Product Reviews - Electric Skateboard HQ

June 2, 2023June 2, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Verreal ACE Review: Is This $599 Electric Skateboard Worth It?

Verreal has recently released a new electric shortboard, the Verreal ACE, priced at $599. This board is considered a mid-tier shortboard, with a price tag that is $200 more than your typical entry-level electric shortboard. So, what makes the Verreal ACE stand out and deserve that higher price? Let’s dive into the specs and features to find out.

Verreal ACE – Key Specifications

Deck: 29″ (75 cm) deck – maple + fiberglass
Truck: Generic RKP trucks
Wheels: 90mm with 105mm Grey Cloudwheels option (+$100)
ESC: 12s Hobbywing ESC, 3-speed mode, with OLED remote
Motor: 1500W x2 Hobbywing 5255 motors,
Top speed – 30 mph (50 km/h)
Battery: 12S2P 8Ah 345.6Wh with Samsung 40T 21700,
Range: 15.5 miles -18.5 miles (25km – 30km)
Weight: 17.6 lbs (8 kg)

Verreal ACE has No IP rating, but it has water-resistant. The board’s enclosure was sealed off with a silicone gasket, and there was a silicone O-ring pad for the charge port and power button.

However, I wouldn’t ride it on wet roads anyways, as battery durability suffers when wet, and skateboard wheels don’t grip well on wet roads. (Don’t ask me how I found out about that).

Motor and Battery

After examining the specs, it’s clear that a significant portion of the budget has gone into the large, powerful motors and the high-quality Samsung 40T battery. Verreal always prioritizes specs over styles and did the same with the Verreal ACE. This board has a look of an entry-level electric shortboard but has a lot of battery and an outrageously powerful motor for the $599 price tag.

Speed Control and Performance

The Verreal ACE uses the familiar 12s Hobbywing ESC, which provides smooth and intuitive speed controls. However, the powerful acceleration can be tricky to handle on a shortboard. The board tends to do a wheelie when the throttle is pulled. We have to really brace ourselves and make sure we didn’t put weights on the kicktail, or else the strong acceleration will put weight on the back foot, engaging the kicktail, raising the nose of the deck, and throw us off the board.

This may scare inexperienced riders, but experienced riders who love power and are comfortable with shortboards will likely appreciate this feature.

The kicktail is easy to use (when intended to), and the board turns easily, as most shortboards do. The trucks are relatively stable, which we are comfortable pushing to around 20mph(30km/h). Once passed that speed, it became quite scary. That said, we did not and are not planning to verify the marketed top speed of 30 mph (50 km/h). The board is faster than it needs to be, really.

We do know, however, that Verreal did not overstate the range. Our 220 lbs (100 kg) test rider achieved the promised 15 miles (24 km) in a single charge.

Deck and Ride Comfort

The deck is 11.8 inches (30 cm) wide, providing enough room for even new riders to feel comfortable. As with most shortboards, the stiff deck can make for a less comfortable ride on rough roads due to road vibrations.

Verreal ACE on rough road — We were blessed with super rough road.

However, the belt-driven Verreal ACE performs better in this regard than hub-driven shortboards. Switching to cloud wheels can improve ride comfort on rough roads without sacrificing torque, as the Verreal ACE has plenty of power to spare.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to competitors like the Tynee Mini 2 and the Exway Wave, the Verreal ACE excels in stability, has a more useful kicktail, and offers superior power. The Tynee Mini 2 is more stable at high speeds but is heavier to kick the tail. The Exway Wave is more maneuverable, fun to carve, and easy to kick-turn but less stable.

Click here to read our review on the Tynee Mini 2 and Exway Wave!

Verdict – Verreal ACE

The Verreal ACE is a mini powerhouse with incredible torque and power. For beginners looking for a fun electric shortboard to ride around, the power may be overkill and make the board less relaxing to ride.

However, seasoned skateboarders who want a shortboard with ridiculous power, or heavier riders who need every bit of power for uphill rides, will find that the Verreal ACE is tailor-made for them.

