đ« Introduction: Donât Learn the Hard Way
Buying your first electric skateboard is exciting â but also overwhelming.
With so many models, specs, and buzzwords, itâs easy to fall into the trap of buying something that looks cool⊠but doesnât fit your actual needs.
In this guide, weâll walk you through the top mistakes Australians make when buying an electric skateboard â so you can ride confidently, not regretfully.
â Mistake #1: Choosing Style Over Substance
Looks matter â but performance matters more.
Donât:
-
Choose a board just because it âlooks sickâ
-
Ignore specs like torque, range, or deck material
-
Assume more expensive = better for your needs
Do:
-
Prioritise your daily use: commuting, carving, off-roading?
-
Check motor type (hub vs belt), battery range, ride comfort
-
Match your board to your environment
"Pick a board that suits your needs â start with our commuter board guide.â
â Mistake #2: Ignoring Range and Battery Capacity
Buying a board that can't complete your trip is the fastest way to fall out of love with it.
Donât:
-
Assume manufacturer-stated range equals real-world performance
-
Forget to account for hills, rider weight, and ride mode
Do:
-
Choose 20â30 km range minimum for commuters
-
Look for removable batteries if possible
-
Carry a fast charger for longer trips
â Mistake #3: Buying a Board Thatâs Too Powerful for You
Bigger doesnât always mean better â especially if youâre new.
Donât:
-
Start with a 50 km/h dual-motor beast if youâve never ridden
-
Skip safety training and ride settings
-
Overestimate your braking skill
Do:
-
Start with a board like the Black Blaze or X1
-
Learn braking, balancing, and mode switching
-
Gradually upgrade to high-speed models as you gain confidence
â Mistake #4: Not Checking Local Laws
Each Australian state has different rules about electric skateboard use. "Read the legal rules in your state.â
Donât:
-
Assume you can ride anywhere
-
Ignore speed limits or helmet requirements
-
Ride on roads where PMDs are banned
Do:
-
Review our Legal Guide by State
-
Wear a certified helmet at all times
-
Stick to shared paths and legal riding zones
Pro Tip: Being a respectful rider protects your rights (and your wallet).
â Mistake #5: Underestimating Maintenance Needs
E-boards are high-tech machines. Like any vehicle, they need care.
Donât:
-
Ignore belt tension, motor mounts, or brake calibration
-
Skip cleaning bearings and wheels
-
Store your board wet or in extreme heat
Do:
-
Perform weekly checks
-
Invest in a basic toolkit and cleaning supplies
-
Read our Maintenance Guide
â Mistake #6: Overlooking Safety Gear
No, youâre not invincible. And yes, you will fall â especially while learning.
Donât:
-
Skip the helmet
-
Ride in thongs, loose pants, or wet clothes
-
Use a board without proper grip and brakes
Do:
-
Grab wrist guards, elbow/knee pads, and a reliable helmet
-
Use lights if riding early or late
-
Wear clothes you can move and fall in
"Shop Safety Accessories"
â Mistake #7: Buying Cheap Knock-Offs
Tempted by a $399 âhigh-torqueâ board from an unknown online seller? Think again.
Risks:
-
Cheap ESCs (jerky acceleration/braking)
-
Weak batteries with no safety protections
-
No customer support or parts
-
No warranty or return policy
Instead:
-
Buy from trusted Australian retailers (like SkateboardAustralia.com.au)
-
Choose brands like Jking, Cyber Storm X8, X-Treme Rider X7
-
Read reviews â real ones
đ Browse Reliable, Tested Boards
â Mistake #8: Ignoring Weight and Portability
A great ride becomes a pain if you can't carry it where you need to.
Donât:
-
Forget to check the weight
-
Buy an off-road tank for a Uni campus commute
-
Expect to lug a 14kg board up 3 flights daily
Do:
-
Check board weight (6â9 kg ideal for portable models)
-
Use a carry strap or backpack
-
Match size to storage space (locker, office, car boot)
"Gear up with E-Skate Backpacks"
â Final Thoughts: Choose Smart, Ride Happy
Buying the wrong electric skateboard isnât just a waste of money â it can kill your confidence, your ride joy, and even your safety.
The good news? You donât have to learn the hard way.
By avoiding these common mistakes, youâll find a board that:
-
Matches your lifestyle
-
Keeps you safe and legal
-
Delivers real, lasting performance
đ Explore the Electric Skateboard Collection
đ Or continue learning in the Electric Skateboard Hub