Budget Electric Skateboard Archives - Electric Skateboard HQ

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.
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!

March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Meepo V5 Review – The OG affordable electric skateboards

Meepo Board is the OG that kickstarted the affordable electric skateboard era in 2017. From Meepo V1 to V4s, each upgraded version the brand makes is always among the best electric skateboards at $400. In February 2023, Meepo released the Meepo V5.

Will Meepo V5 become a worthy successor to the popular Meepo V4s? Let’s run through the specs!

Meepo V5 Build and Specs

Deck: 8-ply Canadian maple; mild flex, deep concave
Electronic Speed Controller: LingYi ESC; 4-speed modes, push-to-start
Battery: Standard 4AH 144Wh or Extended Range Version 288Wh
Marketed Range: Standard – 11 miles or 18km; Extended Range – 19.8 miles or 32km
Motors: Dual 500W Hub
Marketed Top Speed: 27mph or 44km/h
Trucks: Meepo Signature Shredder Trucks (7-inch 45°)
Wheels: 90mm Urethane

Meepo V5 uses an 8-ply Canadian maple deck with a mild flex and deep concave. The concave is subtle, but enough to make our feet feel comfortable and secure.

The Meepo V5 board handle cut-out also makes a comeback, which unfortunately, makes it look less cool. Still, the handle cut-out is always tremendously helpful when carrying this 18.5 lbs or 8.4kg board.

The overall design of the V5 looks polished and premium by going with a simple blue and black color scheme. The board also shows some of the bare maple deck. We like this design better as it is definitely not toy-ish, unlike some older Meepo boards.

The board also comes with a bash guard for the deck to protect it from collisions. Awesome!

Meepo Designed Controller

As for the electronic speed controller, the V5 uses the LingYi ESC with a push-to-start feature. It has 4-speed modes and 4 braking modes that can be adjusted separately.

What’s new to us is the newly designed controller. Instead of using the typical LingYi ESC remote with a mislabelled reverse button, Meepo created a new LingYi remote. It’s almost identical to the generic Hobbywing ESC remote.

This also means that the Meepo V5 remote does not have a screen showing speed and range. So, if you really want a screen on the remote, you will have to buy the Meepo 5s remote ($69). You can also pair your V5 with another LingYi ESC-compatible remote.

Still The Fastest Board Among Budget Boards

When it comes to the motors, Meepo V5 uses dual 500w hub motors. This is a little surprising since the last generation Meepo V4S used bigger dual 540W hub motors.

We think Meepo designed the V5 for the newcomers, prioritizing battery efficiency instead of over-the-top power. This makes sense as V4 and V4s were crazily powerful. We reviewers love them for that, but it isn’t really ideal for regular users. The V4 and V4S boards are tough for beginner riders to get comfortable with.

Interested in Meepo V4? Read our review on this speed monster here.

Also, Meepo improved the V5 hub motors’ design. It should be better for cooling now and easier to swap up the PU sleeves.

Meepo claims that the motors can deliver us a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). During our test, we indeed reached a top speed of 27 mph (44 km/h). This means the Meepo V5 is still the fastest board amongst budget boards despite stepping back on motor power.

As for the trucks, Meepo updated their signature Shredder trucks. These are 7-inch trucks angled at 45 degrees made by Meepo. These trucks came out of the box pretty loose and carve-y, which is different from Meepo’s typical style. More on that later.

Range – Well Expected, Nothing Crazy.

Now, let’s go to the batteries. The Meepo V5 has two battery options: a standard 4AH 144Wh battery with a marketed range of 11 miles (18 km) and an extended range version with a 288Wh battery with a marketed range of 19.8 miles (32km).

We received the ER version of the board, and our lightweight 143 lbs (65 kg) rider reached a maximum distance of 18.6 miles (30 km). This hits the marketed range claim.

As we all know, the range is subjective to the rider’s riding speed and weight, so your mileage may vary.

Want to compare this board to Meepo V4S? We got you! Click here to read our review.

