Propel Archives - Electric Skateboard HQ

July 27, 2026July 27, 2026 by Ziyad Khairi

Propel Pivot 2 Pro Review: The Stable, Powerful Carbon All-Terrain Board

Introduction

Three years ago, we reviewed the original Propel Pivot S and called it “virtually unparalleled at $799.” We were genuinely impressed with the quality-to-price ratio.

Today, that lineage has matured into the Propel Pivot 2 Pro—a $1,099 carbon fiber all-terrain board with tons of upgrades and a stunning matte white carbon finish.

Let’s break it down.

Deck: Hybrid BVR Unibody Design

The foundation is a carbon fiber and fiberglass hybrid deck with Propel’s proprietary Hybrid BVR Unibody Design.

Deck Specifications:

Length: 44.5 inches
Width: 13 inches
Material: Carbon fiber + fiberglass hybrid
Finish: Matte white (fresh, premium aesthetic)
Flex: 100% stiff (unlike the flex-capable Ruckus 2 GT)
Concave: Locks your feet in securely

Underfoot, the deck feels comfortable to stand on. The concave locks your feet in nicely, ensuring they won’t slip when you press the throttle or carve hard.

The key difference: Unlike the Ruckus 2 GT’s carbon flex deck, the Pivot 2 Pro stays completely stiff. This fundamentally changes how the board rides—more on that in the riding experience section.

ESC: ProFOC Custom Electronics

The Pivot 2 Pro uses Propel’s ProFOC custom ESC with smart turn-on functionality.

Evolution from Original:

The original Pivot S used early Lingyi ESC iterations that limited power and smoothness. The Pivot 2 Pro is a massive upgrade: it delivers seriously strong but smooth acceleration.

Performance:

Super smooth power delivery (no jerkiness)
Sharp, responsive braking
Smart turn-on convenience
Built for aggressive riding without sacrificing control

The ProFOC is significantly more refined than the ESC in the original Pivot S, which was one of the biggest upgrades in the 2 Pro generation.

Remote: Standard LCD (with PALM Option)

The Pivot 2 Pro comes with Propel’s standard LCD remote.

What It Offers:

Telemetry display
4 speed modes
All the essentials you need
Solid ergonomics

Optional Upgrade:

If you watched our Ruckus 2 GT review, you saw that Propel bundled the premium PALM Remote into that board. The Pivot 2 Pro doesn’t get that same treatment—the PALM remote is sold separately for $129 during sales.

Honestly? We’re fine with this. We prefer the ergonomics of the standard remote. That said, the PALM remote’s screen is beautiful and bright, and it adds premium character if you want to upgrade later.

Battery & Range

Inside the unibody deck sits a 12S4P battery pack using top-tier Samsung 50S cells—864Wh total.

Range Performance:

Marketed range: 53 km (33 miles) on AT wheels

In our real-world testing, because the board is so powerful and stable at speed, we constantly rode modes 3 and 4—pushing aggressively—and hit around 45 km. That’s still solid range for an all-terrain board.

Motors & Power: Genuinely Powerful

The Pivot 2 Pro runs dual Hobbywing 6370 motors producing 3,000 watts each with a 3.7 gear ratio.

And you absolutely feel it.

Power Characteristics:

Marketed top speed: 60 km/h (37 mph) — comfortably achieved
Real standout: The acceleration character is genuinely wild
Mode 3: Pulls hard and confidently
Mode 4: You need to brace yourself before pulling the throttle

This is not beginner-friendly power. Mode 4 will thrill even advanced riders. Make sure you know what you’re doing before blasting full throttle on mode 4.

The power delivery is smooth and controlled (thanks to ProFOC), but the sheer acceleration is relentless. Most boards can reach high speeds, but not every board reaches high speeds this quickly. For experienced riders, the quickness is genuinely satisfying.

Trucks: Rock-Solid Stability

Supporting those powerful motors are Propel’s custom CNC VKT trucks—a customized traditional kingpin design with a custom kingpin angle for tall bushing setups.

These are some of the most stable trucks we’ve tested.

High-Speed Stability:

Rock solid at speed
Zero wobble, zero twitch
No fighting the board
Hit 50 km/h and it feels planted underneath you
The stability makes you want to constantly ride at high speeds

Carving Trade-off:

Traditional kingpin trucks prioritize stability over playful carving. The trade-off:

Less carve-sensitive than DKP trucks
Requires more effort to initiate turns
You can’t just lean casually for sharp response
Rewards deliberate, intentional riding

For OG riders who appreciate putting effort into a carve, the Pivot 2 Pro will feel better than the “auto-carve” experience of a loose DKP setup. You still can do a U-turn on a two-lane road, but it takes more effort than a DKP would.