If you are interested in buying the Verreal 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!

May 28, 2023June 4, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Backfire Zealot S2 Review: A Premium Electric Skateboard Under $1000

In our previous post, we reviewed the impressive Backfire Zealot X, a $1200 belt-driven electric skateboard that excelled in power, aesthetics, build quality, and riding enjoyment. Today, we’re taking a closer look at its more affordable sibling, the $849 Backfire Zealot S2. If you haven’t read our review of the Backfire Zealot X yet, we recommend checking it out first.

Main Differences Between Zealot S2 and Zealot X

The two boards share many similarities, but three key differences make the Zealot S2 $400 cheaper.

Specification	Zealot X	Zealot S2
Price	$1,199	$849
Deck	38″ x 10.6″ Composite Deck – Glass Fiber, Maple. Stiff, minimal concave	Similar
ESC	14s Hobbywing ESC; smart turn-on	Similar
Remote	Halo Remote, OLED display, 4-speed modes	Similar
Battery	Samsung 50S 14S2P, 504Wh, 50.4V	Samsung 40T 14S2P, 403.2Wh
Motors	1500W x2 – Belt Motors	875W x2 – Belt Motors
Marketed Range	34 miles / 55 km	30 miles / 48 km
Marketed Top Speed	31 mph or 50 km/h	30 mph or 48 km/h
Trucks	8.5″ Forged Truck (10.6 inch / 270 mm CNC Precision Forging)	8″ Cast Trucks
Wheels	96MM / 80A Street wheels	Similar
Other Features	Ice Blue Board Light, Smartphone App	Similar, but with Purple LED lights

1. Battery Size and Range

First, the Zealot S2 has a slightly smaller battery, using Samsung 40T cells instead of the Zealot X’s Samsung 50S, resulting in a 403.2Wh battery compared to the Zealot X’s 504Wh. Fortunately, the Zealot S2 maintains the 14s2p configuration, giving it an advantage in power and torque over other boards in this price range, which typically use 12s configurations.

The Zealot S2 boasts an advertised range of 30 miles or 48km, and our 155lb 70kg rider achieved 23 miles or 37km while riding at high speeds. Surprisingly, this is slightly better than the range we got on the Zealot X. With a heavier 220 lbs 100kg rider, the Zealot X managed only 20 miles or 32 km. This highlights the impact of rider weight on mileage and, perhaps, the smaller motors on the Zealot S2 limit how fast one can drain the battery.

2. Motor Power

That brings us to the second difference, the motors: the Backfire Zealot S2 uses a pair of 875W 5255 motors, while the Zealot X features 1500W 6358 motors. Even with smaller 875W motors, the Backfire Zealot S2 never feels underpowered.

We reached a top speed of 30.5mph or 49km/h in turbo mode, practically identical to the Zealot X. The only difference is that the Zealot X accelerates rapidly from the start, while the Zealot S2’s acceleration isn’t as aggressive. For some context, the Zealot S2’s power and torque are slightly behind the Meepo Voyager X and neck and neck to the Exway Flex Pro.

You can read our reviews on Meepo Voyager X (here), and Exway Flex Pro (here).

3. Trucks

The third distinction lies in the trucks. The Zealot S2 utilizes a pair of cast trucks, while the Zealot X has forged trucks, which, unsurprisingly, perform better besides being more durable. When we reviewed the Zealot X, we were impressed by how good the trucks are. The Zealot X turns easily like a double kingpin truck while still amazingly stable at top speeds. In comparison, the Zealot S2’s 8″ reverse kingpin trucks felt slightly tighter and less responsive, sacrificing a bit of carving fun in favor of stability.

However, this is not to say that these trucks were bad. They are still very good; it just goes to show how exceptional the trucks on the Zealot X are.

