We see electric rides everywhere these days. What started as a kind of niche hobby has seriously taken off, becoming a practical way for tons of people to get around. Electric skateboards, electric scooters, and ebike are probably the most often – they're all handy for zipping through city streets.
So, which one actually works better? After years of riding and testing both, we can tell there's no single "best" choice. It really comes down to how people live and where they need to go.
Let's unpack what makes each one tick, compare how they handle the real world, and help you figure out which ride fits your daily grind.
E Skateboard vs E Scooters: What You Need to Know
What Is an Electric Skateboard?
Think of an electric skateboard like a regular skateboard that got a serious power upgrade. It has an electric motor, a battery pack to juice everything up, a handheld wireless remote to control the speed, and of course, the deck itself. It’s the board under your feet.
E-skateboard vary widely in budget and speeds. Budget boards manage 6-8 miles, while high-end models hit 25+ miles on a charge. Their top speeds are equally broad, ranging from 15 mph to 28+ mph for performance models.
Advantages:
They can be carried anywhere: This is their superpower. People can tuck it under their arms, hop on a bus, or even slide it under their desk.
They’re fun to ride: Riding them feels more like playing than commuting. The feeling of craving a turn is nothing short of addictive.
They take up less space: Their small size wins, especially in crowded places or traffic jams. They can also be stored in apartments without feeling something is even there.
They’re low key: They can also be brought inside corporate offices. Security guards will more likely allow them.
Disadvantages:
Learning them requires practice: It takes practice to balance, steer, and manage them with feet. You’ll probably fall a lot.
They don't work on bumps: Pavement matters a lot if you want to ride them smoothly. Their little wheels don’t work on cracks, pebbles, and potholes.
You can get tired: Our legs and core constantly work to stay balanced, especially on longer rides. It could get tiring.
They can’t be used to carry stuff: You can definitely ride them with a backpack on. But trying to carry groceries or a briefcase won’t be possible.
They don’t work in rain: Water can mess with the electronics or make the deck slippery. So you must avoid them during the rain.
What Is an Electric Scooter?
Electric scooters have a deck you stand on and handlebars to steer. Most e-scooters also have a thumb throttle and a handbrake, while some even come with app controls.
E-scooters have bigger tires (usually 8-10 inches) than skateboards. The low-budget ones have a range of 10 miles, whereas good ones can even hit 30-40 miles.
They’ve blown up over the last few years, especially with the rental options around. But you’ll have more control over range, speed, and power if you own one.
Advantages:
They’re easier to learn: E scooters’ handlebars make them intuitive. You can learn the basics in less than 10 minutes.
Better for rough roads: They have bigger (and mostly air-filled) tires, so they can easily bear the cracks, bumps, and even gravel. You’ll have a comfortable ride.
You can carry things: Whether it’s a backpack, a small bag of groceries, or a handlebar bag, you can easily move your goods on the road.
People see you: You become more visible as you’ll be standing upright while riding it, as opposed to someone crouched low on a skateboard.
Disadvantages:
They’re heavier and bulkier: They’re hard to carry, as even “lightweight” folding models (25-35 lbs) feel heavy after a short walk. And bigger commuter scooters (40-70+ lbs)? You can’t carry them at all.
They’re not that enjoyable: E-scooters lack that craving thrill. It feels more like a good transport than a joyride.
They take more space: You can no doubt fold them, but it will take up way more space under your desk or in a closet than an e-skate. They hardly fold down for tight spaces.
They need regular maintenance: The best e-scooters' latch or mechanism can wear out or get loose. You have to check its parts regularly to keep it running.
Quick Comparison: Electric Skateboard VS Electric Scooter
|
Feature |
Electric Skateboard |
Electric Scooter |
|
Ease of Use |
Takes practice |
Easy for most people |
|
Portability |
Easy to carry |
Harder to carry |
|
Speed Range |
20–28 mph (varies) |
15–25 mph (varies) |
|
Typical Range |
10–20 miles |
15–30 miles |
|
Handles Bad Roads |
Not great |
Better (if tires/suspension help) |
|
Visibility in Traffic |
Low to ground |
Easier to spot |
|
Storage Convenience |
High |
Moderate to low |
|
Ride Feel |
Active, fun |
Stable, practical |
|
Best For |
Short commutes, fun riding |
Daily commuting, errands |
Which One Should You Choose?
When to Go for an Electric Skateboard？
Are you looking for something lightweight? An e-skateboard is a good option then as it is easy to carry. It’s also good if you’re going short distances or you just want something that feels fun.
When to Go for an Electric Scooter？
An electric scooter makes more sense if you’re riding farther. It’s the safer bet for commuting or daily errands, especially if you don’t want to think too much about balance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between an electric skateboard vs electric scooter isn’t really about which one is better on paper – it’s about what fits your daily life.
But whichever you pick, never forget to wear a helmet every single time. It will save you from lots of things. Also, be courteous to everyone on the road and enjoy the ride.
FAQ
Do I need a license or insurance?
If the motor is under 750W (which mostly are), you don’t need a license or insurance in the US and Canada. Local rules can be different, and some cities could be stricter than others.
How long do the batteries last?
Battery life is measured in charged cycles. Electric skateboards usually last around 300-500 full charges, whereas electric scooters tend to last 500-1000 cycles.
In everyday terms, it’s about 1.5 to 3 years of use before you notice a drop in range.
Can I ride electric scooters and electric skateboards on a sidewalk?
Riding them on the bike lanes is probably the safest and most legal route. But you should respect the cyclists as well.
On sidewalks, it’s a big no-no. Since pedestrians use this place, riding fast here is dangerous and illegal in most places. Once again, local rules could vary.