Mastering Electric Skateboard Riding Techniques

By Matt Powell •  Updated: 10/16/23 •  22 min read

The thrill of cruising on an electric skateboard involves more than just stepping on and taking off. It’s a skill that demands an understanding of the machine, mastering riding techniques, and above all, respecting safety measures. Whether you’re looking to carve through city streets with grace, conquer steep hills with ease, or add a touch of flair with stylish tricks and slides, mastering these electric skateboard riding techniques holds endless possibilities for those willing to invest time and effort into honing their skills.

Choosing The Right Electric Skateboard For You

Choosing the right electric skateboard for your needs can be a daunting task, as there are many different factors to consider. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:

ModelTop speed (mph)Range (miles)Weight (lbs)Price (USD)
Boosted Stealth241425$1,599
Evolve GTR Carbon 2282432$2,499
Backfire G3252028$1,199
Meepo V4S Pro282230$699
WowGo 3X302032$799
Ownboard Zeus Pro302534$1,299
Exway X1 Pro282232$1,199
Mellow Drive251511$1,999
Acton Blink S2251520$799
Inboard M1241425$1,499
Koowheel D3 Pro252028$599
Lacroix Nazare383040$4,999
Kaly.nyc Lonestar302532$3,499
Verreal RS302534$2,999
Flipsky X1 Pro282232$1,199
Riptide R1 Pro302534$1,399
OneWheel GT191931$1,999

Once you have considered all of these factors, you can start shopping for an electric skateboard. Be sure to read reviews and compare different models before you make a purchase.

Here are a few additional tips for choosing the right electric skateboard:

Safety First: Essential Gear and Precautions to Take

Electric skateboarding is a fun and exciting way to get around, but it is important to wear the right safety gear and take precautions to avoid injury. Here are some essential gear and precautions for electric skateboarding:

Safety gear:

Precautions:

By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable electric skateboarding experience.

Here are some additional precautions you can take:

Getting Familiar With Your Electric Skateboard: Basic Parts And Controls

Electric skateboards are becoming increasingly popular as a fun and efficient way to get around. However, before you start riding, it is important to get familiar with the basic parts and controls of your electric skateboard.

Basic parts:

Controls:

Getting familiar with your electric skateboard:

Once you have identified the basic parts and controls of your electric skateboard, it is time to get familiar with it. Start by practicing riding in a safe area, such as an empty parking lot or park. Once you feel comfortable riding at a slow speed, you can start to increase your speed and practice turning and braking.

Here are a few tips for getting familiar with your electric skateboard:

Electric skateboarding is a great way to get around and have fun. Just be safe and responsible.

Practicing Electric Skateboard Riding Techniques

Mastering the Stance

To find the correct stance and balance for an electric skateboard, follow these steps:

  1. Place your dominant foot on the front of the deck and your non-dominant foot on the back of the deck.
  2. Make sure that your feet are shoulder-width apart and that your toes are pointing slightly outward.
  3. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight centered over the deck.
  4. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
  5. Look ahead of you, not down at your feet.

Once you are in the correct stance, you can start to balance. To do this, simply shift your weight slightly from side to side. You can also use your arms to help you balance. If you start to lose your balance, don’t panic. Simply relax and shift your weight back to the center of the deck.

Here are a few tips for finding the correct stance and balance for an electric skateboard:

Once you are comfortable balancing, you can start to practice riding your electric skateboard. Start by riding in a straight line. Once you feel comfortable riding in a straight line, you can start to practice turning and braking.

Here are a few tips for riding your electric skateboard safely:

Electric skateboarding can be a fun and exciting way to get around, but it is important to be safe and responsible. By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable electric skateboarding experience.

Perfecting Push-off And Acceleration

Initiating the motion on your electric skateboard requires a small push-off, similar to traditional skateboarding. Once you’ve pushed off and achieved slight momentum, gently engage the throttle on your remote to initiate the skateboard’s electric propulsion. Always remember to accelerate gradually to maintain control and balance.

To start smoothly on an electric skateboard, follow these steps:

  1. Place your dominant foot on the front of the deck and your non-dominant foot on the back of the deck.
  2. Make sure that your feet are shoulder-width apart and that your toes are pointing slightly outward.
  3. Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight centered over the deck.
  4. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
  5. Look ahead of you, not down at your feet.
  6. Slowly push down on the throttle lever.
  7. As the skateboard starts to accelerate, shift your weight slightly forward.