Shared Features with the Zealot X

Apart from these differences, the Backfire Zealot S2 shares all the fantastic features and outstanding build quality of the Zealot X. This means the Zealot S2 boasts cool elements like the LED light strips along the deck, this time in purple; the premium-feeling halo remote, and the included Kegel pulley for easy wheel swaps.

The ESC remains the 14s Hobbywing ESC, which is well-known for being smooth, intuitive, and powerful in both acceleration and braking.

Shared Drawbacks with the Zealot X

However, the similarities between the two boards also extend to certain drawbacks. For instance, the Zealot S2 shares the same deck as the Zealot X, which is a 39-inch composite deck made of ABS, glass fiber, and maple.

The deck is stiff and mostly flat, featuring only a subtle concave at the edges. Consequently, it can be challenging to gauge foot placement without looking down or readjusting during the ride. The stiff deck also doesn’t provide much comfort when riding on rough terrain.

Thankfully, as a belt-driven board with sizable 96mm wheels, the ride isn’t too uncomfortable on rough roads, but there is room for improvement. Upgrading to larger wheels would enhance the board’s vibration-dampening capabilities, as well as increase top speed and ground clearance – rather important, as the motor mounts currently sit quite close to the ground.

By the way, we tested Backfire’s 120mm wheels and were pretty impressed. They provided excellent vibration absorption and maintained a solid grip even on wet roads.

Comparison with Competitors

So, how does the Backfire Zealot S2 fare in comparison to its competitors?

Priced at $849, the Zealot S2 is likely to be compared with the $899 Exway Flex Pro and the $999 Meepo Voyager. Among these, the Zealot S2 holds its ground quite well. Although it offers slightly less exhilarating acceleration and a lower top speed than the Meepo Voyager, the Zealot S2 and Flex Pro both surpass the Meepo in terms of smooth speed control. Moreover, the Backfire and Exway boards boast a more premium feel in their build and design.

On the flip side, we find the Zealot S2’s deck to be the least appealing among the three, as it’s too flat for foot comfort and too stiff for enjoyable carving. In contrast, the Flex Pro features the most flexible deck with a comfortable concave, enhancing carving fun at the expense of high-speed stability. Meanwhile, the Voyager’s deck strikes a balance between the two, offering slightly more flex than the Zealot’s deck and a comfortable concave.

In terms of battery capacity, the Zealot S2’s 403Wh battery outperforms the 345Wh battery in the Exway Flex Pro but falls short of the Meepo Voyager’s 544.3Wh.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Backfire might argue that the Zealot S2 has better spec than the Exway Flex Pro Belt and offers a more enjoyable riding experience than the Meepo Voyager – and, indeed, there is truth to that claim.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking a stylish, sub-$1000 electric skateboard with a premium appearance, solid specs, and stability at high speeds, the Backfire Zealot S2 could be an ideal choice.

It may not be the perfect fit for those who prefer a more flexible deck with a pronounced concave, but this minor shortcoming is easy to overlook when everything else is near perfection. Undoubtedly, the Backfire Zealot S2 will be a popular pick for the best electric skateboard under $1000.

If you are interested in buying the Backfire, 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!

May 20, 2023May 23, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Backfire Zealot X Review: A Premium Electric Skateboard

In March 2023, Backfire introduced two new premium electric skateboards to their lineup: the 849 Backfire Zealot S2. These boards are the latest additions to the wildly successful Zealot series. Today, we’ll be reviewing the Backfire Zealot X, which is poised to become the best premium electric longboard on the market.

Aesthetics: Stunning Design and Eye-catching Features

While the ideal electric skateboard may vary from person to person, one thing everyone can agree on is the stunning design of the Backfire Zealot X.

From the high-quality aluminum remote that exudes luxury to the CNC forged trucks, not to mention the eye-catching LED board lights and the glowing T-emblem on the front that every reviewer can’t wait to showcase, this board is undoubtedly a showstopper.