Bottom line: This truck setup prioritizes stability and confidence at speed over playful carving. For a board with this much power, that’s exactly the right call.

Wheels: 160mm All-Terrain Pneumatics

The Pivot 2 Pro rolls on 160mm all-terrain pneumatic wheels with Bravura alloy wheel hubs.

160mm is a middle-ground size, alloy wheel hubs offer two benefits:

Quick wheel replacement — swappable design
Stability at high speed — alloy is more durable and less prone to wobble than plastic

Terrain Handling:

General use (poorly paved roads, cracks, rougher tarmac): Handles everything fine. You can ride it out without worry.
Heavier off-road (big pebbles, rocky trails): The combination of 160mm wheels + stiff carbon fiber deck means less comfort. The board can do it, but that’s not its sweet spot.

The Pivot 2 Pro is built for all-terrain versatility, not extreme off-roading. It’ll handle whatever you encounter on normal rides, but it’s not optimized for serious mountain terrain.

Complete Specifications

Spec	Details
Price	$1,099 (on sale)
Deck	Carbon Fiber + Fiberglass Hybrid, 44.5″ x 13″
Finish	Matte White
Trucks	CNC VKT (Custom Traditional Kingpin)
Wheels	160mm All-Terrain Pneumatic (Bravura Alloy Hubs)
Motors	Dual Hobbywing 6370, 3000W each
ESC	ProFOC Custom ESC (Smart Turn-On)
Remote	Standard LCD Remote (PALM optional at $129)
Battery	12S4P, 864Wh (Samsung 50S cells)
Top Speed	60 km/h (37 mph)
Range	53 km (33 miles) marketed
Deck Flex	100% stiff
Special Features	Matte white premium finish, custom VKT trucks, alloy wheel hubs, brake light, optional front light add-ons

Riding Experience: Built for Speed & Stability

Putting everything together, the Pivot 2 Pro is a powerful, stable all-terrain board that wants you to ride it fast.

The Riding Feel:

The trucks are so stable at speed that you find yourself constantly reaching for mode 3 and mode 4. The motors deliver seriously punchy acceleration whenever you ask for it. The wide deck with good concave keeps your feet locked in. The AT wheels give you the freedom to ride wherever, without worrying about pavement condition.

This is a board that rewards confident, experienced riders who know how to handle power and enjoy the feeling of a rock-solid setup at speed.

For Beginners:

Interestingly, the board also rewards beginners in a specific way: it allows you to reach and maintain high speeds without fighting the trucks. The stability is so forgiving that new riders can push higher speeds safely. The trade-off is that beginners need to learn to put more lean when turning and carving—the board is less nimble and less sensitive than DKP setups.

Verdict: The Carbon All-Terrain Standard

The Propel Pivot 2 Pro is a very good carbon fiber all-terrain board—arguably, it defines the category.

It has:

Excellent build quality
Beautiful finish
Powerful, controlled drivetrain
One of the most stable truck setups we’ve tested

At $1,099, the Pivot 2 Pro is one of the strongest picks in the carbon all-terrain bracket. If you want a carbon fiber all-terrain board that’s stable, powerful, versatile, and beautifully built—this is it.

Ride safe.

If you are interested in buying a Propel, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive 3% 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!

July 10, 2026July 10, 2026 by Ziyad Khairi

Propel Ruckus 2 GT: Built Different (And It Shows)

Every premium electric skateboard on the market is chasing the same goal: more comfort, smoother rides, bigger wheels to insulate you from the road.

The Propel Ruckus 2 GT goes the opposite direction entirely.

At $1,299, this carbon fiber street board is engineered for riders who don’t want the road to disappear—they want to feel it. Propel calls it the “Street Missile.” We’d add “carving machine” to that, because once you ride it, that’s exactly what it feels like.

Propel has built a reputation for creating boards that feel designed rather than generic. From the X4 lineup’s four-wheel-drive credentials to the Endeavor’s premium positioning, they’ve consistently delivered focused products. The Ruckus 2 GT is their street-focused entry point—and it’s unapologetically engineered for a specific rider: the experienced urban enthusiast.

Let’s break down what makes this board different.

Deck: Mountainboard-Style Carbon Fiber

The foundation of the Ruckus 2 GT is a 42.7-inch mountainboard-style carbon fiber double-drop deck—a bold choice in a market dominated by traditional longboard shapes.

