Electric skateboarding combines classic skateboarding with modern tech. It offers a special kind of fun that needs skill and knowledge. This guide will show you how to control electric skateboards safely and confidently.
Electric skateboards have the usual parts like decks, wheels, trucks, and bearings. But, they also have a battery, electric motor, and a drivetrain. The Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) is key. It manages power and controls your speed and braking with a handheld remote.
Some electric skateboards use regenerative braking. This feature captures energy when you brake and makes your ride last longer. This is important for beginners who want to get better at electric skateboarding.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to pick the right board, understand important safety gear, control your skateboard, and keep it in good shape. Knowing these basics will help you have a fun and safe ride on your electric skateboard.
Choosing the Right Electric Skateboard
Selecting an electric skateboard means knowing what you need and finding the right features. You’ll consider everything from deck size for stability to the motor’s power. These aspects are crucial for the perfect match.
Determine Your Main Use
What you plan to use the skateboard for is key to choosing. For daily commutes, focus on range and how comfortable the board is. For fun or leisure rides, look for something easy to handle and stable.
If you’re going far, pick a board with long battery life. For light travel, lightweight skateboards are best since they’re easy to carry.
Consider the Deck Size
Deck size impacts stability, important for those new to riding. A big deck helps you stay balanced in the city. Yet, small decks let you move quickly but are harder for beginners.
Battery Life Matters
Having enough battery to get where you’re going is vital. For example, Evolve skateboards range from 10 to 40 miles, based on the model. Pick a board with enough battery, plus a little extra, to avoid getting stuck. For more info, check Doctor Skate.
Understand the Motor Power
The type of motor affects your ride. You’ll find hub motors inside the wheel, which are quiet. Belt-driven motors offer more power, great for rougher paths. Compare motors within brands for the top performance.
Check Weight and Portability
Need to carry your board often? Go for a lighter model. They’re easy to transport but still perform well. Electric skateboards vary in weight, so find one that’s easy to carry yet meets your riding needs.
Essential Safety Gear and Precautions
Electric skateboarding is fun, but safety comes first. It’s important to follow safety measures to avoid accidents. Every year, many skateboard injuries happen that proper safety gear could prevent. Make sure to carry the right electric skateboard safety gear.
Protecting your head is critical because head injuries are common. Always wear a helmet that fits well. Knee and elbow pads, along with wrist guards, can significantly reduce injury risks. They help protect you from serious harm during falls or if you collide with something.
Checking your skateboard before riding is a must. Look at the battery charge, the electrical system, wheel alignment, and brakes. These checks keep your equipment in good shape and make you feel more confident while riding.
Learning how your skateboard works is vital. Begin in safe, open spots and slowly speed up as you get better. Pay attention to the weather to avoid accidents on slippery roads.
Here’s a list of must-have gear for every electric skateboarder:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Helmet | Protects against head injuries |
| Knee Pads | Minimizes risk to knees during falls |
| Elbow Pads | Provides protection to elbows |
| Wrist Guards | Safeguards wrists from impact |
Managing your speed is key to staying safe. It’s especially important in busy areas or when making sharp turns. Paying attention to your surroundings helps avoid potential dangers. Also, keep your skateboard’s parts in good condition. Regular charging and cool, dry storage are essential.
Adopting these safety habits is great for you and everyone around. Staying cautious, practicing often, and planning ahead are the best ways to safely enjoy electric skateboarding.
How to Control Electric Skateboard
Controlling an electric skateboard means learning a few key things. You need to be good at using the remote, understanding how to go faster or stop, choosing your speed setting, and learning how to turn. This guide will help you get confident and skilled with your electric skateboard.
Remote Controller Features
The remote control is crucial for running your electric skateboard. The Veymax electric skateboard remote has a scroll wheel and two buttons for easy use. It has a Type-C charging port. Replacing it costs $59.99. It’s important to get used to how it works. The Bluetooth parts make sure the board and remote talk to each other without wires.
Accelerate and Brake
To ride smoothly, you need to get good at making the skateboard go faster and slow down. Pull the scroll wheel slowly to speed up. Push it gently to stop. Knowing how to do this right means you won’t jerk around and you’ll be safer.