Performance: Impressive Specs and Top-notch Components

Let’s dive into the specs and see what the Backfire Zealot X has to offer:

Backfire Zealot X – Build and Specs

Price: $1,199
Deck: 38” x 10.6” Composite Deck – Glass Fiber, Maple. Stiff, minimal concave
ESC: 14s Hobbywing ESC; smart turn-on
Remote: Halo Remote, OLED display, 4-speed modes
Battery: Samsung 50S 14S2P, 504Wh, 50.4V
Motors: 1500W x2 – Belt Motors
Marketed Range: 34 miles / 55 km
Marketed Top Speed: 31 mph or 50 km/h
Trucks: 8.5″ Forged Truck (10.6 inch / 270 mm CNC Precision Forging)
Wheels: 96MM / 80A Street wheels
Other Features:
- Ice Blue Board Light
- Smartphone App

Battery and Range

The Zealot X is equipped with 14S2P Samsung 50S, high-quality 21000 cells, providing the board with a substantial 504 Wh capacity.

The board boasts an advertised range of 34 miles or 55 km, and our 220 lbs (100kg) riders achieved 20 miles or 32 km while riding fast. This is pretty reasonable and on par with the real-world range of other 500Wh belt-driven boards, such as the Meepo Voyager X.

Motors and Top Speed

To ensure optimal power, Backfire has equipped the Zealot X with a pair of 6358 motors; each rated at 1500W. The claimed top speed is 31 mph (50 km/h), which we were able to reach in turbo mode.

As expected, an $1199 board should boast an even higher top speed; however, many riders, including ourselves, may not have access to roads suitable for such extreme speeds anyway.

Wheels and Customization

These powerful motors drive four sets of 96mm 80A wheels.

Notably, Backfire has thoughtfully included a Kegel pulley in the package, allowing you to easily swap into Backfire’s 120mm wheels or experiment with other wheel options.

Riding Experience: Power, Speed, and Stability

As you can see, the specs are impressive but not extraordinary, given the price. After all, premium boards come with solid specs; what sets the exceptional ones apart is the riding experience, and the Zealot X certainly delivers an amazing experience, especially when it comes to power.

Trucks and Handling

The Backfire Zealot X is a board designed for fast riding, ideally on a long stretch of smooth road. That’s not to say it can only go in a straight line. No, the Backfire Zealot X features trucks that strike a perfect balance between easy turning and stability.

There’s nothing we can nitpick about these trucks; they enable smooth carving and tight turns and, through some sorcery, remain incredibly stable at high speeds.

Acceleration and ESC

The power of the Backfire Zealot X is truly remarkable. It accelerates more forcefully than any other board at this price point. Compared to another powerful board like the Meepo Voyager X, the Zealot X maintains robust acceleration up to its top speed, while the Meepo Voyager X’s acceleration tapers off after an initial burst. Importantly, the thrill of rapid acceleration doesn’t come at the expense of smooth control, as the Hobbywing ESC remains incredibly smooth and intuitive, even in the fastest turbo mode.

We’re all about unbiased comparisons, so here’s our review of Meepo Voyager X.

Deck and Comfort

The 39-inch composite deck, made of ABS, glass fiber, and maple, is quite stiff, which contributes to stability at high speeds but makes for less enjoyable relaxed carving. We also aren’t fans of the deck’s flatness; the deck has a slight concave at the edges, not where you would place your feet.

This means that it’s difficult to gauge where our feet are without looking, often requiring us to glance down or readjust our footing during the ride. A more pronounced concave would definitely be an improvement here.

Vibration Dampening and Wheel Upgrades

The second notable weakness of the Zealot X is its limited ability to dampen vibrations from rough roads. While the belt drive and four sizable 96mm wheels do provide some vibration dampening, the deck plays a crucial role in this aspect. Unfortunately, the stiff deck of the Zealot X doesn’t do much to counteract road vibrations.

Naturally, switching to larger wheels can help alleviate this issue.

Upgrading to 120mm MO wheels will improve the ride quality and also increase the top speed. Additionally, the larger wheels will also increase ground clearance, which the Zealot X could benefit from as the motor mounts are hanging really close to the ground.

