How to choose an electric skateboard. Don’t be fooled by specs!

Choosing an electric skateboard can be a confusing process, especially when you realize that much of the manufacturers’ product specs aren’t very useful. This video aims to help a first-time buyer choose an electric skateboard with confidence.
BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A BOARD, be sure to check out my discounts page to see if you can get a better deal on the board you want: dkwan.com/discounts/
Check out DFFECTIVE: shop.dffective.com/
Discount code: DKWAN
Thanks to the following channels for lending footage. Check them out!
Electric Skateboard HQ: / @electricskateboardhq
Electric Skateboard Malaysia: / @eboardmy
Ronnie Sarmiento: / longbeardva
Ross Reviews: / @rossreviewsau
TheResistorNetwork: / computerwiz222
Much thanks to Carl Chu, Max Huang, and many others for consulting.
How to convert electric skateboard battery specs to Watt-hours:
dkwan.com/how-to-convert-to-w...
How to estimate electric skateboard range:
dkwan.com/how-to-estimate-range/
00:00 Intro
00:52 Which size is right for you?
05:46 What size wheels do you need?
06:46 Hub motors, belt drive, something else?
11:50 Which board is faster?
13:27 Brakes are frequently overlooked
14:21 Why the speed controller matters
17:15 How to estimate range yourself
19:19 Skate components
21:03 Which specs to ignore
22:33 Summary
💚 SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL
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Buy me a drink: ko-fi.com/dkwan/
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Other ways: dkwan.com/how-to-support/
📧 CONTACT INFO
Go here: dkwan.com/contact/
🤓 DISCLAIMERS
Some of the links in this video or its description may be affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through them, I might receive a small commission. This doesn't cost you anything. Thank you for the support!

[@DanielKwan]

I thought this video would be an easy one that I could do during quarantine but the script kept getting longer and it ended up being one of my most difficult videos! Timecodes: Which size is right for you? (00:52), What size wheels do you need? (05:46), Hub motors, belt drive, something else? (06:46), Which board is faster? (11:50), Brakes are frequently overlooked (13:27), Why the speed controller matters (14:21), How to estimate range yourself (17:15), Skate components (19:19), Which specs to ignore (21:03), Summary (22:33) Wash your hands!

[@TheScottunes]

Daniel Kwan I am going for the Ownboard bamboo AT. purely for the fact that you sold me on the cloud wheels. Perfect for my area with altering terrains like sand swept areas, mud tracks and bad paving slabs on footpaths. Just hoping to get a bit of a discount or the exchange rate to get better very soon.

[@mochalucha]

Where’s the backfire mini review fucker

[@IcyMidnight]

You should put the time codes in the description! 😉

[@vallextvain460]

Hey, thanks for all the great content. I recently bought the ownboard bamboo with cloud wheels. People tall about their cores cracking. I’m looking to switch to the AT wheels. Do you know of where I can get the full AT set compatible with the board? You have to buy everything separate from ownboard

[@DogerBeaner]

Should I get a belt drive or hub drive? I like the hub motors because they don't need too much maintenance, they are stealthy, and more durable because of the lack of a belt. But I also like the belt drive's wider range of wheels that can be used. I also need a reliable board that will last a long time. I don't see people riding longboards around my city a lot, and the roads have a few pebbles, not a lot though. I'm considering an Exway X1 Pro because of the app, replacement parts can be bought on their store, and I just like the design of the remote and board.

[@LecimyzKoksem]

Can we take a second and appreciate the editing in this video? :D

[@Kclerie]

Agreed!

[@willwell2360]

No. Ain't nobody got time for that

[@electrolyteblend]

@@willwell2360 agreed

[@keyboardwarrior1233]

Your mom did

[@1fareast14]

9:38 the ad countdown is appreciated, daniel knows we're going to skip it

[@sartajgill2803]

Why'd he put it in in the first place though?

[@Igor-cy7fo]

Sartaj Singh he has to make a living doesn’t he? What a stupid question

[@jasonhushmonkey]

@@Igor-cy7fo r u dumb? U dont get paid idiot u r calling him stupid

[@bridge4]

Dude. Great content as always, but the production quality of this video ... was badass. Props

[@alekstube_]

So well made!

