We’ve all been there. Imagine: you’ve spent hours trying to find the perfect electric skateboard, and you’re in love with a beautiful model. The top speed is impressive, the deck is sleek, the brakes are reliable, and the motor is the pinnacle of powerful. It really looks like love at first sight… until you see the price tag. The price of some of the top electric skateboards are enough to force even the most interested and dedicated riders to shut the computer and reconsider their shopping strategies. But there is hope, yet! Our guide today will help walk you through some of the top e-boards priced at under $1,000, as well as a few tips to help you find the perfect board on the right budget.
Image | Model | Price | Link to Vendor |
 | Verreal RS | $669 | |
 | Backire Zealot | $699 | |
 | Meepo Voyager | $949 | |
 | Backfire G3 Plus | $999 |
What to consider when buying an Electric Skateboard under 1000 Dollar
Price
If you’re reading this guide, chances are that you already know how important price can be when choosing an electric skateboard. Many potential riders actually end up avoiding the industry entirely because of the extreme prices associated with some of the most popular brands. Luckily, it is absolutely possible to find a quality board for under $1,000. For riders looking to maximize their savings without compromising on important aspects of performance, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, be cautious of boards that seem too good to be true. You can easily find a good board for a low price. But if a company claims to offer a Boosted-quality electric skateboard for $200? Time to run! You generally get what you pay for when it comes to skateboards, just as with technology in general. The best boards offer high top speeds and strong batteries because they utilize complex, sometimes even cutting-edge technology. Producing some of the best boards in the industry costs money, so prices might be high in order for companies to make a profit. Because of this, you should expect that extremely cheap boards are far likelier to use subpar components than more expensive boards.
Skateboards can vary greatly in price. While some solid boards are available for under $500, a few major e-skateboard companies produce models close to $2,000 in price. Because expensive boards from reputable vendors typically utilize complex and high-quality motors, batteries, and decks, they’re often less likely to require the constant upkeep and replacement costs associated with cheaper models. For the habitual skater, this makes higher-end boards a worthwhile long-term investment. But not everyone can spend $2,000 on the top-of-the-line boards. A board of $1,000 or less might strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability for many riders.
Battery Capacity and Range
Battery capacity is a major consideration for most riders. Especially if you plan on using your board for constant commuting or travel, the size of a board’s battery is important. The range of an electric skateboard is almost entirely dependent on the power of its battery. The bigger the battery, the larger the range. But large batteries can be a double-edged sword for two big reasons. First, a big and efficient battery can drive up the cost of a board. The price of a board is determined by many things, but battery quality is a sure contributor. Additionally, larger batteries can add to the weight of a device. Commuters might be especially interested in minimizing weight, as carrying around a board with a big and bulky battery can quickly become an annoyance on the daily commute.
Also consider that the strength of a battery might limit your ability to travel effectively with your skateboard. While most e-boards are light enough to be stowed away during flights, many airlines have a limit on the size/capacity of batteries that can be transported by plane. If you plan on taking your electric skateboard while you travel via air, consider looking for a model with a smaller battery. Batteries under 100 Wh can be carried onto most airlines, and you can get batteries of up to 160 Wh approved by individual airlines. Read more about e-skateboard and air travel here. None of the devices on this list come with batteries suited for air travel.
Riding Experience
Frankly, your riding experience should be one of the top concerns with any electric skateboard. At the end of the day, the most important metric is how it feels to hit the open road on a quality device. But the definition of the “ideal riding experience” varies from rider to rider. What matters most to you when it comes to the perfect board?
Acceleration
The rate of acceleration and braking curve are to important performance elements, especially if you’re a newer rider. This comes down to personal preference. Some riders enjoy hitting top speeds relatively quickly, while others prefer a slow, stable curve of acceleration. The top brands in the industry usually advertise a quick rate of acceleration. Whatever you prefer, be sure to check up on the acceleration rates of a device before making your purchase.
