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“There were a lot of times when I would arrive at my workplace already stressed out, and I hadn’t even started my work day, because the commute had been awful. My commute is a sort of a soul-sucking experience.” Every day, millions of people around the world face long commutes to work. In the United States alone, approximately 25 million workers spend more than 90 minutes each day getting to and from their jobs, and about 600,000 “mega-commuters” travel at least 90 minutes each way, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In the United Kingdom, the average round-trip commute takes 54 minutes (up from 45 minutes in 2003), and in most of the world’s major cities, from Milan to Manila, it’s over an hour.And yet few people enjoy their commutes.Research on commuting shows that it can have positive and negative effects on well-being and mental health, experts said. Shorter trips and active commuting, such as walking or riding an electric skateboard, can be beneficial buffer periods that help with transitioning between work and home life. But people’s satisfaction tends to decrease over the duration of a commute, and congestion, crowding and unpredictability can be stress-inducing, according to a review of commuting research published in 2019.Studies have found that people with long commutes are more exhausted and less productive at work, and have lower job satisfaction. And a study conducted in Sweden in 2011 found that couples have a 40% higher chance of getting divorced when one partner commutes at least 45 minutes to work each day.But it doesn’t have to be this way. Research suggests that small tweaks can improve your commuting experience, leaving you happier and more productive.The problem of Commuting in MegaCitiesGrowing populations, aging and inefficient transport systems and rising car ownership in the world’s biggest cities are leading to greater congestion and reduced productivity. What a welcome....#mayanagari #mumbaitraffic pic.twitter.com/fNjCpBxroR — Madan Singh Solanki (@Solanki143Madan) February 15, 2023 Nearly half of Mumbai commuters spend at least one or two hours to get to work, far more than workers in smaller rivals such as Chennai, or Hyderabad. Fifty percent of formal sector workers expressed the desire to move elsewhere, in part to escape brutal train or car commutes; only a third of workers in other cities expressed this sentiment.In recent decades, Asia has experienced rapid development of industrialization and urbanization, which has resulted in the accelerated growth of many suburban cities surrounding large metropolitan areas. These suburbs are home to many who work in metropolitan areas, causing a tremendous number of suburban residents each day to commute to the city for work. As a consequence, urban areas are experiencing increasing automobile use, resulting in congestion and long hours of commuting. The increasing severity and duration of traffic congestion greatly intensify pollutant emissions and degrade air quality.It is of tremendous concern that commuters are exposed to high concentrations of atmospheric pollutants, originating from both vehicular traffic and other urban, industrial, or environmental factors, during their transit. They are exposed during their daily commute while in vehicles, waiting for transportation, and walking.The critical question for the future is whether the situation will continue to deteriorate. If levels of car ownership continue to rise and the authorities refuse to place limits on where people can drive, congestion is bound to worsen. There is a clear need for more investment in public transport systems and for their better management, but whether government budgets will be able to bear such costs and whether the private sector can be tempted to invest in public transport are open questions. Deregulation and privatization may help improve public transport facilities, but current evidence is ambivalent with respect to the likely outcome. Certainly, if deregulation and privatization mean that the real costs of public transport improvements are passed on to passengers, then they may hurt the poor. In so far as such a strategy will increase the cost to poor people of getting to work or to local supermarkets, it will clearly reduce their living standards.When Commuting gets really ugly #Photography Michael Wolf, from his "Tokyo Compression" series, Tokyo.(Series of candid portraits of Japanese commuters enduring the inhuman daily crush of bodies in Tokyo's subway cars.) pic.twitter.com/38Jz1gnWNh — H e t e r o t o p ia (@ArtsOfExistence) October 16, 2022 ‘Tokyo Compression’ – A Series Of Tokyo Commuter Portraits By Photographer Michael Wolf. Michael Wolf made a series of candid portraits of Japanese commuters enduring the inhuman daily crush of bodies in Tokyo’s subway cars. The results are visceral, unforgettable, and almost suffocating. … it is the ability to tolerate an elbow in the back and a cheek unceremoniously pasted against a window that sets Tokyo’s commuters apart. There are few arguments, and fights are almost unheard of; it’s as if the powerless, massed ranks of the travelling public have entered into a non-aggression pact … and one that is observed, for the most part, in near silence. – The Guardian Tokyo Compression, Michael Wolf pic.twitter.com/AnRqkxEgUX — Zbiggi (@wojtysiak22) June 24, 2018   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da sao paulo <3 osaka (@osakananiwakai) Wolf’s pictures became an incredibly powerful metaphor for an aspect of modern society and kicked lose a great deal of thought about living conditions in megacities.If you can, Try to find an AlternativeInstead of driving or hopping on a very busy train, if available, consider options like cycling or walking. You could even (safely) wheel, skateboard, or scoot. These options reduce your carbon footprint and can be great ways to engage with the space between your home and destination. For example, cycling and walking offer great opportunities to explore sights smells, and sounds. You may discover a new local business to visit or bump into an old friend!Riding an electric Skateboard offers a rich sensory engagement with the world around us, unlike the cocooned ‘blandscape’ of the private car. We transform spaces into places by inscribing meaning onto them. Even the most apparently mundane area can be brought to life by a scent, a memory, or a sound. These fragments provide glimpses of how the place is performed through everyday interactions.While living in Rome, I used to commute to my university for 1 hour every day, and...I loved it! The commute is hated among many — most people actually (especially in Rome). I’m part of the small percentage that used to love their commute.While living in the city, commuting by bus and foot allowed me to do many things that would generally be pushed aside due to my ‘busy’ schedule. During my commute, I