[@seungwonlee4449]

23:11 'just my opinion, but it's true' - Daniel Kwan 2020

[@alekstube_]

I laughed at that

[@ajw8428]

For someone looking for their first Eboard, this video is invaluable,...it’s excellent! It’s thorough and comprehensive, but easy to understand,...yet entertaining and concise. Also, the video production and editing is top notch. You can really tell a lot of hard work went into making it!

[@P.Subaeruginosa]

Personally love the sound of a belt drive, I think it adds to the sensation of going fast. Also a benefit of hearing your motors is you know how they should sound and when something's wrong.

[@ssoffshore5111]

I will add that it also lets people walking in front of you know you're coming up behind them.

[@P.Subaeruginosa]

@@ssoffshore5111 youd think so but the amount of retards that don't hear me until im literally directly behind them at which point they jump to avoid me (im going slower than them by this point so I slowly roll past them making full eye contact)

[@MrPhillipsTheChangeAgent]

Wow DK great video. Very informative. Even experienced Esk8 riders can enjoy the video. That disgusting meme never gets old.

[@Jadden7]

I agree ^^. Who is this guy by the way ? I searched on the internets but didn't found the answer ^^'

[@MrPhillipsTheChangeAgent]

Jérôme Shaaban that’s the owner of Meepo 🤙🤙😝

[@Jadden7]

@@MrPhillipsTheChangeAgent Thanks ! :)

[@motherfluxer696969]

I did not need to watch this video with already purchasing my board off of similar decision processes, but I new it'd be a good video anyways. Very thorough and well thought our video. Informative to say the least.

[@alekstube_]

same!

[@trapper4458]

What skateboard and Do you like it

[@anthonyovering6038]

I greatly appreciate that evolve wasn't included in the premium bracket. Im still in shock over that whole thing.

[@danielho9544]

What's wrong with evolve?

[@flynnduggan1756]

daniel ho no shit that’s what i’m thinking

[@MrApolui]

What do you mean?

[@DeeKay1911]

??

[@mardvorak2]

Leaving tactical dot

[@evanschakel3542]

Love how much effort you put into your videos!!

[@maguettefalliloukhouma4732]

Thank you I have been looking foe a guide like this for a lot

[@gvrose1]

Great video for a new comer! Thanks for putting in the time for others!

[@thirihtan4604]

BROOOO ! You have put up so much effort into making this. Loved it.

[@EboardMY]

Love the format and epic editing! 🔥 Can't imagine how long it takes 🤣

[@sChatterG]

This video is exactly what I was looking for! So on point.

[@askfred6482]

An AMAZINGLY in depth video! THANK you, I learned a lot and book marked it as well as subscribed!

[@dagnabit2020]

Thanks! That was well done and very helpful.

[@alexkho2815]

Thank you Daniel, that was very informative and helpful. I love that it was a long video as I needed to understand all the key points I needed to look for on each boards. Also, I like the funny skit that you include on your videos; "disgusting" lol. I just now have to narrow down my choices from the brands that you recommended. Wish I could message you directly.

[@QUINTTELLA]

very well explained !!! I had some questions about the direct drive that now I understand much better! Very good work Dan! Thank you !!!

[@eddiebrogna7678]

Thank you for taking the time to make such an informative video for us all 🙏✌🏼😊

[@MadDonJuan]

I found you on Ronnie's channel, I love what you do here ..new sub Bro!

[@wdoering01]

wow, your video editing skill are becoming godlike!! good job!!

[@MrMikey1703]

Gday from Australia. Thanks for a really informative video. I want to graduate from a Cruiser to an eskate. I’ll definitely check your site out now for more details.

[@SauceyTycoon]

extremely helpful, i have watched sooo many reviews and had already kinda came to a lot of the same conclusions.

[@ethanp2499]

this video is criminally underrated, you are amazing my man!

[@ian-wr1hk]

great video.. even when i watch some of your vids i come back to look them again.. you really helped me to find my first board.. and second lol..

[@alottafrancium]

Great video with informative bullet points

[@mon.longboard.electrique]

The most valuable video I've ever seen since I ride. GG dude ! A rider from France.