Braking
Braking curves are another major consideration in the riding experience of a board, but the issue is a little more straightforward. For most riders, the ideal board can stop almost on a dime. There’s nothing more dangerous than having a slow braking time when you really need to stop. Especially for commuters who may run into unexpected obstacles like vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians, it’s essential to be able to quickly bring the speed of your device down. Luckily, quality brakes have become a standard in much of the industry.
Top Speed
For most riders, top speed is another key element of the riding experience. The most popular high-end boards can hit extreme speeds. Again, some riders might not want a board capable of hitting high top speeds, so this comes down to personal preference more than anything. The power of a board’s motors is the main contributor to its speed, although the weight and build of the board’s deck can also influence the device’s maximum speed. Contrary to popular belief, the most expensive boards don’t always offer the top speeds in the industry. These high-end boards are often most coveted for their control and versatility. That being said, you should have no trouble finding an inexpensive board with a solid top speed.
Drive Train and Motor Type
Motor type is an underrated contributor to the overall performance of a given electric skateboard. There are four main types of motors used in modern e-boards: belt system, hub motors, direct drive motor, and gear drive system. Our list focuses exclusively on boards that use either hub or belt system motors.
Belt 
Hub 
Direct
Belt Drive System
A belt drive system is generally louder and more complex than a hub motor system. The mechanical friction generated by the belt system makes skateboards with this type of motor relatively loud, which can be a downside. However, this loudness has an upside, some rides just love the “screaming race-car sound” of a belt system. The belt systems often provide higher torque and better acceleration than their hub counterparts too. This high power output is helpful when it comes to climbing hills or going off-road, as a weaker motor might not be able to contend with the struggles of variable terrains. One of the biggest benefits of belt systems is the ability to swap wheels. As long as you have the right drive pulley adapter you can use almost any wheels you want. Which often makes the ride more comfortable cause you can use bigger and softer wheels. Experienced riders with technical expertise might also be interested in the complexity of the belt system, as it’s possible to remove, repair, and tweak specific parts.
Hub System
On the other hand, hub motors are quieter, and many riders find that they offer a smoother overall ride than belt motors can. One of biggest advantages of a hub motor is that you can easily kick-push a board. Belt systems don’t allow this. Hub Motors are also easier to maintain because they don’t have so many moving parts. If you don’t plan on going off-road or encountering rough terrains, a hub motor may be a good way to get around town or commute.
Many inexpensive models come with hub motors, but you’ll also find cheap electric skateboard with developed belt systems. Our guide to the top sub-$1000 e-skateboards includes both belt and hub motor boards, so you should be able to find a device of either type at an affordable price.
Costumer Service
Customer service should never be neglected as an essential aspect of a board’s value. In a perfect world, you’d only ever need to deal with the manufacturer of your board while you make the initial purchase. In reality, however, there are a number of reasons that you might need to work with a company’s customer support team. If you have an issue that you want covered under the board’s warranty, if your device comes shipped without a necessary component, or even if you become dissatisfied with the e-board’s performance, it’s important to have a customer service team you can count on.
In fact, the impeccable customer service from the Boosted Board team is one big reason that the American company dominated the e-skating industry for so long. But with Boosted out of the picture, it might be difficult to find a e-skateboard company that provides quality customer service for their affordable boards. Nevertheless, there are several major e-skating companies that offer solid customer service. Meepo, Exway, and Backfire are particularly well-respected by many riders.
Though customer service quality is unlikely to directly affect the price of a skateboard, it should help you to choose to pull the trigger or pass on a particular brand. You should be able to get helpful information from online blogs, Youtube Videos and other digital resources about the experiences of some riders with a given company’s customer service team. Otherwise, why not give it a test run for yourself? A company with a solid customer service team will be quick to answer any question that you have as a potential customer. Given some of the purchasing factors outlined above, it should be easy to find a good question to ask nearly any e-skating company. If they’re quick, courteous, and descriptive in their response to your query, this is a telltale sign you’re probably dealing with a good customer support team.