Design Philosophy:

Double-drop construction – Drops your center of gravity close to the ground for superior cornering stability
Genuine foot locks at nose and tail for security on aggressive maneuvers
Mild carbon flex – Absorbs vibrations and cracks without sacrificing stability
CNC aluminum bash guards (included) – Protect battery enclosures while allowing the deck to sit low; color customization available

The low ride height is crucial to understanding the Ruckus 2 GT’s character. It lowers your center of gravity for rock-solid cornering and lets you lean into carves deeper than taller boards allow. But there’s a trade-off: speed bumps become a consideration. The enclosure sits low enough that obstacles can cause scrapes. The bash guards mitigate this, but if you can’t tolerate minor cosmetic damage, this might bother you.

ESC: ProFOC Custom Electronics

Propel uses their own ProFOC custom ESC—likely based on the VESC open-source platform that’s been refined for years.

What this means:

Aggressive acceleration character that’s smooth and linear
Direct power delivery without the gentle, beginner-friendly curve of stock Hobbywing
Punchier throttle response paired with lightweight street wheels creates immediate, sharp acceleration
Tuned for aggressive riding — even in mode 2, the ESC shows its performance-oriented calibration

This isn’t a board that coddles new riders. The ESC is tuned to maximize power and responsiveness, which experienced riders will appreciate but beginners might find intimidating.

Remote: The PALM Design

The PALM Remote is a complete departure from standard e-skate remote design.

Distinctive Features:

Palm-grip ergonomics – Designed around your hand shape rather than the traditional trigger layout
Large, beautifully animated screen – Clearly visible in sunlight, shows real-time throttle and brake input
Premium aesthetic – Feels like a designer’s take on what an e-skate remote should be
Big thumbwheel – Travels further than standard wheels for more precise input

The Trade-off:
The thumbwheel’s extended travel requires more effort than traditional designs, which takes time to adapt to. Even after getting used to it, some riders prefer standard ergonomics. That said, the PALM Remote makes the entire experience feel more intentional and premium—like you’re riding something actually designed, not just assembled.

Battery & Range

Inside the enclosure sits a 12S4P battery pack with top-tier Samsung 50S cells—864Wh total capacity.

Range Performance:

Marketed range: 110 km (68 miles) — achievable only in perfect conditions (lightweight rider, flat road, conservative mode 2 cruising)
Real-world testing (aggressive modes 3-4): ~80 km (50 miles)

Why this matters: 80 km of real-world range on a street board is genuinely impressive. Most boards in this category deliver 40-50 km. That’s a significant advantage for urban commuting and extended sessions.

Motors & Power

The Ruckus 2 GT runs dual Hobbywing 6370 motors producing 3,000 watts each with a 2.7 gear ratio.

Performance Specs:

Marketed top speed: 65 km/h (40 mph)
Built for high-speed stability and control
Direct power delivery through lightweight wheels and aggressive ESC

The Riding Feel:
With lightweight street wheels and an aggressive ESC tune, every throttle input translates directly to the road. It’s immediate and sharp. New riders often feel like the trucks are about to wobble at high speeds, but that’s actually responsive feedback rather than instability. Experienced riders learn to read that feedback and trust it. The Ruckus 2 GT is unforgiving of inexperienced throttle control, which is by design.

Trucks: A Thoughtful Mix

Here’s where Propel made an unconventional choice: Reverse Kingpin (RKP) front truck paired with a Traditional Kingpin (TKP) rear truck.

Why Mix Truck Types?

The Traditional Kingpin rear locks in the back end—crucial because that’s where the motors sit, and motors under load can introduce wobble. Stability matters when you’re putting down 6,000W of power.

The Reverse Kingpin front keeps steering precise and lets you carve aggressively without losing composure. The result is a board that feels agile enough for carving enthusiasts but stable enough at speed that you’re not fighting the board.

Important caveat: New riders might find these trucks lively at top speed. The Ruckus 2 GT wasn’t designed for beginners, and Propel is upfront about that.

Wheels: Feeling the Road

The Ruckus 2 GT rolls on 108mm Inertia PU street wheels—a deliberate choice away from comfort.

Wheel Design Philosophy:

Narrow contact patch – Less cushioning, more direct feedback
Stiff urethane – Transmits road texture directly to the rider
Crystal-clear road feedback – You feel every transition, grip transition, and texture

Who these are for: Riders who want to feel like they’re on a longboard again—the way boards felt before all-terrain pneumatics became the standard. The wheels provide zero insulation from the road, which is intentional.

For riders who want to be insulated from road imperfections, this is the wrong setup. For riders chasing the feeling of fresh tarmac and responsive carving, it’s exactly right.