[@yanghong9067]

Thank you, this helps a lot for esk8 newbies like me in terms of choosing the first e-board from the overwhelming options in the market.

[@MadDonJuan]

I been esk8ting for 2 yrs and always count on KZbin to pick my boards and I can say that by far this is the best and more informative video I've have seen hands down. Thanks for all the time you have put into this. When I find someone confused on what to get I will refer them to this video always.thanks Bro!!

[@scotttran8682]

He's finally back!!!!

[@dhirajshetty483]

Hands down one of the best videos on this subject !!

[@goldenagenut]

Great video, thank you for that! I'm a total newb to eboards, rode regular boards a few...decades ago, but i recently bought a used Riptide and that did it - I'm hooked. Your video answered some questions i had and made me aware of some factors I'd not thought of, especially on the mileage/range issues, and brakes as well. My Riptide has the brakes that are pressure sensitive, can lock up and I agree totally, thats what I want. Great informative video man, well done and thanks!

[@antoinevanderstraeten1315]

This is the best way to put an ad in a video! You clearly label it as an ad, show how much time it last. Congrats and thank you for doing it wisely.

[@Doggett97]

This is such a great video, thanks I just bought a Meepo NLS as a starter board!

[@honzazvelkomesta2441]

Great and informative video! Thank You Daniel

[@jebajaj3704]

Best video made about electric skateborads! It really transparent all the maketing nonsens into real useful information.

[@InconsistentTechDad]

I've been trying to make a decision on which board to start with for months now. This is hands down the most information I've gotten in one video. I still don't know which I'll get... But I learned alot haha. Thanks!

[@IcyMidnight]

Good summary. I'll probably link first time buyers to this video for reference. Thanks! 🤓

[@BorisFett]

Cool overview, thanks. I've been wanted to get an Exway Flex and it seems like a great beginner board.

[@DredSk8]

Quality is top on this one my man, hope your safe and sane 💪🔥🤙👍🤘

[@Kclerie]

I've watched 6 of your videos now, and I am thoroughly impressed. I appreciate all of the data and effort in your work. Now to choose my first longboard. 😁 Side note, the quality of your videos is top-notch as well. @Daniel Kwan

[@christytuxworth4205]

this was such a useful video! Im looking to buy an electric skateboard for next year as my primary mode of transport, and having exactly zero prior experience with them, its been difficult. There is SO much information out there, and it's so hard to know what to pay attention to. This was really helpful, thank you so much!

[@jaoskiwooginawski7317]

very informative and helpfull for us beginners looking to esk8. btw super cool logo on your helmet.

[@CupMcCakers]

Absolutely amazing video!

[@R8ze_]

Got recommended this video after buying my board lol, but the quality of your video is out of this world, well done!

[@Bassplayingypsy]

That was very informative to say the least. I enjoyed this video. You for sure covered just about all aspects of purchasing an electric board. I too many times before purchasing the board I have now.... looked at power and top speed. Now that I've ridden this board for a couple of hundred miles. I noticed that top speed was not the factor since I seldom ride beyond 18mph. G3 plus is pretty fast and sort of flexible in bounce worth. I feel now, that a wowgo or ownboard at a fraction of the cost would have been just as good a purchase. Thank you for this video Dan. You the man. Stay safe Sir.

[@JackjackHD]

best informative esk8 video on youtube. Thank you for your effort

[@JackjackHD]

btw what song is playing at 21:03 if you dont mind answering

[@everybody5087]

Watching your video was like playing a futuristic game! Great video

[@Chirpy_Ceilingbird]

Great video Daniel. Top notch.

[@RossReviewsau]

Awesome video man.. never thought my car review footage would be used in a skateboard video but hey 😅 that was a great vid man..

[@DanielKwan]

Ross Reviews thanks again!

[@oproyale3523]

really good video helped me a lot ,thanks

[@Brunoplante2011]

another really good video , thanks man !!

[@whatevernick9110]

I watched your video and decided on a backfire G3. I cannot wait for it to arrive !

