How To Choose An All-Terrain Electric Skateboard?

Navigation

Introduction
Which size is right for you
What size of wheels do you need?
Hub motors or belt drive?
Brakes
Speed controllers
Which specs to ignore
Conclusion

Introduction

All-terrain skateboards have gained popularity in recent years. They provide skateboarders with the ability to ride over uneven terrains and surfaces, which traditional skateboards cannot handle.

Which size is right for you

The size of an all-terrain electric skateboard that is right for you depends on your preferences, weight, and height. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide:

Deck Length: If you're under 5'3", you should consider a deck between 28" to 32". If you're between 5'4" to 5'8", a deck length of 32" to 34" would be ideal for you. If you're over 5'9", then a deck length of 36" or longer would be a good fit for you.
Wheelbase: The wheelbase of the board affects how stable and comfortable the ride feels. A shorter wheelbase is more agile and easier to turn, while a longer wheelbase provides more stability at high speeds. If you prefer a nimble ride, choose a board with a shorter wheelbase. If you want a more stable and comfortable ride, choose a board with a longer wheelbase.
Weight Limit: Make sure to choose a board that can support your weight. Most all-terrain electric skateboards have weight limits between 220-260 lbs. If you're heavier than that, look for a board with a higher weight limit.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right size for your all-terrain electric skateboard is to test ride different sizes and models to find what feels most comfortable and suited to your needs.

What size of wheels do you need?

The size of wheels you need for an electric skateboard depends on the type of ride or terrain. Generally, larger wheels are better for rough or uneven terrain, as they provide greater stability, smoother ride, and can roll over larger obstacles more easily. Smaller wheels are better for cruising on smooth roads.

For an all-terrain electric skateboard, the ideal wheel size would be between 6-8 inches. The larger wheel size will allow you to navigate over rough terrain or gravel more smoothly. This size also helps with climbing inclines and maintaining stability on uneven surfaces.

However, it's important to note that larger wheels may have a slower top speed and acceleration compared to smaller wheels. Therefore, for cruising on smooth roads or areas with lesser obstacles, 3-4 inches smaller wheel sizes would be more suitable for high speed and quick acceleration.

Hub motors or belt drive?

When deciding between hub motors and belt drives for an electric skateboard, there are several factors to consider, including ride quality, power, torque, and maintenance requirements.

Hub motors offer a smoother, more natural ride experience compared to belt-driven motors since they provide uninterrupted power delivery without the need for gears or belts. They are also quieter, easier to maintain, and more compact, which makes them a popular choice for commuters and city riders.

On the other hand, belt-driven motors are known for their exceptional power, torque, and speed. They provide greater acceleration and hill-climbing ability compared to hub motors while being highly versatile and adjustable. They can also handle higher power, making them suitable for off-road or rough terrain riding. However, they are more mechanically complex than hub motors, require additional maintenance, and may produce more noise.

Choosing between hub motors and belt drives for your electric skateboard depends on your priorities, budget, and intended use. If you prefer a more natural and efficient riding experience with minimal maintenance requirements, hub motors may be the best choice for you. If you want exceptional power and high-speed performance, belt-driven motors are likely the best choice.

Brakes

Brakes are an essential safety feature on electric skateboards, and they help you maintain control over the board and reduce speed when needed. There are two main types of braking systems for electric skateboards:

Regenerative brakes: This type of brake harnesses the energy generated by the motor and converts it into electricity to recharge the board's battery. As you use the brake, the electric motor engages in reverse mode and slows down the skateboard. Regenerative brakes are gentle, responsive and efficient, they're commonly used on electric skateboards because they do not rely on friction to work.
Friction-based brakes: These brakes use a physical mechanism to slow down the skateboard, either by applying pressure against the wheels or by creating friction against the motor itself. These brakes can wear down over time with repeated use and can also generate a significant amount of heat, which can damage the motors over time.

While both regenerative and friction-based brakes can work efficiently, regenerative brakes are generally preferred because they are more reliable, responsive and efficient than friction-based brakes. Additionally, regenerative brake systems on electric skateboards produce an immediate response, which provides accurate control by allowing you to gradually slow down or completely stop the skateboard.

That said, it's important to choose an electric skateboard with brake systems that is suitable for your riding style and the topography you will be riding on.

Speed controllers

Speed controllers are an essential component of an electric skateboard's electronic system, as they regulate and control the flow of power from the battery to the motor. The speed controller is responsible for adjusting the speed, acceleration, and braking of the skateboard, based on the rider's input.

There are two main types of speed controllers used in electric skateboards:

ESC based controllers: These controllers are essentially motor controllers that are used to manage electric skateboard motors. They offer better riding control by adjusting the electric current and voltage supplied to the motor, ensuring a smooth acceleration. They are more accurate and offer smoother performance compared to the traditional speed controllers. Additionally, they offer interactive feedback with the rider, providing them with information on speed and performance.
Traditional speed controllers: These are mainly used in old electric skateboards. They adjust the power supplied to the motor by adjusting the voltage's frequency and the electric current's amplitude. They're simple, affordable and relatively easy to replace, but may not offer the same level of precision or responsiveness as ESCs based controllers.

When choosing an electric skateboard, it is essential to choose one with an appropriate speed controller that matches your riding style, as well as the topography you will be riding on. A properly functioning speed controller can help you get the most out of your skateboard's performance and can ensure a safer and more comfortable ride experience all-terrain electric skateboard

Which specs to ignore

While it's important to consider various specs and features when buying an electric skateboard, there may be some specs that you should ignore or should not give much weight to. Here are a few specs that you may be able to ignore or don't necessarily need to place much emphasis on when purchasing an electric skateboard:

Top Speed: While top speed is an important consideration, the actual top speed you'll reach while riding your electric skateboard will depend on various factors such as battery life, motor performance, rider weight, and terrain conditions. Therefore, focusing too much on the top speed spec may be less important than considering other crucial factors like range, acceleration, and torque.
Claims of maximum range or battery life: The range and battery life specified by manufacturers are often based on ideal conditions and may not reflect real-life usage on different terrains and rider weight. An electric skateboard's actual range can vary based on several factors mentioned above, so it may be better to focus on how far the board can go with the normal riding conditions and weights.
Maximum Hill Grade: While it's important to know an electric skateboard's maximum hill grade, this specification can be misleading. The maximum hill grade may differ based on the rider's weight, terrain, and other aspects, so it's better to evaluate an electric skateboard's actual performance while going uphill and avoid solely relying on this number.
Brand/Model: Try not to rely on the brand or model name alone, as a well-known brand doesn't necessarily guarantee a good quality or a good fit for your specific use case. Read up on reviews, visit forums and ask for advice from other riders to find the best electric skateboard for your needs, instead of just purchasing based on brand alone.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it's essential to research and evaluate critical factors, like motor power, battery capacity, ESC ratings, deck, wheels, and trucks when selecting the right electric skateboard for yourself. Consider your riding style, needs, and budget and review customers' reviews and forums to gain a better understanding before buying. We highly recommend our Jking electric skateboards, a perfect mix of style, technology, and fun. Our commitment to customer satisfaction ensures that you get the best experience on board.