Also note that a good customer support team can seriously cut down on e-skating costs in the long run. If your device comes with a warranty, as most skateboards should, then the customer service team’s effectiveness can mean the difference between free replacement parts and an out-of-pocket repair cost. This is just another reason to carefully vet the customer service reputation of a company before becoming a customer.
Portability and Weight
The weight of an electric skateboard is more important to some riders than others. If you’re a commuter, for example, it’s in your best interest to search for a board of a manageable weight. A number of factors contribute to the weight of a board, including the materials of the deck, the types of motors used, and the size of the skateboard’s batteries. Cutting down on weight usually comes at a price, as smaller boards might not offer the reliability or extended ranges of larger models.
E-skateboard companies usually list the gross weight of a skateboard pretty clearly on the device’s web page, so it shouldn’t be that hard to find out how much a board weighs. Several of the boards on our list below offer relatively low weights.
Deck
The first thing many riders notice when they look at a board is the design of the deck. But it’s important to look past the appearance when considering the value of a board. Electric skateboards can vary considerably when it comes to the materials used in their decks. Every design comes with upsides and downsides. The aesthetic of a board is obviously important, but the stiffness of the deck might be the most essential contributing factor to a device’s riding experience. A stiffer deck is extremely stable, but doesn’t give very much when you’re riding over difficult terrains like rough pavement. Flexible decks, however, are more comfortable on rough terrains but become pretty unstable when you hit higher speeds.
Wheel Type and Size – Comfort of Ride
Wheels are incredibly important. A quality set of wheels can help to offset the shakiness of a ride, while wheels that are too small can make top speed riding or off-roading nearly impossible. Although you can find a more comprehensive breakdown of the different types of wheels at our wheel guide. But on the most basic level, variability in wheel type is a major asset. If you anticipate wanting to switch between commuting and off-road riding, for example, it’s great to have trucks capable of using larger or smaller wheels. Large pneumatic or rubber honeycomb wheels are the standard for off-road or long-range commuter electric skateboards.
Best Electric Skateboards under $1000
Backfire G3 Plus
As we explained above, the Backfire name is well-respected within the e-skating community. Backfire comes with a strong track record of excellence when it comes to customer service, which is obviously an important asset. Backfire boards are known for reliability and quality performance as well.
The Backfire G3 Plus is one of the more expensive models on our list. Please note that its price can climb up to $1149 if you choose to go with air instead of sea shipping. Without the additional shipping cost, the device clocks in at exactly $999. According to some reviewers, though, this high price tag might be very well justified. Two 600 Wh motors allow the skateboard a top speed of 28.5 mph, which is extremely impressive. With a 346 Wh power battery, the G3 Plus can ride for about 20 miles on a single charge. This is more than sufficient for the vast majority of riders. The G3 Plus also weighs only 16 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight option.
Specs and Features
| Top Speed | 28.5 mph (46 km/h) |
| Range | 20 miles (32 km) |
| Battery Size | 346 Wh |
| Motor Power | 2 x 600 Watts |
| Weight | 16 lbs (7.3 kg) |
| Max weight capacity | 260 lbs (120 kg) |
| Hill climb | 30% |
| Recharge time | 6 hours |
| Water resistance | IP55 (splash water & dust resistant) |
| Wheel / Tyre Size | 85 mm |
| Warranty | 6 months |
| Link to Website | backfireboards.com/g3-plus (Global) backfireboardsusa.com/g3-plus (US-Stock) |
| Price | $999 – Sea Shipping $1149 – Air Shipping |
Backfire Zealot
The Zealot is less expensive than the G3 Plus model. It comes with the same top speed of 28.5 mph, although the range is slightly reduced at 17.5 miles with the 311 Wh battery. The weight of this board is not clearly listed on the Backfire website, which is a little disquieting for riders highly concerned with the portability of their skateboard. Nevertheless, two 750 Watt motors pack quite a punch, and the device only costs around $799, if you’re including the quicker air shipping option that Backfire offers.
