Best Cheap and Budget Electric Skateboards (in 2023)

The high speeds of some of the best boards in the industry can surely raise your heart-rate. But while you’re shopping for your first, second, or even fifteenth electric skateboard, top speed isn’t the only thing that might make your heart skip a beat. Some devices can cost up to $2,000 or more, and this definitely discourages some riders from taking their interest in e-skating to the next level. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be this way. There exist a number of opportunities for riders who want to find a quality board at an affordable price. Our guide today will walk you through everything you need to know about the budget board shopping process, including a list of the best cheap and budget electric skateboards of 2020.

Best Cheap Electric Skateboards

Ultimate Buying Guide for Cheap and Budget Electric Skateboards

Price

Our list at the end of this guide runs through models from a variety of price ranges. Price should be an important consideration as you search for a solid electric skateboard. Even if you have money to spare as you shop, I’m sure you’d agree that saving a few bucks while maintaining performance is a great thing. It is important to keep in mind, however, that everything comes at a price. If you’re looking at a budget model, it’s always likely that the reduced price comes with reduced performance in at least one area. Therefore, effective low-price shopping is a game of maximizing performance while minimizing unnecessary costs.

Several factors closely influence the price of an electric skateboard. For one, the quality of the physical components of the device is important. More expensive and high-quality parts will surely make the larger device cost more money. On the other hand, cheaper parts may decrease performance and appearance but will also make the skateboard a bit more inexpensive. Additionally, the uniqueness and specialization of the technological components of a skateboard will seriously impact its market value. New companies and manufacturers in the e-skating industry are always coming out with new cutting-edge technologies to help improve the range, stability, and top speeds of their skateboards. Naturally, the most effective and efficient motors, batteries, and wheels can really take a budget board into the higher price ranges quickly.

One advantage of the boards on this guide is that the models we’ve included offer you a great range of prices. If you’re looking for an extremely inexpensive model of under $300, we have something for you. But even riders who are willing to spend around $1,000 on their budget board can find a solid option below.

Battery Capacity and Range

Regardless of what type of rider you consider yourself to be, the range offered by a powerful e-skateboard battery should be an important thing to consider while you shop. Commuters who take their skateboard to and from work each day should place the biggest emphasis on battery capacity. But even carvers or off-road riders might want to be able to travel longer distances without having to change out or charge the battery. But be warned: a powerful battery does come with its downsides. For one thing, batteries of over 160 Wh are federally prohibited from traveling by air, while a battery from 100-160 Wh has to be cleared for travel by the airline you choose to use. This means that riders who travel frequently should strive for models with a travel-capable battery.

Battery capacity can also closely impact the price of an electric skateboard. While some models are inexpensive and come with quality batteries, other skateboard companies really up-charge riders for extended range battery models.

One way to get around a less-than desirable range is to look for batteries with speedy recharge times. If you’re a commuter with a long daily ride but a small battery on your bike, you might be able to recharge the device during the day and still be able to make the ride home. Some models come with an option for a high-power charger, and this might be a worthy investment if you plan on traveling great distances on a bike with a relatively small power source.

Riding Experience

Truthfully, all the technical components in the world are useless if your electric skateboard isn’t fun to ride. Ironically, the riding experience of an e-board is both the most important factor in its value and the hardest one to objectively track. We can’t really tell you how to judge the riding experience of a board completely, as your preferences dictate nearly everything about how you view the experience of gliding along on a given board. If you’re a carver, for example, a great riding experience is characterized by speed, control, and braking capabilities. For a commuter, the ideal riding experience is smooth, consistent, and extremely ranged.

That being said, acceleration rate, braking power, and top speed/range are some of the most measurable and clear components of riding experience that riders should look out for.

Acceleration

Experienced riders are likely to be extremely interested in devices with a fast rate of acceleration. At its core, acceleration curve is just the amount of time it takes for a board to reach a given speed. A fast acceleration rate means that a skateboard can be brought from 0 mph to its maximum speed within a very short amount of time, sometimes even under five seconds. It’s obvious why this would appeal to experienced riders, as it can be extremely exhilarating to immediately hit top speeds when you kick off the e-skateboard.

But a fast rate of acceleration also comes with a pretty clear downside. If a board accelerates too quickly, it runs the risk of throwing unaccustomed riders off of the device. The jolt from quickly accelerating can be tough to get used to, even for more experienced e-skaters. For this reason, we recommend that novice riders try to target skateboards with a gradual rate of acceleration.

Acceleration rate can be hard to find out directly on a model’s device website. But never to fear; the e-skating industry is filled to the brim with resources to help you get a better understanding of what the growing skateboard market has to offer. Looking for reviews on YouTube, Reddit, and on one of the hundreds of electric skateboarding blogs is a good way to get an idea of what a board is working with in terms of acceleration rates and stability.

Braking Capabilities

Braking ability and rate of acceleration go together like peanut butter and jelly. Many riders might make the mistake of underestimating how related these two performance factors truly are. But if you have a device with a fast rate of acceleration an high top speed, a braking system capable of slowing the device down is paramount. There’s nothing more terrifying than careening towards an obstacle without being able to slow down. Luckily, solid brakes are generally considered to be a standard in most of the electric skateboard industry. You shouldn’t have trouble finding a device with an impressive and effective set of brakes.

Like acceleration, braking reliability is something that you might need to reach out to alternative information sources to figure out. It would be great if more e-board manufacturers would clearly quantify their braking systems on a device’s description page, but that unfortunately is not always the case.

Top Speed and Range

We covered a lot about range in the above section, but it’s important to reiterate how important range is as an indicator of overall performance. Range is also affected by several different technical components. The size of a board, the strength of its battery, and even the type of motor used can influence the range of a device. Again, the emphasis you place on range will depend heavily on what type of rider you plan to be. If you’re not planning on traveling for larger distances, you might save some more money by avoiding models with the biggest batteries and most extended ranges.

