Best Cheap Electric Skateboards (2023): Top 11 Budget Picks

Introduction

E-skateboards are all the craze lately as it is both excellent for commuting and lots of fun for adults and youth alike. However, the best electric skateboards are not very affordable if you’re just looking to pick up the trend as a beginner.

Electric skateboards have held a reputation for being overpriced but as the market is getting more competitive, excellent cheap electric skateboards are getting available.

In this guide, we break down the best cheap electric skateboards that still boast solid features and performance. Read on to find our 10 top picks reviewed along with an in-depth guide with buying considerations that’ll help you make the right purchase.

Top 11 Best Cheap Electric Skateboards

1. Skatebolt Tornado II

Best under $550

Top Speed: 25 MPH

Range: 22-25 miles

Weight: 19 lbs

Motor: 700W

Dimensions: 38 x 11 in

Warranty: 6 months

Topping the list, we have the incredible Skatebolt Tornado II. This longboard-style electric skateboard is synonymous with excellent speed, comfort and control, and impressive range.

We tested this board over the course of 3 months, through more than 120 miles, and it kept on dazzling us in every imaginable way. We clocked the maximum speed to 25.2 miles per hour and we were able to get 18.2 miles of range in a real-world scenario riding with an average speed of 15.2 MPH.

The stats speak for themselves. This electric skateboard is unmatched in terms of value. No other board offers such solid performance at this price point.

The steel-constructed trucks are huge and reliable, and along with the cushioning bushings, they effectively eliminate speed wobbles – even at high speeds. Carving feels incredible on this board thanks to its beefy 90mm x 52mm PU wheels and the acceleration is swift thanks to the powerful 2x350W hub motors.

This board is on the beefier end, weighing 19 pounds, so you definitely don’t want to carry it around too much. However, when you’re riding it, it feels second to none on this list.

The four adjustable speed and braking modes make for a customized ride that caters to your specific skill level and you can gradually unlock the full power of this beast as you get more comfortable with it.

Adjustable braking strength is an absolutely crucial aspect of e-skate riding and it’s something a lot of boards lack so a huge shoutout to Skatebolt for including it on the Tornado II.

If you want the best possible hardware and specs for the money and don’t care about the slightly high weight, this is the best electric skateboard you’re gonna get below $550.

Deal: Get 5% off using coupon “ERIDEHERO” at checkout.

2. Maxfind Max2 Pro

Best under $500

Top Speed: 20 MPH

Range: 15 miles

Weight: 12 lbs

Motor: 600W

Dimensions: 31 x 8 in

Warranty: 9 months

The Maxfind Max2 Pro is arguably the best electric skateboard for riding around campus under $500. With a powerful 600-watt motor enabling it to reach a top speed of 20 miles per hour and three different riding modes, there’s plenty of enjoyment for beginners and competent riders alike.

Despite being extremely lightweight, the Max2 Pro is still capable of traveling up to 15 miles on a single charge thanks to its high-quality battery and regenerative braking design.

Not only is the Maxfind Max2 Pro highly efficient, it’s also an absolute beauty to look at. The mesmerizing diamond-like carbon-fiber-looking pattern on the bottom is bound to get people looking.

The deck is made from a strong plastic composite and Maxfind utilizes a smart PVC grain on top of the deck as opposed to regular grip tape. This gives all the benefits of regular grip tape but removes the annoyance of getting annoying scratches on your arms and clothes when carrying it. There isn’t too much flex in the deck, so this electric skateboard will perform best with good road conditions.

The Maxfind Max2 Pro features an ergonomic Bluetooth remote that allows you to change between three different riding modes and it holds an overall IP65-rating which means it’s heavily protected against water and dust.

The custom-designed 45-degree Max II trucks are an absolute pleasure. They’re extremely smooth and provide solid shock absorption and keep you stable even at high speeds.

If you want something extremely efficient with great bang for your buck to ride around campus or on good road conditions, we highly recommend the Maxfind Max2 Pro.

3. Ownboard W1S

Best under $400

Top Speed: 25 MPH

Range: 9.5-12 miles

Weight: 17.2 lbs

Motor: 500W

Dimensions: 38 x 9 in

Warranty: 3 months

If speed is a priority, you’ll love this cheap electric skateboard under $400. It has a top speed of 25 mph with smooth acceleration. It doesn’t skimp on other features either, like a great battery and riding modes. If you are comfortable with high speeds or anticipate that you will be, the Ownboard W1S is a great option.