Complete Specifications

Spec	Details
Price	$1,299 (reduced from $1,999)
Deck	Carbon Fiber Double-Drop, Mountainboard-Style
Length	42.7 inches
Trucks	RKP Front / TKP Rear
Wheels	108mm Inertia PU Street Wheels
Motors	Dual Hobbywing 6370, 3000W each
ESC	ProFOC Custom ESC
Battery	12S4P, 864Wh (Samsung 50S cells)
Top Speed	65 km/h (40 mph)
Range	110 km marketed / ~80 km real-world
Weight	16.3 kg / 36 lb
Special Features	Brake light, PALM Remote, modular platform

Riding Experience: A Carving Machine

Putting everything together, the Ruckus 2 GT is exactly what Propel designed it to be: a carving machine engineered to put you back in conversation with the road.

The ride feel:
The carbon deck flexes just enough at the nose and tail to take the edge off impacts, but the rigid center and stiff PU wheels ensure you feel everything underneath. Every crack, every transition, every grippy turn. On smooth tarmac, it’s blissful. The low ride height lets you lean into carves harder than most premium boards allow. It feels like a longboard again—the way they used to feel.

The trade-off:
You have to be honest about where you’re riding it. The Ruckus 2 GT is built for urban environments with smooth, well-paved streets. Take it somewhere rural with speed bumps and broken pavement, and you’ll be scraping the enclosure constantly and hearing rattles on rough patches. Not convenient.

The silver lining: Because the Ruckus platform is modular, nothing stops you from swapping in all-terrain wheels later if your needs change. Propel offers multiple variations of the Ruckus with different truck setups and wheel configurations to suit different riding styles.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
✓ Beautifully focused design philosophy
✓ Crystal-clear road feedback for carving enthusiasts
✓ Excellent real-world range (80 km)
✓ Premium components throughout (Samsung 50S, ProFOC, PALM Remote)
✓ Rock-solid cornering stability
✓ Modular platform allows future customization
✓ CNC bash guards included
✓ Strong value at $1,299 (down from $1,999)
✓ Feels like a designed product, not a spec sheet

Cons:
✗ Low ride height means speed bumps are problematic
✗ Street wheels = uncomfortable on rough roads
✗ Not beginner-friendly (aggressive power delivery)
✗ PALM Remote thumbwheel takes adjustment
✗ Best suited for smooth urban pavement only
✗ Stiff ride not ideal for comfort-focused riders

Verdict: For the Right Rider

The Propel Ruckus 2 GT isn’t for everyone—and Propel doesn’t pretend otherwise.

It’s built for:

Experienced riders who understand high-speed stability
Urban environments with smooth, well-paved streets
Riders who got into electric skateboards for the feeling of carving and speed
Enthusiasts who appreciate intentional design and craftsmanship

It’s NOT built for:

Beginners or riders uncomfortable with aggressive throttle response
Rough roads, potholes, or frequent speed bumps
Riders seeking maximum comfort and insulation
Anyone who can’t tolerate minor cosmetic wear

The bottom line: At $1,299 (down from $1,999), the value is genuinely strong. You’re getting a carbon flex deck, CNC bash guards, an 864Wh Samsung 50S battery, the premium PALM Remote, a custom ProFOC ESC, and a modular platform you can grow with.

The Ruckus 2 GT isn’t perfect for every scenario, but for the urban enthusiast who appreciates the craft of carving and speed, it’s one of the most thoughtfully built street boards we’ve ridden.

The Street Missile lives up to its name.

If you are interested in buying the Propel, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive $30 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 14, 2023August 19, 2023 by Paxson Lim

Propel Pivot S Electric Skateboard Review: A Balanced Perspective

Today, we will be reviewing the Propel Pivot S.

On July 2023, Propel, a brand that’s gained quite a following for its powerful off-terrain suspension boards and its top-tier post-sales service, is now stepping into the 2-in-1 arena with the Pivot S and the Pivot GT.

There are many boards out there that have adopted the Evolve formula (Double drop deck + DKP trucks + 2 in 1 wheel), but we haven’t seen any brand make one at the price that Propel is selling Pivot S for.

Pivot S starts at $799 for the base version and $999 for the 2-in-1 package.
(The 2-in-1 package comes with both the 97mm street wheels and the 155mm wheels.)

Now, a lower price means nothing if Propel skimmed on the specs, but this doesn’t seem to be the case here.

