Electric Skateboard Summerboard: Hit the streets like a mountain

There are electric skateboards, and then there is the Summerboard, the electric skateboard with motorized rollers. It gives you the feeling of snowboarding wherever you can skateboard. I spent a few weeks getting used to it and right off the bat I will tell you that it is not easy to learn, but it is insanely fun once it all kicks in.

The model currently available for sale on the Summerboard website is the SBX. It has a top speed of 27 mph and a range of 12 miles. Pricing starts at $ 1,600 for the board, remote, and charger. There are more expensive packs that include other accessories, like brackets to keep you on the board when you jump, or Freshies, which are wheels that have better shock absorption for rougher roads.

The SBX’s battery is different from other electric skateboards in that it sits on top of the deck, freeing up the underside for tricks like boardslides. You can easily swap them out, and they’re flat and light so you can keep a spare in your backpack on long trips. It takes them 4 to 5 hours to fully charge.

The Bluetooth remote control itself is pretty standard. There is only one button on the top to control the motor and a status display that will let you know your speed. It charges via Micro-USB and there are two buttons at the bottom: one for power and the other for changing the speed units on the screen. It has a somewhat rugged feel, which is good, as it will likely fly off your hand a few times as you learn to drive.

Riding the SBX Summerboard

The key to riding the Summerboard is to balance on the center wheels, almost like a scooter. The other four wheels on the outside basically act as the edge of the board. Much like when you lean on the outer edge of a snowboard to dig into the snow, the Summerboard’s outer wheels are there to catch the road so the board doesn’t spin out of control. When done right it really feels like snowboarding.

The SBX might not be the most affordable or the most comfortable device to get you to where you want to go, but that’s not really the point. It’s meant to be ridden with skill and style, and there is certainly a unique kind of fun to it.

Learning to ride the Summerboard is like learning a whole new sport. I spent the first session rolling a few feet and then falling over and over again. It was frustrating and a little embarrassing considering that I learned to skate and snowboard over 20 years ago. But after a few more sessions, I was able to confidently navigate my neighborhood.

There is a great series of short training videos on the Summerboard website. The exercises are divided into three days of riding plus some additional exercises and challenges to improve your skills. I found them super useful while learning.

Who is the SBX Summerboard for?

Comparing the Summerboard to other electric skateboards is like apples with oranges. It is really its own thing that serves its own purpose. If you are looking for something to get around town, this probably isn’t for you – there is better and more affordable options. Summerboarding is difficult to learn and driving takes a lot of effort. But that’s also what makes it cool. You can have a good time riding without having a destination in mind.

Summerboarding can also be a great exercise. Even though there is an electric motor propelling you, your body is constantly moving as you maneuver. In my experience, I would usually sweat within 15-20 minutes of driving and would be exhausted after an hour.

Make no mistake: the SBX has the range and speed to keep pace with other electric skateboards. The battery always outlasted my stamina, and it went really fast for my comfort level, and more. It just depends on whether you want skateboarding to get you where you’re going, or the activity itself. Watch my video on this page and see it in action.

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