Paxson Lim, Author at Electric Skateboard HQ

April 25, 2025April 25, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Veymax Merlin Review – Best Value Mid-range Electric Skateboard

Today, we’re taking a look at the Veymax Merlin, a $649 belt-driven electric skateboard from the emerging brand Veymax.

The mid-tier market, that being of boards priced between $500-$800, is pretty crowded, and already features popular boards like the Meepo Flow, Wowgo Pioneer X4 and Tynee Ultra. So, the Merlin has its work cut out if it wants to stand out from the crowd.

Check out our review of the Wowgo Pioneer X4.

But first, let’s dive into the specs.

Veymax Merlin Specs:

Price	$649
Battery	12S2P Samsung 21700 50S, 432Wh
Controller	LY-FOC 8.0
Top Speed	30 mph (48 km/h)
Range	29 miles (46 km)
Deck	2-ply Canadian maple, 2-ply fiberglass, 2-ply bamboo
Motor	Dual 1400W belt-driven motors

Deck – 2-ply Canadian maple, 2-ply fiberglass, 2-ply bamboo

Starting with the deck, Merlin’s deck is made with 2-ply Canadian maple, 2-ply fiberglass, and 2-ply bamboo and measures 37.8” long and 9.8” wide. Its flexibility is moderate — not quite as flexible as the Meepo Envy or Pioneer X4, but comparable to the Meepo Voyager. The deck provides decent comfort and enough concave to keep your feet secure.

Battery – 12S2P Samsung 21700 50S, 432Wh

Beneath the deck is a 432Wh battery in a 12S2P configuration. But what stands out here is the battery cells, in which Veymax has opted for top-tier Samsung 21700 50S cells. These cells are highly rated for their high capacity, strong continuous discharge, and minimal voltage sag, making them popular among premium boards. Besides, it’s pretty rare to see Samsung 50s in a $600 board.

This setup claims a range of up to 29 miles (46 km) per charge, which is quite a bit higher than its direct competitors.

ESC and Remote – LY-FOC 8.0 with Standard LingYi remote:

In the other enclosure, you’ll find the Merlin sports a LingYi-FOC 8.0 ESC. This choice surprised us, as Veymax previously used Hobbywing ESCs in their Mini Monster. Brands that typically select LingYi ESCs are often going for a punchier, more aggressive ride feel, sometimes at the cost of smoothness and precise throttle control found in Hobbywing ESCs.

Another trade-off here is the lack of smart turn-on; however, the LingYi ESC in Merlin features push-to-start functionality in which you simply roll the board forward to power it on. The Merlin ships with a standard LingYi remote, which isn’t particularly exciting, but it has always worked reliably.

Motor – Dual 1400W Belt Driven Motors:

The Merlin is powered by dual 1400W belt-driven motors. 1400W stands pretty average among the competition, delivering a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h), which is also a pretty average number. These motors do bark louder than most belt motors, though.

And they’re not just loud for the sake of it. The combination of LingYi ESC and the 1400W motors gives very strong acceleration from a standstill. You really have to press your foot down firmly if you want to go full throttle in the highest speed mode.

Another thing we appreciate about the Merlin is that it keeps that strong acceleration even at 20 mph. You can continue to accelerate all the way up to top speed without feeling a power drop-off. It’s a satisfying feeling—being able to summon more power with a flick of the throttle, even when you’re already moving fast.

Another plus with this ESC and motor setup is the braking behavior. LingYi ESCs usually give stronger brakes, and that’s the case here. Where Hobbywing ESCs tend to feel weaker toward the end of braking—just before coming to a stop — the Merlin with its LingYi ESC is fully capable of stopping and locking the motors.

Most seasoned riders prefer this kind of braking response, though of course, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Trucks – 8” 45 degree Reverse Kingpin Trucks:

Veymax has equipped the Merlin with 8-inch, 45-degree reverse kingpin trucks which isn’t particularly special. They’re solid, stable at speed, and still responsive enough to make carving fun. Overall, they seem designed for high-speed riding, thanks to their stability.