Like range, top speed is an important but variable component of a build’s value. Even some experienced riders might not be big fans of higher speeds. If you’re looking for a device with the highest top speed possible, our list below will definitely have you covered. But it’s important to remember that, especially with the cheapest budget boards, you want to really balance stability with speed. Some low-quality devices get really shaky as they hit high speeds, particularly if the materials are not up to par. To avoid shakiness, look for high-speed budget boards made with solid build materials and equipped with large wheels capable of handling high-speed riding.

Drive Train and Motor Type

A board’s ride experience and quality is about more than the deck and the battery. The things “below the hood” really make-or-break the base performance of an electric skateboard. One of the most important technical components of modern devices is the motor type. Although exceptions and unique models obviously exist, boards generally use one of three types of motors to propel the device and hit high speeds: hub motors, belt drive, or gear/direct drive. The majority of boards on this list make use of hub motors. In addition to being very popular among riders for their quietness and ease of maintenance, hub motors are frequently used in budget models.

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Hub Motors

There’s a reason hub motors have a huge following among e-skaters. They’re generally considered to be much quieter than belt drive systems, which make a loud whirring sound as you chug along on the device. Hub motors might also be easier to maintain, which directly influences the long-term price of your skateboard. Belt drive systems have a number of moving parts that might need to be replaced individually, but this isn’t usually the case when it comes to hub motors. Because they generate less torque than belt drive systems, the low noise output of a hub motor comes at a price. Devices using this type of motor are often less likely to offer the kind of smooth ride at high speeds that belt drive systems can provide.

As far as applications of motors go, hub motors can suit a number of types of riders well. If you plan on commuting up and down large hills or over variable terrains, however, a hub motor might not provide the torque or power that you necessarily need.

Belt Drive Systems

Belt drive systems are the standard on many of the hottest boards in the industry. The high power provided by the torque of this type of motor can be incredibly helpful for off-road riders, and the belt drive model can go a long way when it comes to stability during high-speed boarding. Like we mentioned above, though, the belt drive system can be extremely noisy, which might be a problem for some riders. Cost-wise, a belt drive system has its ups and downs. Some quality belt drive systems might cost more because of constant repairs for individual parts, but users who are adept at changing out parts themselves might be able to really save some money in the long-term.

One big advantage of belt drive systems is that they usually allow for a far great degree of variability when it comes to the type of wheels used. This is great for riders who want to use their board to go off-road, as you can easily switch between smaller and larger rubber wheels.

Direct Drive Motors

This type of system is a bit new, but direct drive motors are being featured in a growing number of devices. Direct drive is most closely comparable to the belt drive model. At the moment, direct drive motor systems ride close to the ground, which poses the risk of debris kicking into the device and causing long-term problems. Direct drive motors also often bring along a significant weight penalty, which might explain why it’s a bit rare to come across a true direct drive motor model on a quality board in 2020.

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Costumer Service

Customer service is a pretty self-explanatory factor in the quality and value of an electric skateboard. Remember, the company you choose to do business with will be responsible for the costs you incur after buying a very expensive transportation device. If you’re buying from an organization that doesn’t have a quality and responsive customer service team, you can expect to have real trouble when it comes to fixing problems you might run into with your device. If your motor stops working, can you trust that the company who made your board will quickly and effectively help you get the board up-and-running again?

Companies like Boosted and Ownboard made such a splash in the industry precisely because of the quality of their customer service team. Likewise, the likelihood that companies currently on the e-skating scene will stick around in years to come depends heavily on how well they’re able to keep their customers satisfied. If you’re curious about the customer service track record of a skateboarding company, do some research on some of the many online resources dedicated to sharing information about electric skateboarding. A solid YouTube review, blog post, or Reddit discussion forum will likely help you better understand the kind of service you can expect from a leading brand.

Portability and Weight

For all the fun elements that electric longboards provide, weight certainly is not one of them. Between the motors, the deck, the batteries, and the wheels, some electric skateboards can weigh an upwards of 25 pounds or more. For commuters especially, minimizing weight can be the difference between a relaxable ride to work and a serious annoyance. You surely don’t want to lug around a thirty-pound skateboard on the bus, in your car, or over difficult terrains you might run across.

Limiting weight might come at a cost, however. Some boards offer exceptional weight reduction but only come equipped with one motor, for example. Other models might make up for a heavy weight by cutting back on the quality of materials used in the deck. The point is that many inexpensive, lightweight skateboards might be lacking when it comes to certain performance indicators and technical components. Many of the boards below, however, still manage to provide solid performance while keeping from weighing a ton.

Deck

The quality and build of a deck is often the first thing that new riders notice about their boards. It might take a bit of digging to get solid information about the nature of your deck. The flexibility or stiffness of a model is your biggest consideration most of the time. A stiffer deck with thick material should be generally stable, but might become uncomfortable when you go over rougher terrains like uneven pavement or off-road surfaces.

A more flexible deck, on the other hand, should be more equipped to deal with the bumpiness and unevenness of off-road or rough terrains. The downside to a flexible deck is that it might be hard to hold onto with stability as you climb to reach the top speeds your board can offer. If you’re in love with a board but concerned about instability while riding, we always suggest looking for models that offer unique add-ons to aid in flexibility, such as specialized grip-tape or a soft surface on the deck.

Wheel Type and Size – Comfort of Ride

We won’t dive too deep into wheel types and sizes here, considering that it’s a pretty large topic. If you want more information on wheels, consider reading up on our tire guide.

But if you’re shopping for a high-quality budget board, a basic understanding of wheel types and sizes is never a bad thing to have. Where size is concerned, commuters and off-road riders should look for devices with large, rubber wheels. Larger wheels are capable of reducing the shakiness and instability of an electric skateboard. This is especially important if you’re concerned about the deck or maximum speed of your device. It’s also important to remember that some e-boards come equipped with trucks or a motor system capable of accommodating multiple sizes or types of wheels. This might even allow commuters to switch to smaller wheels when they don’t need quite as much terrain versatility and back to larger wheels when they do.