The Backfire Zealot makes its way onto quite a few of our rankings list, and this isn’t just a coincidence. This board comes highly recommended by a number of riders, many of whom praise it for its affordability and top-quality performance metrics. The belt drive motor system offers excellent torque and power, while the sleek design remains very aesthetically pleasing to most riders. When it comes to wheels, the Zealot offers decently sized 96 mm standard wheels that make for a relatively smooth ride on most terrains. If you’re looking to maximize your savings while still getting a solid board from a respected manufacturer, the Backfire Zealot is a great option.
Specs and Features
| Top Speed | 28.5 mph (46 km/h) |
| Range | 17.5 miles (28 km) |
| Battery Size | 311 Wh |
| Motor Power | 2 x 750 Watts |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) |
| 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 |
Exway Flex
As the name might suggest, the Exway Flex is most often noted for its incredible price value. The device is light, weighing in at only 16.5 pounds. Despite its petite frame, it offers a top speed of around 25 mph and a range of 20 miles. Its wheels are 85 mm in diameter, which should only really pose a problem if you plan on traveling consistently at top speeds or on shaky terrain. Additionally, Exway equips their Flex boards with parabolic wheel cutouts, which the company claims contributes to the device’s “larger wheel compatibility.” The newest model of the Exway Flex has been reworked to try and maximize stability as riders hit top speeds. Patented shock-absorbing grip tape lines the deck, while the newest 85 mm wheels are made to minimize the shakiness that can come from high speeds and variable terrains on the smaller frame.
Exway as a company is nothing to scoff at, either. The manufacturer has made strides in the past few months, and it looks like their customer service has been well-received by many riders and reviewers. The official page for the Exway Flex is especially detailed and descriptive, which is always a good sign for a company’s transparency. With all of these features compounded by the extra flexible board, it’s no wonder that the Exway Flex is marketed for its maneuverability. It’s also pushed as an affordable option by Exway, and stands as one of the cheapest boards on our list at only $649.
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 |
Exway X1 Pro
This board is great for riders who are interested in Exway but want a tad bit more speed and performance out of their board. With a top speed of 29 miles per hour, the X1 Pro can really fly. This should come as no surprise, considering the impressive dual 1,200 Watt motors that power the device. It offers a slightly reduced range of only 16 miles on the small 193 Watt battery. This should be of little concern to some riders, however, considering the low weight and high speed offered by this skateboard. In fact, it seems that the decreased range and smaller battery are one of the big reasons that the X1 Pro can hit such an impressive top speed.
Another offsetting factor of the small battery size is that this Exway e-board can go from no charge to a full battery charge in only 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is important to note for commuting skateboarders, as it means that even longer commutes can be done twice per day if you’re able to find a spot to charge your Exway while at work. The device is also an ideal commuting model because of its low weight of only 15 pounds.
Specs and Features
| Top Speed | 29 mph (47 km/h) |
| Range | 16 miles (26 km) |
| Battery Size | 193 Wh |
| Motor Power | 2 x 1200 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 | $ 999 |
| Link to Website | exwayusa.com/x1-pro |
Meepo NLS Pro
Meepo is a growing Chinese e-skateboard company that seems determined to make a name for itself. The manufacturer is quickly gaining a reputation for relatively solid customer service, which is always a good sign. The NLS Pro is a particularly impressive model. It manages to keep its weight down to only 19 pounds while carrying a strong 336 Wh battery capable of going around twenty miles on a single charge. This battery also carries a recharge time of only 2.5 hours, which is extremely impressive. Two 530 Watt motors provide an incredible top speed of 29 mph, while Meepo advertises a “tough but soft” flexible bamboo deck to counter the shakiness associated with these high speeds.
As you reach these impressive speeds, the 100 mm wheels might also be helpful in maximizing the smoothness of the ride. Like the Exway Flex, this Meepo model also includes soft grip tape on the deck to contribute to stability at the highest speed.
