Our Verdict:
Whenever some new and exciting gadget finds its way to the market, the price tag that hangs on its package is usually too high for average consumers to bother. But as time goes by and the technology becomes widely available, aspiring manufacturers always find a way to fill in the lower price segments with their offerings.
Fortunately for us, electric skateboards have been with us long enough and budget-friendly manufactures have answered the call.
On the downside, entry-level segments can often be described as “dirty deeds, done dirt cheap.” Electric skateboards are no different. Robbing you of your hard earned money just looks like a too good of an opportunity to be missed.
That is why we are going to give a shout out to top 6 cheap electric skateboards that deserve your attention and break this notorious reputation.
Cheap Electric Skateboards Comparison
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | Price(Amazon) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
My #1 Pick
| My #1 Pick | Meepo Mini 2 |
| Click for price |
Second Choice
| Second Choice | Backfire G2 Black |
| Click for price |
| Nesaila Electric Skateboard |
| Click for price | |
| Hiboy S11 Electric Skateboard |
| Click for price | |
| DEVO Electric Skateboard |
| Click for price |
How to choose between affordable electric skateboards
When buying a cheaper unit, you have to be aware that you will inevitably have to make some tradeoffs. The key to making a good purchase lies in giving the advantage to the features that are truly relevant to the overall quality of your skateboard.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most important features that make a good entry-level electric skateboard.
Comprehensive product warranty
Over the course of their lives, electric skateboards are exposed to a lot of abuse. They move at high speeds, need to traverse rough terrains and a couple of crashes are as good as guaranteed.
Cheap electric skateboards are often more prone to these strains than others. Furthermore, the skateboard market, in general, is no stranger to built-in factory errors and design flaws.
That is why it is in your best interest to find a unit that has a comprehensive warranty and actually read the fine print to see which types of damage are actually covered.
You also need to learn are you allowed to do your own repairs, will the manufacturer send spare parts and who’s going to pay the shipping.
Battery capacity and range
fThe battery capacity of an electric skateboard is not always indicative of its range. For instance, heavier the load you put on the drive train, the battery will discharge faster. But, on average, a regular skateboard uses approximately 10-15 watt-hours per kilometer so you can get an idea of how far your unit will be able to take you in a single charge.
Speaking in terms of affordable electric skateboards, you shouldn’t expect the distances longer than 10-15 kilometers, which is still good for a couple of joy-rides and casual commuting.
Skateboard build quality
As we already mentioned cheap electric skateboards are often not the best-built products in the world. One unintentional crash and they are wasted. But, there are exceptions.
Dig a little deeper and you can find some rock-solid units with high-quality maple decks and polyurethane wheels that can carry the loads that go all the way up to 100 kilograms. If you find a board that has these qualities and it’s still light enough to be carried around, you are in for a treat.
Product maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to prolonging the life-span of all mechanical devices and this holds true for electric skateboards as well – even more so for cheaper options.
Because of that, your job will be to check the quality of the screws and bearings, see if the replacement parts are available in local shops and finally and find out can the electronic parts be dismounted for the purposes of repair.
In ideal conditions, your unit should allow you to replace all of its mechanical and electronic components for the replacements that are floating the market. Pre-molded decks and mechanical parts should be strongly avoided.
Good board performance
Last but not least you have to make sure that your unit actually performs well. Even the cheaper electric skateboards are flying at speeds that go all the way up to 20km/h. Twitchy performance can cause you some nasty injuries.
So, some of the most important things you should cover are the responsiveness of the controller, the way in which the board handles changes of speed (you don't want your board set you flying forward when you simply want to go slightly faster) and the quality of the brakes.
Looking for ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in this price range may be a tall order but it’s damn worth the try.
Best Cheap Electric Skateboards
1. Meepo Mini 2- Best Overall
When it comes to quality entry-level electric skateboards , it doesn’t get better than the Meepo boards. Their rise in popularity in the market is just as exciting as the story behind how they came to be.
The Meepo Mini is arguably the best longboard for kids out there, and a good example that not all cheap boards compromise on quality. This board will entice you with its charming looks. The black Canadian maple wood deck matches naturally with the shiny black tires, and the Meepo logo in the middle completes the spectacular look.
It is designed with a short 30-inch deck that allows for quick turning and comes with a newly introduced nose protection technology. At 16lbs, the Mini 2 is a lightweight board but it is strong enough to support up to 300 pounds of weight.
This makes it a nice choice for kids between 10 and 15 years. The maple wood construction delivers a stable ride on turns and this is reinforced by the Shredder trucks, which absorb shocks on bumpy off-road surfaces.
