Electric Skateboard Vs Electric Scooter – What are the Key Differences
Usually, people either opt for an electric skateboard or electric scooter to help them commute from place to place. But which is the better option?
Safety, weight, speed, and price are some of the many features to consider when buying an electric vehicle.
In this post, we’ll lay down all the details of the electric skateboard vs electric scooter comparison to help you decide which one is better suited for your daily commuting.
See also: Onewheel Vs Electric Skateboard: Which One Is Better?
Electric Skateboard
Let’s take a closer look at what exactly an electric skateboard is and how it functions.
What is Electric Skateboard
The basic design of an electric skateboard is based on the design of a traditional push skateboard, with the addition of an electric motor.
Thanks to the addition of the electric motor, you don’t have to exert any additional energy into pushing the board. The motor and the batteries do the job for you.
You can also go a lot faster on an electric skateboard than you could on a traditional skateboard.
In addition, you can maneuver and halt your skateboard using a remote control.
The thing that makes electric skateboards so popular is that you don’t require any type of license to drive them.
Plus, they’re more portable than other larger vehicles. For instance, if you want to cover half the distance on a bus, you can easily carry your board with you.
E-Skateboard Pros and Cons
So, let’s take a quick overview of the pros and cons of using an electric skateboard for transportation.
Pros
You don’t have to put in a lot of energy thanks to the motor and batteries.
Maneuvering and controlling your skateboard becomes easier with the remote control
Easy to carry around and store
You don’t need any type of license to ride a skateboard
Great for covering shorter distances
Cons
Not great for riding in rainy or snowy weather
Lack of storage space
Battery capacity isn’t suitable for longer distances
Electric Scooter
Now that you know a little about the electric skateboard, let’s get to know the electric scooter.
What is electric scooter? How does an electric scooter work? What are its advantages and disadvantages for traveling?
Electric Scooter: A Step Ahead of Kick Scooters
Much like the electric skateboard, which was an upgraded version of the traditional skateboard, the electric scooter is also a level up from the traditional kick scooter.
The electric scooter is bigger and better. Powered by an electric motor, the electric scooter packs quite the punch, allowing users to ride at higher speeds and acceleration.
The batteries of electric scooters also have a larger capacity which means that you can cover longer distances on a single charge.
As the scooter has handlebars and larger wheels and deck, they also provide riders with more balance and control.
On top of everything, the electric scooter has some neat features that make traveling more comfortable. For instance, some scooters come with built-in lights and baskets for storage space.
E-Scooters Pros and Cons
Let’s take a closer look at the positive and negative aspects of using an electric scooter as your vehicle of choice.
Pros
Some models are foldable making them easier to use
Have a higher battery capacity and cover longer distances
Larger wheels and deck along with handlebars allow for better balance and control
Most scooters have storage space for your stuff
Cons
Heavier and take up more parking space
Lower average speed
How is Electric Skateboard Different from Electric Scooter?
Now that you have a better understanding of the two vehicles separately, let’s put the two against each other to compare their differences and similarities.
Which is Faster?
So, how do the two vehicles fare in terms of speed?
The good thing about vehicles is that they both have an impressive average speed, although electric skateboards are faster than electric scooters.
The highest average speed of an electric skateboard ranges between 29 kph to 45 kph. Some higher-quality boards can even go up to 65 kph.
On the other hand, electric scooters have an average high-speed range of 25 kph to 30 kph. With dual-motor scooters going up as fast as 50 kph.
When comparing the two, it’s evident that skateboards are faster than scooters.
Depending on your needs, you can opt for either option. For those who require a faster ride, the electric skateboard is the perfect option.
See also: How Fast Do Electric Skateboards Go
Safety Gears
Safety is perhaps the most important feature to consider when buying an electric vehicle.
Firstly, we would advise against using either vehicle directly in crowded areas if you don’t have any prior riding experience. Start by practicing at home before you hit the streets.
Now, assuming you know how to ride both, let’s look at a few things you should keep in mind to ensure safety.
For skateboards, larger decks and wheels can help provide more stability and control. In addition, high-quality grip tapes are great for providing additional balance and ensuring your feet stay firm on the deck even as you ride at higher speeds.
On the other hand, for electric scooters, you want to look at the width of the deck, the handles, and if it comes with any additional attachments like seats and baskets.
Generally speaking, in terms of braking systems, electric scooters have a more efficient braking system as they come with both hand brakes and disc brakes.
In contrast, the brakes on an electric skateboard work through remote control, which may take some time to get used to. In addition, it can be a bit dangerous if the remote were to fall out of your hand during a ride.
See also: Are electric skateboards safe?
Weight
In terms of weight, as you may have guessed on your own, electric skateboards tend to be lighter than electric scooters.
On average, the weight of electric skateboards ranges from 7 kg to 15 kg. The weight of your board can vary depending on its size, the size of the motor and battery, the type of wheels, and if it has any additional features.