Wheels – 90mm 78A Polyurethane Wheels or 105mm Cozy Wheels:

The Merlin comes standard with 90mm 78A polyurethane wheels, with an option to upgrade to 105mm Cozy Wheels for just $30 more. Personally, I would’ve gone for the 105mm setup, especially since we have pretty rough roads where we are.

The Merlin clearly has enough torque to drive bigger wheels anyway. Veymax ships the 90mm setup with a 36T pulley, giving a 2.4:1 gear ratio, and ships the 105mm setup with a 40T pulley to maintain strong torque with a 2.6:1 gear ratio.

That said, the 90mm wheels on our review unit were fine too. In fact, they feel slightly softer than most 90mm wheels, so riding them on rough pavement is still manageable.

Veymax Merlin Specs Summary & Verdict:

Honestly, the $500–$700 price segment is pretty uninteresting for a reviewer like us. Unlike the sub-$500 category, where it’s all about making trade-offs to hit a low price, or the premium category, where we get wowed by over-the-top features, most boards in this range are just plain, well-rounded electric skateboards. And the Merlin fits that description.

What Veymax Merlin does offer, though, is a slightly better battery, stronger torque, and more power than its competitors—boards like the Tynee Ultra Belt, Meepo Flow, and Wowgo Pioneer X4. Veymax is probably hoping that edge is enough to sway buyers toward the Merlin.

In that sense, we usually approach newer e-skate brands with some skepticism, but this isn’t the first Veymax board we’ve reviewed—we also tried the Mini Monster—and both times, the results have been solid. That gives us a bit more confidence that Veymax can keep up with the competition and is likely here to stay.

All in all, if you’re looking for a Boosted-style electric skateboard with solid power, the Veymax Merlin is a board we can recommend. It’s one of the good ones—no complaints here.

If you are interested in buying the Veymax, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive 5% off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!

April 25, 2025April 25, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Tynee Explorer Pro Hub Review – Best Powerful Hub All Terrain

Not many brands dare to make high-end hub-driven all-terrain electric skateboards, as people came to expect anything more than $1000 to come with a belt or gear drive system. In fact, the Backfire Ranger X5 was the only worthwhile mention in this category until Tynee decided to make this $1,299 Tynee Explorer Pro.

The Tynee Explorer Pro did come with both belt and hub version, but we will be reviewing the hub version today.

As usual, let’s run through the specs

Tynee Explorer Pro Hub Specs:

Price	$1,299
Battery	14S4P 1008Wh Samsung 50S battery
Controller	14S Hobbywing ESC
Top Speed	31 mph (50 km/h)
Range	50 miles (80 km)
Deck	Multi-layer composite of Canadian maple, bamboo, and fiberglass
Motor	Dual 2500W Hobbywing hub motors

Deck – Multi-layer composite of Canadian maple, bamboo, and fiberglass:

Starting with the deck, it measures 38” long and 10” wide. What makes the Tynee Explorer Pro Hub unique is that it uses a multi-layer composite deck made from Canadian maple, bamboo, and fiberglass, which makes for one of the most flexible decks on an all-terrain setup, with a flex level akin to the Backfire Ranger X5.

This is also a drop-down deck, as is almost always the case with AT boards, to keep the ride lower and more stable. Tynee also added 3mm padded shock-absorbing grip tape to cut down on vibrations. The deck has some good concave, which is nice. We hate flat decks here.

ESC and Battery – 14S Hobbywing ESC and 14S4P 1008Wh Samsung 50S battery:

Photo of Tynee Explorer Pro Hub esc enclosure

Following the deck build, the electronic enclosure is also just as flexible which allows the deck to flex naturally with it. Inside, there’s a 14S4P battery and a 14S Hobbywing ESC. The Hobbywing ESC isn’t a surprise—every Tynee board comes with one—but opting for a 14S configuration instead of 12S is an interesting choice. At the very least, it shows an intention to provide as much voltage as possible to drive torque, compensating for the lack of gear reduction in a hub motor system. For context, most setups get by just fine with a 12S configuration.

The Explorer Pro also uses high-quality Samsung 50S cells, adding up to 1008Wh of battery capacity. And for the more energy-efficient hub version, Tynee claims a range of 50 miles (80km) on a single charge, while the belt version, which is less energy-efficient, is marketed to go 37 miles (60 km) on a single charge.