The Mini 2 features a deck that is bent upwards to result in a kicktail design for easy picking. It also uses a Hobbywing ESC that delivers strong braking and accelerating performance. This comes in handy when you want to maintain control of the board at the high speeds it can achieve.
Overall, the Mini 2 is a powerful board that can reach great speeds, which slightly reduces the range but you can still make the most of your ride. Luckily, its short and stable build ensures that you will remain on your twos even at top speeds.
Whether you’re an experienced boarder or newbie, the Mini 2 offers a great opportunity for you to enjoy the electric boarding experience.
Specifications
For a cheap electric board, the Mini 2 impresses with its array of high-performance specifications. Firstly, it is powered by dual hub motors (2 x 540 watts) that can propel you to a top speed of 25mph. Your range is a little bit limited; the 11 miles you’ll be able to squeeze may seem inadequate if you’re enjoying the ride.
It is also equipped with a 4Ah battery pack that requires just about 2 hours to fully recharge.
Features
One significant extra feature on the Mini 2 is the integration of regenerative braking. This enables you to recover some battery energy as you ride, helping to extend your range. The Hobbywing ESC remote is quite ergonomic and features LED lights on its side to indicate the speed mode and battery level.
Not to mention that there are dedicated buttons that allow you to switch between speed modes as necessary, as well as a light torch for night riding!
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2. Backfire G2 Black - Higher End Option
When it comes to beginner-level electric skateboards, Backfire has usually bailed out of the race for affordable boards. Rather than try to produce the cheapest board in the market, the manufacturer has always chosen to prioritize quality, as well as maintaining high standards on its offerings.
But with the release of the G2 Black, the company went against the grain by tapping into the affordable board range of products. As the demand for cheap skateboards continues to rise, Backfire managed to produce one of the best cheap electric longboards in the market.
The G2 Black shines brightest when it comes to build quality, speed, and overall riding experience. You can tell this from its flashy design, which features an all-black aesthetic deck that is both gender and age-neutral. A few stickers have been thrown in to give you a customized touch on a board that is relatively lighter than other offerings in the market.
The Backfire G2 only weighs 14.5lbs, which makes it a portable option for kids or those looking for portability. Its 37-inch 8 ply maple deck comes with a symmetrical design with just the perfect amount of flex for a comfortable ride. This also enhances your agility when carving and turning, although the flex might be too much for heavier riders.
The board rides on large 96mm wheels that help to absorb shock and dampen vibrations for a relaxed ride. Its overall lighter components allow it to afford larger than usual wheels without adding to the weight. Overall, this is a swift board with impressive power output.
Its highly efficient motors are fully sealed and water-resistant, enabling you to achieve high speeds in all kinds of weather. You’ll appreciate G2’s super quiet and ultra-smooth performance, with the capability of clearing steep inclines at a 20% grade.
The range offer is pretty decent and the Hobbywing brakes are smooth and gentle to provide beginners with a hassle-free ride. Any small-bodied teen around 15 years will have a ball taking this machine out for a ride!
Specifications
Although the manufacturer positions it as an entry-level board, the G2 black is no slouch! It offers a punchier performance than you’ll find on your standard $400 offering. For starters, it is equipped with two high-capacity 350-watt brushless motors that allow you to hit a top speed of 24mph.
A 5Ah 180h Samsung battery ensures that you can ride for at least 12miles on a single charge, although the 3.5 hours it needs to fully recharge might seem like a long wait for a driven enthusiast. It also offers two modes, economic and standard, that are both relatively smooth with the Hobbywing remote.
Features
There isn’t much to talk about as far as extra features are concerned, but the regenerative braking system is a nice touch that serves to recoup some energy and prolong your range, especially when riding downhill.
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3. Nesaila Electric Skateboard
Nesaila Electric Skateboards are perfect for younger children - especially between the ages of 7 to 11.
These boards are designed explicitly for amateurs at the beginning of their skating journey. At the same time, they’re considered a smart purchase among parents who want to provide their kids with an easy ride without much danger.
Perhaps the most tempting aspect of these boards is their reasonable, under $200 price tag.
What makes it a beginner board is that it comes with just three speeds. That makes it easier for skaters to get used to the ride slowly - and adjust the speed when they feel like they have “conquered” the first step, turning.
The highest speed it can hit is 20 km/h, which is quite acceptable for someone just starting out. However, beginners should know that driving a 20 km/h electric skateboard should not be done in crowded skateboard parks.
