Skateboards have long become a part of our outdoor activity life, whether for recreation or commuting. We’ve learned the pros and cons of skateboarding and the best pieces of equipment to use. And in all these years, they have continued to improve as brands heated up the competition to produce the best boards.
Today, two of the most popular skateboards are electric and regular ones. And between an electric skateboard VS normal skateboard, which would most skateboarders prefer?
This article will explain how each skateboard type excels in certain aspects. Eventually, we will understand their best advantages and see if they’re the one for us.
| Area of comparison | Electric skateboards | Normal skateboards |
| Wheels | Hub and belt-driven types | No electronic components, purely urethane |
| Deck Height | More stable with low height, but height doesn’t matter as much | Less tiring to push on lower height |
| Stability | More stabilized because of the skateboard’s weight | Stable with larger wheels and lower deck heights |
| Range and Speed | Top speed of 35 mph | 5-12 miles per hour |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Durability | Electronic components prone to water damage | Fewer water damage concerns |
| Community restrictions | More restriction in the cities | Can be taken almost anywhere |
Table of Contents
Normal and Electric Skateboard Comparison: Definition
By how they look, it’s easy to distinguish electric and regular skateboards. But let’s see what each type is known for and how they work.
1. Normal skateboard
Normal skateboards are the boards we first learned about and the ones that introduced us to the sport.
A regular skateboard consists of three primary parts: the deck, trucks, and wheels. These skateboards often have grip tape to hold the skater’s feet for safety and maneuverability.
While most beginner skaters only know about popsicle skateboards, innovation, experience, and technology have already combined to design boards suited for various styles. These types include cruisers, longboards, and more.
2. Electric skateboard
Electric skateboards carry the same primary components as a normal board. They also have variations in a cruiser electric skateboard or longboard. But by their name, expect this type to incorporate electricity and power into its system.
The most salient features of electric skateboards are their motors and batteries.
The battery provides the board with needed power, and the motor propels the skateboard without the rider pushing it.
Yes, electric skateboard riders are freed from the strain of pushing. Instead, they have a wireless remote device to control the board.
Differences Between Electric and Regular Skateboards
Indeed, normal and electric skateboards are unique in specific aspects. Let’s now learn about them in common areas.
1. Wheels
Yes, the wheels are integral to both electric and regular skateboards. But there are a few deviations in the setup for each type.
Electric skateboards have two types of wheel systems: hub and belt. Belt-driven remote control skates have belts geared against the wheel and motor. These loops translate the motors’ propelling motion to the rollers.
On the other hand, hub-type wheels have their motors inside the wheel itself. Do regular skateboards have these setups? No.
Normal skateboard wheels will only vary in size and hardness levels. Also, these polyurethane rollers do not have other electronic devices controlling them.
2. Deck height
Does deck height matter? Yes! But mostly on normal skateboards only.
Lower deck heights benefit regular skateboard users because they are less straining to push. Also, propelling the board to move forward would be less tiring.
But while pushing isn’t necessary for e-skateboards, the skateboard’s low height will still be a factor as it improves overall stability.
3. Stability
We just mentioned stability, so let’s elaborate here. Which are more stable, regular or electric skateboards?
By nature, stable skateboards are heavy. They also have a long wheelbase and a lowered body, as described previously.
With their weight, electric skateboards can be exceptionally stable. But if we check among regular skateboards, the ones with the larger wheelbases and lower decks take it.
4. Range and speed
How fast and long can an electric board and normal skateboard travel?
Let’s take an Evolve skateboard, for example. This board can go an average of 26 mph on a single battery charge. Additionally, the top speeds of prized electric skateboards can reach a maximum of 40 mph.
Of course, the numbers could vary depending on the quality of the skateboard, its electronic components, and other external factors.
How about a regular skateboard?
Technically, there is no battery to consider. But commuting on your skateboard continuously for an hour, you’ll reach 5-12 miles already.
This factor also plays a role in stability or safety. Suffice it to say, it would be easier to collide with someone on an e-board due to how fast it is.
5. Weight
We talked about weight and how it affects the skateboard’s stability. But disregarding such an aspect, we know that the board’s weight also imposes an added challenge to the rider.
Heavy skateboards are tiring to carry because of their batteries, motors, and other components. And this is where regular boards edge out electric ones. They might weigh a few pounds, but a normal skateboard’s heft is more often manageable.