The Explorer Pro also comes with the standard Hobbywing remote. From there, you can tweak some settings, like speed profiles, top speed, etc. Alternatively, you can also use the mobile phone app for advanced customization.

Motors and Wheels – Dual 2,500W Hobbywing hub motors and 7” (165mm) airless all-terrain wheels:

Photo of Tynee Explorer Pro Hub hub motors

Powering the Tynee Explorer Pro Hub is a pair of 2,500W hub motors. While numbers aren’t everything, the fact that these are the highest-wattage hub motors we’ve seen in the market speaks volumes.

Interestingly, the hub setup comes with smaller 165mm airless wheels, which slightly lowers the top speed in contrast to the belt setup, which uses 175mm pneumatic wheels. The hub version tops out at 31 mph (50 km/h), while the belt version can reach 37 mph (60 km/h).

We’re guessing Tynee chose to trade top speed for better acceleration when opting for smaller wheels on the hub version to boost low-end torque, especially during takeoff. In all honesty, it was the right call because the Tynee Explorer Pro takes off strong.

You really have to brace yourself and press against the deck if you go full throttle from a standstill—otherwise, you’re getting thrown off. Besides good acceleration, the board brakes pretty strongly, too.

We’re pretty impressed that a hub drive can produce that kind of power. Sure, at this price, it’s still a step back compared to powerful belt and gear drives, but for a hub drive? This is impressive.

While belt and gear drive systems are often preferred for their higher torque and aggressive acceleration, hub motors have their own advantages. It’s more power-efficient, which means better range per charge; it requires lower maintenance, since there are no belts to replace or adjust and lastly it’s a quieter operation.

An additional benefit when using hub motors on an all-terrain board is that you don’t have to worry about debris—no sand, sticks, or leaves clogging up the drivetrain. It’s a hassle-free setup that works well for both urban and off-road riding.

Another worry-free option are the 6-inch (165mm) airless rubber tires, which eliminate the need to adjust air pressure or deal with flats. Pneumatic tires may provide a little smoother ride, but they also carry the risk of punctures and pressure loss, which can cause serious problems while riding.

We rode on grass without getting stuck thanks to these tires’ respectable grip.

Trucks – Precision TKP trucks:

As for the trucks, the Explorer Pro uses TKP trucks, which are becoming more and more popular in high-performance builds, instead of the more conventional double kingpin setups.

For those who prefer DKP trucks, Tynee offers a DKP baseplate, allowing riders to swap to a DKP setup if they want. They also offer a lifetime warranty on all their trucks, which is a nice touch.

These TKP trucks perform as expected—more carvy than reverse kingpin trucks but not as extreme as DKP trucks. That also means more stability than DKP, making high-speed riding easier and more reliable.

We can see why Tynee went with TKP trucks here. Since they designed the board for both hub and belt setups, and the belt version can hit 37 mph or 60 km/h, hence prioritizing stability makes sense. Riding the Explorer Pro at 31 mph feels comfortable and controlled, thanks to the extra effort in keeping the board stable.

Tynee Explorer Pro Hub – Specs Summary and Verdict:

To put it short, at $1,299, the Tynee Explorer Pro is a solid value buy.

Take a look at this chart I made for our blog post on the best affordable all-terrain electric skateboards:

You can see that the Tynee Explorer Pro gives you a lot more battery for the price.

I’d assume that hub systems cost less, which frees up more budget for the battery, but then again, the Ranger X5 and the Maxfind FF AT also use hub motors but don’t give you nearly as much juice.

The Tynee Explorer Pro Hub is most obviously comparable to the Backfire Ranger X5. Both have flexible decks, airless wheels, and hub-driven all-terrain boards. Both are excellent for riders who want a comfortable, low-maintenance board that is stress-free. They aren’t ideal for riding on steep mountain routes, but they are decent enough to glide over gravel roads, grass, cracks, and bumps.

The Ranger X5 has more style, thanks to its beautiful lighting, but the Tynee Explorer Pro is notably more powerful. It has stronger torque, a higher top speed, and significantly more range. The Explorer Pro also sits lower to the ground, whereas the Ranger X5 rides a bit higher.