You could easily cause some accidents with your Nesalia Electric Skateboard. So, instead, choose a time when the park’s not flooded with pro skaters to try out your board.
Nesaila’s skateboard is powered by a motor of 350W, so a repair - if needed, of course - will not cost you that much. And most importantly, you won’t have to wait a long time to get your skateboard back.
When it comes to the voltage of this skateboard, the only drawback that comes to mind here is that it discharges quickly. Also, the engine is somewhat weaker than what you would find in most professional skateboards on the market.
Even when fully charged, the battery of this skateboard will run out after 30 or so minutes of driving at the highest speed (20km/h). And to charge it up to 100% again for the next ride, it should take about two hours.
However, most buyers who opt for this board are younger adults who likely won’t choose to take advantage of its top speed right away. So, it’s still considered an ideal purchase.
Specifications
When it comes to the specifications of this board, we’ll start with the weight of your Nesalia Electric Skateboard, which clocks in at roughly 11 pounds.
The board itself is made of maple wood. That contributes to the clean-looking appearance and hardness of the board. And nature lovers are probably aware that maple is considered an eco-friendly choice of timber - which is a big plus.
The width of the decks is 8.6 inches, which can help you in your further search for trucks.
The load capacity of Nesalia Electric is 220 pounds and is recommended for ages seven and up.
Features
Apart from the remote control and the taillights, there aren’t many other special features to your Nesalia Electric Skateboard.
The board includes a 2.4G high-frequency wireless remote control for skaters to adjust their speed, braking, and cruising. On the remote control, you can see the LED battery indicator, which informs you of the current power status.
The battery life’s indicated as “10%,” “50%,” and “100%,” so you ought to keep an eye on your board once it goes below 50%. Once discharged, the Lithium battery must be charged in full again.
It's recommended that the battery be discharged and charged at least once a month. In case you’re experiencing problems with your battery, you should report back to the store. After all, your skateboard won’t work without a proper-functioning Lithium battery.
Oh, and we have to mention the tail flashlights on the wheels that account for a much safer ride during nighttime.
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The Hiboy Electric Skateboard is a product that is similar to the previous mention on this list, but uses its building blocks in such a different manner it’s hard not to give the praise to the engineers on how well they used the budget they had on disposal. This unit is still very affordable, but makes the upgrades in virtually all relevant departments.
For a start The Hiboy looks good – the deck is a simple and slick black design with the HiBoy logo on it. The Frame is a very light and sturdy frame, weighing it at around 8lbs.
As for the performance, the Hiboy does its job pretty well. Although there could be some general improvements, the unit performs very stable and accelerates at forgiving rates.
So, we have a scaled down version of a city cruiser that’s fast, has an alright range,high quality deck and surprisingly good remote which gives the rider 4 different speed settings to choose from. The performance is stable and snappy, motors quiet and design excellent.
Specifications
The Hiboy S-11 could be the best described as an electric skateboard with perfectly balanced specs. Nothing strays too far out of average, and everything works to improve the value of the unit while staying under $300.
So, The S-11 is capable of covering a range of 16.2 miles in a single charge and has a max speed of around 13 mph. It is also worth mentioning that S-11 feels pretty light so you won’t have any problem carrying it around if the battery runs dry.
Features
Although not revolutionary, S-11 brings some welcome changes to the table. First, you get four speed settings which give riders more freedom to choose from. Second, there's the regenerative braking that has a very positive impact on battery life.
Finally, the package includes a well-made remote and a couple of useful assembly tools.
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5. DEVO Electric Skateboard
The DEVO Electric Skateboard is a fine choice for adults and teens looking for a fair offer on electric boards and a leisurely cruise around the skate park.
This board comes in three colors - black, orange, and red. It’s not an extensive list of options, but we’re sure you’ll find something that meets your style.
The board is powered by a 350W motor, accompanied by a remote control, making it easier for skaters to control their speed, braking, and cruising. Like most electric skateboards, it has three speeds.
Everything’s powered by a Lithium battery with self-input. Although the battery’s life is not as strong as some other skateboards, it’s easy to find and purchase.
The Lithium battery - a new-generation model, might we add - can equip your board to last a 10-mile ride, after which it needs to be charged for two or so hours.
Since it’s limited to three main speeds, it’s not recommended for serious skaters. The target group for this type of board would be teens and adult beginners.
The wheels on this board are 7.2cm High-Grip PU Wheels - with concave and kick tales that promise a smooth ride on almost any surface.