Make sure to check out our Post on the Best Electric Skateboards in General

Best Cheap Electric Skateboards

Apsuboard F3

While the range of only 10 miles might be a bit of a downside, the Apsuboard F3 is an extremely inexpensive skateboard offering solid performance. We’re a bit skeptical of the single motor structure of this model, which comes with power of 250 Wh. Dual motors are generally considered to be standard within the industry, and most of the other devices on this list include two motors rather than one. The single motor might be why this device can only hit a top speed of 17 mph, which isn’t too bad but doesn’t quite match up to other top speeds on our list.

A major upside of the Apsuboard F3 is that it is extremely lightweight at only 12.3 pounds. The battery size is only 144 Wh, which means you might even be able to carry this model onto an airplane. These two factors might make this device the ideal traveling electric skateboard. Its low range might also be offset for commuters by the low recharge time, which is only two hours.

Specs and Features

Top Speed	17 mph (28 km/h)
Range	10 miles (16 km)
Battery Size	144 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motor
Motor Power	1 X 250 Watts
Weight	12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)
Max weight capacity	264 lbs (120 kg)
Hill climb	20 %
Recharge time	2 hours
Water resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 mm
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	apsuboard.com/F3
Price	$ 269

Verreal Mini

The Verreal offers a single-motor version, but riders can also pay an additional fee to upgrade their device to the dual-motor model. Verreal is a pretty well-respected name within the e-skating community, so this low-weight (15.4 pounds) model comes highly recommended by a number of reviewers in the scene. Dual motors aren’t that much more expensive, only adding about forty bucks onto the total cost of the Verreal Mini. For this reason, we tend to think that it’s in the best interest of riders to consider paying the extra price for the extra motor. Both motors offer an impressive Wattage of 250 W, and the device can hit a top speed of around 18.6 miles per hour.

Because of its low weight and a moderate range of ten miles, the Verreal Mini is considered a pretty solid option for commuters. If your workplace is kind of far away from your home, ten miles might not be quite sufficient. We were unable to find any information about the recharge of this device. Also keep in mind that this skateboard has a low maximum weight of 220 pounds, which might be a problem for larger riders.

Specs and Features

Top Speed	18.6 mph (30 km/h)
Range	10 miles (16 km)
Battery Size	144 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	1 x 250 Watts 2 x 250 Watts
Weight	15.4 lbs (6 kg)
Max weight capacity	220 lbs (100 kg)
Hill climb	20 %
Recharge time	no info
Water Resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 mm
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	verrealboards.com
Price	$ 279 – Single Motor $ 318 – Dual Motor

Apsuboard V3

Probably because it comes with the standard dual motors, the V3 provides an increased top speed of 28 miles per hour. The two 250 W motors are pretty powerful, especially for a board of this size. This model of the Apsuboard still comes with a reduced range compared to other boards, but the 2-2.5 hour recharge time is still a mitigating factor. The V3 has the lowest hill-climb capabilities on our list, which could present a problem if you plan on riding or commuting up and down some of the bigger hills in your area.

This device is still extremely lightweight at 14.7 pounds, and it can accommodate a surprising amount of weight (330 lbs). This is another big point for Apsuboard when it comes to the commuter applications of their e-boards. The Hobbywing ESC version of the V3 comes at a price of $319, while the original edition clocks in at just under $300, making it a relatively solid deal for the performance the device offers.

Video Review of the Apsuboard V3

Specs and Features

Top Speed	28 mph (45 km/h)
Range	10 miles (16 km)
Battery Size	144 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 X 250 Watts
Weight	14.7 lbs (6.7 kg)
Max weight capacity	330 lbs (150 kg)
Hill climb	15 %
Recharge time	2 – 2.5 hours
Water resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 mm
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	apsuboard.com/V3
Price	$ 299 $ 319 – Hobbywing ESC

Meepo V3

There’s a reason that Meepo has quickly made a reputation for quality budget boards. Part of this reason is the Meepo V3, which has won extensive praise among riders for its affordability and quality. The skateboard provides a top speed of 28 miles per hour, as well as a very sleek design and a minimal weight of only 16 pounds. The dual motors are extremely powerful at 540 Watts each. The big choice for you as a rider will be whether you want to go with the original or the Extended Range (ER) battery. The 288 Wh extended range battery brings the Meepo V3 up to a total range of 20 miles on a single charge, and it adds about $200 to the price of the model.

Riders who are low on funds or interested in traveling on airplanes might consider sticking with the smaller battery option. This choice keeps the price of the Meepo V3 down to $379 while keeping a moderate-to-low range of 11 miles. The minimal recharge time of the battery (2-2.5 hours) might make up for this reduced range, especially if you’re a commuter who might be able to charge your device during work.

Video Review of the Meepo V3

Specs and Features

Top Speed	28 mph (45 km/h)
Range	11 miles (18 km) 20 miles (32 km) – ER (Extended Range)
Battery Size	144 Wh 288 Wh – ER
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 X 540 Watts
Weight	16 lbs (7.2 kg)
Max weight capacity	300 lbs (136 kg)
Hill climb	30 %
Recharge time	2 – 2.5 hours
Water resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 or 100mm
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	meepoboard.com/V3
Price	$ 379 Meepo V3 $ 579 Meepo V3 ER
Link to our Review	Meepo V3 Review

Meepo Mini 2

This Meepo model offers a similar choice to consumers as the device above. However, the main difference between these skateboards is that the Mini X2’s ER option modifies the weight of the device, the power of the motors, and the top speed– rather than just the range. The Extended Range model brings the gross weight from 16 to 18 pounds, the motor power from dual 400 Watts to dual 540 Watts, the range from 11 to 20 miles, and even the top speed from 25 to 29 miles per hour.

While the markups in price from a regular to an ER model sometimes outweigh the benefits, it’s worth noting how significantly the ER capable Mini X2 really improves in performance. The price difference between the original and the ER e-board is about the same as it is in the above model, but modifications to weight, top speed, and range might make the extra expenditure well worth the sunk cost of the upgrade.