For casual riders who just want a big-wheel board without the hassle, a hub-driven all-terrain board makes a lot of sense. The Tynee Explorer Pro and even the $999 non-Pro version offer exactly what you need—without having to pay a premium tax. This is a board that we can wholeheartedly recommend.

Tynee made its name with powerful premium shortboards, but the Explorer series shows they can do all-terrain longboards just as well. Let’s see if stepping outside of their specialty pays off!

If you are interested in buying the Tynee, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $5 off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!

April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Veymax Mini Monster Review

Today, we’re reviewing the Veymax Mini Monster, a $759 electric shortboard from a smaller brand.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with electric skateboards, a quick search will tell you that the electric shortboard market is packed, especially in the $500-$1000 price range. That means the Veymax Mini Monster has its work cut out for it.

But first, let’s run through the specs and see what your $759 gets you.

Veymax Mini Monster Specs:

Price	$759
Battery	403Wh Samsung 40T battery504Wh Samsung 50S battery
Controller	Custom 14S Hobbywing ESC:
Top Speed	32 mph (52 km/h)
Range	28 miles (45 km)
Deck	8-ply Canadian maple and fiberglass
Motor	Dual 3000W belt motors

Deck – 8-ply Canadian maple and fiberglass.

Starting with the deck, the Veymax Mini Monster features an 8-ply Canadian maple construction with a layer of fiberglass.

It’s a pretty typical shortboard deck, measuring 30 inches long and 9.6 inches wide. It has a functional kicktail, which is always a plus. Veymax has also pre-installed a tail puck, a nice touch that wasn’t common a few years ago but is now almost expected.

It also has a mild concave, which is nothing too crazy here.

Battery – 403Wh Samsung 40T or 504Wh Samsung 50S battery:

Next up, let’s talk about the battery. The Veymax Mini Monster comes in two battery variants, so you can choose one that fits your needs and best suits your budget

The $759 standard version comes with a 403Wh battery using Samsung 40T cells. This setup gives a range of 28 miles (45 km), but for an extra $200, you can upgrade to the 504Wh Samsung 50S battery for more range.

What’s interesting is that Veymax decided to follow the recent trend of premium electric shortboards and go with a 14s2p configuration instead of arranging the same number of cells in a 10s3p configuration, which would give the board a higher Ah. This means they would prefer the Mini Monster to have monster power and no voltage sag rather than maximizing the range.

Meanwhile, lesser-known brands that are trying to break into the market often configure their boards with higher AH ratings and range figures, as first-time e-skate buyers tend to focus on numbers on specs sheets —without realizing that power and torque don’t show up on the spec sheet.

So, I’m happy to see Veymax using a 114-volt battery. This at least means that we can take them seriously. Plus, as far as we know, the only other shortboard with a 114-volt battery is Tynee’s flagship, The Tynee Mini 3 Max——and that thing is a rocket.

Motor – Dual 3000W belt motors:

Photo of Veymax Mini Monster belt motors

All that battery power flows into a pair of 5255 3000W motors. These motors are 140KV, and for those unfamiliar, lower KV ratings mean better torque.

The belt-drive system features a 2.4:1 gear reduction.

With a top speed of 32 mph (52 km/h), the Mini Monster isn’t the fastest shortboard out there, but it’s still faster than what most riders would ever need from a board this size.

And the ride performance is pretty much as expected. The combination of a high-voltage 14S battery, large motors, and a 140KV setup gives the Veymax Mini Monster the monstrous torque it was clearly named after. It launches from a standstill very fast, which is an absolute thrill.

However, what’s more noteworthy here is that the board has extraordinarily strong brakes—strong and sharp, stronger than any other electric shortboard that we’ve tested.

Trucks – 8-inch, 45-degree RKP trucks

Veymax uses 8-inch, 45-degree reverse kingpin cast trucks with CNC finishing.

Most electric shortboards use narrower 7-inch trucks unless they are specifically designed for high-speed stability—in which case, they use 8-inch trucks, like the Tynee Mini 3 Max.

