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Electronic skateboards are expensive, especially the best ones with a sturdy deck, powerful motor, and efficient battery. But you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality electric skateboard. With the best electric skateboard kit and longboard or skateboard, you can immediately start working on your DIY e-board.
The electric skateboard is the next step in the evolution of skateboarding. If you’re already a skateboarder, you may have honed your skills on your board. The times are moving and the logical step is to upgrade. You see others moving ahead with electric bikes and electric scooters. The regular skateboard may feel outdated and you need a new challenge.
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The DIY approach has become more popular among hobbyists and tinkerers with technical knowledge and the desire to build a customized electric skateboard. After all, customizing or building an e-board will allow you to enjoy long-lasting batteries, faster speeds, and better ways to ride your skateboard. So we have put together a list of the best electric skateboard kits on the market to help you make an informed decision.
The Best Electric Skateboard Kits –
If you are not an expert, buying the best electric skateboard kits or electric longboard kits can be a tedious process. However, we have selected some of the best options that should make it far easier for you to make the right decision. Here are some of the best options before we dive into the intricate features.
1. Revel Electric Skateboard Kit
Revel is a technology-based company that is based and founded in the US in the year 2017. They’re a company that principally focuses on sustainable urban transportation. The kit is a bolt-on electric skateboard which includes a lithium-ion battery that is swappable and is bundled in with a charging adapter and a charging dock. There is a remote charging cable, a shock pad, and a skate tool all thrown in for good measure.
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Specifications:
- Power Output : 1100-watt motor
- Range : Up to 15-miles
- Speed : 28 MPH
The Lithium-Ion battery in the kit comes with a standard range of 6-10 miles and has the option of an extended range of 10-15 miles. Of course, this will be dependent on the mode used. The kit comes with a standard battery size of 144Wh that can be extended to 216 Wh and the customer has the option to choose a standard or extended battery that gives a better range. The unique feature that sets it apart from the rest of the competitors is the swappable battery option. This means an added range as it can be swapped with a fresh battery.
The entire charge time for one battery ranges between 2-3 hours, and along with a regenerative braking feature, the battery can be pushed a lot more than usual. The remote allows for simultaneous pairing with two kits which means it can control four wheels at one go! This can be an experience that may have been unthinkable a few years ago – a four-wheel drive experience!
Pros
- The pros are the swappable battery that allows for greater range.
- The build quality of the kit and the remote functions.
- The IP rating gives it more reliability in varied weather conditions.
cons
- Priced slightly higher than its competitors.
Final Verdict –
The Revel Electric Skateboard Kit is one of the best DIY electric skateboard kits. It comes with all the components that should allow you to set up your skateboard. It might be a little expensive, but we would recommend it for the value.
2. BKB Tayto Kit
Specifications:
- Model: BKB Xenith V2 v1.2
- Top Speed: 20 to 40 mph
- Single Motor: 10s2p battery
- Dual Motor: 10s3p battery
The BKB Tayto Kit is a user-friendly DIY kit that features all the tools, tutorials, and parts required to build an e-board from scratch. Aside from having a modular drivetrain that allows you to use different wheels, the kit also includes flywheel pulleys. Any wheel will work with this kit as long it has a clone or genuine flywheel core. The best part is that you can swap it out in less than four minutes.
The kit also includes a 31” concave deck that keeps your feet in place, so you don’t need to worry about slipping when riding your board. The two-inch kicktail allows for easy and tight turns as well. Thanks to the kit’s VESC motor controller, replacing motors, remotes, batteries, and other components won’t be a problem.
This feature also allows you to adjust the brake or acceleration curve. So if you need a longboard motor kit, consider the BKB Tayto Kit. It comes with two 3000W motors that allow you to climb hills with ease. The kit has two versions – a dual-drive and a single drive. The dual-drive version has higher pulling power than the single drive, meaning it offers better hill-climbing ability and acceleration.
You can also add other accessories to make your e-board better. For instance, the Bluetooth adaptor allows you to see data on your device in real-time such as the battery voltage. There are Android, iOS, and Apple Watch apps, so it doesn’t matter what device you’re using. You can also wirelessly program the kit’s VESC controller using this adaptor.
Plus, you can get belt guards to extend the belt’s lifespan. And if you want to reduce the charging time, you can get a rapid charger. However, this option only works with the dual-drive version.
Pros
- Fast
- Excellent customer service support.
- Backed by a three-month warranty.
- Various customer options.
cons
- Expensive
Final Verdict –
The BKB Tayto Kit can help you create a solid electric skateboard that you can use as-is or transform into a better e-board. Since everything’s modular, you can replace any part you want with something that fits your riding style. So if you’re new to skateboarding and want to build your skateboard from scratch, the BKB Tayto Kit is one of your best bets.