Video Review of the Meepo Mini 2

Specs and Features

Top Speed	25 mph (40 km/h) – Meepo Mini 2 29 mph (46 km/h) – Meepo Mini 2 ER
Range	11 miles (18 km) – Mini 2 20 miles (32 km) – Mini 2 ER
Weight	16 lbs (7,2 kg) – Mini 2 18 lbs (8 kg) – Mini 2 ER
Battery Size	No info
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 x 400 Watt – Mini 2 2 x 540 Watt – Mini 2 ER
Max Weight Capacity	300 lbs (136 kg)
Hill Climb	20 %
Charge Time	2 hrs
Wheel Size	Wheel Diameter: 90 mm
Water Resistance	No rating
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	meepoboard.com/mini-2
Price	$ 379 – Meepo Mini 2 $ 579 – Meepo Mini 2 ER

Lycaon GR

With standard dual 480 W motors, the Lycaon GR can hit a top speed of 26 miles per hour, while its 270 Wh battery can cruise for around 15 miles without needing an additional charge. While most riders won’t need too much more when it comes to range than 15 miles, Lycaon offers a fast charger option, which brings the charging time down from 5-6 to 3-4 hours. This also only adds around $30 to the total price of $429, which might be a worthwhile expenditure for most commuting e-skaters.

The device is moderately lightweight at 18.9 pounds, although its max weight capacity of 220 pounds spells trouble for many larger riders. Lycaon is a pretty new company, but they’ve made some waves in the e-skating community and the quality-to-price ratio on the GR is pretty impressive.

Written Review of the Lycaon Gr

Video Review of the Lycaon Gr

Specs and Features

Top Speed	26 mph (42 km/h)
Range	15 miles (24 km)
Battery Size	270 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 x 480 Watts
Weight	18.9 lbs / 8.6 kg
Max weight capacity	220 lbs (100 kg)
Hill climb	30 %
Recharge time	3 – 4 hours – normal charger 5 -6 hours – fast charger
Water Resistance	IP54 (splash & dust resistant)
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 mm
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	lycaonboard.com/GR
Price	$ 399 $ 429 – Fast Charger

Backfire G2 Black 2020

The Backfire G2 Black 2020 is probably one of the best budget electric skateboards right now. It is an updated version of Backfire’s successful G2 board. The company has updated various specs to make the board more competitive and compelling especially comparing to the Meepo V3, one of the most sold eskates. They have increased the board’s deck’s size a bit. Customers have wished for that for a while now. They also updated the Hobbywing ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) and it’s Remote, the remote control now has an LCD screen. Additionally, Backfire sealed the cases of the Battery and ESC better, thus making it more water-resistant. All of these changes are tiny but overall these details add up making an eskate experience much better. I highly encourage you to check out our Review on the Backfire G2 Black 2020 edition. It’s one of the best and in-depth going reviews we have ever published!

But the biggest upgrade is definitely its battery. Backfire has made it bigger, it’s now a 180 Wh instead of a 144 Wh battery. Backfire claims that this battery will give you a range of 11 miles/ 18 km. And I have to say both from my experience and from reviews that this advertised range will be very close to a true and real-life range. Thank you Backfire for now overstating.   

Another advantage of Backfire is that they have a US Warehouse. Hence Shipping time can be as short as a few days. Compared to Meepo and Exway this is unbelievably fast. This could be a major buying decision factor.

Specs and Features

Top Speed	24 mph (38 km/h)
Range	11 miles (18 km)
Battery Size	180 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motor
Motor Power	2 x 400 Watts
Weight	16.3 lbs (7.4 kg)
Max weight capacity	260 lbs (120 kg)
Hill climb	30 %
Recharge time	3.5 hours
Water resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	96 mm
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	(Global) backfireboards.com/g2 (USA) backfireboardsusa.com/g2
Price	$409 – Sea Shipping $509 – Air Shipping
Link to our Review	Backfire G2 Black Review

Ae Board AE3

Like the above two boards, this device comes with a few important choices. Riders can choose between three battery sizes: 504 Wh, 288 Wh, and 216 Wh. Aside from the power of the battery itself, this choice primarily impacts both cost and range of the skateboard. The 216 Wh battery option costs $419 and provides a range of 13 miles. The $479 288 Wh battery can take the device 18 miles on a single charge, and the most expensive $559 504 Wh battery pack gives you an impressive range of 27 miles. For commuters, the extra $100 is easily justifiable for the increase to range.

Regardless of the option you choose, dual 250 W batteries provide an exciting top speed of 26 miles per hour, and the device is lightweight at around 19 pounds. Its maximum weight capacity is unlikely to be an issue, as it can handle riders of up to 330 pounds. Tire sizes on the Ae are a little small at 90 mm for its highest attainable top speed, but experienced riders may still be able to make it work while hitting hair-raising speeds on the open road.

Video Review of the AeBoard AE2

Specs and Features

Top Speed	26 mph (42 km/h)
Range	13 miles (21 km) 18 miles (29 km) 27 miles (45 km)
Battery Size	216 Wh 288 Wh 504 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 x 250 Watts
Weight	19 lbs (8.1 kg)
Max weight capacity	330 lbs (150 kg)
Hill climb	25 – 30%
Recharge time	no info
Water Resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 mm
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	aeboarder.com/ae3
Price	$ 419 – 216 Wh Battery $ 479 – 288 Wh Battery $ 559 – 504 Wh Battery

Vestar Mini

Vestar has a knack for producing cheap and high-performing boards, so it isn’t surprising to see them make their way onto this list. The Vestar Mini is actually also one of the few models on our list that allows riders to choose between two different types of motors. The dual hub motors are 600 W each, but you can also choose a belt motor system with dual 1000s. Read our above section on the different types of motors to figure out which option you might want to go with; it appears that the motor type does not influence the cost, and they provide the same top speed of 27 miles per hour.

The wheels on this model are a little smaller than other devices on our list, clocking in at 83 mm each. This could spell trouble if you’re going consistently at higher speeds, although choosing the belt drive option might allow you to swap for bigger wheels when necessary.