Let’s get into the battery and motor first. This affordable electric skateboard uses a dual brushless hub motor, each with 250 watts, and a Samsung lithium-ion battery. When you brake, the battery recharges. When it’s time to plug the board in, it takes 2-3 hours to juice up. That battery gets you a top range between 9.5 and 12 miles, depending on the rider’s weight, weather, and so on. The three riding modes also impact speed, with the beginner mode getting you to 12.5, middle mode getting to 18.75, and proficient mode unlocking the top speed of 25 mph. The incline rate is the same for all modes at 25-30%. The wireless remote has an LED display, where you can see settings like battery level.

Construction-wise, this board is solid. It has a PCB housing, so it’s waterproof, and ceramic bearings. The board is on the heavier side at 17 pounds and can hold 265 pounds. The deck is 2 layers of bamboo and 6 layers of maple, while the PU wheels are described as “highly elastic.”

4. Hiboy S11 Budget E-Skateboard

Best under $300

Top Speed: 12.4 MPH

Range: 6.2 miles

Weight: 7.94 lbs

Motor: 250W

Dimensions: 29 x 7.8 in

Warranty: 12 months

The Hiboy S11 is an excellent budget e-skateboard for beginners or kids. 4 different riding modes allow you to gradually increase the top speed until you reach the peak capacity of 12.4 miles per hour.

The main selling point of the Hiboy S11 is its extremely slim build, weighing only 7.94 pounds, making it ideal for people who rely on a portable solution. As it is only 29 inches long, it is practically considered an electric penny board.

The Hiboy S11 falls a little short in terms of range as a single charge only gets you around 6.2 miles. However, this is enough for very short commutes and kids who’re just looking to have some fun. Should you run out of battery, it’s not the end of the world as it’s easy to carry and fits perfectly in a backpack.

Hiboy provides 12 months warranty on this board which is extremely solid considering the low cost.

5. Blitzart Mini Flash E-Skateboard

Best under $200

Top Speed: 10 MPH

Range: 8 miles

Weight: 9 lbs

Motor: 250W

Dimensions: 28 x 8 in

Warranty: 3 months

If all the boards we’ve talked about so far look cool but are still out of your price range, maybe the Blitzart Mini Flash will catch your eye. It’s a top pick for the best electric budget skateboard thanks to great construction, a good motor and battery system, and a very lightweight body. If you are new to riding and worried about top speeds, or you’re buying an electric skateboard for a kid and want them to stay safe at a reasonable speed, consider this Blitzart.

This electric budget skateboard is powered by a 250-watt brushless hub motor. That sounds a bit on the low side, but the board can still go up to 8 miles on one charge, and easily reach 10 mph. The official specs say 12 mph, but reviews indicate that it isn’t common. The lithium-ion battery is 24V and takes 2.5 hours to fully charge.

You control the board’s acceleration and deceleration with the wireless remote, which also lets you put the Blitzart into reverse and switch between the beginner and advanced rider modes. One cool thing about this board: you can use it as a regular skateboard with the motor turned off, though the brand warns you against doing tricks.

The construction of this cheap electric skateboard is sturdy. It consists of 2 layers of bamboo and 5 layers of maple wood, with premium grip tape. The board feels flexible but strong. It holds up to 250-270 pounds and weighs just 9 pounds. It measures 28 x 9 x 5 inches. It ships fully assembled, so you can start riding right away. All Blitzart products have a 3-month limited warranty.

6. Backfire G2

Top Speed: 23.5 MPH

Range: 12 miles

Weight: 14.5 lbs

Motor: 700W

Dimensions: 37 x 8.7 in

Warranty: 5 months

If you’re looking for the best cheap electric longboard, consider the Backfire G2. It’s equipped with a powerful motor, so it’s got fast speeds and a decent range. There are also riding modes perfect for beginners and more experienced riders. If you love longboarding and want something motorized, this could be a good option for you.