As we briefly mentioned earlier, electric skateboards are also quite portable, given their compact size and lightweight. You can easily carry them around in your backpack.
Plus, they’re easier to store in lockers at work or school.
In contrast, electric scooters are a lot heavier given their large body and heavier components. The average weight of an electric scooter can range from 10 kg to 19 kg.
However, if you want to get a thrill scooter the weight can go up to 50 kg.
Despite the heavy weight, electric scooters are still quite portable. They’re easy to wheel around and some models can even be folded, making them more compact.
Foldable scooters are easier to store under desks and carry in buses and subways.
When comparing electric skateboard vs scooter both are quite portable, but the skateboard is definitely on the lighter end.
Maneuverability
In terms of maneuverability, which one is easier to handle?
Given that electric scooters come with handles and a wider deck, they offer more control and stability.
Even when you look at the braking system of an electric scooter, it’s a lot more efficient than that of an electric skateboard. Having a hand brake and a disc brake definitely adds more comfort and safety for riders.
That being said, it’s not like electric skateboards are very difficult to control. You just need to get the hang of it and it becomes a lot easier.
Plus, electric skateboards are easier to maneuver around narrow alleys and sharp corners.
Vehicle Cost
What is the price of an electric skateboard vs the price of an electric scooter?
The price of both vehicles can vary depending on the model and its specification. As with most products, high-tech vehicles tend to be pricier than those with moderate-level features.
The lowest price for a decent electric vehicle is around $300. However, you can find some high-tech models that go above the $2,000 mark and can even go up to $3,000, if you want higher specs.
When comparing the price range of electric skateboards vs electric scooters, the former tends to be on the pricier end.
The main reason why electric skateboards have a higher price is that they’re a bit harder to ride. Therefore, their market demand is lower than that of electric scooters.
Scooters are more popular among riders as they’re easier to ride, making them more economical.
See also: How Much Does An Electric Skateboard Cost ?
Practicality Comparison
If your electric scooter is foldable, it becomes almost the same size as a skateboard, only slightly heavier.
Both are easy to carry around in public transport and can be stored in lockers or under your desk at work or school.
Electric scooters have pneumatic tires while electric skateboards use urethane wheels. Pneumatic wheels are great for riding over uneven surfaces and over cracks on the pavement.
Urethane wheels are a bit tougher to ride over bumpy surfaces. Not only will you feel more vibrations, but a slightly big bump or rock can easily disbalance you.
Which One Goes Farther
The average electric skateboard battery is equipped with around 150 Wh, while the battery of an electric scooter is equipped with 300 Wh.
Basically, what this means is that you can cover more distance on a scooter than you can on a skateboard.
Electric skateboards can range from 10 km to 50 km on a single charge. In comparison, an electric scooter can go from 25 km to 150 km depending on its battery capacity.
If you want a vehicle that covers more distance, an electric scooter is better suited for you. On the other hand, if you need a vehicle to cover short distances, an electric skateboard is a better option.
Design and Style
As is apparent, electric skateboards don’t have a handlebar or a seat, which makes them a bit more difficult to ride. They also lack storage space.
All scooters come with handlebars and depending on the model you purchase, they can also have seats and storage space.
The one good thing about skateboards is that you get a variety of deck designs to choose from. You can add a more personalized touch to your skateboard by customizing the deck according to your preferences.
With electric scooters, you can add features like horns and flashlights to make riding more easier.
Learning Curve
Learning time varies from individual to individual depending on your abilities and the number of hours you put into practice.
Generally speaking, the electric scooter has an advantage as it comes with handles, making it easier for beginners to balance. It makes learning how to ride a scooter one step easier.
On the other hand, with an electric skateboard, you need to first learn how to balance yourself on the skateboard before you can learn how to move on it.
Maintenance Cost
Maintenance for both vehicles is more or less the same. As with all vehicles, if you don’t properly maintain it, your vehicle is bound to break down before its time.
The availability of spare parts can vary depending on the brand you purchase from and on the market demand. For instance, if your electric skateboard or scooter is a rarer model, then obviously finding parts is going to be a lot more difficult.
We’d suggest looking at various reviews to find the best electric skateboard or the best electric scooter.
Enjoyment Factor
Do you know what the best part about getting an electric scooter or an electric skateboard is?
Once you get a hand of the vehicle of your choice, riding it can be really enjoyable. You can take your vehicle out on a pleasant day and just cruise along the streets.
Using an electric skateboard or electric scooter can also help in cutting down travel costs. You can also reduce your carbon footprint!
Finally: Electric Skateboard or Electric Scooter
So, what's the final verdict between electric skateboard vs electric scooter?
Well, in all honesty, there is no universal answer to this question. It all depends on your preferences.
For instance, if you want speed and portability to cover short distances, then an electric skateboard is your best bet. On the other hand, if you want comfort and stability for longer travels, then it’s best to opt for an electric scooter.
Think about your preferences as you go over the tips we’ve provided above and you’ll easily find the best vehicle for you.
