The ‘90s might be a long way behind us, but the excitement around skateboards has not faded an inch. It is worth noting, though, that skateboards got a facelift to maintain their momentum in the market. The introduction of electric skateboards proved to be a revelation to fans and non-fans alike, giving the sport a new lease of life.
One of the leading entry-level priced electric skateboards brands in the market is Meepo. When Kieran, the founder, was introducing the first Meepo board to fellow enthusiasts on social media, he didn’t expect his DIY-assembled creations to be as popular as they are today.
So, apart from the price, what is so special about Meepo that has fans jostling in stores to get a piece of them? Below, we will be reviewing the best Meepo boards in the market to help you make an informed decision when buying your first electric skateboard.
In a hurry...
The best overall Meepo board after 30 hours of research is the Meepo NLS Pro! This functional electric skateboard comes with several upgraded features, including a large size battery for an enhanced range of up to 20 miles on a single charge. It can achieve a maximum speed of 32mph, with smooth acceleration and strong braking performance. Its remote also incorporates a flashlight to enable night riding.
Comparison Table
Longboard | Rating | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
![Meepo Electric Skateboards / Longboards Reviewed [incl. Meepo v3]](https://prolongboarders.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Meepo-Electric-Skate-1-scaled.jpg "Meepo Electric Skate") Meepo NLS Pro | 88/100 | Top Speed - 29 mph / 46 kph | |
 Meepo V3 | 85/100 |
| |
 Meepo Classic 2 | 80/100 | Top speed- 25 mph / 40 kph | |
 Meepo Mini 2 | 79/100 | Top Speed - 28 mph / 45 kph |
Best Meepo Boards-Individual Reviews
Meepo NLS PRO-Best Overall
The Meepo NLS Pro is an updated version of the original NLS. Although it costs a few more hundred bucks, the board comes with some significant upgrades that you’ll find useful. It also uses a much bigger battery while a shift from Hobbywing ESC to LingYi ESC means higher speed and more seamless acceleration.
Design
At a glance, the Meepo NLS Pro looks almost perfect! The design is premium with a high-quality finish that you’d ordinarily expect from a more expensive model. A combination of maple and fiberglass has been used on the deck to result in a charming striped look, which is not only distinctive but also something you find on the NLS alone.
Ride Experience
Handling has really improved on the NLS Pro compared to the original version. The deck has excellent flex and offers a stable, comfortable ride even at high speeds. Something to note is that the braking strength in the new ESC is adjustable, allowing you to move from mode 1 to mode 4, with 4 being the strongest mode.
You also get a 4th generation acceleration mode, which delivers a punchier and stronger acceleration. The board can get to a top speed of 32mph, which pushes the NLS Pro to among the fastest electric skateboards in the market.
Its bigger 100mm also wheels help to reduce vibrations on rough roads. However, the acceleration is not as smooth as in the previous iteration; it gets better after a notable initial jerk.
Battery Quality
Meepo uses an 8AH Samsung 40T battery pack in a 288Wh setting, which allows you to ride the NLS Pro for 20 miles on a single charge. Outside of the top-shelf boards in the market, this is a very impressive number that can’t be compared to most of the Pro's peers.
The battery also requires 2 hours to fully recharge, which is half an hour less than what the original NLS battery needed.
Remote
The NLS Pro package includes a Night Ride (NR) remote as standard. This comes with a flashlight and is slightly smaller and fits naturally in your palm. So, if you like to go on a cruise at dusk, the remote will work exquisitely for you.
The usual thumb scrolling wheel is included to enable you to adjust the speed and braking. There are also LED lights on the remote to show you the battery level, riding mode, as well as the connection between the board and remote.
Another unique feature you won’t find on other models is the ability to charge the remote directly from the battery.
Issues
Unlike the V2 and V3, the NLS Pro doesn’t feature a cutout handle, which makes it a little bit tricky to carry when you are not riding it.
The switch from the Hobbywing to LingYi ESC also means that the NLS Pro loses around 5% of smoothness compared to the original NLS. Nevertheless, this just is just a minor setback!