The in-hub motor on the Backfire G2 is a dual system, with 350 watts each. That’s a lot of power. You get to choose your battery – either a 5.0 Ah or 6.0 Ah Samsung. With the 5.0, you get an 8-mile range on the sports mode riding and a 12-mile range on the eco mode. With the 6.0, the sports mode is boosted a bit at 12 miles. Speed-wise, it looks like both batteries get you to about 23 mph. The hill rate is 25%, which is pretty good. Acceleration and deceleration are very smooth, especially in slow mode. The charge time for the battery is 3.5 hours, which is on the long side. To control the skateboard, you use a remote. It has a simple design – just two buttons and a slide switch that controls your riding mode and which way the board goes. 

In terms of construction, this low-budget electric skateboard is very flexible but strong. It uses an 8-ply Canadian maple wood deck. It measures 94cm x 22cm x 11cm, and weighs 14.5 pounds. That’s a bit heavy, so it isn’t the best entry-level skateboard to carry around. The wheels are 83mm, which is pretty much the standard for electric skateboards. It also has a crash front truck and a new back truck. If you decide to buy this board, you get a 6-month limited warranty. It isn’t the most affordable electric longboard, but it’s still reasonable.

7. SWAGSkate A.I. Penny Board

Top Speed: 9.3 MPH

Range: 5.6 miles

Weight: 9 lbs

Motor: 200W

Dimensions: 23 x 8 in

Warranty: 3 months

Swagskate A.I. Electric Penny Board is a cheap electric skateboard with a unique self-learning system and cool features that make learning to ride smooth and painless. As a penny board, this cheap skateboard is only 23 inches long and still fairly lightweight. If you want an easy-to-ride board and you love technology, this is arguably the best cheap electric penny board you can get right now.

Known officially as the Spectra Mini, the penny board from Swagskate/Swagtron is powered by a 200-watt hub motor, which also provides Turning Assist. The product page doesn’t have details on the battery, except that it takes between 90-120 minutes to charge. The system lets the board go up to 5.6 miles on one charge, with a top speed of 9.3 miles. When braking or decelerating, the board’s regenerative braking technology kicks in. To juice up the battery on the go for a half hour or so, use the portable MagCharger, which is magnetic.

Where’s the artificial intelligence? It seems to be mainly found in the SenDeck gyroscopic sensors, which are able to monitor changes in your riding style and posture, and adjust, so you can learn to ride as smoothly as possible very quickly. The other big techie feature is the eBoard Go app, which lets you track all kinds of data like battery life, speed, and more. You can basically use your smartphone as a second remote. If you want to kick off the board (like a normal skateboard), use the app’s Pedal To Go Mode to disengage the motor.

What’s this board built like? It’s a bit heavy for a penny board at 9.2 pounds because of the motor. The 23-inch deck is made from maple. To avoid accidents, the board is built with bright LED indicators, which also let you know the battery status. There isn’t any info on the wheels.

8. Meepo V3

Top Speed: 26 MPH

Range: 11 miles

Weight: 16 lbs

Motor: 1080W

Dimensions: 38 x 9 in

Warranty: 6 months

Fast with good range, the Meepo V3 is powerful and great for all riders. It’s equipped with ESC software, which ensures smooth acceleration and deceleration. While jerkiness can make riding an electric skateboard hard, that smoother braking and acceleration experience makes it easier. If you are worried about falling and balance, think about getting the Meepo V3. It isn’t the cheapest electric skateboard out there, but you’re getting a lot of power.

Let’s get into the performance first. It houses 1080 watts of power, giving you a range of 11 miles with the standard battery and 20 miles with the add-on ER battery. There is a 26 mph top speed on this board. That’s definitely on the high end, speed-wise. The board can handle hills with a 30% grade. The standard battery is a Samsung 20R. Charge time is 2 hours with the standard battery, and 2.7 hours for the V3 ER battery.

The most notable feature on this electronic entry-level skateboard is the latest version of the Meepo ESC software. It makes acceleration both smooth and powerful, with improved braking that reduces jerks. Acceleration will also deactivate if the remote’s battery is low, so you aren’t going along really quickly and suddenly you can’t control the skateboard anymore. At 16 pounds, this is a heavy electric skateboard. It measures 38 inches long and 9 inches wide. It can hold up to 300 pounds. The deck appears to be maple wood, which is very common.