Propel Pivot S – Specifications

Price	$799 (Street) $999 (2 in 1)
Battery	518Wh, 12S3P, Lishen LR2170SA
Controller	55A LingYi ESC
Top Speed	36mph(60kph)
Range	97mm: 26.5miles (44km) 155mm: 54 miles (87km)
Deck	Carbon hybrid BVR Unibody
Motor	2×6374 Motors/ Belt Drive
Net Weight	25.3lbs (11.5KG)

Deck – “BVR Deck”

At first glance, the Pivot S’s double-drop deck immediately grabs your attention with its carbon fiber and fiberglass build. It has that sleek, unibody design with no unsightly enclosure sticking out. Propel called this deck BVR “Bad Vibe Reduction” deck and said that by including fiberglass in the deck material, it would dampen road vibrations. Will it work? We shall see.

On the deck, there is the foam tape padding which gives a helping hand in cushioning those road vibrations on this stiff deck.

Stepping on Propel Pivot S — *Foam grip tape*

It’s around 43 inches long and 10.7 inches wide, broader than most longboard decks. And while it does have a sweet concave, the center of the deck stays pretty flat.

ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) – LingYi ESC:

Flipping the board over, you’re met with easy access to the ESC compartment, which can be popped open with five screws. Propel went for the LingYi ESC in this model, and currently, it’s paired with the standard LingYi ESC remote.

Propel Pivot S ESC assess point — 5 screws to access the ESC

It’s rather jarring that a premium carbon fiber board ended with the most generic and cheap looking remote, but luckily a new remote is on its way to replace this one soon. We’ve seen the prototype, and it’s better. Anyways, this is just a cosmetic issue, as the generic LingYi ESC was functionally perfect, no connectivity issues, durable, good battery life.

Generic Remote of the Propel Pivot S — something better-looking will replace this remote, soon.

As always, the LingYi ESC comes with ‘push to start’ features meaning the board fires up as soon as those back wheels start rolling. Like other boards with LingYi ESC, you get to choose amongst 4 acceleration modes and 4 braking modes separately, and we will talk about how they felt later.

Battery – Lishen LR2170SA

The Pivot S draws its power from a 12S3P pack with Lishen LR2170SA, 21700 cells. These cells, like those found in other premium boards such as the Exway Atlas Pro and Evolve Hadean.

This gives the board a healthy 518Wh battery, similar to Exway Atlas, and bigger than Evolve GTR’s 504Wh battery.

Propel also went further by adopting a Printed Circuit Board Assembly design with its battery, which eliminates wires. The benefit of the PCBA design is that the battery pack will be more durable, as wire could get dislodged from vibrations.

Range – A healthy 27 miles

The marketing range is 27.3 miles (44km) with 97mm wheels;
and 15.5 miles (25km) with 155mm wheels.

As usual, Propel did not exaggerate the range; our range test with 145lb (65 kg) riders yielded an impressive 14 miles (22km) on the 155mm wheels.

Double-Kingpin Truck – We’ve seen them around.

The Pivot S, like all 2-in-1 electric skateboards, has a double-kingpin truck. It appears to be one of those off-the-shelf double kingpin trucks that work well and are widely used.

Motors – Definitely Powerful!

The Propel Pivot S is powered by two 1375W belt motors. These are huge 6374 motors, and they are incredibly powerful. The board’s top speed is an impressive 37 mph (60 km/h), though we only got up to 28 mph (45 kph) before it got too scary for us. Keep in mind, at high speeds, double kingpin trucks can get wobbly.

Wheels – 97mm or 155mm

The base version features 97mm PU wheels, while the optional $200 upgrade offers 155mm wheels with a Bravura alloy hub.

Accessories – Lights & Pull bars

Pivot S, like many of Propel’s boards, came with integrated brake light, which lights up during brakes. The $999 two-in-one option also comes with a pull bar which you can install.

It should be noted that the board may only be pulled when it is in the AT configuration; pulling it in the street configuration will cause the motor to scrape the ground.

Propel Pivot S motor guard scraping the ground — *In street wheel configuration, the board shouldn’t be pulled.*

You can also buy a headlight kit, which can be integrated into the board, but it’s an additional $150 investment.

Spec Summary:

Propel Pivot S (Street) – $799:

A 12s3p carbon fiber board built with high-quality materials from a brand recognized for excellent customer service feels like a value at $799. In reality, there isn’t another product that compares. A better match would be the $849 14s2p Backfire Zealot S2 or the $999 12s3p Meepo Voyager X. Both boards are more expensive and, as you will see, provide different riding experiences. They also are not carbon fiber electric skateboards.

Read our review of the Backfire Zealot S2 here.