3. Ownboard Dual Belt Motor Kit
Specifications:
- Power Output : Dual 550-watt motor
- Range : 18-miles
- Speed : 12 MPH
The extremely popular Ownboard kit includes a motor installed on the trucks, front wheels, an extra belt, an extra kegel pulley, and screws + nuts. The kit can speed up to 24 miles an hour which is phenomenally fast! The battery is one of the best features of this kit, it is a 6.4 Ah battery that gives a range of about 18 miles rather than the expected 12 miles. This is a huge difference that will be highly beneficial to those who will be daily users.
It is fairly easy to install, takes a short amount of time as the components and the cables are sturdier, easy to manage, and organize! The lid of the motor is built well and has better protection than its competitors. The battery has a charge time of about 2 hours, although a ninety-minute charge is enough, the extra thirty minutes puts in the little bit extra range.
The kit comes with a remote – which is ergonomically designed and fits well in the hand. The feel of the remote is natural in the hand as the buttons are placed higher up for ease of use. The remote could’ve been designed to suit the hand better but the lack of it isn’t as noticeable.
The kit is designed for experienced skaters and tackling uphill roads. The best part of the skateboard is the regenerative braking which means that every single time you hit the brakes, the battery is recharged more!
Pros
- Good Build Quality
- Excellent Battery
- Value Product
cons
- lack of a brighter tail light
Final Verdict –
If you are looking for a durable kit that you can set up, the Ownboard Dual Belt Motor Kit is perfect for beginners. It has plenty of durabilities and you won’t need to struggle with the setup. We would recommend it for the value of the kit.
4. M6 Electric Skateboard Kit
Specifications:
- Top Speed: 23 mph
- Hill Climbing: 35%
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Truck: 13.4” Double Kingpin
- Battery: 216Wh
The M6 Electric Skateboard Kit features a Hobbywing ESC, which allows for smooth braking and acceleration. It uses Samsung 10s2p 30Q cells that produce 216 watt- and 6.0 amp-hours. The best thing about this kit is that the battery is hot-swappable. So if you’re traveling long distances, you only need to bring an extra battery pack, and you’re all set.
This DIY electric skateboard kit comes with two hub motors and airless 6.5” rubber wheels. The motors don’t produce much noise, so you don’t need to worry about disturbing your neighbors. The Double Kingpin trucks allow for tighter and easy turns too. Plus, the M6 Drive Kit is lighter than most boards because it only weighs 18.7 lbs. The kit’s lightweight nature makes it perfect for long rides.
Speed control won’t be a problem with this electric skateboard motor kit, thanks to its Hobbywing ESC. You can choose from four-speed modes too. Plus, the motors can handle thick grass, sand, and rough terrains with rocks or gravel.
Pros
- Sturdy enclosure.
- Large wheels provide a better riding experience.
- Trendy look.
- Durable trucks and deck.
cons
- Board produces a rattling sound on uneven terrains.
- Slow compared to other electric boards.
Final Verdict –
Transform your favorite deck into an all-terrain skateboard with this skateboard motor kit. It is affordable and packs a small battery that you can quickly swap out. Plus, the battery is lightweight and allows more clearance. So if you need an all-terrain electric skateboard conversion kit that offers the best value for your money, consider including the M6 Drive Kit in your must-buy list.
5. M5 Electric Skateboard Kit
Specifications:
- Top Speed: 25 mph
- Hill Climbing: 30%
- Waterproof Rating: IP65
- Load: 176 lbs
- Wheel: 96 mm
The M5 Electric Skateboard Kit packs two powerful 750W motors with a small input current. The motor’s optimized internal structure makes it easy to swap the PU sleeves. Plus, the motors look powerful and aesthetically pleasing, thanks to the custom motor caps.
You can also swap the battery quickly, thanks to its fast-swap design. The best part is that you can choose the battery version to meet your riding needs. The standard range version will allow you to travel up to 20 km, the long range version up to 40 km, and the super range version up to 60 km.
Since you can mount the drive kit to any skateboard, you can pick any deck you want. The kit’s compact size also makes it the perfect travel companion. The M5 Electric Skateboard Kit comes with a CNC-manufactured Max II Truck with an anti-scratch coating. The Hobbywing motor makes braking and power adjustment easier, allowing you to enjoy a better riding experience.
This DIY electric longboard kit also comes with a powerful 158Wh lithium battery and remote control with an LCD screen. You can choose from four riding modes using the remote and see your riding data on the screen.
