Not only are electric skateboards fun to ride, but they’re also a great way to commute.
If you just picked one up, here are some tips and tricks on how to ride one properly.
Getting the fundamentals down is essential if you’ve never ridden a skateboard before. Go slow, find a space that’s smooth and has no obstacles.
Determine your stance
First, figure out your stance – whether you’re regular or goofy. The stance refers to the position of your feet on the skateboard. Regular stance means your left foot is positioned at the front of the board, while goofy stance means your right foot is at the front.
How to determine whether you’re regular or goofy?
Well it’s tricky… it’s all about what feels right.
However, below is a helpful technique.
Slide Test
Imagine yourself sliding across the floor. What foot would you put forward?
If you slide with your left foot forward, you’re goofy and your right foot forward, regular. Both stances will feel awkward for any beginner. It’s best to pick one you think is right and stick with it. It’ll get more comfortable with practice.
Foot Placement
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, keeping your knees slightly bent. Typically your front foot will be placed slightly behind the front trucks. Distribute your weight evenly on the board for better stability and control.
Safety Precautions
Use the proper safety gear…
- Helmet
- Wrist Guards
- Knee Pads
- Elbow Pads
Always wear at least a helmet while riding!
Falling on an electric skateboard is no joke – if you’re not wearing a helmet, it can be fatal. I had a friend fall off his electric skateboard, hit his head, and had to get airlifted to the local hospital. Luckily, he’s okay, but it shows how dangerous these things can be.
Riding
Ensure your riding environment is smooth, wide, and has no cars. Avoid riding on any roads with traffic or in wet conditions. Not only can water ruin your electric skateboard, but it makes it easy to slip and fall.
Speed/Brake Modes
Most electric skateboards have different speed and brake modes. It’s recommended to start on the lowest speed mode and least sensitive brake mode. You can test to see what you’re comfortable with.
If you eventually start riding in a busier area, having your brakes more sensitive is a good thing so you can quickly stop if anything gets in your way.
Kick Push
First, to get the feel of riding your board, you might want to kick push. Keep your front foot on your board and push with your back foot. Avoid pushing mongo.
Pushing an electric skateboard, you will feel some resistance since there are motors but it’ll get you comfortable with the deck shape.
Slow Speeds
A good rule of thumb is to not go faster than you can run. The reason is that if you lose balance, you can jump and run it off without falling.
Lean Forward
When you accelerate, naturally the momentum will push you back. So, it’s a good idea to slightly lean forward to anticipate that initial jolt.
It’s also a good idea to have your weight on your front foot rather than your back foot once you start gaining speed. If you have it on your back foot, you’ll have a higher chance of getting speed wobbles.
Braking
It takes a little while to get used to braking on an electric skateboard. As mentioned previously, use the lowest brake setting. Similar to anticipating when you accelerate, you can anticipate braking by leaning backward. This will help prevent you from going too far forward and falling off.