Read our review of the Meepo Voyager X here.

Propel Pivot S (2-in-1) – $999:

Pivot S as a carbon fiber two-in-one all-terrain electric skateboard, on the other hand, competes directly with the similarly priced Exway Atlas at $999. Both have a 518wh battery, and the devil is in the details when it comes to choosing between the two. So let’s next talk about how the board rides.

Riding Experience of the Propel Pivot S:

The Pivot S, like many other electric skateboards debuted this year, is focused on power. When you equip a skateboard built for propelling AT wheels upwards with 97mm urethane wheels, you get a skateboard with plenty of power.

Fortunately, the latest version of LingYi ESC has pretty smooth controls. The first three acceleration modes are, as always, pleasant and easy to use, while the fourth ‘PRO mode’ feels too powerful for the average street rider.

When the throttle is pushed, it punches strongly. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy it, but most riders won’t need to switch to PRO mode unless they’re riding in an all-terrain setup.

The stronger brakes are another advantage of the LingYi ESC. On an incline, LingYi ESC can better stop the wheels, whereas Hobbywing ESC usually can’t hold the board in place and will roll down the slope. This function will be useful if you plan on doing some uphill longboarding, and the Pivot S certainly offers plenty of power for uphill runs!

Besides the nuances of LingYi ESC, the board rides pretty much as well as one would expect from what we’ve seen on paper. The double-drop carbon fiber deck reduces ride height, and we always enjoy riding near the ground.

Some reviewers mentioned that the deck may be too wide and too flat in the middle, and it was uncomfortable for them as they couldn’t feel the deck concave when riding. We don’t share that opinion. The deck is comfortable for us, so I guess this is pretty subjective.

Pivot S’s large, stiff deck helps with the board’s stability, which is important because the dual kingpin trucks can feel wobbly at high speed.

You might feel more comfortable at high speeds if you’re a better rider than us or tighten the trucks further, but I’d recommend against having twin kingpin trucks if your primary goal is to ride quickly. These trucks are undoubtedly great for carving.

BVR “Bad Vibe Reduction” – Still lots of Bad Vibe

Let’s talk about the vibration now. Even with Propel’s best efforts, even going as far as branding the deck THE “Bad Vibe Reduction” deck, foam grip tape, and those massive 97mm wheels, stiff decks feel terrible on uneven roads. We can hear rattling noises and feel road vibrations in our knees. This is just part of the bargain when getting a carbon fiber street setup, so be prepared.

riding shots of Propel Pivot S on poor roads

However, switching to the 155mm all-terrain wheels makes a huge difference. They absorb a lot of road vibrations while maintaining a low-to-the-ground ride experience. It’s quite nice. We’d go so far as to suggest that the AT setup is a must-have for anyone who rides on unpaved roads regularly.

Propel Pivot S versus Exway Atlas:

As previously said, the Propel Pivot S with 155mm wheels will almost certainly be compared to the Exway Atlas. In their all-terrain configuration, both boards will set you back $999.

In comparison, the Exway Atlas has a smoother ride thanks to its Hobbywing ESC and precision CNC-forged axles. It also appears more sophisticated, thanks to its style and abundance of add-on accessories. However, the Propel Pivot S has greater power, while the Exway Atlas has a reputation for being an underpowered all-terrain board. Propel also appears to offer stronger post-sale service at the moment.

Propel Pivot S Verdict:

Once again, Propel didn’t disappoint with the Propel Pivot S. It is a powerful board built well by a reliable brand. For $999, the 2-in-1 package is a pretty good deal for anyone looking for something similar (and better) to the Evolve Carbon GTR.

When it comes to value proposition, the 97mm street set-up of the Pivot S is even better.

Unlike the 2 in 1 setup, which has competition, the street setup Pivot S is virtually unparalleled at $799. There is no other board that comes close to matching the value offered by the Pivot S. If you want a carbon fiber board with double kingpin trucks, Propel Pivot S should be the first choice for anyone shopping in this price range.

December 10, 2021January 1, 2022 by Paxson Lim

Propel Endeavor Pro Review — A $2000 all-terrain suspension board

Propel EV is a company that dedicates itself to making off-road suspension boards. Last year (2020), they introduced their brand with Propel X4s ($2299)—a giant heavy-duty monster of a board and then this year (2021) released the Endeavor Series: the Propel Endeavor S at $1199 and Endeavor Pro at $1999.

Compared to the X4s, the Endeavor boards are slightly smaller in size and are two-wheel drives instead of All-Wheel Drives. With that being said, I would still classify every one of them as huge heavy-duty all-terrain vehicles because, well, that’s what they are!