Backfire Zealot X riding shot — Look at the motor mount, so close to the ground.

Final Verdict: A Top Choice for High-speed Enthusiasts

Despite our reservations about the flat deck and our general preference for more flexible decks, the Backfire Zealot X remains one of the top choices for boards slightly above $1000, and the clear top pick for those who love the thrill of high-speed riding. It also sets a new standard for aesthetics, from the stunning Halo Remote to the head-turning lighting along the board’s edge.

However, maintaining the pristine white color of the enclosure may prove to be a challenge.

All in all, the Backfire Zealot X will likely be the benchmark against which all premium electric longboards will be compared for at least the next few years.

May 15, 2023May 21, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Maxfind Max5 Pro Review – Not your typical entry-level electric skateboard!

Maxfind just dropped their latest line of entry-level electric skateboards — the Maxfind Max5 series. Crafted to meet various rider preferences, the series offers three models: the Max5 (Single Motor) at $399, Max5 PRO (Dual Motors) at $499, and Max5 PRO MAX (Long Range) at $599.

These boards stand out with their good looks, especially when compared to other sub-$500 entry-level electric skateboards. Will you be paying more for Maxfind Max5’s style or specs?

Without further ado, let’s jump right in and see if these electric skateboards are worth their eye-catching looks.

Maxfind Max5 Build and Specs

Deck: 38” x 10.6” Composite and Glass Fiber; medium flex, minimal concave
ESC: Hobbywing 3.0 ESC; smart turn-on
Remote: OLED display remote, 4-speed modes
Battery:
- Maxfind Max5 – Samsung 10S2P, 4.4Ah, 158.4Wh, 36V
- Maxfind Max5 Pro – Samsung 10S2P, 4.4Ah, 158.4Wh, 36V
- Maxfind Max5 Pro Max – Samsung 10S2P, 6.8Ah, 245Wh, 36V
Marketed Range:
- Max5 and Max5 PRO – 15 miles / 25 km
- Max5 PRO MAX (Extended Range) 21 miles / 35 km
Motors: 650W Dual Hub Motors
Marketed Top Speed: 24 mph or 38 km/h
Trucks: Max II 45° Truck (10.6 inch / 270 mm CNC Precision Forging)
Wheels: 90MM / 78A Street wheels
Other Features:
- Glow-in-the-dark front sign arrow
- Nice bottom & battery enclosure design, easy-to-clean dirt
- IPX5 water-resistant rating

Starting with the Maxfind Max5 Series deck, the board is made from a composite material featuring glass fiber. At 38 inches long, the camber design and medium flex of the deck help to reduce road vibrations, giving you a smoother ride.

Narrow Deck and Unique Griptape

Maxfind also put something new to the table with the deck’s narrow 10.6-inch width. This is similar to a shortboard deck, meaning riders have limited space for their feet. Although, the subtle concave design does make it comfier.

Maxfind chose a unique griptape for the Max5 series as well. Instead of the standard sandpaper, they went for a plastic-feeling one. It’s non-abrasive and fabric-friendly, so it will keep your clothes safe from damage. It may not fare well for those who want more grip. This griptape feels more like you’re standing on a rough plastic surface. Many riders will probably switch to a more conventional griptape for better traction.

Water Resistance You Can Trust

Flipping the Maxfind Max5 series board over, you’ll see that the electronic compartment is built right into the deck with a unibody design. This boosts the board’s splash resistance with a rating of IP X5 water resistance. This rating means the board can handle a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray, which is great for wet conditions.

Inside the electronic compartment, there’s a Hobbywing 3.0 ESC and a Samsung 10S2P 4.4Ah, 158.4Wh battery for the Max5 and Max5 Pro models. The Maxfind Max5 Pro Max uses a 12S2P 6.8Ah, 245Wh battery instead.