Review of the Vestar Mini

Specs and Features

Top Speed	27 mph (30 km/h)
Range	12 miles (16 km)
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg)
Battery Size	187 Wh 252 Wh
Drive Train	Hub or Belt
Motor Power	2 x 600 Watt – Hub 2 x 1000 Watt – Belt
Max weight capacity	260 lbs (120 kg)
Hill climb	27%
Charge time	Unknown
Wheel Size	83 mm
Water Resistance	IP 65
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	vestarboard.com/vestar-mini
Price	$ 489 – Hub $ 529 – Belt

WowGo 3

WowGo continues to make waves as one of the leading producers of quality budget boards in the growing e-skating community. It comes equipped with some of the most powerful dual motors on our list at 600 W each, and this pays off big-time with its top speed of 24 miles per hour. Customers have to decide between a battery size of either 216 or 288 Wh. The latter offers a range of 17 miles, while the former can do 13. The bigger battery drives up the price by $100, taking the total to $599. 17 pounds makes the device pretty lightweight, although it can carry an impressive top weight of around 280 pounds.

If riders do choose to go with the cheaper battery option, a low recharge time of 2.5 hours might help to offset the resultant lower range.

Video Review of the WowGo 3

Specs and Features

Top Speed	24 mph (38 km/h)
Range	13 miles (21 km) 17 miles (27 km) – ER
Battery Size	216 Wh 288 Wh – ER
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 x 600 Watts
Weight	17 lbs (7.8 kg)
Max weight capacity	280 lbs (127 kg)
Hill climb	25 – 30%
Recharge time	2.5 hours
Water Resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 mm
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	wowgoboard.com/wowgo-3
Price	$ 449 – WowGo 3 $ 499 – WowGo 3 ER
Link to our Review	WowGo 3X Review

Apsuboard X1

This skateboard is equipped with a belt drive system, and riders can choose between a smaller or bigger battery. The larger battery option costs around $688, while the smaller is only $499. The two 650 W motors are pretty powerful and allow for a top speed of 26 miles per hour. The range is listed at 17 miles on each charge, and a low charge time of 2.5 hours makes the device pretty well-suited for daily commuter travel.

15.5 pounds is a pretty low weight, which is another plus for commuters looking to use this board to liven up their daily grind. Variable speed modes on this model also lend themselves pretty well to writers who are still learning the ropes, as the “beginner’s mode” can reduce the max speed to only 12.5 miles per hour.

Videoreview of the Apsuboard X1

Specs and Features

Top Speed	26 mph (42 km/h)
Range	17 miles (27 km)
Battery Size	288 Wh
Drive Train	Belt Drive
Motor Power	2 x 650 Watts
Weight	15.5 lbs (7 kg)
Max weight capacity	330 lbs (150 kg)
Hill climb	30%
Recharge time	2.5 hours
Water Resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	90 mm
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	apsuboard.com/X1
Price	$ 499 – 288 Wh Battery $ 688 – Bigger Battery

Ownboard W2

Ownboard is a household name among electric skateboarders. The company has offered a number of quality boards and it’s slated to be one of the heirs to the massive following of Boosted Boards. The Ownboard W2 is one of the more inexpensive models marketed by the skateboarding manufacturer. Riders buying this board should think carefully about whether they want to go with the 144 Wh ($529) or the 324 Wh ($629) battery option. The former reduces the range of the device more than any other e-board on our list, bringing it down to a very small 6.5 miles. The low charge time might help to mitigate this minimal range, but 6.5 is still pretty limited. The upside to this small battery pack is that, at 144 Wh, it is well-suited for air travel.

The larger battery option of 324 Wh gives it a more respectable range of 14 miles per charge. Riders can also choose between either 90 mm or 83 mm wheels, and all models come with a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour and a moderately low gross weight of 18.5 pounds. The dual 650 Watt motors are impressive and offer the power of the belt drive system.

Video Review of the Ownboard W2

Specs and Features

Top Speed	28 mph (45 km/h)
Range	6.5 miles (11 km) 14 miles (23 km)
Battery Size	144 Wh 324 Wh
Drive Train	Belt Drive
Motor Power	2 x 650 Watts
Weight	18.5 lbs (8.2 kg)
Max weight capacity	265 lbs (120 kg)
Hill climb	30%
Recharge time	2 – 3 hours
Water Resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	83 mm 90 mm
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	ownboard.net
Price	$ 529 – 144 Wh Battery $ 629 – 324 Wh Battery

Backfire G3

The Backfire G3 only requires riders to choose between two shipping options, sea ($599) or air shipping ($749). Backfire is another respected company within the e-skating industry, and the dual 450 Watt hub motors on the G3 give it one of the greatest top speeds (28.5 miles per hour) on our list. A 260 Wh battery provides a reasonably high range of 15 miles with a battery recharge time of only 2.5 hours. When you’re hitting high speeds like 28.5 mph, the larger 96 mm wheels can really help to mitigate shake and maximize stability. The device is also pretty lightweight at 17.6 pounds, and it can accommodate most riders easily with its weight capacity of 260 pounds.

The performance specs on the Backfire G3 are impressive, and it’s worth reiterating that the Backfire company has been a pretty big name in the e-skating world for a while now. Their reputation for customer service is pretty solid. And as we explained above, customer service is often an underrated component of the value of a given e-skateboard.

Review of the Backfire G3

Specs and Features

Top Speed	28.5 mph (46 km/h)
Range	15 miles (14 km)
Battery Size	260 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 X 450 Watts
Weight	17.6 lbs (8 kg)
Max weight capacity	260 lbs (118 kg)
Hill climb	30 %
Recharge time	2.5 hours
Water resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	96 mm
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	backfireboards.com/G3 (Global) backfireboardsusa.com/g3 (US-Stock)
Price	$ 599 – Sea Shipping $ 749 – Air Shipping

Meepo NLS Pro

Meepo is still a relatively new company, but they come highly recommended with a solid reputation for customer service and the quality of their builds. The NLS Pro certainly seems to deliver on the company’s promise of providing riders with high quality at an affordable price. Two powerful 530 W hub motors allow the NLS Pro to reach top speeds of 32 miles per hour, easily beating out many of the other boards on the list in terms of pure speed. Like the models above, it remains low on weight at 19 pounds and can carry most skaters with its max weight capacity of 300 pounds. We’re impressed by the 20 mile range provided by the 336 Wh battery, which surprisingly only takes around 2.5 hours to charge.