Meepo V5 has an IP55 waterproof rating, so riding the board on some puddles wouldn’t be an issue. Do remember to wipe it down as soon as possible. A wet battery will degenerate over a few months.

And, that wraps the specs of the V5! So without further ado, let’s see how all of those turn out in the riding experience.

Meepo V5 Ride Experience

When it comes to speed control, it is unsurprising for the Meepo V5 to retain its signature punchy acceleration and strong brake. The board kicks off aggressively at the highest ride mode. While this is fun for thrill-seekers, beginners should stay within the first 3-speed modes. These modes are much more gentle in acceleration and braking.

With that said, the speed control of the V5 is indeed less aggressive than the V4 and V4s. Again, this may disappoint some riders but will help new riders feel more comfortable while learning how to skate.

The deck is undoubtedly the best part of the V5. It is nice and comfortable to stand on. As we have said, the wide concave deck makes it easy to feel our feet’ position and keeps them secure. Going with a deck that’s on the stiffer side also means that the board feels more stable when riding fast.

The new shredder trucks came out of the box loose, which made the board too easy to turn. While that is fun for carving, it gets a bit sketchy when riding at top speed. So, we tightened it up a little. With the right tightness, the trucks strike a good balance between maneuverability and stability. It carves pretty nicely with good returns to the center and keeps the board steady at high speed. These new Shredder trucks are okay.

When it comes to road vibration, the result should surprise no one. A hub motor board that rolls with thin urethane wheels will always be uncomfortable when riding on rough pavements. It is not worse than any other hub motor board but not better, either. Or, you could get yourself the 105mm Donut wheels from Meepo or Cloudwheels, and that would make riding on rough roads that much better.

Meepo V5 VERDICT – Great For Beginners

So, here comes the final verdict.

If you are in the market for an electric skateboard that offers solid performance without breaking the bank, the Meepo V5 is a great option to consider. Meepo V5 remains a very good entry-level electric skateboard. The board is beginner-friendly and prioritizes range over power. While Meepo cut down on the motor wattage of the board, Meepo V5 is still one of the fastest boards among top-performing budget boards.

Besides the higher-than-typical 28 mph top speed, this 2023 Meepo improved the little things. Better waterproofing, better hub design, truck quality, etc.

So, if you are looking for your first electric skateboard and are not sure what to get, Meepo V5 is a good place to start. We are… just sad that it is no longer a speed monster like the Meepo V4 was.

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 check out.
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!

If you liked this Meepo V5 review, we’ve got more at Electric Skateboard HQ. Read the latest reviews, news, and discussions on everything about electric skateboards!

RIDE SAFE, GUYS.

February 9, 2023February 9, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Backfire Era 2 Review – Most portable

Backfire, one of the most reputable electric skateboard brands, had been struggling to stand out in the entry-level eskate market for a few years now. The Backfire G2 Black, though competent, was overshadowed by the likes of Wowgo 2s Max and Meepo V4s in both ride experience and performance.

So, at the end of 2022, Backfire tried again and released the Backfire Era 2—a $399 entry-level eskate that plays a different game. Instead of trying to compete in power and range, Era 2 was designed to focus on portability, making it a better fit for the urban commute or as a last-mile option.

Backfire Era 2 Build and Specs

Deck: Premium Canadian Maple and Fiberglass
Electronic Speed Controller: 10s Hobbywing ESC
Battery: 42V 180Wh Li-Polymer Battery
Marketed Range: 9 miles / 15 km
Motors: Dual 400W In-Hub Motors
Marketed Top Speed: 23 mph / 38 km/h
Trucks: 50° 8-inch Backfire Proprietary Trucks
Wheels: 90 mm Urethane Wheels

As usual, let’s start with the build and specs. The highlight of the board is undoubtedly the slim and thin build. The deck looks high quality with a stealthy design. It really looks good and going without an electronic enclosure at the bottom of the deck allows maximum ground clearance.