We generally prefer wider trucks on shortboards. Wider trucks give a shortboard the stability of a longboard at high speeds, while the shorter wheelbase keeps it agile and easy to turn.

And, of course, you can always kick-turn for the tightest turns.

There’s no way we’d ride a shortboard at 30 mph on 7-inch trucks.

ESC and Remote – Custom 14S Hobbywing ESC:

For the ESC, Veymax went with a custom 14S Hobbywing ESC.

If you’ve ridden a Hobbywing-powered board before, you know what to expect—buttery smooth acceleration and precise braking. It also has a smart power-on feature, meaning the board turns on automatically when you power up the remote.

This ESC also allows for advanced customization, either through the mobile app or directly on the remote.

Wheels – 90 x 60 mm, 78A durometer or 105mm Cozy Wheels

The base Mini Monster has 90mm 78A wheels, while the upgraded version features 105mm PU wheels, which Veymax calls Cozy Wheels. We’re not familiar with these wheels, but larger wheels can be useful or those looking for higher top speeds and better safety on rough roads,

The 90mm 78A wheels are fairly standard—similar to the stock 90mm wheels used by most major brands today.

Specs Summary of Veymax Mini Monster

For mid-market electric shortboards around $759, the Tynee Mini 3 Pro sets the standard.

The Veymax Mini Monster enters the scene with competitive specs but ups the ante with a 14S2P Samsung 40T battery, compared to the 13S2P Molicel in the Tynee Mini 3 Pro.

It seems Veymax is following Tynee’s proven formula of building a torquey and powerful electric shortboard while adding its own small twists—a 14S battery instead of 13S, wider 8-inch trucks, and different wheel options. Tynee does have the Tynee Mini 3 Max, which also features a 14S battery and wide 8-inch trucks, but with the added advantage of forged and CNC-finished trucks and a gear-drive system—though it comes at a higher price of $959.

As you can see, Veymax is taking a lot of inspiration from the two Tynees there.
The main drawback is that Veymax is still a lesser-known brand. However, that’s less of a concern because it uses proven components like Samsung battery cells, a Hobbywing ESC, and Hobbywing motors. The board is also well-built and relatively portable, at 19 lbs (8.6 kg).

Riding experience of Veymax Mini Monster

It’s become a trend to make electric shortboards with extreme torque, and Veymax seems to have gotten the memo.

The Mini Monster rockets off the start line, likely thanks to its low KV motors and high-voltage battery. In fact, it’s the second most powerful shortboard we’ve tested, just behind the $200 pricier Tynee Mini 3 Max. The acceleration is incredibly fast and thrilling—most riders probably won’t go full throttle from a standstill, but just knowing that much power is available at a flick of the throttle is exciting.

To handle the high torque and power, the trucks are configured for straight-line stability out of the box. Perhaps because we are lightweight Asians, it took more effort to lean and get the board turning. We ended up loosening the trucks slightly to make carving easier.

Otherwise, the wider trucks help compensate for the short wheelbase, adding stability at higher speeds.

Aside from that, the other aspect of the ride is pretty standard. The Hobbywing ESC delivers smooth and intuitive speed control, while road vibrations are as harsh as expected from a shortboard with 90mm wheels.

Verdict of the Veymax Mini Monster

The Veymax Mini Monster is a well-built board with specs and a riding experience that holds its own against other shortboards on the market.

It’s a solid choice for those who want more kick and range than a $500 budget board but aren’t ready to shell out $900–$1,000 for a luxury ride. If you’re looking for a little more bite without breaking the bank, the Mini Monster might just be the beast for you.

February 13, 2025February 13, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Acedeck Horizon Review – The Best Electric Skateboard, period.

Acedeck has been making top-of-the-line boards for electric skateboard enthusiasts. The Acedeck Nyx Z3 and the Nomad N3 are both incredible machines that cost a fortune, but Acedeck is pushing the envelope further with their latest flagship model, the Acedeck Horizon.

Check out our review of the Acedeck Nyx Z3.

This board is truly made for the 1% of people who want the absolute best electric skateboard and are willing to spend $2000. You absolutely get what you pay for.

But first, let’s get into the specs.