We’ve reviewed the Propel Endeavor S last time. And spoiler alert: despite having some flaws, Endeavor S was still an awesome board for anyone looking for an off-road suspension board without spending two grand.

To check out our review for Endeavor S, click here.

Today, we’re going to focus the spotlight on Endeavor Pro.

We’re pretty excited to try this out for a ride but first things first—let’s take a closer look at the upgrades.

ENDEAVOR PRO VS ENDEAVOR S

Propel Endeavor Pro and Endeavor S — Propel Endeavor Pro(front) and S(back)

Endeavor Pro shares very similar specs with the Endeavor S except for a few upgrades. Here are three main upgrades worth pointing out:

One: instead of a maple composite deck, Endeavor Pro has a carbon fiber deck that’s 10/10 in the design department. The engraved logos are slick! The board is stiff with a wide concave.

Two: Endeavor Pro also has a bigger battery. We’re talking about 12s5p VS 12s3p on the Endeavor S.

And three: from a LingYi ESC in the Endeavor S, Endeavor Pro uses Flipsky VESC paired with a VX2 remote. For those unfamiliar with VESC, this speed controller is commonly used for DIY boards. It’s highly configurable and always silky smooth.

To check out our unboxing for the Propel Endeavor S and Endeavor Pro, click here.

Using VESC would allow the Propel Endeavor Pro to have a higher range, top speed, and a significantly improved riding experience. We will talk about that in detail later.

Now that we have gone through the difference between Endeavor S and Pro, let’s look at Endeavor Pro’s specs alone.

Build and specs

Deck: carbon fiber deck; stiff; wide concave
Board weight: 43 lbs/19.5 kg
Wheels: 200 MM 8-inch rubber pneumatic wheels; two-wheel drive
Shock absorber: adjustable 350lb coil over shocks
Motors: 2 x 6374 belt motors
Batteries: Samsung 25Ah/1110Wh, 12S5p
Hill climb: 38%
Electronic speed controller: 12s Flipsky 4.2 VESC
Marketed top speed: 31 mph or 50 km/h
Tested top speed: 31 mph or 50 km/h
Marketed range: 71 KM for 75kg or 50 km for 100 kg rider
Tested range: 39 miles or 63 km for a 90 kg rider.

First, let’s pick up where we left off and look at the brain of the board, the VESC. Endeavor Pro started by using 12s Flipsky 4.2 with a Flipsky v1x remote. The ongoing chip shortage means VESC is hard to come by, and there was a shortage of Flipsky 4.2 VESC. During the VESC 4.2 shortage, Propel upgraded all the placed orders to VESC 6.6 with no added cost, and decided to keep both VESC options available going forward.

Don’t worry! Since Propel has configured the setting of both VESCs to be the same, both versions with different VESCs are expected to have similar performance, at least this is what we were told. This also means, if both options were available, I would rather choose to save $100 and go for the VESC 4.

With VESC, Propel Endeavor Pro loses the push to turn-on feature that Endeavor S has. It would be a significant drawback if the power button was placed below the deck, but fortunately, Propel has the great design sense to place that button right on top of the deck, saving you the trouble of becoming Elastigirl in The Incredibles.

Propel Endeavor Pro Power button — Power button is on the top

Powerful motors handle heavy-duty off-road riding very well

Speaking of superheroes and superpowers, Endeavor Pro uses 2 x 6374 belt motors. The board’s motors are powerful and not that noisy. This is the same set of motors as the one on Endeavor S, and we already know that they can handle heavy-duty off-roading very well.

Unique suspension system

For the wheels, Endeavor Pro uses 200 MM 8-inch rubber pneumatic wheels. Both Endeavor Pro and S use a suspension system that’s different from the X4s. In both setups, each truck has its own dedicated suspension system and can move up or down independent of the others. It is notable that Endeavor Pro’s “trucks” work better than what Endeavor S has installed. We’ll explain further during the riding experience.

Tested range meets marketed range

The batteries are 12s5p with 1110 watt-hours and 25 Amp-hours. The tested range is 39 miles (63 km) for a 90 kg rider. This is insane! Propel was true to their marketed range. Even Endeavor S which has a lower price range has a tested range of 26 miles (42 km). Pretty sweet!

The top speed is 31 mph (50 km/h) which the board can hit easily and quickly.

This board is definitely a monster but every monster has a weakness. Endeavor Pro, though rugged, is not waterproof. We, unfortunately, found out about that the hard way.