Classic Smooth Control with Hobbywing ESC

Speaking of the Hobbywing 3.0 ESC, beginners to electric skateboarding should know that this ESC is popular for its smooth and intuitive speed control. The Max 5 Pro definitely delivers on that front since all of its 4-speed modes are 100% smooth and extremely intuitive to use. It may get a little too calm since the 10S ESC and battery setup means the board’s power isn’t mind-blowing. Compared to boards with a 12S ESC, like the Wowgo Pioneer Series, the Maxfind Max5 Pro is a bit weaker.

It also feels more gentle but tamer than other 10S boards that aim for a punchier ride, like the Meepo V5 with its Lingyi ESC. That being said, this is a small drawback, and most riders will be too busy enjoying the smooth control to ever worry about the torque they might be missing. The Hobbywing ESC comes with a smart power-on feature and pairs with a remote with an OLED display.

Looking for a 12S ESC from Maxfind? Read our review on Maxfind FF-Belt here.

Fast Charger included – Charge Your Board in Just 2 Hours

Moving on to the batteries, both the Maxfind Max5 and Max5 Pro use the same battery, boasting a marketed range of 15 miles or 25 km. The Max5 Pro Max, on the other hand, uses an extended range version with a marketed range of 21 miles or 35 km.

In our testing, our 220 lbs test rider riding fast managed to cover 9.3 miles or 15 km on a single charge. While this might be less than the advertised number, it’s actually a pretty standard range for entry-level electric skateboards at this price point.

At least Maxfind had the courtesy to include a 2A fast charger, which allows you to fully charge your board in just 2 hours.

Next, let’s talk about the hub motors and top speed. Equipped with 650W dual hub motors, these boards pack some serious power and can indeed drive you up any hill. However, it’s important to note that the power is somewhat limited by the use of a 10S ESC, resulting in a more modest top speed.

The Maxfind Max5 series has a marketed top speed of 23.6mph or 38 km/h, and during our tests, we managed to hit just that. While this may not be lightning-fast compared to the latest entry-level electric skateboards, which boast top speeds of around 28.6mph or 46 km/h, it’s still a respectable speed for its price range.

In case you need it, here’s our review of the Wowgo Pioneer X4.

Forged Trucks on an Affordable Board!

As for the trucks, the Max5 series uses Maxfind proprietary trucks which they name Max II. These are 45° trucks that are 10.6 inches long and made with CNC precision forging. Forged trucks are more durable than cast trucks, which can break suddenly under pressure.

Many riders see truck quality as something they couldn’t compromise and for good reason. It’s not uncommon for trucks to break, especially for electric skateboards, mostly upon crashes. It’s good to see Maxfind going with a forged truck for a board that is priced under <$500. So far, it is the only entry-level board we know that comes with forged trucks.

Straight out of the box, the trucks on the Maxfind Max5 series are pretty tight. We had to tweak them a couple of times to find the sweet spot for easier turning and carving. Once adjusted, the trucks provide a fun carving experience for riders who enjoy making sharp turns and navigating tight spaces. The return-to-center of the trucks is pretty decent too.

Lastly, the Maxfind Max5 series comes with 90mm, 78A street wheels.

We’re all about unbiased comparisons, so here’s our review of Meepo V5.

Maxfind Max5 Riding Experience

So, what’s the overall riding experience like?

Smooth, intuitive speed control combined with stable and responsive trucks makes for a smooth ride. The average top speed and tamer version of the 10S Hobbywing ESC mean the board is pretty comfortable and chill to ride. It may not be as punchy as Meepo V5 or Wowgo Pioneer, but I doubt anyone would care about a little lower torque when Hobbywing ESC is so smooth and intuitive.

You won’t feel like you’re gonna be wiped out by accident. Road vibrations are pretty manageable, thanks to the deck with mild flex. If you need an even smoother ride, you can always slap on some Cloudwheels to dampen vibrations even more.