However, this design also comes with a tradeoff which is a very stiff deck. In fact, the 38” maple and fiberglass deck has zero flex in it which impacts the ride experience. Let’s talk about that later!

Lighter Than a Shortboard

On another note, the Backfire Era 2 deck does have a mild concave which secures your feet in place. We also noticed that instead of the usual 9.5-inch width, Backfire slimmed down the deck to make it 8.85 inches wide, further reducing its footprint.

Thanks partly to that, the board is very lightweight at 16 lbs or 7.25kg. This is even lighter compared to some shortboards like the Tynee Mini 2.

Interested to learn more about Tynee Mini 2? Check out our review here.

Inside the deck is a 5.0ah, 180 wh LiPo battery pack that’s hidden underneath the grip tape. This provides the board with a moderate range claim of 9 miles or 15km. During our test, our 150 lbs rider managed to get 7 miles or 12 km when riding fast. This is nowhere impressive and is considered low range on today’s standard but hey, let’s not forget that this is a $399 board with a sleek design.

Better With 10s Hobbywing ESC

As for the ESC, Backfire Era 2 uses a 10s Hobbywing ESC with a smart turn-on feature which we really appreciate. Perhaps, Backfire decided to go for 10s ESC and battery to save some cost since the motor they went with wasn’t going to be able to capitalize on the 12s system anyways. The remote offers only 2-speed modes which are ECO and SPEED. It also comes with one turbo mode.

Speaking of motors, Backfire ERA 2 uses dual 400w hub motors which are good enough for daily rides but don’t scream power. Even the ‘turbo mode’, is honestly just a fancy name for 4th and highest-speed mode. Overall, the power is just modest.

Want to explore other eskates under $500? We got you! Check out our list here.

During our top speed test, we managed to hit exactly what Backfire advertised, which is 23 mph and 38 km/h. As we all know, that’s about the standard top speed for entry-level eskates.

The board also comes with standard 90MM Urethane wheels which aren’t particularly interesting. Although, they’re still a decent pair of wheels made of good quality and high rebound Urethane.

Last but not the least, Backfire ERA 2 went with the brand’s proprietary 50-degree trucks which are 8 inches in length.

So, that pretty much wraps up the specs of the board.

As you can see, the Backfire ERA 2 did not try to outperform any board in specs. Does this also mean the board rides poorly? Let’s get on the road and put Era 2 to the test!

Backfire Era 2 Riding Experience

As is the case with all Backfire boards, the acceleration of the Backfire ERA 2 is very smooth. Going with 10s instead of 12s Hobbywing ESC also goes to show that power is not a priority here. The acceleration and braking are equally gentle and smooth.

For context, most really strong hub boards use 500w motors. So, while wattage alone doesn’t tell a full story, the ERA 2 felt a little bit underwhelming in terms of power when compared to other boards that we tested like Meepo V4s and Wowgo 2s Max.

Great for Beginners and Urban Commuters

With that said, I can imagine beginners and casual riders preferring Backfire Era 2 exactly for its tameness and reduced risk of hurting themselves on a board that’s too strong for them.

The next important thing to consider is the ride feel, which brings us back to the deck. The concave is nice and it secures our feet in place. But as expected, the stiff deck suffers when we ride through rough road conditions. Since the deck is thinner in width than normal eskates, we felt very strong vibrations when cruising through poorly paved roads.

Cloudwheel Donuts for Extra Cushion

As we have guessed, this is the kind of board made for a sidewalk. So, if you have to ride on a poorly paved road, we highly recommend upgrading the wheels to 105MM Cloudwheel Donuts. It’s the only way the ride can be bearable.

To check if Cloudwheel Donuts are more your style, read our review here.

On smooth roads, however, Backfire ERA 2 not only rides smoothly but is also pretty fun to carve. Personally, if you’re not upgrading to Cloudwheels, we won’t recommend riding the board any more than 5 miles (8km) as your feet will probably be burning by that time.

