents.

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience when riding your electric skateboard.

Conclusion

An electric skateboard can travel at high speeds, making it a great choice for those who want to get around quickly. However, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers of skating at high speeds and to take precautions accordingly. Following the basic safety guidelines and using common sense, you can enjoy skating at high speeds without risking yourself.