New to Electric Skateboards? Here’s 7 Electric Skateboard Tips for Beginners
If you've clicked on this page, then it's fairly likely that you see yourself as an electric skateboard beginner. This is a good thing! Maybe you're still trying to get a grasp of the basics or even if you haven't gotten as far as buying a board yet, you're in the right place. People from all different walks of life with totally different sporting backgrounds are taking up this hobby and getting to ride the endless wave of electric skateboarding. We're going to cover a mixture of the most common questions people have when getting into e-skating, as well as some extra tips and tricks to help you on your way to mastering your self-propelled board.
#1 Can I Get Into Electric Skateboarding Without Prior Experience?
It may have already become obvious but electric skateboarding has a lot in common with a few other sports that involve riding on top of a board. Surfing and snowboarding are two in particular that have led many people into trying out e-skateboarding. And not to mention regular skateboarders! For these people – with backgrounds that have given them the foundation of how to balance atop a moving plank – it may look like they pick it up super fast and be demoralizing but don't worry! It took them plenty of practice in their original sport to get the basics down and like anything, electric skateboarding is a skill that can be learned.
So for the uninitiated, you can definitely get on a board and with a bit of practice, there's absolutely nothing stopping you from shredding right up there with the best of them. This leads us to our next point.
#2 Start By Taking It Slow
This is a tip that will serve you well in any new activity, not just electric skateboarding. When you're first starting out it can be tempting to want to go as fast as possible and emulate the speedsters you see whizzing around town or online. But trust us when we say that this is actually slower than taking your time and building your pace up gradually.
For one, it's going to be really difficult to keep your balance at high speeds without proper practice and this can lead to wipeouts and injuries. Not only that but by going too fast from the get-go, you could end up damaging your board before you've even had a chance to enjoy it properly! No one wants that!
So take everything a step at a time and remember that your focus should be on building your confidence, not your speed. A confident rider is a fast rider, and a safe rider too!
#3 Is It Easier To Learn On An Electric Skateboard?
If you're comparing the learning process of riding an electric skateboard to that of a classic skateboard, it's tricky to answer but we would say electric skateboarding can be easier to start out with. There are a few reasons for this.
You don't have to kick with an electric skateboard
Anyone who remembers learning to ride a regular skateboard knows that one of the trickiest parts is learning how to 'kick' or 'push' with one foot while balancing the other on the board. The lack of control and tilting of your balance takes a while to get comfortable with. With electric skateboarding, this isn't of any concern!
Electric skateboards have softer wheels
Most electric skateboards are part of the 'longboard' category. Longboards are known for a few things but one of the important ones when learning is that longboards have softer wheels than normal 'popsicle' styled skateboards. They roll easier, bounce over cracks and twigs easier, and they have more grip.
Electric skateboards aren't as tiring
There's a reason so many beginner electric skateboarders have been choosing to commute on their boards to work and social events. It's a lot less tiring than regular skateboarding! The act of having to 'kick' takes its toll on your legs, whereas with an electric skateboard you can just stand there and relax while the board does all the work.
#4 Can You Ride An Electric Skateboard Like A Normal One?
This is a question that we've all wondered at one point or another. Can I just ride my board without battery power? The answer is yes, you definitely can. At the end of the day Evolve electric skateboards are still skateboards and you won't have too much trouble getting around without battery power. Of course, given that the boards have a fairly chunky battery and some extra components, a bit more kicking will be required than on a regular longboard, but it's certainly doable.
Thankfully, the large capacity batteries fitted to Evolve boards are able to carry you a very long way and it's unlikely that this is something you'll need to try out of necessity. But if you forget to charge the board, this may well be something you'll have to find out for yourself!
#5 How Do I Practice Riding My Electric Skateboard?
The best way to get good at anything is through practice and this is certainly the case with electric skateboarding. The more time you spend on your board, the better you'll become at controlling it, avoiding obstacles, and of course going faster!
There are a few ways you can set up some 'practice runs' without having to worry about traffic or pedestrians getting in your way. One option is to find an empty carpark or another large paved area where you can ride around and get used to the feel of your board.
Another option is to find a stretch of quiet road with a smooth surface where you can ride back and forth. This is a great way to get used to the speed of your board as well as to perfect your turning. Just make sure you keep an eye out for any oncoming traffic and give yourself plenty of space to stop if needed.
Of course, the best way to practice is just to get out there and ride! The more time you spend on your board, the better you'll become at controlling it. So go explore, have fun and feel the freedom of an electric skateboard under your feet.
#6 Wear The Right Safety Gear
As with any sport, safety is of paramount importance when electric skateboarding. We always recommend wearing protective gear such as a helmet, knee and elbow pads when riding.
We also recommend that you ride in well-lit areas and avoid obstacles such as potholes or cracks in the pavement. Be extra careful when riding around wet leaves or other slippery surfaces.
Most importantly, always listen to your board and don't push it beyond its limits. If something doesn't feel right, stop riding and check for any damage. Electric skateboards are very tough but they're not indestructible, so it's important to take care of your board and stay in tune with what's going on with it.
#7 Can I Commute On My Electric Skateboard?
Absolutely! Many of our customers use their boards for commuting purposes and find them to be the perfect way to get around town.
Electric skateboards are much more convenient than cars or public transport, and they're a lot more fun too! Just make sure you're comfortable with the range of your board and always have a backup plan in case you run out of battery.
Additional points to you if you're commuting with lights on your board. Going to work during the hours that others are commuting usually means heavier traffic on the roads and on pavements. Try out some of Evolve's lighting options for a boost in both safety and style!
EXTRA! Where Do I Put My Weight On An Electric Skateboard?
When riding an electric skateboard, it's important to keep your weight evenly distributed across the board. This will help you maintain control and stability, especially at higher speeds.
If you find yourself leaning to one side or the other, try to adjust your body position until you feel more balanced. It may take a bit of practice to get used to this but once you do, you'll be able to ride with greater confidence and control.
In general, it's best to keep your feet shoulder-width apart and avoid standing too far forward or back on the board. You should also try to keep your knees slightly bent as this will help absorb any bumps in the road.
And that's it! These are just a few electric skateboard tips for beginners but we're sure you'll find many more as you start riding. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to get in touch with us via our website or social media channels. We're always happy to help out where we can.
Happy skating! 😎