The trucks are stable enough to support 23 mph of top speed and are pretty responsive when it comes to doing turns. Obviously, swapping to branded trucks like the Paris or Caliber II will make the board both more responsive and fun to carve. At $399, we really have no complaints about the board’s trucks.

Backfire Era 2 VERDICT – The Best for Urban Commute

To summarize, the Backfire Era 2 gave a decent riding experience on top of the sleek and polished look. Compared to other entry-level electric skateboards, the Era 2 is certainly not better in performance or even in ride feel.

It does have the advantage of being easier to carry around. Backfire will even give you a free carrying bag to emphasize portability. And, it’s prettier, at least in our eyes.

It’s not often that we see Backfire sacrifice specs for looks but the tradeoff makes perfect sense to us. If you are looking for a last-mile commute to and from bus or train stations, portability and looks trump power and top speed.

Power and top speed are useless anyway when riding on city sidewalks or inside the campus. Why let yourself be burdened by the extra weight of a bigger battery when you don’t need the range, right?

In short, if you are looking for a simple, portable, nice-looking board from a reputable brand at a very good price, Backfire Era 2 is a very very good deal. Just don’t expect to win any drag race or keep up in group rides.

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!

August 3, 2022August 4, 2022 by Ziyad Khairi

Meepo Shuffle S (Meepo V4S) Review – Best affordable Electric Skateboard? Maybe.

Meepo board is the OG in bringing us affordable options for electric skateboards and since 2017, it has been amongst the top choices for those who are looking for affordable electric skateboards. While their current best seller, Meepo V4 (Shuffle) was just released 10 months ago, Meepo decided to give us an update with the V4s (Shuffle S)… So, let’s see what the updates are, and if it gives Meepo further lead over other boards under $500.

Let’s get right through it!

Meepo Shuffle S (V4S) Build and Specs

Deck: 8-ply Canadian maple, 1-ply fiberglass; wide concave with a rocker profile
Electronic Speed Controller: LingYi ESC, push-to-start; 4 speed and braking modes
Motors: 540W hub motors
Marketed top speed: 29 mph (47 km/h)
Batteries: 4AH 144Wh or 288Wh
Marketed range: 10 miles (16km) or 18 miles (29km)
Trucks: Meepo’s 45° Shredder trucks
Wheels: 105*65mm, 78A donut wheels

The deck of the Meepo Shuffle S is made of 8-ply Canadian maple and 1-ply fiberglass. We can expect a mild flex to it but it compensates with a pretty deep and aggressive concave design. This helps in securing leg placement for great balance during a ride.

The deck also has a slight rocker profile which we’re a fan of. This form made the Meepo V4S feel closer to the ground.

Elegant Upgrade on Design

The upgrade of the board is focused on the design. From an orange toy-ish looking color scheme on the Meepo V4, The Meepo Shuffle S (V4S) took a more elegant approach, which we like better, especially on the graphics beneath the deck.

As for the electronic speed controller, the V4S uses the latest Lingyi ESC with a push-to-start feature. It has 4 speed and braking modes which can be adjusted separately. It does provide a smooth acceleration to the board, but is it as smooth as a Hobbywing ESC? We’ll talk about that later on.

Lower Rating of Motors and Bigger Wheels?

Another change Meepo did on the Shuffle S is using a lower rating for the motors. The Meepo Shuffle S uses dual 540W hub motors which might come as a surprise to Meepo V4 fans. The previous V4 uses dual 620W hub motors and Meepo claims that it’s a necessary sacrifice to allow using big 105mm donut wheels. I guess we will have to find out if going with a smaller wattage motor has any negative impact on torque and speed.

These are clones of the famous Cloudwheels which significantly reduce road vibrations. Will it have any effect on the power, though? We’ll find out later on.

The marketed top speed for the Meepo Shuffle S is 28.5mph or 46km/h. During our test, we managed to reach 28mph or 45km/h. This is a praiseworthy feat for a budget board.

What’s here to stay are the 45° Shredder Downhill Trucks. These trucks are known to be stable rather than carv-y.

To check out our review on Meepo V4 for comparison, click here.