6. Durability
This aspect is where the value of money often depends because it’s not always by spending more that we acquire a long-lasting skateboard.
Imagine having a wood plank and a battery. Put both objects into the water for a few seconds. More often than not, the batteries suffer more.
This concept depicts what happens to an electric and regular skateboard when exposed to water. Besides liquid and moisture damage, breakdowns are more likely to happen to electronic components.
Do these circumstances happen to regular skateboards? No. And that makes them more advantageous.
7. Community restrictions
While skateboards are classified under recreational equipment, we know they have values beyond that, particularly with commuting.
However, it’s not everywhere that we can take our skateboards, especially electronic ones. Why? Several cities restrict electric skateboarders from passing almost anywhere.
Does this issue affect regular skateboards? No. This skateboard type can ride in more locations, provided it’s safe.
Pros and Cons
Regular and electric skateboards have their share of unique features. Let’s now highlight what puts them on top and places them behind.
- Less susceptible to water damage
- Lighter than e-skateboards
- Better for tricks and exercise
- Lesser speed
- More pushing
- Harder to learn
- Fast and powerful
- Easy to control with a remote device
- Prone to damage from water exposure
- Batteries decline with time
Prices of Normal and Electric Skateboards
These skateboard types may not belong to one price group alone. Below is how much regular and electric skateboards cost.
1. Normal skateboards
- WhiteFang Skateboards for Beginners – $39.99
- Almost Skateboard Complete Neo Express Red – $89.95
- Magneto SUV Skateboard – $99.99
2. Electric skateboards
- HOLYWAY Electric Skateboard – $159.99
- Meepo V5 – $469.00
- Exway Wave – $699.00
Which is Better?
We have now arrived at picking the better skateboard. So, does the electric automatic skateboard have the upper hand?
Several features make a regular skateboard stand out over an e-skateboard and vice versa.
The normal skateboards are light. There are no battery and range concerns to think about. And most of all, you won’t have to worry as much about riding in wet conditions because no electronic component is susceptible to water damage.
On the other hand, electric skateboards might be heavy. But what makes them weighty is their components that yield exceptional speed. Besides fast rides, these skateboards are more convenient. There’s no need to push, and the remote skateboard control makes driving easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Landyachtz Electric Skateboard Good?
Landyachtz skateboards aren’t famous for no reason. They are in the market because of their quality, performance, and other benefits they yield. So, let’s see how customers reviewed one of their products, the Battle Axe Paper Tiger.
One aspect this skateboard model boasts is how it fits beginners well. Physically, the Battle Axe has a spacious deck large enough for our feet. Not only that, but the same deck also has eight layers of maple wood, making the board durable.
This skateboard runs at a maximum of 28 mph and has an Extended Range Battery option for longer rides.
How Long Do Electric Skateboards Last?
Electric skateboards have pivotal components. Hence, independent factors can trigger the board’s life to shorten or expand.
Nonetheless, an electric skateboard lasts more than a year to several years. It’s pretty challenging to quantify, but let’s assess one of its most significant and vulnerable parts, the battery.
Skateboard batteries live for an average of 1-3 years, depending on the type, quality, and other factors. Besides these power bars, remember that proper maintenance could help increase these numbers.
Are Electric Skateboards Easier Than Normal Skateboards?
Which of the two boards is faster and easier to learn? Electric skateboards. How?
Perhaps, many skateboarders have misconceptions about this aspect, confusing learning with mastery of operations. Electric boards give us the luxury of not having to push hard, lean to the side, accelerate, or brake with our whole bodies.
Instead, we now have remote controllers, leaving all these functions accessible by hand alone.
What is a Weight Sensing Electric Skateboard?
Weight-sensing boards exist? Yes! One of the recent e-skateboard developments includes this skateboard style.
Skaters would often use their weight to put pressure on the sensor points of a skateboard. By doing so, the board may accelerate, brake, or move based on the rider’s discretion.
Conclusion
Skateboarding is fun, thrilling, and fulfilling. It makes us enjoy the outdoors more and grow in several aspects. And with the rise of new skateboard variants, everyone can indulge in the sport.
The electric skateboard VS normal skateboard comparison is only an eye-opener to emphasize that each board type offers exceptional benefits. There could be drawbacks, but those are often inherent unavoidable limitations.
E-skateboards are fast, while regular boards are light. Ensure to check all the aspects discussed, and you’ll see what will suit you best.
Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!
I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.