Before we get into the riding experience, let’s just take a moment to appreciate how beautiful and polished this machine is. The attention to detail is almost unexpected on a board that’s meant to be ridden in very harsh conditions.

Riding experience

Now, on to the abuse!

Our first question when testing this out was, what improvement in the riding experience does the Endeavor Pro make when compared to Endeavor S? The answer is EVERYTHING. Everything’s better, and the reason is obvious. The VESC made a lot of difference.

Flipsky VESC for the smoothest control

Our biggest complaint of the Endeavor S is the rawness of the speed control, and the Endeavor Pro avoided that downfall by using a VESC. “Avoiding the problem” is actually an understatement. The smoothness of control is one of the best qualities of Endeavor Pro.

As often is the case, an ESC upgrade makes a huge difference. There are 3-speed modes on the Endeavor Pro, and all of them are intuitive and smooth.

Endeavor Pro’s smooth control makes the ride supremely enjoyable and more comfortable. Being stronger yet smoother means the Endeavor Pro reaches its top speed fast. Even faster than the already stupidly strong Endeavor S, yet does so in a smoother manner. No more sudden jolts and jerks!

Strong and smooth braking with reverse

The brakes are strong and smooth, too. The braking control is very accurate and strong. It can come to a complete stop and ‘lock’ the wheels when going down a steep incline. On a flat surface, keeping the throttle on full brakes, and the Endeavor Pro will start to reverse at a slow speed after a small pause. This function makes three-point turns easy and is helpful when you slightly overshoot your stop.

The improvement of speed control from upgrading to VESC is easy to explain; what wasn’t easy for us to explain was the smoother turning ability.

Turning the Propel Endeavor Pro should be as hard as the Endeavor S, as they use the same trucks, but that wasn’t the case.

After messing with the truck settings on both boards, the difference is pretty significant. The Endeavor Pro felt much easier to turn. It’s not to say that the Endeavor Pro is an agile board with amazing carving experience, this is just impossible for any all-terrain suspension board; yet somehow, the Endeavor Pro is easier to turn than most suspension boards.

Could it be since Endeavor Pro is slightly heavier than Endeavor S, and the added weight makes the truck easier to turn? We’ve no exact answer but that’s the theory that we are going with.

Better than typical all-terrain off-road suspension boards

Next, let’s talk about how well the Endeavor Pro does in off-road situations. Obviously, being an off-road suspension board means the Endeavor Pro is better than a typical All-Terrain board when it comes to handling road vibration. In off-road and regular road situations, the suspension system will cushion off any road vibration completely. This is what we enjoy most about the board – going full throttle, enjoying the speed, and not be bothered by any road condition.

The motors are plenty strong to challenge any uphill trails, however, you would need to put some thought into it when approaching a bump or crack. You see, while most parts of the board have plenty of clearance, the spot near the back pulleys doesn’t have much ground clearance. If you are not careful while going up a bump, the back pulley might get caught, get stuck, and leave you flying forward. This is obviously a flaw shared by the Propel Endeavor S and a problem that the bigger X4S does not have.

Prople Endeavor Pro back pulley caught the bump — Backwheel pulley may catch a bump

To check out our review for the monsterboard Propel X4s, click here.

We also broke our external antenna on one of our rides, probably after bumping it into something. It left us with a shorter connection range for the remote, which doesn’t actually cause any problem to the riding experience or usability, or board safety.

THE SUMMARY

Now, let’s summarize.

Propel Endeavor Pro is an amazing all-terrain suspension board. If I were to nitpick, I would point out that the board couldn’t handle as harsh terrain as something like the Propel X4S could due to the lower clearance near the back wheels. I’d also warn you to not ride it into a pool as we did.

However, some minor nitpicks wouldn’t be able to shadow just how beautiful and powerful this machine is. It has massive power, amazingly smooth and intuitive control, a massive range, and almost no limits to where you can ride on.

Need I remind you that Propel EV is also a company with a great reputation for taking care of its customers?

THE VERDICT

So, here’s the verdict,

For anyone who wants an electric skateboard for a city commute or carving fun, anything from Propel EV would likely be overkill and a mismatched choice. But, for someone who is looking for an off-road suspension board, the Propel Endeavor Pro is an easy recommendation, if you have the budget.

In fact, we’d recommend Endeavor Pro over the Endeavor S because it is just so much more fun to ride with, the VESC alone would’ve made the upgrade worth it, and maximized the enjoyment you can get out of these powerful machines.

If you are interested in buying the Propel, be sure to check out our affiliate discount link here and use code: “ESKATEHQ” to receive 3% 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!