Electric Skateboard vs. Electric Scooter – Electric Scooter

No one would have imagined in the 1990s that we could eventually use electric skateboards without having to manually push them! Adding a battery and motor to the skateboard gave an efficient mode of transport to our new generation. Today, the US is one of the highest revenue markets for electric skateboards.

Kick scooters saw a similar revolution when companies started making them electric with batteries and motors. These scooters are similar to electric skateboards, but they offer a handle for better control and typically have a higher range compared to skateboards. Electric scooters too are growing at a significant pace.

Though they may have similarities, and you might be forgiven to think that there is not much difference, though some features are unique to each of them. In this article, I have collected some information about electric skateboards vs. electric scooters.

Electric Skateboard

Electric skateboarding has gone through different stages of evolution in the past 60 years. Technology has made additions like motor and battery to regular skateboards, making them easier to ride and more comfortable. Technology has also made these e-skateboards reliable, powerful, and affordable.

Electric skateboards have a battery that helps the motor run, which in turn will run the wheels. You can charge the battery when it runs out. The size of the battery determines the range of the scooter. Typical sizes are 24V (low range), 36V (medium-range) and 48V (performance scooters). The range covered may vary based on the terrain and the rider’s weight, and the speed with which you are driving. 

There are many electric skateboards that you can easily control using a remote. This lets you control the brake system and speed. Electric scooters do not have a remote.

Electric skateboards are not very stable on uneven roads because they have much smaller tires. If you are traveling at a very high speed on a dirt road, there are chances that your wheels may choke due to dirt. 

Electric scooters typically cover a higher range than skateboards. Skateboards have an average range between 12 and 20 miles, whereas the most powerful scooters can reach as much as 90 miles. This is because scooters have a more sizable base that lets them carry a bigger battery and a more powerful motor. So, if you are looking to commute often or far, then an electric skateboard may not be a good option. 

Another differentiating factor is their speed. Electric skateboards have an average speed between 18-28mph, with even higher speeds in the range of 40mph possible easily. This is because these skateboards are very light.

Pros

• Turning in tight spaces is easy.
• Easy to carry and lightweight.
• High speeds
• Eco-friendly travel.
• Suitable to cover short range.

Cons

• No storage space.
• Low capacity battery.
• Not suitable for all weather conditions.

Electric Scooter

Electric scooters make riding easy and comfortable as they come with larger wheels (two or sometimes even three). Most electric scooters are light and foldable, making it easy for you to carry them around wherever you go. 

If you are looking for a ride that keeps a good balance on any road, then electric scooters are the best. The strong build of the frame and support of the handlebar will let you balance your body comfortably on the scooter. Also, the scooters work on any uneven terrain efficiently because of their larger wheels.

If a long-range daily commute is your priority, then again, electric scooters could be the better option. Scooters accommodate high-capacity batteries that power the motors efficiently, giving you better mileage. Secondly, many of them also come with seats and a bit more storage space than skateboards.

However, electric scooters are heavier than skateboards. Therefore they typically have lower average speeds in the range of 15mph. This is not to say that there are no high-speed electric scooters, just that the average electric scooter is not as fast as the average electric skateboard.

Though these scooters make travel easy, a place to park may not be available in every area. 

Pros

• Foldable and easy to use
• Better mileage
• More stable due to larger wheels, decks, and handlebars.
• More space for carrying your stuff.

Cons

• They have lower average speeds.
• Take up more space when parking.

Electric Skateboard vs. Electric Scooter: Feature Comparison

Battery Capacity

On average, the battery of a budget electric skateboard has a capacity of 150 Wh, whereas an electric scooter’s battery capacity is 300 Wh. 

For example, when you talk about the Meepo V3 electric skateboard, it has a 144Wh battery that will power a 1080W motor efficiently, covering an 11-mile range.

In comparison, the Xiaomi Mi M365 electric scooter has a 280Wh battery that will power a 250W motor but will cover a range of 18 miles. This demonstrates a significant difference.

So, if you require a high-capacity battery that will cover longer distances, then go for an electric scooter.

Winner: Electric scooter

Tires

Most electric scooters come with a tire size of 8.5 inches. This diameter will help in keeping the scooter stable on any terrain. Scooters typically have pneumatic or solid tires. Pneumatic tires work best on any road as they have better traction, where solid tires are easy to maintain as they are flat-free.

On the other hand, electric skateboard tires are usually made of polyurethane material. They come with a rigid foam that prevents air leaks. But these tires are primarily suitable for surfaces that are smooth and hard.

Winner: Electric scooter

Portability

Though some electric scooters are lightweight and you can fold their handlebars, on average, they weigh more than electric skateboards. Electric skateboards are smaller than electric scooters. You can easily fit them in a bag and carry them anywhere with little effort.

Winner: Electric skateboard

Brake System

Safety is always a priority. Electric scooters are safer because the braking system is more efficient, incorporating both hand brakes and disc brakes. This makes it easy for you to apply them and stop quickly in case of need.

On the other hand, the brake system of an electric skateboard works with a remote. If you flick the remote too hard, you might come to an extra hard stop, which can cause an accident.

Winner: Electric scooter

Design

Electric skateboards have a smaller deck and no handlebar to hold on to while riding. They typically have no seat. If you are a beginner or novice, it is very hard to control an electric skateboard, especially if you are going too fast.

Most electric scooters come with a broader deck and handlebars to support the rider. Some even have a seat to keep the ride comfortable. 

Winner: Electric scooter

Motor And Speed

The size of the scooter will influence the type of motor and battery used in the electric skateboard and electric scooter. The larger frame of the electric scooter accommodates larger, more powerful motors which generate higher speeds. 

Also, the high-efficiency brake system and large tires will keep the scooter stable when brakes are applied at high speed, which is better than the electric skateboards.

Winner: Electric scooter

Price

The electric skateboards based on the quality, brand, features vary between $200 and sometimes exceed $3000. 

Electric scooters also come in a similar range: $150 to $3000 with variations in features. The quality of the frame, capacities of battery and motor, and tire type vary from one type to another. The price of a skateboard and scooter entirely depends on your choice of features.

Winner: Draw

Weight Capacity

Electric skateboards can typically carry more weight. This is because of their low center of gravity and four wheels. 

For example, the Xiaomi Mi M365, though it weighs 27 lbs, can carry only 200 lbs. But Meepo V3 weighing 16 lbs, has a higher weight capacity carrying 300 lbs. This shows that electric skateboards are capable of carrying more weight.

Winner: Electric skateboard

Charging Time

Time taken for recharging the battery is also important. The electric skateboard batteries can be charged quickly (because they are typically smaller), helping to save your time. Electric scooters have bigger batteries that take longer to charge. Though the time for recharge is more, they run longer, allowing for a better output.

Winner: Electric skateboard

Parting Words

To conclude, both electric skateboards and electric scooters are eco-friendly and make travel easy and fun for short distances. 

Electric skateboards will be the best option for you if you are searching for a portable vehicle capable of carrying a high weight over shorter distances. Some folks may also like a skateboard for sport and style.

If your ultimate priority is safety, longer mileage, some space to keep your stuff, and a more comfortable ride, electric scooters will probably be the better option for you.

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