[@kalashin1529]

Thanks for ur video. I just bought an ownboard bamboo at/gt .... based on ur videos :) its my "first" real board. i got a very cheap piece of crap until now, no name brand crap ... and i fell in love with electric skateboards :) love ur videos

[@hobscotch]

Awesome video Daniel!!

[@creobotra3716]

Quality of this video is through the roof. The editing, transitions, music, and information are all fire. Really glad I discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago!!

[@filipecava]

You’re dope! Thanks for the well presented info

[@reggiebuffat]

It's good to see you back, stay safe. Insane video production quality!

[@danielleesposito5487]

jesus this video is amazing. you’ve done your research, and you are able to explain it in a fantastic way. this video looks great. thanks

[@DanielKwan]

Thank you!

[@ergoproxy6425]

Thanks it helped me a lot!

[@KrisLloyd]

Thanks for the great info, it helped a lot! Still waiting to get my first board, but this has cleared up a lot. I just want on someone (anyone, maybe even you!) to release a review of the HUB version of the Exway Flex. All reviews out right now are for the RIOT version! Keep up the good work, looking forward to the next video!

[@DanielKwan]

Kris Lloyd I’ve tried it with the hub motors. I definitely prefer it with belt drive. Less road vibration and better grip.

[@scpdatabase969]

Very good edits. Makes this feel super well produced. Definitely taking notes before making a board consideration. Too bad boosted is currently in purgatory. I guess Wowgo or something similar will have to do.

[@juliusknudsen1541]

Really good video very helpful

[@gabz2826]

thanks DK! much appreciated

[@johnwilkerson9804]

I really appreciate this video a lot

[@kyleharvey7622]

ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO DANIEL👍👍

[@supermarkie624]

I’m really grateful for the tips on estimating range. My DIY build will carry me about 40 miles. If I did the equation right.

[@KwanX1]

Excellent video, Thank you!

[@ChrisNieves]

great production. very good and the content wasnt bad either.

[@user-ed7dy1mq9u]

This is so good! I wish I saw this video earlier.

[@ericeisele2497]

The soundtrack and editing in this is exquisite! Share the credits for the music!

[@jypco9289]

Hey Daniel, great video like always. If you’re open to video ideas, I’d love to hear about your advice for riding in a large city like New York. I see you driving in such close distances to crowds and cars and I’m like, “holy crap, I can’t do that!” The roads are pretty shit here and swirling through cars and pedestrians looks pretty suicidal since a lot of people don’t even watch where they’re going. I’m scared shitless to take my board to the inner city! Anyway, gr8 video as usual. Definitely the most in-depth (or one of the most) review videos on KZbin for eskating.

[@CallOfChick3n]

Hey man, awesome video. I purchased the wowgo3 based on your videos and used your code. What about the stickers now haha. Thanks for these videos. They help a lot and your editing skills are becoming better. You can see it :) Keep going.

[@DanielKwan]

Thanks! Have you filled out the form at dkwan.com for the stickers? Fill it out and I’ll send you some 😁

[@Youconix]

This video was absolutely fantastic

[@JimacGTti]

That is a REALLY good video, Mr.Kwan! Great job! Any time someone asks me "what board shoild I get" I will send them to this video. :) Hope you are well. ;)

[@Warrantti]

Very informative video Daniel. Well done. Are going to review Boosted or Evolve boards in future?

[@rhythmmania6407]

I already own hub motor e-board but I am about to get belt driven e-board at the end of April or before. I can't wait!

[@sortysciaofiscia]

I am more informed! thank you so much!!!

[@alekstube_]

Really informative video! I feel as if your favorite brand is Exway? You mention them alot. I just purchased an Exway Wave and I´m really exited for it. Just hope that your not partial to the brand or have an affiliate deal other than links and discount codes:). Great channel!

[@seewise6383]

Great Show! Happy New YEAR! IYO; "Best 2021 electric skateboard for hills and trolly-tracks of San Francisco streets ?"

[@Domark_40]

Hey man, the editing and quality was very nice. I appreciate the time and effort put into this video. question didn’t hear anything about the one wheel. what are your thoughts on that versus the skateboards previously shown in the video?