The trucks are stable for the board’s top speed of 28.6mph or 46 km/h. Adjustments should be made to make the board way easier to turn and carve. The return to the center is good and the carving is smooth.

Riding the Maxfind Max5 Series feels similar to riding short and longboards. This is mostly due to the narrow deck.

Maxfind Max5 VERDICT – Polished and Well-Built Board for Chill Riders

Like other Maxfind boards, the Maxfind Max5 Pro is well-polished and well-built, with a smooth riding experience to match its good looks. It might not be the cheapest option, nor does it have the biggest battery or highest top speed. But if you dig the way this board looks and aren’t too worried about maxing out specs, the Max5 Pro is a sweet ride to pick up.

If you are interested in buying the Maxfind, 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, 2023April 25, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Meepo Mini 5 Review – Best affordable electric skateboard?

If you’ve been keeping up with Meepo Board, you’re probably aware that they’ve been dominating the budget electric skateboard market since 2017. Among their boards, the Meepo Mini 2 has been one of the most popular electric shortboards since 2019.

In 2023, Meepo finally unveiled the Meepo Mini 5 – the newest addition to their electric shortboard lineup.

Priced at $469 for the standard version and $599 for the Extended Range version, we’re eager to delve into this review and discover what upgrades the 2023 Meepo Mini 5 brings to the table.

Will Meepo still be the top pick for an affordable electric shortboard? Let’s find out!

Meepo Mini 5 Build and Specs

Deck: 8-ply Canadian maple
Electronic Speed Controller: LingYi ESC; 4-speed modes, push-to-start
Batteries: Standard version – 144Wh battery; ER version – 288Wh battery
Marketed Range: Standard version – 11 miles (18 km); ER version – 19.8 miles (32 km)
Motors: 500×2 Hub
Marketed Top Speed: 28 mph (45 kp/h)
Trucks: 5th Gen Shredder 45° Truck
Wheels: 90x60mm, 78A

The specs of the Meepo Mini 5 might be a little familiar to the fans of the brand. Meepo Mini 5 shares the same electronic components as the recent Meepo V5. Both models have the same ESC, battery, motors, and trucks – the only distinction is the deck.

The Meepo Mini 5 deck is crafted from 8-ply Canadian maple and is completely rigid, with no flex. At 30 inches long, it boasts a functional kicktail and a fairly deep concave. This aggressive deep dish-shaped concave popularized by the late Boosted Mini has become the standard for all-electric shortboards. An aggressive concave makes the shortboard even more responsive and fun to ride.

In the design category, the 2023 Meepo boards stick to the same color theme – black and gray. This look creates a simple, tasteful, and polished vibe that we appreciate.

The board weighs 17.9 lbs (8.12 kg), so carrying it around is not too difficult.

Speed control – Punchy 4th Speed Mode

Like the Meepo V5, the Mini 5 is equipped with a LingYi Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). It comes with a push-to-start feature, so the board powers up automatically when you push it forward. The ESC has 4-speed modes and 4 braking modes that can be adjusted independently. Known for its gentle, smooth acceleration in the first three speed modes and punchy 4th mode, the LingYi ESC can cater to its control profile for any rider.

Want to learn more about Meepo V5? Read our verdict here.

Honestly, I think Meepo could have removed the fourth mode from the Mini 5. Only a small percentage of e-skaters would want their shortboard to have such a punch.

Beginners are advised to stick to the first three speed modes, which offer smoother acceleration.

We have to say that Hobbywing ESC still does provide slightly better smoothness in control compared to this latest version of LingYi ESC. It’s a small difference, though. Only eskate reviewers will probably notice it.

Strong Brake

Many, however, prefer the braking profile provided by the LingYi ESC. The brake can be adjusted to the very strong 4th mode that some eskaters refuse to ride without.

As we mentioned in our Meepo V5 review, we’re a bit puzzled by the choice of the remote controller. Meepo designed its remote to resemble the generic Hobbywing ESC remote rather than sticking with the default LingYi remote with a screen.

