Electric Skateboard - The Next Generation of Alternative Transportation?

Two years ago I saw something on the net that totally changed my life!

A video about electric skateboards. Since then I have had at least 3 different boards, which is as much a tribute to how much I love these babies. But unfortunately as it is to their biggest weakness, they break easily. But I still keep purchasing new ones or buying parts for the old ones.

"The electric skateboard was invented by Californian Louis Finkle. Louis made the first analogue electric skateboard in 1993. It then took seven years to make it to production, and thirteen years later it has yet to reach the tipping point where we currently stand on the verge of mass popularity of electric skateboards".

So what is so great about a electric skateboard?

They're extremely fast. We are talking 20-25 mph and more. Beware!!!
Besides being fast, it's incredible FUN!!!

Instead of taking a car for short trips, I now glide my way to the newspaper stand and back.

It feels like you are flying extremely low. When you zoom around you tend to look forward (obviously), meaning you never see your feet. It somehow feels like your gliding 6 inches off the pavement.

The range is also quite decent. The furthest I got was a 14 mile ride. After wards the battery needed a full charge up.

You control the board with a pistol grip controller that controls the acceleration and regenerative braking. It is pretty easy to ride a electric skateboard even if you have never ridden a skateboard before. If you ask me, it is a lot easier than a regular skateboard as you always have both feet on the deck.

The only drawbacks of the electric skateboard are that they break fairly easily and go slowly up hills. The brand I recommend, E-Glide, has a good warranty. 90 day warranty on the board and electronics. 6 month battery warranty.

There are 2 companies who make these boards: Altered, formerly known as Exkate, and E-Glide. Altered boards have a cool wireless controller, but the boards are made in China and the customer support is not the best.

E-Glide, on the other hand are very dedicated and care what they are selling. They concentrate on only using top of the range components to build their electric skateboards. Furthermore they are the only electric skateboard company who doesn't import premade powerboards from China.

I personally ride the E-Glide "44 Magnum" a Madrid board designed by Crossbow USA. Lots of concave, and beautiful lines. At 44 inches in length, it is a Ferrari among electric skateboards.

Until someone invents the Hoverboard, these babies are it!!!

Dean Lucas is a journalist, author and lives in California. Dean is a dedicated electric skateboarder and reports about the latest trends and gadgets. For information on electric skateboards and a whole load more just click here

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