Two Options for Batteries

So, did Meepo change anything for the batteries? The Meepo V4S is keeping the same two options for batteries: a normal 4AH 144Wh battery with a marketed range of 10 miles or 16km and an extended range version of 288Wh battery with a marketed range of 18 miles or 29km.

We received the basic version of the board, and our heavyweight 95kg rider managed to reach a maximum distance of 6 miles or 10km out of the 10 miles or 16km marketed range. It is nowhere near the marketed range but as usual, weight and speed play a huge factor in achieving the maximum possible range of a board.

Meepo also admits that using 105 mm wheels will sacrifice the range by a bit and they insist that everyone should get the ER version for more range.

On the bright side, the battery is fast charging. You can reach a full charge in just 30 minutes by purchasing a separate 8A fast charger for the board.

Now that we know all about the specs of the Meepo V4S, let’s talk about everything in action!

Meepo Shuffle S (V4S) Riding Experience

From the get-go, the Meepo V4S is a budget board on steroids! Riding around the V4S is super strong. So I guess, it does live up to the well-known Meepo reputation of delivering a bit of punch when it comes to acceleration and braking.

The controls are still smooth and are not entirely aggressive but beginners should be careful when riding the board for the first time. The board can catch you off guard with its punchy acceleration. With that said, this new Ling Yi ESC did a good job at delivering a smooth ride with the board but it still falls a bit behind the Wowgo 2S Max’s silky smooth 12S Hobbywing ESC.

Interested in Wowgo 2S Max? Click here.

Overkill Acceleration Power

Once you get used to it, we are pretty sure that a lot of riders out there would appreciate the punchiness of this board. It turns out that the drop in motor wattage number doesn’t really affect the actual performance that much, since the V4 already has a pretty overkill acceleration power.

The deck is without a doubt the charming point of the V4S. It is nice to stand on with the lower ride height. The board’s concave is also very easy to feel while riding and secures your feet at all speed modes. The board is not flexible during rides, which highlights stability when riding at higher speeds.

The 105 mm Donut Wheels definitely did their job at absorbing road vibrations, especially on rough roads. But as we all know, hub motors are still hub motors and when the roads get shittier, you would still feel the vibrations traveling through your spine.

To check out our review on Cloudwheel Donuts, click here.

Shredder Trucks Are Geared Towards Stability

As always, Meepo’s 45° Shredder trucks are biased towards stability, while 50° trucks, such as the Poseidon trucks on the Wowgo 2s Max, would be more carv-y than stable.

With that said, it’s a nice pair of trucks. While the Shredder trucks do not rise to the level of branded trucks such as the Caliber II or Paris, they are definitely just as good as the other proprietary trucks found among affordable eskates. The trucks are decent for carving, have a good return to the center, and are absolutely stable to ride at top speed.

Big 105mm Wheels to the Rescue!

It has to be said that, Meepo’s 105mm semi-AT wheels are not Cloudwheels, and is not as good as the genuine Cloudwheels when it comes to ride smoothness.

However, at the end of the day, every millimeter helps when it comes to reducing road vibration. These 105mm wheels do make a huge difference, when compared to a 90mm (such as the one on original V4), when riding on bad roads.

Making 105mm a default wheel size is especially helpful for eskate beginners or commuters, who above all else, value “not flying off the board for failing to dodge a stick.”

Meepo Shuffle S VERDICT – Punchy Acceleration and Braking!

So, here comes the verdict. For a board retailing at 500 USD and is now priced lower at 419 USD with Meepo’s current sale, the V4S is a good board with a pretty great design and polish. The addition of 105 mm Wheels would probably split the crowd. For some, it sacrifices range and reduces carving fun; for others, especially beginners, it makes the board much more usable, comfortable and safe.Well, at least you can always shell out more and go with the ER version if range is a concern.

At the end of the day, Meepo V4s is still one of the top choices for an affordable $419 and THE CHOICE for anyone looking for a sub $500 board with big wheels, or a budget board with strong torque.

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