Unfortunately, this remote lacks a screen to display speed and range. If you really want a screen on the remote, you’ll have to purchase the Meepo 5s remote ($69) or pair your Mini 5 with another LingYi ESC-compatible remote.

Interested in a longboard instead? Check out our Meepo Voyager X review here.

The Meepo Mini 5 offers two battery options: a standard 4AH 144Wh battery with a claimed range of 11 miles (18km) and an extended range version with a 288Wh battery boasting a range of 19.8 miles (32km).

We received the ER version and yielded 13.5 miles or 22km with our 188 lbs (85 kg) test rider while riding at high speeds. This result meets our expectations. You can expect 10 miles or 16 km of range from the 4AH base version of the Meepo Mini 5 and V5. Obviously, it’s possible to get a lot more mileage out of a single charge if you ride slow or go on a diet.

The board is powered by 500W dual hub motors, which are pretty generous for an entry-level electric shortboard. These motors are undoubtedly more powerful than necessary for a shortboard, and they should be capable of tackling steep inclines even for heavier riders.

Fastest Top Speed for a Shortboard

Meepo claims that the motors can reach a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). During our test, we indeed hit a top speed of 27 mph (44 km/h). This is definitely faster than anyone should go on an electric shortboard.

As for the trucks, Meepo has updated its signature Shredder trucks. These 7-inch trucks, angled at 45 degrees and made by Meepo, are very responsive with a good return to center.

In our Meepo V5 review, we mentioned these trucks come out of the box fairly loose and carve-y. This made the board nimble and easy to navigate through tight spaces – perfect for maneuvering around pedestrians or executing sharp turns.

Of course, there’s the kicktail for tight turns, but we understand that not everyone knows how to use a kicktail. That’s okay, we won’t be judging.

This also means that if you want to ride at high speeds, you should take the extra step of tightening the trucks. The default configuration is too wobbly for that.

Another mini-board champion on our list would be the Tynee Mini 2. Check out our review here.

Meepo Mini 5 utilizes 90mm wheels. The front wheels are of pretty good quality. We heard that they were made by the same wheel manufacturer as the late Boosted.

However, the urethane on the hub motors is still quite thin. Road vibrations can be harsh. Keep in mind that the board also lacks flex, so that doesn’t help.

This can be torture when riding on rough pavements for an extended period, especially on an electric shortboard with hub motors. So, If that describes your typical route, consider getting the 105mm donut wheels either from Meepo at $89 or Cloudwheels. This upgrade will save you from needing knee replacement surgery in the long run.

Alternatively, you might want to opt out of getting a shortboard with hub motors; anything with flexible deck and belt motors might be a good place to start.

Farewell, Meepo Mini 2

Initially, we thought the Meepo Mini 5 would be the same board as the Mini 2, with a fresh paint job, updated design, higher quality parts, better polish, and waterproofing. After reviewing the board, we realized that they are, in fact, very different shortboards.

I like to say that the Meepo Mini 2 rides like an electric longboard that is short. It is stupidly powerful yet stable, as the truck configuration prioritizes stability over ease of turning. It doesn’t make much sense for a shortboard to focus on power and stability, but it was pretty unique compared to other electric shortboards. I was fond of the Meepo Mini 2 for that uniqueness.

Meepo Mini 5 VERDICT – Best Choice for Power and Portability

I’m sad to see the Meepo Mini 2 go, but let’s not dwell on the past – here’s our verdict on the Mini 5.

For $469, the Meepo Mini 5 checks all the boxes for a solid electric skateboard. It is agile and nimble. It has a decent range, speed control that’s easy to get used to, impressive power, and high top speed. All of these combined make the Meepo Mini 5 an easy pick-up for anyone seeking a portable electric skateboard to ride in style.

However, don’t buy this board if you primarily ride on rough roads or are looking for the fastest shortboard – that’s not what the Mini 5 was designed for.

If you are interested in buying the Meepo, be sure to use our affiliate discount link here.
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