Speed Modes
Electric skateboards like the Veymax have different speeds. Veymax models have four: LO (11km/h), MI (25km/h), HI (45km/h), and PRO (45km/h). Start slow to feel more comfortable. Then try the faster ones carefully. This keeps you in control and safe.
| Speed Mode | Top Speed (km/h) | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|
| LO | 11 | 7 |
| MI | 25 | 15 |
| HI | 45 | 28 |
| PRO | 45 | 28 |
Turning Techniques
Turning well on an electric skateboard is about shifting your weight and how you lean. Lean into the turn and tilt the remote slightly to stay balanced. Practice in open spaces to get better at steering.
Basic Riding Techniques
Learning how to ride an electric skateboard safely and enjoyably is key. To start, standing correctly on the board is important. You need your feet apart, like your shoulders, to stay stable and comfy. We’ll go through every technique in detail. This includes how to stand right and how to fall without getting hurt.
Mastering the Stance
For a good stance on your skateboard, keep your feet apart. Bend your knees a bit so you won’t feel bumps much. If you’re tall, a longer deck makes standing easier. Also, know if you prefer your left or right foot in front. This helps with balance and control.
Starting Off
To start, lightly press the acceleration on your remote. Ride slow at first to get used to how the board moves. For beginners, it’s better to keep the motor power low. This makes it easier to handle. As you feel more secure, you can pick up the pace.
Stopping Safely
Safe stopping methods are crucial to avoid crashes. Your remote’s gradual braking lets you stop smoothly. Always think ahead to where you want to stop. Apply the brakes gently to keep your balance.
Practicing Falling Safely
Falling happens, even if you’re careful. The right way to fall can cut down on injuries. Try to fall on grass to lessen the blow to your muscles instead of bones. Always wear safety gear like helmets and pads. They really help if you fall. For more tips, check out how to nollie.
Following these basic tips will make you better and safer on the board. Keep practicing in safe spots. With time, you’ll enjoy each ride more while staying safe.
Maintenance and Battery Care
Keeping your electric skateboard in top shape is key. Regular checks and the right battery care will make it last. Follow good charging habits to keep it working well for a long time.
Regular Checks and Tightening
It’s important to check your skateboard often. Make sure all screws and parts are tight. Loose screws could make it unsafe.
Regularly tightening screws, especially on the trucks and deck, is a must. Clean your deck and bearings once a month to keep it performing well. This also helps it last longer.
Battery Charging Tips
Correct battery care keeps your skateboard running well. Always use the manufacturer’s charging guide. Don’t overcharge lithium batteries and don’t let them stay dead too long. Charge fully before rides and avoid hot or cold extremes.
Charging usually takes 3-4 hours. For the best start, charge 6 hours for the first three times. Keep an eye on the battery and charger for issues. Following these tips will help your skateboard last longer.
Follow these tips to keep your skateboard in great shape. Checking it often and caring for the battery correctly is crucial. This way, you’ll have a reliable skateboard that’s always ready for a ride.
Legal Considerations and Riding Etiquette
Knowing the rules for electric skateboard laws makes riding fun and safe. In the U.S., these laws change from state to state. For instance, California allows electric skateboards on bike paths and certain roads if you are 16 or older and wear a helmet. Yet, in New York, the law isn’t clear on electric skateboards in public areas. It’s important to know your local laws to ride responsibly.
Good skateboarding etiquette is also key for safety and peace. Be aware of others like walkers and bike riders. Give way to them and stick to the traffic flow to avoid bumps or arguments. Going slow in busy spots shows respect for everyone’s safety and space. Good manners on your skateboard makes everyone safer and helps people see electric skateboarders in a good light.
Following the legal riding rules is important. In Michigan, for example, electric skateboarders should act like cyclists. This means giving way to walkers and using bike lanes when they’re there. However, in places like Florida and Texas, electric skateboards are seen like cars. They must follow the same rules as cars, like being fit to drive and signaling. Knowing and following these rules helps keep riding safe and in order.
Respecting both electric skateboard laws and public skateboarding manners improves your ride and avoids legal trouble. Stay up-to-date with your area’s laws, ride carefully, and be ready to adjust to different rules. This careful approach ensures everyone can use the space together safely and happily.
I’m John Peterson, a passionate skater, blogger, and lifelong enthusiast. I’ve been skating for over 9 years and have gone on to write a blog dedicated to the sport of skating and its culture. Through my blog, I strive to share my knowledge and experience of the sport with all who are interested. From beginner tips, tricks, and equipment reviews to interviews and event coverage, I cover it all. So read my blog as I explore the wonderful world of skating!