PROS
CONS
Meepo V3- Best Budget
Ever since the release of the first Meepo board, the manufacturer seems to be refreshing its product line with a new board almost every half year. The Meepo V3 is a budget-friendly longboard that enthusiasts of all skill levels can afford. However, it will impress you with its mix of high-performance specs
Design
The Meepo V3 board measures 96cm long and 22cm wide. It is made out of Canadian maple, which has a smooth feel and makes for a flexible deck. The manufacturer chose to go with a subtle black color on the V3, with a nice “Meepo” logo running along its length, which leaves it with a cute yet understated look.
The board is hub-driven; its back wheels are essentially two 540W motors. This gives the board a quiet sound profile when running compared to belt-driven boards.
Riding Experience
For an entry-level priced board, the Meepo V3 rides smoother than you’d expect. Considering that it employs the LingYi ESC, this was a pleasant surprise for me. The acceleration is almost as seamless as the Hobbywing ESC. It features four different speed modes, with the pro mode offering a punchier acceleration for those with a need for speed.
The braking has always been the Achilles heel for boards that use the LingYi ESC. But that’s not the case for the V3. Its braking is gradual but strong, ensuring that you maintain control of the ride without losing your balance.
In pro mode, the V3 is designed to take off the line first. The acceleration is pretty thrilling; this board can go from 0-30km in 4.5s, which is almost half the time it takes the Meepo V2. At top speed, you can achieve a jaw-dropping 28mph in the highest mode.
Maneuvering the board is a pleasant experience, which is a credit to the flexible deck. The V3 feels stable even at top speeds, and this should give you the needed rider confidence.
Battery Quality
The Meepo V3 is powered by a 10S2P battery pack with a 20R cell. It can get you to just under 12 miles on a single charge, which is adequate for most people to have their fun. This more than you can get from a belt-drive board, and thanks to the more energy-efficient hub motors.
Remote
This board is operated by an MR remote, which is the new face of LingYi ESC. The remote has a screen that uses a soft-touch plastic finish to make for an ergonomic grip. It is quite responsive and switches between acceleration and braking without disconnecting.
Issues
The board is a little creakier than you’d expect on a new device. But you can remedy this by waxing the pivot cups.
The “reverse” label is misplaced and can be confusing to the inexperienced. It is actually the speed mode and to reverse, you have to double-tap the power button.
PROS
CONS
Meepo Mini 2
When it comes to budget electric skateboards, Meepo seems to be miles ahead of the competition. Alongside the V3, the Meepo Mini 2 is a great example of the quality you can get in some affordable longboards in the market.
Design
The Mini 2 is a lightweight board weighing 16lbs yet durable enough to support up to 300 pounds of weight. Its shorter 30” deck is made of quality Canadian maple wood and proves to be very functional when it comes to turning during the ride. It also has stable Shredder trucks to absorb shock and a new nose protection technology.
Ride Experience
The Meepo Mini 2 uses the Hobbywing ESC, which makes for smooth acceleration and strong braking performance. It features excellent Shredder trucks that are carefully crafted for high speeds to offer stability.
The back end of the board’s deck is bent upwards to result in kick-tail, which lets you grab the front of the board by simply stepping on it. This saves you the trouble of bending over whenever you want to pick your board.
Furthermore, the stripe of rubber at the front of the board is recessed into the deck to prevent damage when you hit your board against an obstacle.
Battery Quality
This electric skateboard is powered by a 4Ah battery pack with Samsung 20R cells in a 10S2p configuration. The battery has a maximum range of 11km, which is far less than the Meepo Classic 2.
On the bright side, the regenerative braking technology on the battery allows it to save up to 22% of power, helping you to stay on the road longer. It also has a short charging time of between 1.5 to 2 hours.
Remote
The Mini 2 comes with the standard Hobbywing ESC, which is a popular remote for electric skateboard companies. This has LED lights on it to show you the current battery level and the speed mode you are riding in. You can switch between speed modes using dedicated hardware buttons.
PROS
CONS
Meepo Classic 2- Best for Beginners
Meepo is referring to the Classic 2 as the "eskate cruise king". This is because of the incredible range the board offers, and probably the highest at its price point. It features a concave, drop-through deck that lowers the center of gravity to give you better balance.
Its huge and soft wheels also help to reduce vibrations when rolling over bumps and cracks in the road. While the board might not offer the top speed of the NLS Pro, it is a nice choice for those riders looking for a comfortable and endless cruise.
