Can Electric Skateboards Go Uphill? What Do You Think?
I wonder which clever guy thought of putting a motor on the wheels of a skateboard. Then, a regular skateboard turns into an electric skateboard and can reach a speed of up to 25 mph - even catch up a small car on the street!
If you're just riding on the flat pavement, then all is well.
What about those hilly footpaths or schoolyards? With a regular skateboard, you need to push harder to conquer those steep slopes, but it's hard to ride when it comes to uphill. What about electric skateboards? Can they go uphill?
Of course, electric skateboards can go uphill.
However, while you are riding uphill, you may encounter some difficulties. Let's find out what factors impact your uphill riding.
5 Main Factors Affecting Uphill Riding
1). Incline (or Gradient)
When you are riding uphill, the primary factor to consider is the incline of the road surface. The incline of a road or pavement is measured in degrees or percentages, with a rating of 10% equaling about 5.7 degrees.
Even a cheap electric skateboard can climb at least a 5% incline. It is not too difficult for you to find an electric skateboard that can climb at least a 10-15% incline.
But if you weigh 250 pounds and want to ride on the rough and windy hills of the Himalayas? Then, something special may help you! Lead us to the important factors.
2). Motor Power
A higher motor power will undoubtedly be able to take you uphill more easily.
Electric skateboards are built in a variety of power levels, measured in watts. Most low-end e-boards come with at least a 100 watt motor. Quality electric skateboards have motors powered anywhere between 350-500 watts, but the average rider will be fine with a motor of 150 to 350 watts.
3). Battery Capacity
Electric skateboards require a lot power to go uphill, so a high battery capacity maters.
When climbing steep incline (around 20%), the battery power drains even faster. Riding with a few tips can save battery consumption so that the board has enough power to get uphill.
4). Torque
When going uphill, the torque of the e-skateboard must be properly calibrated to handle the board. Almost every component can affect the amount torque transferred to the wheels, which affects the climbing ability.
You may misunderstand that bigger wheels climb better.
The truth is that larger wheels might help the e-board go faster, but that lowers the amount of torque applied to the wheels, and it will be a bit harder to go uphill for the board.
5). Rider Weight
Just like riding an electric bike, heavier people always make it harder to go uphill - the same as e-skateboards. More power needed to go uphill for heavier people. A 50kg rider can easily go uphill with a regular electric skateboard. However, for riders over 80 kg, an electric skateboard with an advanced motor will perform better.
Attentions:
It's at a high speed when going downhill, so you must take extra care.
If you will ride in hilly areas, make sure you find an electric skateboard with braking device. Ready to brake when you gonna to fall down for your high e-skateboarding.
Final Thoughts
The main factors affecting the climbing ability of the electric skateboard: motor power, battery capacity, torque, rider weight.
There are other factors make your uphill boarding harder, such as, uneven or slippery uphill surface, weeds entwined in the wheels, inappropriate riding position and so on.
No matter uphill easy or hard, do not ride in bad weather. You can choose another transportation and commute safely and time-saving.
Safety is always second to none. Ride safely and happily!