9. Blitzart Huracane

Top Speed: 16 MPH

Range: 8 miles

Weight: 13 lbs

Motor: 350W

Dimensions: 38 x 9 in

Warranty: 3 months

Our second worthy mention for a cheap motorized skateboard is the Blitzart Huracane, a longboard. It offers both good range and speed, a solid deck, and two-speed modes. At under $300, the model is also an affordable electric longboard.

Range and speed on this longboard are good for kids and beginners. Thanks to the 350-watt hub motor and a 36-volt battery, you get 6-8 miles of range and 16 mph. Charging the battery takes 2-2.5 hours. You control the skateboard with a wireless remote, which lets you switch between beginner or advanced mode. Like the board, the remote is rechargeable.

The Blitzart Huracane is a beautiful longboard. It consists of 6-ply maple wood and 2 layers of bamboo for a sturdy, yet flexible build. It can hold 250 pounds and weighs 13 pounds, which is about right for an electric longboard. At under $300, this board is a great deal.

10. Hurbo Motorized Skateboard

Top Speed: 12 MPH

Range: 6 miles

Weight: 13 lbs

Motor: 250W

Dimensions: 35.4 x 8 in

Warranty: 3 months

Another good pick for riders not wanting to spend an arm and a leg, this low-cost electric skateboard from Hurbo is also great for kids, thanks to its reasonable top speed. The range isn’t great, however, because the motor isn’t especially powerful. It still offers a smooth ride, riding modes, and solid construction for the price.

The Black 1, Orange 1, Red 1 version of this board uses a 250-watt brushless hub motor and 24-volt battery pack. That translates to a 2-hour charge time, and about 6 miles in range with a top speed of 12 mph. Those aren’t the most impressive specs, so the Hurbo is a good board choice for a kid or rider who doesn’t want want to go too fast, and doesn’t mind charging frequently. There are two riding modes: beginner and advanced.

The board measures 35.4 x 8.0 x 4.7 inches and is constructed from maple wood and bamboo. It’s flexible, strong, and lightweight.

11. Ownboard Mini KT

Top Speed: 25 MPH

Range: 14 miles

Weight: 16.8 lbs

Motor: 500W

Dimensions: 30 x 9.45 in

Warranty: 3 months

Our last worthy mention is the Ownboard Mini KT, an electric skateboard with great battery and performance. It’s under $400, too, so it’s still reasonably affordable for the quality you’re getting. If you want to upgrade your current electric skateboard without breaking the bank, the Mini KT is a good option.

This board is equipped with a 250-watt dual brushless hub motor and Samsung 30Q battery. This reduces what’s known as voltage sag, so the board can maintain high speeds even with a low battery. There are three riding modes, so you can get up to 12.5 mph with the beginner mode, over 18 mph with the middle, and 25 mph with the proficient. For the range, it’s between 12.5-14 miles. With the SANYO battery, you’ll be able to get up to 19 miles in range, though. To check your power, just look at the lateral frame of the board for the indicator. The braking is regenerative, which also helps with saving battery. For going uphill, the grade is 25-30%.

The Ownboard Mini KT has proper construction as well as performance. It consists of 8 layers of maple wood, with a kicktail, and PU wheels you can replace when necessary. The bearings are both dust and waterproof and made of ceramic. The board weighs 16.8 pounds (a bit heavy) and can hold 265 pounds.

Buying Considerations: Budget E-Skateboards

To get the best experience with an electric budget skateboard, you need to pay attention to certain features, like the motor and battery. Since you’re reading this article, you will obviously be interested in electric skateboard prices, too. Let’s explore all the buying considerations in-depth:

Motor And Battery

Electric skateboards are powered with a battery-and-motor system. Many let you ride the skateboard with the motor deactivated, essentially turning it into a traditional ride, but that motor is what will give you speed. There are a few terms you’ll see thrown around when describing a motor, including “hub.”

Hub motors are very common on electric skateboards because they are more reliable than belt-drive motors. Hub motors allow the board to be “kicked,” like a regular skateboard. You’ll also see brushed or brushless motors. A brushed motor is best for e-skateboards that go off-road and on uneven trails.

They are also cheaper to build. A brushless motor requires less maintenance but costs more initially for both the manufacturer and customer. Electric skateboards use both dual or single motors. There’s a wide range of listed power ratings between 250-6000 watts. The cheapest electric skateboard will probably have wattage on the lower side.

