Skatebolt Tornado Electric Skateboard Review 2023
Pros
Cons
With the help of modern technology, getting where you need to be is a lot easier, these days. Your choice of transportation now comes in a wide variety as well.
When you want to get to your destination without being stuck in traffic, an alternative to a motorcycle or a bicycle is the Skatebolt electric skateboard. Not exactly the safest option, especially in busy streets, but it will get you from point A to B.
In this article, we will be looking at the Skatebolt Tornado B. This Skatebolt electric skateboard is a great new way of transportation. It has enough power, speed, and range to get you where you need to be in an enjoyable manner.
Is the Skatebolt Tornado worth the hype? Let us find out in this in-depth Skatebolt Electric Skateboard review.
Speed and Power output
The Skatebolt Tornado is powered by dual 500-watt motors. The powerful motor allows you to ride this Skatebolt electric longboard at a maximum speed of 26 miles per hour. However, 26 miles per hour may be too fast for beginners and average skateboard riders. Fortunately, you can configure the Skatebolt Tornado, and change the speed mode.
In the normal speed mode, you can limit the max speed to 13 miles per hour, which is sufficient enough to get to your destination through heavy traffic and dense crowds. You can always control your acceleration using the remote to make sure you are riding at the speed you are comfortable with.
In sports mode, you can unlock the Skatebolt Tornado’s hidden power and reach speeds up to 26 miles per hour. The power of this electric skateboard will barely get compromised even for heavy riders. The maximum load of this board is 280 lbs, which means you can ride and carry a backpack without the added weight slowing the skateboard down.
Range and Battery Performance
This electric skateboard can really go the distance. The 36-volt 7500 mAh battery can reach up to 24 miles per full charge, and charging only takes about 3 hours from 0% to 100%. This range is sufficient to get you to work and back, especially if you live in a small city. The distance is also more than enough to get you around campus or do your daily errands.
Design & Construction Quality
Now that you know the Skatebolt Tornado’s power capacity, let us discuss the design and quality of construction. The design is sleek and elegant. It does not have a lot of flashy colors that can be distracting. Overall, the construction is pretty durable and built for daily use. At 20 lbs, the board may be a little heavy to carry around, but it is one little downside a lot of people let slide in exchange for all other features.
Deck:
The 9-ply solid maple deck is sturdy. Maple is one of the most durable materials for making a long-lasting skateboard. This material is used for making a trick skateboard that is used to drop down high platforms and massive steps of stairs. It might not have the same flex as a bamboo deck, but this makes the board more suitable for heavier riders.
It is a solid board sporting symmetrical shape. The Skatebolt logo in the middle of the grip tape will indicate the front of the board so you do not get confused when you step on it. Underneath the deck, there will be an LED display of the battery power. The stiff design makes up for a more stable ride, especially at fast speeds.
Wheels:
The 90mm wheels feel really great on the ground. It is soft enough to ride through small cracks, bumps, and road imperfections, but still hard enough to grip tight corners without slipping. The black wheels go along with the sleek and elegant design of the whole board. You can slide the wheels and do drifts, but it is not advisable as it might get flat spots and compromise the ride quality and speed.
Trucks:
The trucks are adjustable to the tightness of your preference. Make sure you adjust the trucks to a configuration you can handle. Going at maximum speed can cause wobbling. If you are a beginner with little riding experience, it is better to have tighter truck settings but make sure you can still lean comfortably when turning. Unlike the Boosted Boards, the Tornado is not equipped with forged precision trucks. Forged trucks (3) are way more expensive than regular cast trucks, so foregoing it makes the Skatebolt Tornado a lot cheaper.
Remote Control:
The ergonomically designed remote control is jam-packed with buttons. It has a thumb control for acceleration and braking, a reverse mode function, a USB charging port, a pairing button, LED and cruise control, button and an LCD screen to display the board’s diagnostics. The LCD screen displays the speedometer, range meter, and speed mode. You can also toggle the LED lights with this remote control. The buttons are perfectly positioned where you can reach each button without moving your hand frequently.
Braking System
The Skatebolt Tornado electric skateboard is equipped with a safety brake that allows the rider to stop confidently at any speed. The brake may feel a little too aggressive and might give you a feeling of falling off, especially from coming from high speeds. Accelerating and braking might need a little time to get used to, but more riders with more experience will probably get the hang of the mechanics quickly. To get used to the brakes, make sure you practice riding at lower speeds first.
The brakes are also regenerative, which means that every time you use it, the battery will absorb the energy. This little feature makes the board more efficient to ride a further distance.
Safety
The board is equipped with safety features such as the braking system and LED lights. Braking may seem a little abrupt, which is why it is important to get the hang of it first before riding at max speed. To ensure safety, make sure you avoid riding fast in congested areas and do not forget to wear safety gear.
Brand & Customer Service
Skatebolt is a fairly new company that was established in 2016. Their main goal was to offer the best electric skateboards that are affordable, convenient, and safe. Because skateboards are becoming a new mode of transportation, Skatebolt wanted to create electric skateboards that commuters can use regularly.
They provide a six-month warranty for all of their products. This covers defective parts free of charge. Their warranty policy, however, will not cover normal wear and tear items, such as wheel replacement and grip tape. If you live outside the US, you are not covered by the warranty.
Skatebolt (1) has a customer service located in Los Angeles, CA. They ship their items within 2 business days via United Postal Service. (UPS) If you have any questions or concerns, you can always send them an email at [email protected].
Downsides
- The Skatebolt Tornado weighs 20 lbs, which is quite heavy for a skateboard
- The brakes are too aggressive
- Not suitable for beginner riders
Who Should Buy the Skatebolt Tornado Electric Skateboard?
The Skatebolt Tornado has proven to be one of the best affordable skateboards in the market right now. It boasts of durable construction and excellent speed and range that you would not find in an electric skateboard this affordable.
If you are looking for a fast performance electric skateboard, but you do not have enough cash for something like a Boosted Board, you should definitely check out the Skatebolt Tornado. It is a great alternative for high-end boards on a budget. In addition, the Skatebolt Tornado is recommended for the more experienced riders, although there is no reason for beginners not to learn to ride it. They just need to be extra careful and to practice often.
Final Verdict
Scoring a whopping 4.5 out of 5 on our stoke meter, this Skatebolt electric skateboard proves to be one of the highest-rated electric skateboards that you can buy at a great price. It has all the necessary features you need from a great commuter built inside a quality package. The Skatebolt Tornado is an excellent commuter skateboard that is worth buying.
Skatebolt Tornado Electric Skateboard Video Review
| Skatebolt Tornado Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 26 MPH |
| Deck Length | 39-inch bamboo deck |
| Motor | 2x 500-watt motors |
| Range | 21 to 24 miles |
| Battery | 36-volt Li-ion battery |
| Charge Time | 2 to 3 hours |
| Max Load | 280 LBS |
| Weight | 20 LBS |
| Wheel Size | 90 mm with a 53mm contact patch |
| Brake System | Regenerative Braking |
| Warranty | 6-month warranty/ extended warranty is an option |
| Price | $$ |
FAQs
References
- http://www.skateboltsd.com/about
- https://plantech.com/project/what-is-a-urethane-wheel/
- https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/the-ultimate-longboard-truck-guide/
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