Acedeck Horizon Specs:

	Horizon (1036Wh) $1,999	Horizon (1036Wh) $2,299	Horizon (1554Wh) $2,999	Horizon Elite (2072Wh) $3,399
Trucks	Precision CNC Trucks 405mm / 16 inches wide	Independent suspension truck with EXA shock absorber
Battery	14S4P Samsung 50S		14S6P Samsung 50S	14S8P Samsung 50S
Range	34.2 miles / 55km		52.8 miles / 85km	68.4 miles / 110km
Motors	DXW 6384 150KV		DXW 6890 150KV
Top Speed	37.5mph / 60kph		43.75mph/ 70kph
Wheels	AT 8 inches (200*50mm) Pneumatic wheels		AT 8.5 inches (215*70mm) Pneumatic wheels
ESC	14s Custom ESC (Hobbywing-ish)
Deck	Maple and Fiberglass Composite
Weight	42 lbs / 19.05kg	46 lbs / 21.06kg	58 lbs / 26.45kg	63 lbs / 28.65kg

Truck Options & Pricing

Photo of Acedeck Horizon precision CNC trucks

Photo of Acedeck Horizon independant suspension trucks

Acedeck Horizon currently has four price points, with the trucks being the first major factor affecting the price.

Here’s the $2000 base version, which comes with channel trucks similar to those found on the Acedeck Nyx Z1. Acedeck calls these the “Nyx channel trucks,” as opposed to a $300 pricier version equipped with “independent suspension trucks.”

Our Acedeck Nyx Z3 was equipped with suspension trucks. These systems allow the four wheels to move independently, providing a smoother ride over rough terrain. If you’re looking for a true off-road board that can handle mountain trails, suspension trucks are the way to go.

For those who prefer a truck and ride feel closer to traditional skateboarding, the Nyx channel trucks offer that experience. They also feel more responsive and easier to turn. However, based on our expertise with Acedeck’s trucks, the suspension trucks are easier to turn than they appear and have a smaller turning radius than you might expect.

Switching from suspension trucks to channel trucks will also reduce the weight by about 4 lbs (2 kg), but going from 46 lbs to 42 lbs (21.06kg to 19.05kg) is hardly noticeable. No matter which truck or battery configuration you choose, this is a very heavy board.

Battery Options & Performance

Now, let’s move on to the power source. The Horizon offers three battery configurations: 14S4P, 14S6P, and 14S8P. All versions use Samsung 50S cells, the most commonly used cell for premium electric skateboards.

Our board is equipped with a 20Ah 1036Wh battery, which provides a range of 34.2 miles (55 km). However, if you go all-in with the 14S8P 40Ah 2072Wh battery, you can extend that range to an incredible 68.4 miles (110 km) on a single charge.

Bigger batteries mean a thicker enclosure, but Acedeck’s design ensures the enclosure remains flexible, maintaining the deck’s natural flex and improving ride comfort.

Deck Design & Features

The deck is another highlight of the Horizon. Made from a combination of maple and fibreglass, it’s both durable and slightly flexible.

It has a mild concave in the middle and raised edges along the sides, which ensure secure foot placement even at high speeds. The deck is also very wide, providing a stable platform for confident riding.

To enhance comfort, it comes with EVA foam grip tape, which feels great on longer rides. Plus, like other high-end Acedeck boards, the deck features pre-drilled holes for foot bindings, in case you want to take your off-road adventures to the next level.

Tires & Wheels

The Horizon has two-wheel setups. The lower-tier model has 8-inch wheels, while the higher-tier model uses slightly larger 8.5-inch wheels for better ground clearance.

The 8-inch wheels provide more than enough clearance for road use, but the 8.5-inch setup is a nice upgrade if you plan to ride off-road frequently. Both versions use pneumatic tyres with CNC aluminium hubs, which not only look sleek but also improve durability.

Motors & Drive System

Now, let’s talk about power. The Horizon comes with two motor configurations. The base version features DXW 6384 motors rated at 4500W each, while the higher-tier version upgrades to DXW 6890 motors rated at 7500W each. Both are 150KV motors.

The base model has a gear reduction of 4.0, delivering a top speed of 37.5 mph (60 kph). The higher-tier version has a gear reduction of 4.3 and hits a blistering top speed of 43.75 mph (70 kph).