[@lecokey]

great video and explanation

[@scherzo7224]

I can’t wait for Exway’s AT board! I have a riot and it’s amazing

[@joelhole]

I’ve got a vestarboard all terrain with regular trucks not double kingpin! Was under $1000 when I got it! And it’s awesome!!!!!

[@kgraehl]

This deserves 3 million views. Great job

[@arielol89]

Great video thanks 🙏🏽

[@jakes8444]

As a person who owns a standard board with double king pin trucks and loves carving I can agree with you they are not made for speed and are extremely squirly! However the truning radius on them is amazing and so much fun

[@choiceblade]

Rich and highly digestible content!

[@Krabbo7]

Nice video!:)

[@FabiTRAVELS]

Really good video! One thing which i think is important as well in terms of speed acceleration and breaks: Most boards use a 10s battery which has less speed, acceleration and breaks. If you’re looking for the best performance get a proper 12s battery!

[@DanielKwan]

Thanks! If comparing two boards that are otherwise the same, yeah 12S would perform better than 10S.

[@sayonara_elegy]

As someone that started with a Boosted Mini S with not a lot of experience skating, I absolutely agree, it's a lot more difficult to get the hang of and it doesn't lend itself well to bumpy environments If you are up to the challenge, by all means go ahead but i'm probably going to end up buying an electric longboard later as a main driver, great video Daniel.

[@andyandylawson]

Just purchased a zealot s with your discount code. Will update with first impressions

[@jameshull5121]

I'm considering an electric AT board, and your videos have been quite useful. Although I've done numerous other sports over the years, I'm a complete skate novice, and want to use this for easy cruising, learning to balance and carve to prepare for snowboarding/e-foiling. Having had more than my share of wrecks over the years I value not getting tossed off the board and potentially injured above everything else, and our roads/trails are a little rough which is why I'm leaning AT. I've had a brief ride on the Evolve GTR bamboo/carbon, and preferred the carbon deck feel as opposed to the bounce of the bamboo. At 70kg I'm sure any of the top boards will have more than enough performance for what I plan on doing with it, so I'm less worried about speed and more about being able to get the setup customized to my liking, and having a reliable board. If you were to rate the best AT board in terms of least likely to glitch and causing an unplanned ejection, is there one that has the most reliable firmware/remote connection? Does Exway have enough time in the market to trust the new Atlas even though it is a new model? Do you have any experience with their meeting their 'projected' delivery dates? Thanks!

[@nicklover9565]

Sick vid!

[@Dino-pb5mt]

Love your content

[@sebastian21zuky21]

perfect video, again!

[@locatejohn]

Great video! You didn't go over the high end boards, Can you make video on kits as well like revel and such.

[@au18ert]

Another great video Daniel thank you! I've been skating since I was 13 and now I'm now 47 and I still find this stuff interesting. I live in the UK and my first board is the Backfire Ranger X3.. Being a novice to e-skating I thought I'd play it safe. Our roads are shit, it rains all the time and it's cold but boy is e-skating fun! I think what let's the X3 down and you didn't touch on it was the remote, it's shit! What's going on with the remotes it's like they were designed by children. Put any type of glove on and it's impossible to use the buttons. The scroll wheels are pants and are that even water resistant? I doubt mine is as the USB port is exposed. So I'd have like to have seen a segment on the remote. Also modes or app configuration is really useful especially as you develop as a skater. I think I'm at the point where I'm limited by the remote. Example I like the Economy mode when the streets are busy. It's a nice acceleration but once the road clears or you hit a hill you want to put it in sport. Well you can't unless you power down, it's so annoying. Also the tread pattern on the tyre doesn't last long if you carve a lot. The X3 is perfect if you just want to commute on roads that a street board can't handle, which is most in the UK. Range falls off a cliff in cold weather, you can cut any range in half at least when the temperature falls below 5 degrees so that's something to consider. I'm really considering the Exway Atlas 4wd but I'm not sure it's a big enough step forward yet. Is it an upgrade for an upgrades sake. I wish there where more tests on the mudguards. The X3 are noisy and back ones don't cover enough. I think if you want world domination in ESk8 things like that need to be included. If your not paying for your boards then test the IPA rating is wet weather skaters would appreciate it. Skating in the rain can also be fun and adds another dimension.. 👍👍