With Meepo’s solid record of customer service and quality, it’s no surprise that the NLS Pro is drawing interest as an affordable and high-performing model.

Video Review of the Meepo NLS Pro

Specs and Features

Top Speed	32 mph (51 km/h)
Range	20 miles (32 km)
Battery Size	336 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 x 530 Watts
Weight	19 pounds (8,5 kg)
Max Weight Capacity	300 lbs (136 kg)
Hill Climb	30 % gradient
Recharge Time	2.5 hours
Warranty	6 months
Price	$ 649 – Sea Shipping $ 709 – Air Shipping
Link to Website	meepoboard.com/nls-pro

Exway Flex

We probably don’t need to explain to you the kind of reputation associated with Exway. The Exway Flex is consistently hailed as one of the strongest budget boards currently on the market, and this should be easy to see when you take a look at the performance specs highlighted above. Dual 600 Watt motors are powerful enough for a max speed of 25 miles per hour, and the 259 Wh battery can carry it an extended 20 miles on just one charge. The model is lightweight at 16.5 pounds, and a twelve month warranty should pair well with the golden customer service reputation of the company behind this model. As an extremely popular budget model, the Flex is one of several Exway boards that pack quite a punch without breaking the bank.

Video Review of the Exway Flex

Specs and Features

Top Speed	25mph (40km/h)
Range	20 miles (32km)
Battery Size	259 Wh
Motor Power	2 x 600 Watts
Weight	16.5 lbs (7.5 kg)
Max weight capacity	265 lbs (120 kg)
Hill climb	30 %
Recharge time	3 – 5 Hours
Water Resistance	IP55
Wheel / Tyre Size	85 mm
Warranty	12 Months
Link to Website	exwayboard.com/flex
Price	$649

Verreal RS

The Verreal RS is probably the best bang for your buck. We haven’t seen a board with similar specs for less money. Picture this, specs similar to the Evolve GTR ($1500 board), with even a bigger battery for $500 less. Sounds pretty darn great if you ask me.

The flowered design on the deck of the Verreal RS is quick to catch your eyes, but experienced riders should pay closer attention to the exceptional power below the deck. Dual 1500 W belt drive system motors contribute to the device’s top speed of 27 miles per hour, while two options for battery power lead to the same total range capability of 22 miles. The size of the battery you choose heavily impacts the cost of the device, as does the method of delivery you go with. The smaller battery option (432 Wh) adds up to a total price of $799, while shipping the larger 691 Wh option by air bumps it up to just over a thousand bucks. If you’re willing to put up with average after-sale service and the unpredictable shipping time during this pandemic, the Verreal RS will be one of the best choices.

Video Review of the Verreal RS

Specs and Features

Top Speed	27 mph (43 km/h)
Range	22 miles (35 km)
Battery Size	432 Wh 504 Wh 576 Wh 691 Wh
Drive Train	Belt Drive
Motor Power	2 x 1500 Watts
Weight	22 lbs (10kg)
Max weight capacity	330 lbs (150kg)
Hill climb	25 – 30%
Recharge time	3 – 5 hours
Water Resistance	Unknown
Wheel / Tyre Size	3.54 inch
Warranty	3 months
Link to Website	verrealboards.com
Price	$ 699 (432 Wh Battery) $ 879 (691 Wh Battery)
Link to our Review	Verreal RS Review

Backfire Zealot

If you’ve been reading up on affordable boards, it’s very likely that you’ve heard of the Backfire Zealot. Backfire, as we stated above, is a major e-skating name with a proven track record for quality and price alike. The Zealot uses a belt drive system with dual 750 W motors to achieve a total maximum speed of 28.5 miles per hour. With a relatively large battery of 311 Wh, the Zealot’s range of 17.5 miles should be sufficient for most commuters and long-range riders, although the recharge time is pretty large at 6 hours. When you’re riding at these heavy top speeds, the relatively large wheels (96 mm) should help with stability and terrain adaptability.

Written Review of the Backfire Zealot

Video Review of the Backfire Zealot

Specs and Features

Top Speed	28.5 mph (46 km/h)
Range	17.5 miles (28 km)
Battery Size	311 Wh
Drive Train	Belt Drive
Motor Power	2 x 750 Watts
Weight	Unknown
Max weight capacity	260 lbs (120 kg)
Hill climb	30 %
Recharge time	6 hours
Water resistance	yes – but no IP rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	96 mm
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	(Global) backfireboards.com/zealot (US-Stock) backfireboardsusa.com/zealot
Price	$699 – Sea Shipping $799 – Air Shipping

Meepo NLS Belt

The main divide when buying the Meepo NLS is between the hub and belt drive motor systems. The Meepo NLS Pro is hub-driven, the Meepo NLS Belt, you guess it, belt-driven. The Meepo NLS Belt uses the famous Boosted Motors, Trucks, Wheels, and even Bushings. If you look for the closest Boosted style riding experience, the NLS Belt. The board has an Automatic Turn-on feature, the remote looks and feels great with its matt finish and the guitar stand that comes with the Board is super handy! The Deck is flexy and super comfortable and Acceleration is smooth and vigorous. All in all the NLS Belt is a great board.

Video Review of the Meepo NLS Belt

Specs and Features

Top Speed	22.5 mph (36 km/h)
Range	18 miles (30 km)
Battery Size	288 Wh
Drive Train	Belt
Motor Power	2 x 900 Watts – belt Motors
Weight	18 lbs (8.2 kg)
Max weight capacity	330 lbs (150 kg)
Hill climb	30%
Recharge time	Unknown
Water Resistance	Unknown
Wheel / Tyre Size	85mm
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	meepoboard.com/nls-belt
Price	$ 699

WowGo 3X

Two 600 W hub motors on the 3X option give this device a top speed of 24 mph. It comes equipped with relatively small wheels at only 2.44 inches, and this might be a bit of a problem for stability if you plan to consistently hit these higher speeds. The range of the 260 Wh battery is around 14 miles, giving this WowGo device solid capability as a commuter’s skateboard, and this application is enriched even further by its low weight of only 17.2 pounds. Two 600 Watt hub motors help give some power to this model, and WowGo as a company has always preserved a pretty solid reputation within the e-skating community.