What about batteries? To power a motor, you need a good one. They will almost always be lithium-ion. There are several terms that help you learn more about the battery pack. The voltage of a battery determines the board’s torque and range. A high voltage means good torque and range, but if it’s too high, it’s not compatible with the motor.

A voltage that’s too low means not enough torque. You’ll usually see electric skateboards with around 36 volts. The next term you’ll see is Ampere, or simply, “A.” This affects the board’s topic speed and refers to the battery’s current. “A” hours (Ah) refers to the battery’s held charge and affects the skateboard’s range. As an example, a battery with 5Ah travels for 6 miles or so.

An electric skateboard might also give you its WattHours, which is how much power a battery puts out in one hour. It refers to the battery’s size. The last thing to know about a battery is its voltage sag. This is when a skateboard’s ability to perform is reduced when the battery drains to a certain level.

With an inferior battery, the voltage sag will be high, and you’ll see that the board doesn’t perform nearly as well when the power dips below just 50%. Good batteries, however, will continue to perform for longer. Eventually, all skateboards have voltage sag of some kind.

Taking good care of your board’s battery helps ensure safety and a long lifespan. Never overcharge your batteries by letting the board sit plugged in for longer than necessary. This can cause overheating and even explosions. The batteries might also just die. Always use the battery charger that came with your skateboard, or be sure you’re getting one from a reputable source with the right voltage.

Speed And Range Performance

Do you want a fast electric skateboard or one that can take you on longer trips? If you want to use your skateboard for transportation, it’s best to find one with a long range. You might sacrifice really fast speeds. The faster you go, the more energy the battery uses, so it won’t reach as many miles as it would if you were going slower.

Speedwise, electric skateboards vary from 10 mph- 30 mph. For range, some go just 5 miles before needing a battery recharge, while the pricier ones can reach up to 31 miles or so. The battery pack determines both speed and range. Even the best cheap electric skateboard won’t have the power to hit those really long ranges and high speeds. In general, the more you pay, the better performance you’ll get.

Braking System

On a normal skateboard, you just put your foot down to brake or stay on the board while it comes to a natural stop. With a motorized skateboard, however, there’s an actual braking system installed. Pretty much all electric skateboards use regenerative braking. This means that when the board senses it doesn’t need energy for the motor (like when you’re going downhill), it diverts that energy into the battery, charging it.

This is a great way to get the most out of your board’s battery power. Just know that when the board is charged 100%, the battery won’t accept any current. If the board is using only regenerative braking, it actually can’t brake with 100% charge. The power needs to go down a bit first.

Remote Control

To control speed and braking, electric skateboards use a remote control. Since you have to hold it while you’re hiding, comfort is key. Many are designed with this in mind, with smooth edges that fit nicely, and a wrist strap, so you don’t have to worry about it dropping or flying out of your hand.

The controls are constructed in a similar way to video game controllers, with a thumb wheel or joystick, and maybe a switch or two. There might also be an LED display that lets you know what the battery power is. Some electric skateboards even have mobile apps, so your smartphone becomes like a second remote. Like the skateboard itself, remote controls have a rechargeable battery. Be sure your remote’s battery is charged enough before hitting the road.

Construction

An electric skateboard will ride around roads, trails, and possibly get crashed a couple of times. Sturdy construction is essential. You’ll see materials like maple, aluminum, bamboo, ABS plastic, and ceramic. Wood appears to be the most common, in a sandwiched style since it is both strong and flexible. With an inexpensive electric skateboard, be sure the construction is solid and customers aren’t complaining about breakage issues.

In terms of weight capacity, 150-250+ pounds is the norm. The heavier you are, the harder the battery and motor have to work. That means you might not get the advertised top speed or range. What about the weight of the board itself? Electric skateboards are heavier than regular skateboards because of the motor. 9 pounds is a good example of a lightweight board, while some can get pretty heavy at 15+ pounds. If you plan on boarding to a bus or train stop and taking the board with you, you want something light and convenient.

The other construction note is the shape or style of the board. The basic “skateboard” is the most popular type. It is a rectangle shape, usually 7.5-8 inches wide, with small wheels. A longboard is, of course, longer, at about one meter. It usually has a prolonged tear shape with wider trucks and bigger wheels.