Acedeck’s ELEMENT AT GearDrive 4.0 system is compact, efficient, and fully enclosed to protect against dust and debris.

ESC & Remote Features

The Horizon uses a 14S custom ESC, which we suspect is based on the Hobbywing ESC. It has four-speed modes and smart turn-on features for added convenience.

The remote allows customization of brake levels, speed modes, and even lighting. The front light features a high-beam white LED at 1600 lumens which is pretty bright! There’s also a yellow low-beam option and tail lights that are constantly on and flash rapidly when braking.

Specs Summary – Acedeck Horizon

The Horizon series is designed to be an ultra-premium product for the most dedicated electric skateboard enthusiasts. While premium products often carry a price tag that exceeds their specs, this is not the case with the Acedeck Horizon.

Think about it—the Lacroix Nazare, one of the boards that made this form factor famous, was $3300 when it launched. It is a lesser board in every way compared to the base version of the Horizon, which costs $1300 more. Lacroix owners love their boards, so it’s easy to imagine that anyone who owns the Horizon will love it even more.

Riding Experience on the Acedeck Horizon

Out of the box, the first thing you notice is how easy this “freight ship” is to turn. It’s a big board, but making L-turns on it is no problem. Carving is easy and fun, though you do lose some high-speed stability. Of course, if you are mostly riding at high speed, you can always tighten the trucks.

After testing three different trucks, the Nyx Z3, Nomad N3, and now the Horizon, we’re impressed with Acedeck’s ability to make large trucks responsive. It’s a pleasant surprise that trucks like these are compatible with city riding, which requires sharp turns.

Check out our review of the Acedeck Nomad N3.

As a side note, the channel truck and suspension truck are similar in responsiveness, so you don’t need to overthink your choice.

The ride is very comfortable, almost like riding on cushions. Although the board is heavy, it feels surprisingly light when cruising.

For urban commuting, the Horizon is capable but not the most practical option.

While it ignores any road imperfection and even lets you ride up a curb, its size and weight were too cumbersome for quick errands, like grabbing a coffee. But for those who enjoy turning heads, this board is a showstopper.

The vehicle’s off-road capabilities are decent, handling dirt paths and light gravel with ease. However, for intense off-road adventures, a mountainboard-style setup like the Nyx Z3 may be a better alternative.

The best way to enjoy the Horizon is, as the name suggests, on open roads with a view of the horizon. That’s where you can fully experience the board—its high speed, smooth ride, and seemingly endless range.

Verdict on the Acedeck Horizon

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of electric skateboards, the Acedeck Horizon is it. Unlike many luxury products that are expensive for the sake of being expensive, this board justifies every dollar with premium build quality, exceptional performance, and unmatched specs.

Most people don’t need the Horizon, but I’m sure everyone wants it. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you won’t be disappointed.

If you are interested in buying the Acedeck, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $25 off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!

February 1, 2025February 1, 2025 by Paxson Lim

Meepo Edge Review – Highly recommended.

In November 2024, Meepo finally launched its first pair of affordable belt-driven electric skateboards: the Meepo Go and the Meepo Edge. Both of which are priced at just over $500.

We’ve already reviewed the longboard Meepo Go, so now it’s time to take a look at the Meepo Edge.

Meepo Edge Specs:

Price	$519
Battery	12S2P 345Wh battery using 21700 cells
Controller	JK ESC
Top Speed	26 mph (42 km/h)
Range	20 miles (32 km)
Deck	30” Bamboo and fiberglass composite
Motor	Dual 1500W 4230 belt motors

Deck – 30” Bamboo and fibreglass composite:

Starting with the deck, the Meepo Edge features a 30-inch deck with a mild concave. It comes with a kicktail with a pre-installed braking pad, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the tail when doing kick turns and tail brakes.

The deck is made of a bamboo and fibreglass composite, and we really like its simple, sleek design.

Battery – 12S2P 345Wh:

Next, let’s discuss the battery. The Meepo Edge is powered by a 12S2P 345Wh battery using 21700 cells, the same as the Meepo Go. This is also the same ER battery pack used in the Meepo V5 and Mini 5.