To stop smoothly on an electric skateboard, follow these steps:

  1. Release the throttle lever.
  2. Apply the brake lever gradually.
  3. As the skateboard starts to slow down, shift your weight slightly backward.
  4. Once the skateboard has stopped, place your feet flat on the deck.

Here are a few tips for starting and stopping smoothly on an electric skateboard:

By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable electric skateboarding experience.

Carving with Precision

Carving is a pivotal skill in electric skateboarding. Initiating a smooth curvaceous path instead of a linear one generates momentum, making your rides enjoyable and efficient. To carve effectively, gradually shift your weight left or right by leaning your body, ensuring smooth, seamless turns.

Turning and carving on an electric skateboard is similar to turning and carving on a regular skateboard, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

To turn on an electric skateboard, you can either lean in the direction you want to go or use the remote control to turn the wheels. If you are leaning to turn, make sure to keep your weight centered over the deck and your knees bent. This will help you to maintain your balance.

To carve on an electric skateboard, you need to lean in the direction you want to go and shift your weight to the heel of your back foot. This will cause the skateboard to turn in a sharper arc. You can also use the remote control to carve, but it is more difficult to control the turn.

Here are a few tips for turning and carving on an electric skateboard:

Here are some additional tips for turning and carving on an electric skateboard:

Riding Uphill and Downhill

Managing your electric skateboard on elevated terrain can be quite a challenge. When riding uphill, maintain a steady speed, and avoid sudden acceleration. For downhill, consider setting your skateboard to a lower speed mode. The regenerative braking system on electric skateboards converts braking energy back into your battery, but it can only do so much, so it’s fundamental to manage your speed downhill wisely.

Riding an electric skateboard uphill and downhill can be a challenge, but it is possible with practice. Here are a few tips:

Riding uphill:

Riding downhill:

Mastering Foot-Braking

As potent as electric skateboard brakes are, knowing how to foot-brake is crucial. In the case of sudden power loss, foot-braking can be a savior. Gradually lower the heel of your back foot, letting it brush against the ground before complete contact, aiding you to decelerate and safely stop.

To foot brake on an electric skateboard, follow these steps:

  1. Shift your weight to your front foot.
  2. Place your back foot on the ground behind you, with your toes pointed down.
  3. Apply pressure to the ground with your back foot.
  4. As the skateboard slows down, shift your weight back to both feet.

It is important to practice foot braking in a safe area before trying it in traffic. Start by practicing on a soft surface, such as grass or dirt. Once you are comfortable foot braking on a soft surface, you can try it on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt.

Here are a few tips for foot braking on an electric skateboard:

Here are some additional tips for foot braking on an electric skateboard:

Advanced Tips and Techniques: The Power Slide

Performing a power slide on an electric skateboard is a thrilling and skillful maneuver that allows you to control your speed or make sharp turns with style. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to power slide:

Important: Before attempting a power slide, make sure you have a good grip on the basics of riding your electric skateboard and are wearing appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, gloves, and knee pads.

  1. Find a Suitable Location: Choose a smooth, open, and preferably empty area where you can practice safely, such as a parking lot or a wide, smooth road. Ensure there are no obstacles or debris that could impede your slide.
  2. Foot Placement: Stand on your electric skateboard with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your front foot should be slightly angled forward, and your back foot should be near the tail of the board, ready to initiate the slide.
  3. Begin the Power Slide: Start by riding at a moderate speed, not too fast or too slow. To initiate the slide, you’ll want to:
    • Shift your weight backward, distributing more of your weight onto your back foot.
    • Lean into the turn by twisting your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to slide.
    • Use your front foot to steer the board in the desired direction, turning the front wheels slightly.
  4. Apply the Brake: On an electric skateboard, you can apply the brake while initiating the slide to control your speed. Gradually squeeze the brake lever on the handheld remote to slow down.
  5. Control the Slide: As you continue to lean and apply pressure, you’ll notice the rear wheels of the skateboard start to slide out to the side. It’s essential to maintain balance and control throughout the slide.
  6. Adjust the Angle: Depending on the sharpness of the turn you want to make, you may need to adjust the angle of your body and the direction of your slide. A steeper angle will result in a tighter slide.
  7. Release and Straighten Out: When you’ve achieved the desired slide angle and direction, release the brake gradually and straighten out your body and the board.
  8. Recover and Ride Away: As the slide ends, regain control of the board and your balance. Use the throttle on your handheld remote to regain your previous speed or adjust your riding as needed.
  9. Practice and Safety: Power sliding takes practice to master. Expect to fall a few times while learning, so always wear safety gear and exercise caution. Gradually increase the speed and sharpness of your slides as you become more confident and skilled.
A person riding an electric skateboard down a city street with buildings in the background

Photo by remi_b on Unsplash

Maintenance 101: Keeping Your Board In Top Shape

To maintain an electric skateboard, you should:

Here are some additional tips for maintaining your electric skateboard:

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your electric skateboard lasts for many years.

