Why I Switched from Electric Skateboards to E-Bikes
September 28, 2020
I used to be all-in on electric skateboarding.
From 2015 through about 2018 I built my own boards, rode constantly, and loved how raw and futuristic it felt. But as e-skateboards got faster and more powerful, my real-world experience changed. The crashes got gnarlier, the risks got harder to justify, and the Michigan streets I actually ride on made the whole thing feel more like a gamble than a good time.
So I sold my boards and switched to electric bikes.
This isn’t an anti-e-skateboard rant. Plenty of riders are incredibly skilled and feel perfectly at home on a board. For my lifestyle, my commute, and the kind of riding I do now, an e-bike ended up being the better tool.
Below are the three big reasons.
1) Practicality: Michigan roads don’t care about urethane
Michigan has potholes, broken pavement, surprise gravel, and random street “features” that show up out of nowhere.
On an e-skate, you’re standing on thin urethane wheels with very little clearance. Even when I managed to make commuting work, it took constant focus just to stay safe and comfortable—always scanning for cracks, seams, and bumps that could instantly ruin your day.
On my Super73 Z1, the fat tires are simply more forgiving. It’s not that I’m trying to smash into every pothole—I still avoid junk when I can—but the bike handles imperfect pavement in a way that feels realistic for daily transportation.
And comfort matters. An e-bike is easier to settle into and ride for longer stretches without feeling like every second requires peak focus.
2) Performance: control matters more than top speed
High-performance electric skateboards can absolutely fly. In a pure top-speed conversation, a lot of boards can outrun many e-bikes.
But real-world performance isn’t just speed—it’s how well you can manage the speed.
On a board, one bad pothole or bump can be catastrophic because your stability margin is so small. On a bike, I get a better level of control and stability because I’m working with multiple points of contact and a geometry that’s designed to roll forward through the world.
A big piece of this is how the ride feels when the road gets ugly. When I drop off a curb or hit uneven pavement, the bike’s ability to absorb and manage those shocks gives me more confidence to ride normally instead of riding tense.
Braking is the other huge part.
I’ve had issues in the past with electronic brakes on e-skates failing or locking up, which is the kind of surprise that can instantly put you on the ground. On my Z1, I’m running upgraded hydraulic brakes. They’re not foolproof, but they feel more reliable than the electronic braking experiences I’ve had on boards.
3) Safety: more awareness, more margin for error
Safety is always partly rider-dependent. Someone who’s skated their whole life may feel safer on a board than on a bike.
For me, riding an e-bike gives me more situational awareness—especially when I’m mixing with traffic.
Where I live, there are some protected bike lanes, but not enough to rely on them for every trip. A lot of commuting ends up being regular streets with cars nearby. In that environment, the best thing I can have is control and the ability to react calmly.
On an e-bike, I feel like I’m able to look farther ahead, make better decisions, and ride with more composure. On an e-skate, too much of my brain power goes into simply managing the surface and staying upright.
And there’s a sharing/approachability factor too. Handing someone an e-bike is a much easier first-time experience than putting a non-skater on an electric board.
A quick ride reality check (with an experienced skater)
One of my good friends is a highly experienced skater and e-skater, so I had me spend time on my Super73 Z1 (mine is modified to 48V).
my first reaction matched a lot of what I’ve felt: the ride is smooth, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring—especially on the kinds of streets that made e-skate commuting feel sketchy.
A few things stood out:
The torque feels strong and usable. There’s that fun, punchy EV feeling, but it’s delivered in a way that still feels controllable.
Hills are a great example of why I like this format. Pedaling alone can feel like dragging a heavy bike, but when you add assist/throttle it changes the whole experience and you can just flow up the incline.
Traction is a big deal. The tires feel like they grip the road instead of skittering across it.
Mixed terrain is where the bike really separates itself from a board. Dirt paths and rough patches that would be stressful (or impossible) on an e-skate feel totally doable.
I also pointed out something I agree with: bike fit matters. This particular bike can feel small depending on your height, and it’s worth thinking about sizing and comfort if you’re taller.
Living with the Super73 Z1 vibe
One reason I’ve always liked this model’s design is how clean it looks—especially with the way the battery/controller area is tucked away. It keeps the silhouette simple and makes it feel like a bit of a sleeper.
I’ve also found small practical add-ons make a big difference. For example, having a mirror is a simple upgrade that helps a ton when you’re around cars.
This is the kind of e-bike I grab when I want to get somewhere without turning the trip into a high-stress balancing act. It’s fun when I want fun, and it’s calm when I need calm.
What We Like
Much more practical on rough Michigan streets than urethane e-skate wheels
Better stability and control at speed (more margin for error)
Hydraulic braking feels more trustworthy than the e-skate electronic brake issues I’ve experienced
Comfortable, smooth ride that doesn’t demand constant “high-alert” posture
Easier to share with friends who don’t skate
Handles a wider range of terrain (pavement, paths, light dirt) more confidently
Things To Consider
E-skates can beat many e-bikes in pure top speed, if that’s your main goal
Riding fast is still risky on anything—an e-bike isn’t a magic safety shield
Fit matters: depending on your height, a smaller moped-style e-bike can feel cramped
Heavier e-bikes can feel sluggish if you’re pedaling without power
Safety is user-dependent: lifelong skaters may genuinely feel more natural on a board
Final Thoughts
Electric skateboarding will always have a special place in my EV journey—it’s fun, it’s creative, and it’s an amazing community.
But for the way I actually live and ride now, an e-bike gives me the best mix of fun and function. I get more comfort on broken roads, more control when traffic gets messy, and a lot more confidence that a random pothole won’t instantly end the ride.
If you’re choosing one personal EV to get truly good at, I’d base the decision on your streets, your commute, and how much risk you’re willing to carry day to day. For me, the e-bike is the one that fits.
Links
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