Text Review of the WowGo 3X

Video Review of the WowGo 3X

Specs and Features

Top Speed	24 mph (38 km/h)
Range	14 miles (22.5 km)
Battery Size	260 Wh
Motor Power	2 x 600 Watts
Weight	17.2lbs (7.8kg)
Max weight capacity	280 lbs (127 kg)
Hill climb	25 – 30%
Recharge time	Unknown
Water Resistance	No Rating
Wheel / Tyre Size	2.44 inch
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	wowgoboard.com/wowgo-3x
Price	$ 629
Link to our Review	WowGo 3X Review

Exway X1 Pro

The Exway X1 Pro is the follower board of the Exway X1. The Exway X1 model enjoyed great popularity and X1 Pro – well, it is obviously the improved version. It has a very stealthy and sleek design. All the components are built into the deck, meaning that at first glance, it resembles a regular longboard. The fully enclosed hub motor has a total of 2400 watts. The board is IP-55 rated and therefore, it’s officially water-resistant. Although Exway had some initial problems with its battery (it experienced voltage sag), the company has learned from the initial mistakes and since upgraded the firmware.

Now, the output power remains high even if the battery is drained. Some users report that the deck is very stiff, not flexible in the slightest. At higher speeds or on rough pavement, the vibrations will not be dampened – which, in turn, lowers the riding experience. Your feet and knees will have to get used to heavy vibrations. But Exway is aware of this and tries to counteract with big wheels and by applying 3mm shock-absorbing grip tape on the deck. The Exway App is also noteworthy, as it allows you to customize your settings, updating ongoing firmware and real on-time data output.

One unique feature about the Exway X1 Pro is its ability to change the driving system from hub to belt motors just in 5 minutes. This swappable drivetrain module is called the “Riot”. No other company that I know of offers this feature. Well done Exway!

Specs

Top Speed	29 mph (47 km/h)
Range	16 miles (26 km)
Battery Size	193 Wh
Motor Power	2 x 1200 W = 2400 Watts
Weight	15 lbs (7 kg)
Max Weight Capacity	300 lbs (136 kg)
Hill Climb	30 % gradient
Recharge Time	2 hrs 45 min
Warranty	6 months
Price	$ 772
Link to Website	exwayboard.com

WowGo AT2

The WowGo AT2, is a trustworthy board with pretty positive reviews. The Board sells at $1099 which is a great deal considering what you get. The 504 Wh battery will get you up to 22 miles (35 km) of range. That’s estimated for the street version of the board, with AT wheels you will get less range. Speaking of Wheels, the WowGo AT2 is the only Budget All-Terrain Board that comes with pneumatic and not air-less rubber wheels. This is a great advantage because numerous riders claim that pneumatic wheels are more responsive and comfortable. Which results in a much smoother riding experience compared to rubber AT wheels.

The boards has a Flexy deck made out of fiberglass, bamboo, and maple wood, double kingpin trucks and two powerful 1500 Watt Belt motors. Let’s put it this way, everything about Wowgo AT 2 felt really premium. Another board in this price range, with similar specs, would be the Evolve GTR which costs $600 more. Hence it’s a no-brainer why this board is getting hyped a lot right now. Make sure to check out our WOWGO AT2 review.

Normally, you have to power the board and remote separately. But the WowGo AT2 board has a “Smart Turn-On” feature, meaning you can turn on the board by just turning on the remote control. This board also claims to be highly water-resistant, which helps in many different scenarios.

If you’re willing to put up with average after-sale service and the unpredictable shipping time during this pandemic, the WowGo AT2 will be one of the best choices.

Video Review of the WowGo AT2

Specs

Top Speed	25 mph (40 km/h)
Range	22 miles (35 km)
Weight	30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Battery Size	504 Wh
Motor Power	2 x 1500 Watts
Max weight capacity	280 lbs (127 kg)
Hill climb	30 %
Charge time	6 hrs
Wheel Size/ Tyre Size	7 inch or 120mm
Water Resistance	No Rating
Warranty	9 months
Link to our Review	WowGo AT2 Review
Link to Website	wowgoboard.com/at-2
Price	$1099 (AT or Cloudwheels) $1219 (AT and Cloudwheels)

Backfire Ranger X2

A solid range of 21 miles courtesy of the powerful 504 Wh is a great standout feature of the Backfire Range X2, and the respected e-skateboard company also sweetens the deal with dual 1200 Watt hub motors offering a high top speed of 22 miles per hour. Large 6.5 inch wheels help to compliment the off-road and commuting capabilities of this device, although its high weight of 28 pounds might be a bit more than some commuters are interested in. Given the aforementioned track record of Backfire’s customer service team, as well as the impressive specs of this model, the Backfire Range X2 has understandably won praise from a number of riders all over the skateboarding community.

Video Review of the Backfire X2

Specs and Features

Top Speed	22 mph (36 km/h)
Range	21 miles (35 km)
Battery Size	504 Wh
Drive Train	Hub Motors
Motor Power	2 x 1200 Watts
Weight	28 lbs (12,7 kg)
Max weight capacity	265 lbs (120 kg)
Hill climb	30 % – Street
Recharge time	3 hours
Water Resistance	IP 55 (splash water & dust resistant)
Wheel / Tyre Size	6.5 inch | 16,5 cm
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	(Global) backfireboards.com/ranger-x2 (US-Stock) backfireboardsusa.com/ranger-x2
Price	$ 1049 – Backfire Ranger X2

Cheap Electric Skateboard Kits

If you’re tech-savvy and good with your hands, a cheap electric skateboard kit can help to maximize your savings while improving your board of choice. The biggest advantage is that you can mount these kits almost on any deck, opening the choice of using your favorite cruiser, skateboard or longboard decks. There is another advantage too; The battery is often swappable and small enough to be flight compatible too!

