Popular YouTubers like Casey Neistat have brought modern electric skateboards like the Boosted Board into the mainstream, and now thousands of consumers are buying them every month. While the models that Casey and others ride are undoubtedly the best on the market, they are also costly for the average consumer who is just looking to enjoy themselves on a casual ride and not as a means of commuting like he often does around NYC.
In the following article, I've rounded up five of the best cheap electric skateboard alternatives to the Boosted Board based on brand reputation, design, specs, performance, and price-point. If you are looking to get an electric skateboard without breaking the bank, this article should be valuable in your product search.
However, do note that the difference between a cheaper board like this and the Boosted Board or another high-end model will be noticeable especially regarding product quality and performance. While these options will allow you to get an electric skateboard experience without emptying your entire bank account, it is a “you get what you pay for” scenario, so you'll have to keep an open mind and expect a lesser experience for such a lower cost.
I've linked the cheapest product page next to each model name along with the pricing at the time this article was written. Keep in mind, prices fluctuate over time, so I recommend clicking through to the Amazon product page to see the most up to date pricing.
Lastly, if you are going to purchase an electric skateboard and enjoy the benefits of cruising around (they are the most fun I've had in years), please be smart as they can be dangerous if you do not ride responsibly. A helmet is a necessity to purchase as it can literally save your life.
For more information on which helmet to buy, I'd check out this article on what helmets are best for electric skateboards as not all skate helmets are rated to withstand the higher speeds that these electric boards can reach.
LiftBoard – (Amazon)
The Liftboard offers a sleek, all-black design with a belt driven 900-watt motor offering up to 16 mph. Its lithium-ion rechargeable battery offers up to 16 miles on a single charge. Further components include ABEC 5 bearings, 80mm Polyurethane wheels and a 7-ply maple wood deck with a built-in handle cutout for easy carrying.
SWAGTRON SwagBoard Voyager – (Amazon)
SWAGTRON has developed a solid reputation in the past for their ‘hoverboard' models which were the craze last year, but their SwagBoard line is a recent product venture for the company. This electric skateboard utilizes two 350W wheels which offer up to 15 mph and a range of 15 miles. The deck consists of a combination of bamboo and Canadian Maple giving it both durability while maintaining a flex and a traditional longboard shape.
Yuneec E-GO 2 – (Amazon)
Yuneec is a brand most notably known for their consumer drones has also entered the electric skateboard market with their E-Go 2. This model is capable of 12.5 mph with two different riding modes for up to an 18-mile range on a single charge. Its design mirrors a more traditional skateboard with a kicktail to help maintain control and improve steering potential.
SWAGTRON SwagBoard NG-1 – (Amazon)
The NG-1 is the lower-end model of SWAGTRON's SwagBoard line-up although it does look more like a Boosted Board than its older sibling. With a max speed of 11 miles per hour and up to 10 miles on a single charge, the NG-1 packs some value for the price. The Do note that the max rider on this board is only 176 lbs whereas their Voyager supports a rider up to 330 lbs.
ACTON Blink Lite – (Amazon)
The ACTON Blink Lite is advertised as the “world's lightest electric skateboard” weighing in at only 7.7 lbs, and it sells for a reasonable sum of $250. The design is based on a traditional skateboard with some overlaid graphics on the top grip tape. You can ride at 10mph for 5 miles on a single charge with the Blink Lite with regenerative braking and built-in safety lights for night riding.