The marketed range is 20 miles (32 km), which is much more than the 10 miles (16 km) we’ve come to expect from a typical $400 entry-level electric skateboard. It also has a bit more juice than some other $500 boards.

It’s surprising to me that Meepo included a bigger battery instead of the typical 18650 cells and kept the price below $500. I thought that would have made the Meepo Edge easier to sell as an entry-level electric shortboard. However, it seems Meepo wanted to ensure that the board had enough power to accommodate heavier riders.

Speaking of which, let’s talk about power.

Motor – Dual 1500W 4230 belt motors:

The battery powers dual 1500W motors.

These 4230 motors can reach a top speed of 26 mph (42 km/h), which is pretty average for boards at this price. The board effortlessly achieves this speed.

That being said, it does also have this one annoying feature: the top two of the four-speed modes are locked for the first 6 miles (10 km) of riding as part of a mandatory “practice mode.” Unfortunately, there’s no way to bypass it. We’re hoping they remove this “feature” in the future.

But what’s nice about the Meepo Edge is not the top speed but the torque, which, for most people, is the biggest reason to upgrade from hub drives to belt drives. The board takes off quickly, is zappy, and is very fun to ride. Going uphill is practically effortless.

Most brands now prioritize torque over high-top speed, and we absolutely agree with that. Having more torque is also more fun and practical.

ESC and Remote – JK ESC:

For the ESC, the Meepo Edge uses the JK ESC, a new ESC developed by the ex-chief engineer of Hobbywing. Unsurprisingly, there are many similarities between the two. Both ESCs also have 4-speed modes and smart power-on features, where turning on the remote will automatically power on the board.

The new JK ESC also pairs with a new remote that is different from the typical Hobbywing or Lingyi remote. Some of the differences we didn’t like, for example, switching speed modes by double-pressing the power button do feel odd. But it’s a minor issue. What really matters is the speed control, and in our tests, the JK ESC is just as perfect as the Hobbywing ESC. Acceleration and braking are both super smooth and super precise. New riders will find this a very easy board to learn.

Wheels – Orangatang Kegel wheels:

Speaking of acceleration, it feels sharp—partly thanks to the quote-unquote “smaller” 80mm wheels.

Meepo currently equips the Edge with orange Orangatang Kegel wheels, which have made a name for themselves in the community. They are soft, grippy, and a joy to ride on. Meepo may or may not change the wheels in the future, but we certainly hope they stick with these.

For those who want bigger wheels for rougher terrain, the Meepo Edge is compatible with Meepo Cyclone 105mm and 110mm wheels.

Trucks – 7-inch, 45-degree reverse kingpin truck:

As for the trucks, the Meepo Edge uses a familiar 7-inch, 45-degree reverse kingpin truck.

We recently tested the Tynee Mini 3 Max, which features wider 8-inch trucks optimized for speed and stability. In contrast, Meepo seems to have prioritized responsiveness and agility for the Edge with its standard 7-inch trucks—and that’s exactly what we experienced.

The board is easy to turn and fun to carve on. However, beginners might find it wobbly at high speeds unless they tighten the trucks.

That said, we’re fully on board with this configuration. Most people want a shortboard to be agile. If you’re chasing high speeds, you’d probably opt for a longboard or an all-terrain board.

Verdict of the Meepo Edge

At $519, the Meepo Edge stands out as the most affordable belt-driven electric shortboard on the market. If you’re considering shortboards with similar specs, you’d be looking at the Tynee Mini 3 or the Exway Wave Riot, both of which cost over $700.

Beyond being a fantastic value, the Meepo Edge is also a solid ride. It has enough power for heavier riders, is nimble and agile for urban commuting, and offers smooth control for first-time e-skaters.

Meepo Edge is a fun board to ride and an easy product to recommend.

Unless you’re looking for something highly specialized—like extreme top speeds or extraordinary range—the Meepo Edge should suit nine out of ten people who are looking for a shortboard.

If you are interested in buying the Meepo, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $5 off during checkout.
It will help you get a small monetary discount and help us out too. On top of that, you’ll be tagged as an Electric Skateboard HQ customer and probably be treated better. Cheers!