Design
The Classic 2 weighs just 18.7 pounds, which makes it conveniently portable when you have to carry it to your destination. It also features upgraded 78A wheels, as well as an attractive 9-layer maple deck with a concave shape.
It is also the first longboard with both the battery and ESC in the same enclosure for enhanced reliability.
Ride Experience
The Meepo Classic 2 is the best electric longboard yet as far as safety, stability, and range are concerned. The handling is great and this is thanks to the low deck design. Its wheels are also big and smooth to reduce vibrations and the dual 540W hub motors offer decent speed on the go.
With a top speed of 28mph, the Classic 2 isn’t as fast as the NLS Pro, but what you’ll love about it is the 25-mile range. Although the board sacrifices a little bit of speed, it shines in the range and stability departments. As such, it is the perfect pick for riders looking for an easy and endless cruise.
Battery Quality
The battery on the Classic 2 is much bigger than the one on the original Classic. From a 144wh battery, Meepo upgraded it to a 378wh on the Classic 2, which explains the 25 miles of range you get on a single charge. On the flip side, the charging time has increased by an hour, and now it will take you 4 hours to fully recharge the battery.
Remote
Meepo used the classic NR remote, which features a throttle wheel. This also has LED indicators to signal the battery level and comes with a flashlight for those who enjoy night riding.
Issues
What might underwhelm you about the Classic 2 is that it doesn’t start automatically like the Meepo V2, but that’s probably the biggest negative on this board.
The board sacrifices speed for stability and range, so it's not the best choice for racers.
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FAQ
What is Longboarding?
Longboarding is a sport in which riders ride a long skateboard, typically between 24 to 80 inches long. The board has a larger and springy deck with bigger and softer wheels compared to a skateboard.
The sport has its roots in surfing! It was started by surfers in Hawaii who wanted to come up with an alternative to surfing when there were no waves in the sea to ride on. This is why many longboard decks resemble surfboards.
What are longboards good for?
Longboards are used for a range of activities. They can be a form of transportation, a recreational tool to get you from point A to B, or even for downhill racing. Designed and shaped totally different from a standard street skateboard, longboards make for a larger and more stable stance when riding downhill or cruising around town.
How fast can a longboard go?
Generally, longboards are faster than skateboards and this is thanks to their larger wheelbase and bigger wheels. How fast a longboard goes will typically depend on the type of board you’re riding and the skill of the rider.
Ordinarily, the speed will range from 6mph for someone who is cruising to around 65mph when going downhill. However, some professional downhill longboard racers have recorded high speeds in excess of 80mph.
How much do longboards cost?
Generally speaking, a decent quality longboard will cost you anywhere in the range of $150-450. Those who are just getting their feet wet and still getting a feel of the sport are advised to buy a complete longboard, which will usually cost between $60 and $250.
Are longboards Safe for beginners?
Longboards are safer and more ideal for beginners compared to skateboards. Practically anybody can ride them; from the young to the old. The boards can support more weight and offer better balance to enhance stability while riding.
The bigger decks and longer wheelbases also provide the rider with more room to wriggle as they try to find a comfortable stance. This makes them a more reliable choice for those who have never boarded before.
What are the Benefits of Longboarding?
Longboarding is good for your health! It helps a person to improve their balance, stability, and even eye-hand-leg coordination. It is also a physical activity that helps to strengthen the heart and tone various muscles in the body.
Finally, it is a fun and relaxing hobby that can help to relieve stress and anxiety.
Where Can You Buy a Meepo Board?
Meepo is based in the Chinese high-tech city of Shenzen, across the Hong Kong border. But if you want to buy their electric boards, you can order from their online store. Alternatively, you can also go to relevant online retailers like Amazon to purchase the longboard you fancy.
The package takes between 1 and 2 days to arrive when you place your order. A tracking number will be sent to you by email once your order is shipped.
Conclusion
The electric skateboards above come from the same brands, meaning they share a couple of features and specs. However, they also have variations that enable each to offer a unique experience for riders.
Depending on your level of skill and budget, these Meepo boards present you with a great opportunity to enjoy a longboard ride.
It is up to you to choose which one among them fits you best!
