You need to consider a couple of things before purchasing an electric skateboard.

But among them, the electric skateboard battery is the most crucial factor. For example, it will determine the board's range, speed, and acceleration.

But what type of battery is standard for electric skateboards?

The standard type of battery for electric skateboards is lithium-ion. It is a popular option for manufacturers because it is reliable, has higher capacity, and is lighter than the other types.

However, that is the peak of the iceberg when it comes to skateboard batteries. But the good news is that you can learn all about it by sticking until the end.

 

Types of Electric Skateboard Batteries

There are primarily four types of batteries available for electric skateboards. Each one of them has its advantages and disadvantages.

Let's talk about all of them to give you a better idea.

 

LiPo Batteries

You will find lithium-polymer batteries in many electric skateboards. However, a lot of manufacturers prefer not to use LiPo batteries for their boards.

The main reason behind it is because of safety.

The chemistry of these batteries is known to be a fire hazard. That is why professional e-skateboarders prefer a board that does not come with a LiPo battery.

Also, the charging process for this battery is different. And it has less recharge life.

On the other hand, LiPo batteries have a higher energy density. And in comparison to other types of batteries, LiPo is thin, which allows them to fit in most devices.

Also, it is possible to customize the shape of the battery.

 

LiFePo Batteries

Lithium-iron phosphate batteries are picking up a lot of attention lately. The primary advantage of this chemistry is the weight.

And as LiFePo batteries are significantly lighter in weight, skateboards with this chemistry end up being lighter than others. Furthermore, LiFePo batteries do not require that much maintenance.

In fact, even when you do not go through the maintenance steps, you can expect them to offer optimal performance for a prolonged time.

Finally, the discharge and charging characteristics of this chemistry are excellent.

 

What about the drawbacks?

Well, the primary disadvantage is lower energy density. That means you will need a large-sized LiFePo battery to get a good range out of your skateboard.

Let's not forget to mention that LiFePo batteries are more on the expensive side.

 

Lead Acid Batteries

You will find lead-acid batteries on most of the entry electric skateboards. And they are popular among these boards for a reason.

That is, lead-acid batteries are easy to manufacture. That eventually means that they are cheaper.

Although they are cheap, they do offer great overall performance. For example, lead-acid batteries are known for having a low self-discharge rate.

That means you can expect the cell to hold the charge for a prolonged time.

When it comes to downsides, the primary one is weight. Lead-acid batteries can make a skateboard heavy.

And if you want speed and a higher range, weight should be one of your considerations.

 

Li-On Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of battery for electric skateboards.

And here are the reasons why -

• Li-On is a safe overall chemistry for batteries. That means you will not need to worry about it randomly catching fire.
• Lithium-ion batteries are easy to replace. There will be no need to go through any intricate steps.
• These batteries are light in weight. For that reason, skateboards with Lion batteries are lighter than others.
• It provides the longest lifespan. So, you will not have to replace them that frequently.
• Lithium-ion batteries charge fast, and they are also capable of providing constant power. Therefore, you will get an excellent overall performance out of the skateboard.

However, like any other battery chemistry, Lion batteries associate with some disadvantages.

• Firstly, they tend to overheat. And in case you did not know, heat is not good for batteries.
• Secondly, lithium-ion batteries can get damaged when the voltage is high. So, it needs a highly reliable charging board.

 

What Factors of Electric Skateboard Batteries Determine Speed, Range, and Acceleration?

A couple of factors come into play for the overall performance of the skateboard.

Let's explain each of them.

 

Battery Capacity for Range

The first factor that you need to know about is the battery capacity. Generally, it will be stated as ampere hours or as watt-hours.

The higher the watt-hours or ampere-hours, the longer the skateboard will run. So, if you want to get a better overall range, you need to get an e-skateboard with a large-capacity battery.

 

Voltage for Speed

The speed of the electric skateboard depends on the voltage of the battery. It is stated as volts. And the higher the battery's voltage rating, the faster the skateboard will be able to go.

Therefore, if you are into speed, you should opt for a battery that has a high overall voltage rating.

 

Discharge Amps for Acceleration

Last but least, there is the discharge rating. This will determine the acceleration you will get from the electric skateboard.

And needless to say, a skateboard's battery with a higher discharge rate will be able to offer great overall acceleration.

 

Does the Charging Rate Matter for Electric Skateboards?

The charging rate will determine how fast the battery will charge up. And it is one of the factors you need to consider when choosing electric skateboards.

A battery that charges up faster can get you back on the roads in no time. Along with that, some electric skateboards have a dynamic fast-charging ability.

With those, you will not need to worry one bit when the battery is out of juice. A couple of minutes can give you a good overall range.

 

Final Words

So, you basically need to consider five things when it comes to the electric skateboard battery. Which are - the type of battery, voltage, capacity, discharge rate, and charging rate.

The better these factors are, the better experience you will get out of the e-skateboard.