Mastering Safety Measures

Safety is paramount when riding electric skateboards to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Here are essential safety precautions to follow when using electric skateboards:

  1. Wear Protective Gear:
    • Helmet: Always wear a certified, well-fitting helmet to protect your head. Look for helmets designed specifically for skateboarding or biking.
    • Knee and Elbow Pads: Protect your joints with knee and elbow pads, especially when learning new tricks or maneuvers.
    • Wrist Guards: Wrist guards can help prevent injuries during falls and are crucial when practicing sliding or other advanced tricks.
    • Gloves: Wearing gloves can protect your hands in the event of a fall or while using your hands for sliding or braking.
  2. Check Your Electric Skateboard:
    • Regularly inspect your skateboard for loose components, damaged parts, or signs of wear and tear. Ensure that the brakes and throttle are functioning correctly.
  3. Know Your Electric Skateboard:
    • Familiarize yourself with your skateboard’s user manual, including its specifications, controls, and maintenance requirements. Understanding your board’s capabilities is vital for safe operation.
  4. Learn to Ride Safely:
    • Before attempting advanced maneuvers or high-speed riding, build a strong foundation by mastering basic skills, such as balance, turning, and braking.
    • Practice in a safe and controlled environment away from traffic, pedestrians, and obstacles. Start with gentle acceleration and braking to get a feel for your board.
  5. Observe Local Laws and Regulations:
    • Be aware of local and state laws regarding electric skateboard use. Some areas have specific rules for where and how you can ride. Always follow these regulations.
  6. Be Mindful of Traffic:
    • If riding on roads or in shared spaces, obey traffic rules and stay alert to your surroundings. Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
  7. Ride Defensively:
    • Anticipate the actions of drivers, pedestrians, and other riders. Assume they may not see you or may not react as expected.
  8. Maintain a Safe Speed:
    • Ride at a speed that matches your skill level and the conditions of the road or terrain. Avoid high speeds on uneven or unfamiliar surfaces.
  9. Keep Both Hands on the Remote:
    • When using a remote control, keep both hands on it while riding to maintain better control of your board.
  10. Stay Visible:
    • Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing and consider adding lights or reflective tape to your skateboard to enhance visibility, especially when riding at night.
  11. Avoid Distracted Riding:
    • Do not use your phone, listen to music with headphones, or engage in other distractions while riding. Focus on the road and your surroundings.
  12. Group Riding Precautions:
    • When riding in a group, maintain proper spacing to avoid collisions, and communicate effectively with hand signals or verbal cues.
  13. Practice Emergency Braking:
    • Learn how to use the brakes effectively and practice emergency stops to react to unexpected obstacles or situations.
  14. Understand Your Limits:
    • Be aware of your personal riding limits and avoid overextending yourself, especially when attempting advanced tricks or maneuvers.
  15. Carry Safety Equipment:
    • If possible, carry a first-aid kit and your identification, including emergency contact information.

Following these safety precautions can help you enjoy your electric skateboard safely and reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. Always prioritize safety, especially when attempting new tricks or riding in challenging conditions.

An image depicting a person wearing safety gear while riding an electric skateboard, emphasizing the importance of safety while enjoying the thrill of riding.

Photo by sasha_bond on Unsplash

Electric skateboarding isn’t just about the ride, it’s about the journey. From knowing the nuts and bolts of your futuristic vehicle, practicing maneuvers that would make any boarder envious and prioritizing safety measures with every glide and turn, it’s a comprehensive and rewarding process. Use this knowledge to carve your own path, whether it be on bustling city streets or serene park pathways. The world on an electric skateboard is a thrilling one; fast, flexible, and undeniably fun. So, strap on your helmet, step on the board, and let the adventure begin.

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Matt Powell