Electric Skateboard vs Scooter: Which One to choose for commuting!

electric skateboard vs scooter

One of the easiest ways to be efficient and reach anywhere in time is to have personal transportation. Now, in this current economy, many can’t afford cars, and even if they do, most of the time they spend on highway traffic.

Electric skateboards and scooters are one of the most inexpensive and convenient ways to beat traffic.

When it comes to choosing between these two commuting transport, things get a bit confusing as both options have many similarities. However, these two are designed for different purposes.

In this article, we will break down the differences between electric skateboards vs. scooters to make sure you can come to a conclusion and make the buying decision that meets your commuting purpose the most.

Our Top Picks Electric Skateboard & Scooter!

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Electric Skateboard vs. Scooter: In-Depth

While both transportation devices can seem identical many factors make them useful for different purposes for users with different sets of skills.

But their purpose is the same, to provide an energy-saving, carbon dioxide-free transportation solution for people to use in their day-to-day lives.

 

Electric Skateboard vs. Electric Scooter

Electric Skateboard

Skateboards have been a popular transportation medium even when they didn’t get electricized, but that was among teens mostly. Nowadays, due to electric and motorized services, skateboards have become largely popular among people of different ages.

That being said, if you are just starting out, then getting the hang of electronic skateboards can seem a bit difficult, especially when it comes to balance and speed. But with a bit of practice and patience, you can easily get acquainted with this transportation method.

Basic Components of an Electric Skateboard

There are six key components of an electric skateboard.

  1. Electric Motors
  2. Battery
  3. Wireless Throttle
  4. Speed Controller
  5. Board
  6. Tires/Wheels

The electric motor is the heart of an electric skateboard as it powers the system. Most skateboard rechargeable batteries provide three to five hours of battery runtime at max speed. The entire system is powered wirelessly, as cables running through a skateboard are impractical. An electronic skateboard comes with a wireless throttle and a speed controller so that a user can maintain their speed all the time.

The tires are sturdy enough to withstand the harshest conditions. That being said, if you use them constantly, then you should consider sturdier tires or wheels.

Pros

  • Easy to maneuver through traffic and tight congested areas
  • It can be used to ride on sidewalks
  • At top speed can even match the speed of a car
  • Don’t have any harmful impact on the environment and doesn’t have any connection with spreading carbon dioxide
  • Very comfortable for cruising and other off-road sessions

Cons

  • Balancing can be difficult for many first-time users and requires a good amount of expertise before starting to use them regularly
  • Requires weekly maintenance
  • If on constant use, the recharging can be frustrating, especially if you are running on time
  • Weight is a bit on the heavy side

Scooter

This is a great replacement option if you don’t find electronic skateboards to be your thing. Scooters offer more balanced and precise riding than skateboards, which can be great if these are the main issues you are facing.

As you have to power them manually by using your foot, scooters offer more precision and balance. Even if you don’t have any previous experience, learning to ride a scooter will be very easy as you get a lot of support in the balancing area.

Basic Components of a Scooter

There are some core components that you must know before getting a scooter.

  1. Handlebars
  2. Deck
  3. Lights
  4. Suspension
  5. Tires

There is no motor in a scooter so you have to do the motor’s job by yourself. You will have to use your feet to gain momentum. Also, body movement will help you a lot in balancing.

For brakes, there is no alternating option than to use your legs. The most common action is to use your dominant leg as a brake.

The inclusion of handlebars helps in the braking dept as you can use your body weight to slow down your momentum. The handlebars also help users to maintain balance and are very useful for beginners.

Many scooters also come with a headlight, so your night-time journey can be safer and sound compared to other electronic transports.

The tires of a scooter can withstand most environments. However, for harsh terrains, you might have to change them into more durable ones.

Pros

  • Easy to maneuver through traffic and tight congested areas
  • Offers superior balance and control compared to other electronic transports of the same category
  • Can be used to ride on sidewalks
  • Decent speed for commuting
  • Completely free of any chemical involvement that can harm the environment
  • Comfortable for any suburban to city roads
  • Highly portable, and weight is relatively less compared to its overall size

Cons

  • Speed is relatively low compared to other electronic transports
  • Not the best choice for harsh environments
  • Durability is not suited for explosive usage

Electric Skateboard vs Scooter: Differences

electric skateboard vs electric scooter

 

From the discussion above, it’s clear that both electric skateboards and scooters share the same goal of easy transportation. However, there are quite a few differences between them.

Electric Skateboard vs Scooter: Speed

The most important difference and a deciding factor for many is the speed of these two electronic modes of transport.

If we strictly speak of raw speed, electric skateboards are the clear winner as most electric skateboards can sometimes even outperform cars.

But that’s not the case for scooters. While electric skateboards typically have a top speed ranging from 55 mph to 65 mph, scooters mostly have a speed range of 29 to 30 mph.

Electric Skateboard vs Scooter: Balance

Here, scooters outrun skateboards by a considerable range, as electronic skateboards require a good amount of practice to master balancing and perfecting one’s posture.

On the other hand, electric scooters have brakes along with handlebars installed in them. It gives the user practical tools to balance themself.

Scooters run at a slower speed compared to electric skateboards; it is easy to control scooters even at their top speed compared to electric skateboards.

Electric Skateboard vs Scooter: Quality of Life

If you are to use a scooter or electric skateboard in your daily life, then a scooter has the best quality of life features.

It is safer, offers more balance and control, and comes with a headlight that helps to roam the streets at night much easier and safer.

But if you want to stroll on the street with style, then there is no better option than a skateboard. Also, they are very beneficial in harsh environments due to their superior durability, portability, and versatility.

Final Verdict

When it comes to picking one from an electric skateboard vs. a scooter, then for overall usage, scooters are the clear winner for the day-to-day commute, especially for beginners.

But if you have the skills, and want faster transportation, then an electronic skateboard is the best option.

Therefore, it comes down to what type of situation you are in and which of these options fills your need properly. That being said, both of them are excellent choices for commuting and daily transportation.

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