Electric Longboards: Varieties and Subtleties of Choice

The everyday life of modern people includes more and more new things. One of the latest innovations is the electric longboard. It's time to figure out what he is and how to choose the right device.

On the streets of a big city quite often you can find a longboard with a motor. It moves forward “on its own” and at the same time gains high speed. However, not everything is so simple. Those who are used to riding a traditional longboard usually reject electric devices. Yes, when the motor takes over the acceleration, it’s easier to ride, but the feeling of a free push characteristic of “mechanics” disappears.

Much better for beginners. They can compare two types of longboards and evaluate for themselves which is nicer. By design, they are pretty close. Both have:

• soundboard;
• suspension;
• wheels
• bearings;
• bushings.

The control of electric models is most often done through a special remote control. It provides levers or buttons with which commands are issued "forward" and "back". Important: to rotate and change the path, you need to tilt the deck. because for those who often ride a scooter or a skateboard, using an electric longboard is not a problem.

The difference between specific devices is related to the following parameters:

• geometry;
• material used;
• size and type of wheels;
• suspension performance;
• bearing characteristics;
• total electric motor power.

The speed of the electric longboard can be 30-40 km / h. To move at such a pace on a mechanical board is almost impossible, especially for a long time. The total weight of the device averages 10 kg.

Has a very good reputation Razor Longboard Electric. The device is suitable for children from 9 years old and adults. The board can withstand a load of 100 kg. The design of the longboard is emphasized futuristic, but it does not look flashy. The appearance of this model is combined with a variety of clothes - both casual and business style. Thanks to the especially light wheels, it seems as if the board is flying over the road, and not riding.

Key Features of the Razor Longboard Electric:

• speed - 16 km / h;
• ride time - 40 minutes;
• permissible load - 100 kg;
• wheels with a diameter of 0.08 m.

It should be understood that Razor has an honest marketing policy. Those 40 minutes relate to riding with maximum load uphill. In reality, you can ride 5-15 minutes more. If the battery runs out, you can always go further, as on a regular board. The manufacturer recommends avoiding jumping and other sharp maneuvers.

Bork enthusiasts can opt for the LB500. This electric board has 2 modes: with speed limits of 16 and 32 km / h, respectively. At full charge, the device overcomes up to 15 km. A standard battery charges in 120 minutes. For the manufacture of the LB500 case, carbon fiber is used, which provides ease of construction.

A curious feature of the model is embedding a pair of motors directly into the wheel part. The total engine power is 1.4 kW. This design solution provides a very compact size and at the same time - excellent speed performance. The battery is very reliable.

Other parameters of the LB500 are as follows:

• permissible load - 150 kg;
• weight - 6.5 kg;
• diameter of wheels - 0,083 m;
• company warranty for 12 months;
• battery electric capacity - 4.4 ampere-hours;
• operating voltage - 36 V;
• the number of charge-discharge cycles is 500.

But Xiaomi also produces electric longboards. An example of this is Acton Electric Skateboard Model. Permissible load on the board is 100 kg. She can travel up to 20 km on a single charge. An attractive feature of the device is the bright backlight based on LED. Important: for the manufacture of an electric skateboard, a combination of strong Canadian maple and a carefully selected aluminum alloy was used. Designers have provided a battery of 10 Samsung brand batteries. This solution allows you to drive up to 12 km per charge. Replenishment of the spent charge from scratch is possible in 90 minutes.

The top speed of the Action Electric Skateboard is 22.5 km / h. It is provided by an electric motor with a power of 0.5 kW. Therefore, it will be possible to get ahead of inexperienced cyclists without problems. The mass of the board is 5 kg, so its carrying is not a problem. Xiaomi engineers took care of the protection against various overloads and overheating of the wiring. Both skateboard decks are equipped with low backlight. It helps not only to stand out on the road, but also to ensure safety when driving in the dark. A well-thought-out remote makes life easier for owners of Electric Skateboard.

First of all, it is advised to pay attention to the characteristics of the deck. The most optimal option is a deck of Canadian maple. It is strong enough even for off-road and poor asphalt. Important: it makes no sense to purchase models in which there are less than 7 layers of wood. The length and geometry of the deck are selected individually, depending on:

• driving style;
• age of athletes;
• purposes of use.

So, extremals need the widest possible supports.Then it will be possible to calmly overcome even serious obstacles, while maintaining a stable posture. But a narrower product is suitable for city driving - it is difficult to maneuver in a thick street stream on a wide electric board.

The next step when choosing is to evaluate the suspension. The classic version (with a bolt looking inward) implies a large inclination and wide rotation. Because of this, maintaining balance at high speed is difficult. The reversible suspension - with a bolt outside - is much more stable and easily adapts to various riding styles. At the same time, the stability of the structure increases. But the pendants also differ in material. Powdered aluminum costs less than an aircraft alloy, but savings result in a loss of reliability.

Having dealt with the suspension, you need to pay attention to the bushings (a kind of "seals"). The difference between them can be in the following parameters:

• stiffness;
• height;
• size;
• geometric shape.

Selecting an off-road electric longboard, it is necessary to give preference to models with wheels with a diameter of 0.09 m. The smallest movers are 0.062 m in size. The larger they are, the faster you can accelerate, and the easier it is to overcome small obstacles. If the wheels are small, the top speed will be less, but its set is simplified. Please note that very small wheels make the longboard too sensitive to small bumps and cracks.

Bearings are classified according to the international Abec standard. The higher the number in the class designation, the faster the electric skateboard will be, and the higher the inertia of the wheels. Experts advise, before evaluating certain technical parameters, to decide which routes users will ride along. Fans of cruising and carving need to choose longer models, because they move smoother.

Consider the use of electric longboards for example, the model Bork LB500. The manufacturer recommends starting to use the device only after checking its configuration and build quality. Both the wheels and the battery must hold firmly to the chassis. Do not use the electric board if the battery indicator shows a discharge. Be sure to ride only in protective gear and bright clothes with reflective elements.

Brand instructions require checking the condition of the wheels and brakes before each exit. Forbidden:

• fully dip the longboard into the water;
• ride in frost below -5 degrees;
• operate the device when various malfunctions are detected.

It is necessary to start riding a longboard strictly at the first speed. Faster movement is possible only after mastering the device. You can only store the longboard in a cool, dry place. The serviceability of the mechanical, electrical and electronic components of the apparatus is ensured by:

• storage at a temperature of 5 to 30 degrees;
• the exception of sudden changes in temperature;
• storage away from heating equipment;
• cleaning the electric board after each ride;
• recharged every month during a long downtime.

In the next video you will find a detailed overview of the electric longboard.