In the course of increasingly popular e-mobility, alongside the now very well-known e-bike, there have long been other trends surrounding electric mobility alternatives in cities. Currently, special electric boards, also known as e-longboards, are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger users. If you've been eyeing an electric board yourself, now is the time to inform yourself.
What exactly is an e-longboard?
It's every speed enthusiast's and skater's dream: with an electric longboard, you can get around easily and effortlessly. A motor attached underneath the board takes care of what you would manually have to do on a standard longboard using your leg and pushing off the ground. That means greater riding comfort and more fun, especially if you just want to cover distance and use the board as a means of transportation rather than doing tricks at the skate park. On most e-longboards, the motor is mounted under the deck (as the board surface is called). Some have the motor built into the deck itself, and brand-new first models feature electric motors built directly into the wheels as direct drives.
It weighs around five to eight kilograms, making it heavier than an unmotorized longboard or skateboard due to the built-in motor. Depending on the motor power and model, your e-longboard can reach speeds between 20 and 40 km/h. Some boards can even reach speeds around 50 km/h. The more powerful the motor, the greater the range of your board. Typically, you control your e-board wirelessly via Bluetooth using a controller—a remote control you hold in your hand. Braking is also handled through it. Alternatively, some models can be controlled via a smartphone app. You steer your board just like any other board by shifting your weight on the deck.
The difference between a longboard and a skateboard
For many, a longboard is also a skateboard at the same time, and they refer to a board using both terms. For connoisseurs, however, there are distinct differences between the two types of boards. Here are the most important differences for you:
The skateboard is significantly smaller, weighs less, and is geared more towards tricks than a longboard. In addition, the front and rear parts—called the nose and tail—are slightly curved, which is not how a longboard looks. With longboards, you cruise relaxed through the city. With a skateboard, you are more likely to be found at dedicated skate parks practicing tricks with your friends.
The advantages of an e-longboard
So we've already clarified that skateboards and longboards are by no means the same means of transportation. So what exactly is the appeal of getting an electric longboard?
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It is easy to learn.
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It offers huge riding fun over longer distances.
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It is practical (no parking spot needed and highly portable).
In addition, it is extremely beginner-friendly and gentle on your knees and ankles since the motor handles the propulsion.
Of course, there are also disadvantages: The initial purchase cost is quite high compared to non-motorized boards. For an exceptionally high-quality e-longboard, you can expect to invest around 1000 euros. Average purchase costs are around 500 euros. Of course, there are also cheap Chinese goods. However, if you have already informed yourself in advance and know that you definitely want to ride an e-longboard, you can invest a little more in good quality right away. A point that is currently still unresolved is the legal situation. Currently, e-longboards are not allowed in public traffic. Riding e-boards is therefore officially only permitted on private property or in specially designated areas.
Buying tips for e-longboards
Before buying, inform yourself thoroughly about the possibilities of the different models. Key specifications here are the motor power in watts, the type of control, as well as the battery performance specs and charging times. Of course, there are many other parameters you can compare. Before making a purchase, it is best to ask other e-longboard owners and do additional research online about potential brands, models, and features. In addition, do not forget that protective gear like a helmet and various pads are always a must, especially when riding electric boards.
The E-Mobility of the Future
We haven't reached the floating hoverboard of Marty McFly from the Back to the Future movies among the general public yet. But we're well on our way. The so-called Onewheel comes very close. It basically looks like a skateboard—except instead of four wheels attached to axles under the deck, it features one huge rubber wheel right in the middle of the board. One foot is placed in front of it and one behind, and especially with the electric version of a Onewheel, it creates a riding sensation similar to wakeboarding or snowboarding. Its possibilities are versatile: parks, ramps, forest trails, etc. This allows you to practice tricks regardless of the terrain or simply enjoy the ride and take a trip into nature with friends. The first e-longboards are also on the market that can be controlled completely without a controller. Steering is handled via sensors in the deck and impulses from weight shifts. The trend toward e-mobility continues to develop rapidly. Whether it's e-scooters, pedelecs/e-bikes, or e-longboards. Motors, drives, and connectivity are constantly evolving, and new models are realized and tested via crowdfunding platforms. So the market remains in motion, and it will be interesting to see whether satisfactory legal solutions will emerge in the future regarding how e-longboards and other motorized transport can be integrated into road traffic.