DEVO’s skateboards are affordable, too. You’re looking at less than $200 for this particular model.
Specifications
As for the specifications of this skateboard, the primary material that it's made from is maple wood. The seven layers of maple contribute to the deck's overall appearance - and make the whole thing more durable.
The wheels are made from polyurethane, by the way.
The DEVO Electric Skateboard is relatively light, considering that the complete weight of the board is 7.7 pounds. Its lightweight design makes it easier to carry around. The width of the deck is 8.66 inches - and the load capacity is 220 pounds.
The age range of this board is eight years and up - perfect for pre-teens.
Features
There are no special features that can be attributed to this board except its remote control, which, we admit, is pretty helpful for beginners trying to adjust their riding experience once they get on the board.
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6. WOWGO 2S (38") Electric Skateboard
You remember when we called the design of BIN’s skateboard uninspired? We take it back. If you want to go unnoticed, you would be hard-pressed to find the board that looks as bland and generic as then GYFY’s product. Seriously, this entry feels like it was designed by someone who has only a passing knowledge of how electric skateboard should look like.
So, the points are taken from the looks department. What about the rest of the specs?
Well, they are somewhat bittersweet. The motor feels reasonably powerful and results in rock-solid carrying capacity. If you can adjust to the smaller deck (the total length of the unit is 710 millimeters), you won’t have any problem riding the unit while your children are talking the break.
The speed and the range are well-suited to the market segment, but, as we already mentioned, that is not something to brag about. At this price point, these specs feel horribly underwhelming. Furthermore, speed issues could be much better solved with comprehensive settings and a good remote.
Moving on to the performance and we can see that GYFY’s product handles more than solid. There are some small things we’d like to point out, though. Acceleration feels abrupt. If you are running a higher speed setting, you might fell losing your ground. Second, making a turn takes some clearance.
Finally, we come to the materials and craftsmanship. Surprise, surprise, they are also pretty standard. You get your maple deck, polyurethane wheels and standard grip tape, but nothing here screams extraordinary or pushes the board above the average.
Specifications
When it comes to the cold numbers, GYFY Electric Skateboard falls awfully close to the BIN's product that already took a lot of beating for its specs. The unit is capable of running at the speed of 15 kilometers per hour and passes the ranges of 10 kilometers in one charge.
The good news is that, if the motor fails to move the unit fast, it allows for a certain degree of climbing – the unit can successfully manage the slopes that go up to 17 degrees.
Once the battery runs dry, you will be able to recharge it in two hours.
Features
It is hard to escape the feeling that GYFY lost the opportunity to score some big points by stacking their entry with interesting features. This way, though, you only get a by-the-numbers grip tape and two-speed remote which is, to be quite honest, well put together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to get a driver’s license to ride an electric skateboard?
No. Regarding the legal regulations, electric skateboards are no different than rollerblades or, for that matter, regular skateboards.
Read more: Electric skateboard under $500
However, if you want to take active participation in the traffic (to drive your electric skateboard on the road) you will probably need to abide by speed limitations that vary from region to region and from country to country.
If you buy a cheaper model, though, you will hardly ever come into position to break those limitations.
Can I bring my electric skateboard on the plane with me?
Unfortunately, although they sound like perfect vacation companions, most of the airline companies don’t allow the presence of batteries bigger than 100 Watt-hours.
That pretty much rules out electric skateboards altogether.
Can electronic skateboards be used as normal skateboards?
Yes. Once the battery runs out, you can use your feet to push the skateboard forward. But, there could be some obstacles. Some units are simply too heavy. Others use conveyor belts to run the wheels so they might offer additional resistance while you're driving.
How do LED lights benefit electric skateboards?
First and foremost, integrated LED lights are keeping the rider safe by making the rider visible to the traffic in the dark.
Second, LED lights can give the rider quick info on the battery's status, which also plays into the safety conversation. The less you need to keep your eyes off the road, the better.
Can kids use electric skateboards?
Yes. Most of the skateboards can be used by children of the age of nine and older, however, if you are considering to buy the electric skateboard to your kids, you should take some precautionary measures.
If you want to record yourself on your new e-skateboard, remember that one hand is reserved for using the throttle remote, so taking selfies might be a challenge.
First, give your children a couple of training sessions on the regular board so they can master some basic skills like keeping the balance.
Second, don’t allow them to ride the units that can pick too much speed and produce too big of a momentum. The slower they ride the better.
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We hope you enjoyed this roundup of most popular electric skateboards aimed at children and youth. What do you think about our choices? Let us know and share the post with your friends on Facebook.