Unlimited X Loaded Kits

Unlimited X Loaded offers three options for kits, depending on your interests as a rider. You can currently choose from the solo kit, the cruiser kit, or the race kit. As you might expect, the race kit generally offers the greatest level of performance among the three options. With a top speed of 26 mph, dual 840 Watt motors, a 180 Wh battery, and a related 13-mile range, this kit provides a solid level of performance fitting of… well, a racer! The race kit also offers the highest weight (9 pounds), but the best hill-climbing capabilities.

The cruiser kit is a bit more relaxed, offering a reduced weight (6.6 pounds) and top speed (23 mph), but an equal range of 13 miles to the race kit. The cruiser also comes with a 180 Wh battery, although it uses a single motor and can only climb hills at 9%. Finally, riders looking for a cheap and relaxed experience should consider the solo kit, which can hit speeds of up to 23 miles per hour with a single 840 W motor, reach a range of 7 miles on its 90 Wh battery, and climb hills at a similar 9%.

Review of the Unlimited X Loaded Kit

Specs and Features

Top Speed	23 mph (37 km/h) Solo Kit 23 mph (37 km/h) Cruiser Kit 26 mph (42 km/h) Race Kit
Range	7 miles (11 km) Solo Kit 13 miles (21 km) Cruiser Kit 13 miles (21 km) Race Kit
Battery Size	90 Wh Solo Kit 180 Wh Cruiser Kit 180 Race Kit
Motor Power	840 Watts Max – Solo Kit 840 Watts Max – Cruiser Kit 2 x 840 Watts Max – Race Kit
Weight	4,4 pounds | 2 kg – Solo Kit 6,6 pounds |3 kg – Cruiser Kit 9 pounds | 4 kg – Race Kit
Max Weight Capacity	240 lbs|110 kg (Also depending on the deck)
Hill Climb	9% Solo Kit 9% Cruiser Kit 20% Race Kit
Charge Time	1 – 2 hrs Solo Kit 2 – 3 hrs Cruiser Kit 2 – 3 hrs Race Kit
Wheel Size	Wheel Diameter: 85 mm Contact Patch: 58 mm
Warranty	1 year (US) 2 years (EU)
Link to Website	unlimitedxloadedusa.com
Price	$ 619 Solo Kit $ 949 Cruiser Kit $ 1199 Race Kit

Revel Kit

The Revel Kit comes with two options: the standard and extended range models. As the name suggests, the main point of difference between the two is the ridable range offered by their batteries. For the standard Revel Kit, a 144 Wh battery gives the device a total range of around 6-10 miles. By contrast, an extended build comes with a 216 Wh battery and can ride for around 10-15 miles on a single charge.

The recharge time isn’t bad at 2-3 hours, so even the decreased range might be workable if you anticipate being able to find a spot to charge-up as you ride. Both options can reach a top speed of around 28 miles per hour, likely courtesy of the impressive dual 1100 Watt motors. The weight of this build shouldn’t be too much trouble, as its 11-pound frame is relatively easy to transport and carry around.

Review of the Revel Kit

Specs and Features

Top Speed	28 mph (45 km/h)
Range	Standard: 6-10 miles (10-16km) Extended: 10-15 miles (16-24km)
Battery Size	Standard: 144Wh Extended: 216Wh
Motor Power	1100 Watts Dual Brushless Motors
Weight	11 lbs | 5 kg
Max Weight Capacity	264 lbs |120 kg (Also depending on the deck)
Hill Climb	20%
Charge Time	2-3hrs
Wheel Size	90mm
Water Resistance	IP54 (Water and dust resistant)
Warranty	6 months
Link to Website	revelboards.com
Price	Standard Kit: $599 (originally $699) ER Kit: $699 (originally $799)

Maxfind M5 Drive Kit

This Do-It-Yourself kit is the cheapest among the Kits. Additionally the dual 750 hub motors, a speed maximum of 26 miles per hour, and a 158 Wh battery capable of delivering the device to a range of 15 miles, the performance is well worth the cost. It weighs in at 14 pounds, but this can vary based on the specifics of the deck. It also may be worth mentioning that this kit comes with an extended warranty of nine months, which is higher than some other kits and boards can offer. Commuters and long-range travelers might be interested in the additional battery packs, which can be pretty easily swapped out on-the-go to extend the range of your built device.

Video Review of the Maxfind

The Review is about the Maxfind Max 4 and not specifically about the DIY Kit, but it’s valuable nevertheless since it uses the same Drive Kit/ Hardware.

Specs and Features

Top Speed	26 mph (42 km/h)
Range	15 miles (25 km)
Battery Size	158 Wh
Drive Train	Hub
Motor Power	2 x 750 Watts
Weight	14 lbs | 6.5 kg
Max Weight Capacity	220 lbs |100 kg (Also depending on the deck)
Hill Climb	30 %
Charge Time	2 hrs
Wheel Size	90 mm
Water Resistance	IP65 (“dust tight” and protected against water projected from a nozzle)
Warranty	9 months
Link to Website	maxfindboards.com/m5-kit
Price	$ 569 (Standard Kit) $ 669 (Additional Battery) $ 769 (2 Additional Batteries)

Electric Skateboard – Black Friday Offers

Another way to really maximize your savings is to look around for offers on Black Friday. On this day characterized for massive discounts on a variety of tech products, it shouldn’t be hard to find deals on the most popular budget boards. Although you shouldn’t expect anything crazy when it comes to discounts, it’s likely that many of the popular board brands on this list will apply discounts to their site. Keep on the lookout for these, and be sure to sign up for email alerts from your favorite organizations to know when/if the price of their boards might go down.

How much does an electric skateboard cost?

Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what to expect price-wise from an electric skateboard. While some e-boards can cost an upwards of $2,000, you should be able to find a quality board for around $1,000 or less. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for, and inexpensive boards may not have the kind of quality of materials and technology you’d see in a more top-shelf model. If you are interested in the topic you should check out our guide on eskate cost factors.

Final thoughts

A great board doesn’t have to make you reach deep into your pockets. Using the tips, suggestions, and boards on our list, you should be able to find a solid electric skateboard without breaking the bank. Always pay close attention to the reputation of the company behind a board, as well as the important technical components making it up, before choosing a new device. Good luck, and happy riding!