$649 is an obviously affordable price, especially for a board capable of reaching speeds this significant. It seems like Meepo has designed this board with the intention of offsetting potential shakiness of these high speeds with features like wide wheels, a flexible deck, and the soft grip tape.
Specs and Features
| Top Speed | 29 mph (46 km/h) |
| Range | 20 miles (32 km) |
| Battery Size | 336 Wh |
| 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 |
Ownboard Bamboo GT/AT
Ownboard is another major company within the electric skateboard industry. The company has won praise from many riders for its customer service team. Although it’s one of the more expensive models on our list, the Ownboard Bamboo is a popular electric skateboard offering a number of solid performance features. Its top speed (24 mph) doesn’t match up to some of these other boards, but Ownboard’s track record of stability and reliability means that it’s unlikely that hitting this max speed will decrease the board’s stability. The dual 1,500 Watt motors offer power and reliability, and riders can choose between regular or all-terrain wheels, depending on their needs. Range should never be an issue with this high-end board, as it can travel for around 19 miles on a single charge of its 504 Wh battery.
For many riders, the big downside of this device is its size. It’s around 25 pounds, which can pose a pretty significant problem for commuting riders. If you plan on having to carry your board for extended amounts of time, the increased size of this model might be an issue. Still, riders who like the performance and price of this Ownboard model can still find ways to make carrying the device easier on themselves. Overall, the Ownboard Bamboo offers versatility and reliability on a (literally) large scale.
Specs and Features
| Top Speed | 24 mph (38 km/h) |
| Range | 19 miles (30 km) |
| Weight | 25 lbs (11 kg) |
| Battery Size | 504 Wh |
| Motor Power | 2 x 1500 Watts |
| Max weight capacity | 265 lbs (120kg) |
| Hill climb | 30 % |
| Charge time | 6 – 7 hrs |
| Wheel Size/ Tyre Size | Dependent |
| Water Resistance | No Rating |
| Warranty | 6 months |
| Link to Website | ownboard.net |
| Price | $899 – $1,199 |
| Link to our Review | Onwboard Bamboo AT/GT Review |
Verreal RS
First, you should know that the price of this device depends both on the size of the battery and shipping option you choose at checkout. The Verreal RS comes with a battery size from 360 to 684 Wh, and it can be shipped by air or sea. For the cheapest option, choose the sea shipping with the 360 Wh battery. The top speed of 27 mph and range of 22 miles are relatively impressive, and the aesthetic design of the bamboo deck is sure to impress many riders. The large wheels are good for off-road riding, and dual 1,500 Wh motors provide power and stability for the device.
Verreal is known primarily for its low-budget boards, and the company continues to gain traction in this sector of the larger e-skateboard industry. At a minimum price of $669, the technical specs of the Verreal RS offer an impressive deal for riders looking for a solid board with off-road capabilities.
Our Written Review
Video review
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 |
| 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 |
WowGo 3X
WowGo is a know company. The manufacturer has quickly gained a reputation for producing quality budget boards. The 3X represents a shift in the company from primarily hub to a belt drive system. The two 600 Wh motors should be stable and powerful, and the device can hit speeds of up to 24 mph. It comes with a pretty small battery, and the range is reduced as a result to only 14 miles. The recharge time of the battery isn’t clear from the device’s website, which might pose a concern for commuters in need of a longboard with substantial range. The board is pretty lightweight, though, clocking in at only 17.2 pounds.
WowGo is definitely a manufacturer to consider.
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 | $ 749 |
| Link to our Review | WowGo 3X Review |
Final Thoughts
Finding a quality board for under $1,000 is a completely achievable goal for new and veteran riders alike. Once you figure out precisely what you want from your electric skateboard, the research process begins. As always, don’t forget to factor safety equipment into your budget as well. With the help of our guide, you should be well on your way to finding an extremely effective skateboard at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