Pros
- Smooth braking and acceleration.
- Sturdy build.
- Responsive control.
- Battery pack is easy and quick to install.
cons
- Stiff and narrow deck.
- Noisy when taking on rough terrain.
Final Verdict –
The M5 Electric Skateboard Kit is cheap and sturdy. Aside from having a powerful motor, it also comes with a nine-month extended warranty. So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly electric longboard kit, the M5 Drive Kit is one of your best options.
Factors While Choosing An Electric Skateboard Kit-
Having seen some of the best DIY electric skateboard kits, you might have an idea of what you are looking for. However, if none of these appeals to you, you might need to look at the buyer’s guide. The following buyer’s guide will isolate most of the features. These features will help when it comes to selecting the best option.
- Assembly
This is the most important factor when deciding on which one to buy. It can be easy to be swayed by a fancy-looking kit only to learn that it is an absolute pain to assemble. Of course, the simplest ones are the plug-and-play versions. Although some people prefer the challenge of assembling and the added mess of calculations and mess that comes with it. But the end result is a reliable skateboard for the long term.
- Motor Type
This can easily be overlooked when thinking of a kit. This is the determining factor on how much adrenaline-pumping fun your skateboard is going to be. If you’re someone who lives in hilly terrain and gets a less powerful motor for the e-board then you’re stuck with a lesser ability to climb the terrain. It would be wiser to get a kit that has a powerful motor. Of course, many of these kits come with an Electric Speed Controller and that determines how you tackle these terrains.
- Battery
This is the heart of the search and should be the final determining factor when making the final purchase. The size, quality, and functionality of the battery coupled with the cost and range are the factors to understanding a good battery. Bigger the battery, the higher the range and if you want to ensure that the battery lasts longer than usual, the better the quality, the longer it will last. Watt-hours should be the metric to measure the capacity of a good battery. At times, many manufacturers don’t share details of the size and instead choose to share the range of voltage of the battery.
If the battery is removable or swappable, that’s a bonus since it means that you can replace the battery with a spare while charging the used up one. This also means you can get an additional range on your day out with your board. The additional benefit of a removable battery is that it allows for easy carry on flights. Rather than having to worry about getting stuck at the airport, just remove the battery and put it in the checked-in baggage. It also allows for added security so that no one can steal it. The only downside is that the battery must be less than 160Wh.
- Accessories
Be sure to check the ergonomic and usability of the remote supplied with the kit. If it is a badly designed remote, enjoying the ride may become difficult. The Electric Speed Controller or the ESC is important too. This is the computational unit that regulates the speed and drive of the motor. Acceleration and braking are what are controlled by this unit.
The space between the wheel and the deck is important. If it is touching, then there can be scratches and makes for an inconvenient ride. Not to mention the possible damage to the kit.
- After-Sales Service
After-Sales service and customer support is the last point to consider as the parts may be defective or broken. This can make a big difference in the final assembly process in case some bits are a pain to be fixed. Generally, reliable brands would have better customer support, so it is always recommended to go with those brands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
The DIY electric skateboard kit is one of the best options when it comes to improving your skateboard. If you still have a couple of questions, you should consider looking at the following questions. These should make it easier to help you choose the right option.
Generally electric skateboards aren’t waterproofed. Some of the kits have an IP rating and can be used in wet conditions however if it is a puddle then it is manageable versus heavy rain conditions. It makes sense to ride carefully in these conditions as it can lead to an injury. Most water-related issues aren’t covered by many brands so be careful to do so.
One would think the obvious answer is people who are trained or are into urban adventure sports, but the reality is anyone can use an electric skateboard. Since it has a handheld remote, one can control the speed and braking of the board. This means that the user is in full control! The only thing is a little practice in terms of maneuvering the skateboard with the movement of your body and hips.
Most e-boards have a warranty for a year or more. The life of a battery is dependent on its user and how well he or she maintains the device.
In case you’re using it and the battery runs out, the board can still be used as a regular one.
Boards can handle limited weight usually in the range of 220-240 lbs. Longboards tend to be able to handle weights up to 330 lbs
Final Verdict
Electric Skateboards are here to stay and it will be interesting to see what new developments are made in this segment. Be sure to keep the factors in mind when choosing the e-board of your choice. Determine your purchase choice basis your requirement, if you like speed and powerhead for the ones with powerful batteries and motor, if you like range then pick one that has a swappable battery and if you feel like going easy on your pocket, pick one of the lower end products that are perfect for first-timers.
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Speed and power will give your electric skateboard a competitive edge among other skateboard conversion kits. Choose the best combination that will balance these two factors together with other aspects like wheel size and torque.