The penny board is the last type. They are shorter, without a grip, though the wheels are usually the same size as a longboard to give the penny board better stability. Which one should you get? It depends entirely on your preference. You can find affordable options with all three styles.

Other Features

We’ve covered the basics, but electric skateboards might have other features you want. The first consideration is if it’s waterproof or not. If you live in an area where it rains a lot, you might anticipate getting drizzled on while you’re riding. A waterproof board ensures it’s safe and protected. We mentioned apps before, which not every electric skateboard has, so think about how much having that matters to you.

The other feature many skateboards have is riding modes. These are designed to make riding easier, especially if you’re just learning. Three modes are common (beginner, middle, and advanced or proficient), though you can find boards with an eco mode, as well. If you’re new to skateboarding, strongly consider getting a model with riding mode options.

Safety

A low-cost electric skateboard should still meet specific safety standards. Batteries have been an issue, but electric skateboards have gotten significantly safer. You don’t see as many stories about fires these days. To be extra safe, do research on the brand you’re looking at and see if there have been any recalls or stories from customers.

If the board has experienced battery explosions in recent years, that’s something you should know. If you aren’t sure how to tell if a board is safe, look for electric skateboards with UL 2272-certified batteries. These have gone through numerous tests and are the most reliable batteries you can get right now.

The best safety advice, however, is to wear protective wear simply. A good helmet is a must, while we also recommend wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. When you’re going 10 mph or more on a concrete road, falling can be extremely painful and destructive, so be safe and wear the right equipment!

Price

How much are electric skateboards? Electric skateboards come in a wide range of prices. You aren’t going to find a cheap motorized skateboard for under $100. For quality reasons, you probably wouldn’t want to buy one anyway. In this list, there are a handful of good options around $200, while the Blitzart Mini Flash is actually under $200.

With electric skateboards, you generally get what you pay for. With higher speeds and longer range comes a higher price tag. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a ridiculous amount of money to get a good board, but prepare to spend at least $500 or so for a higher-end budget electric longboard or skateboard.

Service + Customer Support

When considering a cheap electric skateboard, good customer support is still important. Even the most affordable electric skateboard should offer help and service when needed. You can find warranties posted on the brand’s website. A 6-month limited warranty appears to be the most common.

Some brands will offer upgraded warranties for a year for a fee. Always read the fine print to see what “limited” means. Bands may not replace or repair the board if you caused the damage. Be sure to read the warranty carefully before attempting to fix the board yourself. You should also check out reviews, specifically searching for “customer support,” to see what customers are saying.

Conclusion

There are countless cheap electric skateboards out there for sale, but many are too pricey for the average rider. If you don’t want to spend $700+ on an electric skateboard, check out models like the Skatebolt Tornado II or Ownboard W1S. These are under $550 and $400, respectively, and offer features like great speed and range, and solid construction.

If that’s still too pricey, there’s the Hiboy S11, which is under $300 and designed with college students in mind, and the Blitzart Mini Flash, a smaller board under $200. If you’re in the market for a budget electric longboard, the Skatebolt Tornado II is our top pick. It boasts a powerful motor and a great deck. For those who love penny boards, the Swagskate A.I. is really cool, with its artificial intelligence system and mobile app. Worthy mentions included the Meepo V3, Hurbo board, and Ownboard Mini KT.

No matter what electric skateboard you choose, you should always keep certain buying considerations at the back of your mind. Look at a board’s motor and battery system, which determines range and speed, as well as the braking system. Since electric skateboards are controlled by a remote, give the remote a good look, too. You want it to be comfortable and easy to use.

The construction of an electric skateboard is very important – you don’t want something that’s cheap and flimsy, but something that’s too heavy won’t give you much flexibility either. It’s a balance you need to figure out for yourself. Next, consider safety and if the brand has a good reputation. Is the battery built safely? Does it have any certifications you care about?

Next, look at any other features the board offers, like riding modes and if it’s waterproof. Before making a final decision, you should also consider the price and if you think the board is worth it. You can find quality boards for under $200, but you’ll probably have to compromise certain things.

Think about what you’re willing to give up. Lastly, find out if the company has a good reputation when it comes to customer service. If anything with your board goes wrong, you want to be able to depend on the brand.