liked to listen to podcasts and talk with my friends. But, most importantly, my commute was my time for reflection and thought to process. Debriefing anything in life is important. Debriefing allows you to understand what you are doing right and what you are doing that could be improved upon. In order to debrief, you need time and a clear mind, both of which my commute provided.Let’s see a few suggestions to shake away some anxiety and get the most out of your commuting:Use the Time To Shift Your MindsetYour commute is an opportunity to transition from the personal to the professional. At home in the morning, you might play the role of parent, partner, daughter or caregiver. When you arrive at the office, you don your professional hat. In the evening, you might revert to the personal even if you eventually switch to finishing up work before bed. Each of these transitions requires a shift in mindset. If we don’t take the time to make one, the thoughts and concerns that stem from one role are likely to carry over into the next and weigh us down. Listen to music Sometimes there's nothing better than starting the day with some good, upbeat music. Don't feel like you have to be productive all the time during your commute; you can also take this time to enjoy yourself and relax. Sing your favorite songs, find some groove and just have a good time. Your good mood will carry on when you get to the office and you won't even know why you're so happy, but it was probably the high-energy ride that got you pumped up.Practice MindfulnessResearch shows that for 27% of us, this time spent in transit is wasted. But instead of whiling it away and scrolling our Instagram, why not take the opportunity to focus on your well-being? Practicing mindfulness is perfect for the commute: you don’t need any kit or extra space so it’s ideal for car, bus or train travel, it’s free and it’ll boost your mood for the day ahead. “To be mindful, I put away my phone and focus on the sensory experience of riding the train. After checking in with my posture, I feel the vibrations in my feet and notice how the muscles in my legs tighten and release to help maintain my balance. (I’m usually standing.) I also look around the car to see the other people here with me. Observing the diversity of people present, I make a mental note that we’re all in this together (literally and figuratively). This reminder of our shared experience always helps to lighten my mood. Too often, we tune out while commuting. Why not use it as a time to deliberately tune-in?"  — Jonathan Kaplan, a psychologist and director of the SOHO CBT and Mindfulness Center, commutes 30 minutes each way by subway in New York.  Most of us try to accomplish too many things at once. As our brains wander to other important tasks, the ones we’re working on can suffer. The result is that we get lots of little jobs done, but don’t really excel at any of them. Taking a step back to refocus and reflect can be just as important as getting everything done quickly. That’s where mindfulness comes in.From crawling traffic jams to jabbing elbows on the train platform, busy commutes can steal time from our day, leaving us feeling stressed and negative … but what if we could actually claw back that time as ours?A growing awareness of mindfulness, and its effectiveness in mitigating stress, has led apps like Headspace to offer guided commuting meditations.How to apply a mindful approach to your own commute? be careful to don’t follow these exercises while crossing a road though ;-)#1 Find your breath: breathing exercises are an excellent way to control anxiety and stress and allow you to control and moderate your response to external pressure (Inhale for four counts, hold for two, and then exhale again for four).#2 Disconnect from the grid: One of the problems with modern commutes is that they no longer provide downtime – where we can reflect, disconnect and be present at the moment. So put your phone on quiet mode and look at what’s around you, start a conversation with a stranger, or read a book!#3 Leave your troubles behind: More often than not, it’s not the commute itself that bothers us, but the frustrations we bring to it. Try engaging in positive self-talk by repeating an affirmative mantra for 10-15 times like I FEEL CALM AND IN CONTROL.#4 Be aware of your body by focusing on the physical sensations (the movement of the abdomen through breathing, the shifting of weight between the feet, the temperature of the air you’re breathing etc.)#5 Embrace silenceCommute time may be your one chance to listen to a can’t-miss podcast or rock out to your favorite music. While it may be tempting to fill the space, give yourself a little chunk of time to appreciate the silence.-> Benefits: A 2021 reviewTrusted Source noted that silence has a connection with stillness and the absence of concepts, mental noise, thoughts, and disturbance. The review also noted it has a connection with increased relaxation, improved mood states, altered perception of time, and an orientation toward the present moment. Still, more research is needed to determine the benefits of silence on the individual and societal levels.-> How to do it: Start by setting aside 5 minutes for nothing but silence. Put your phone on airplane mode, turn off any music, and just listen. Hear the surrounding sounds, both close and far away. Listen to your thought stream with gentleness and detachment. Observe your breath. Can you hear the inhale and exhale?This empty space can help calibrate the senses to be more deeply attuned to sensory input. It means that when your 5 minutes are up, and you switch on your favorite song, your experience of it may be that much richer.Allow this space to give rise to a deeper kind of listening.Final ThoughtsA long daily commute is hell. It is unlikely, even with practicing mindfulness that you will get through it, every single day, with no stress at all.But taking a few minutes to practice mindfulness during your trip will ease your stress to some degree. It is making the best of a bad situation.Most people who have long commutes feel like helpless victims enduring a necessary evil. As a result, they arrive at their jobs and homes depleted, and their performance and well-being suffer. But it is possible to improve your commute by turning it into a more positive experience and, when possible, reducing it. How's your commute? share your experience and tips by dropping a comment below ;-)

Electric longboards are leading the change of the personal electric mobility movement. They are efficient, reliable, affordable, and easy to use. Just in case you needed a little more persuasion, here’s why riding electric will change your life for the better.1. Make Your Life EasierDread your stressful morning commute? Sick of the endless search for parking spots? We don’t blame you.If you are used to taking public transportation or sitting in traffic, opting for an electric skateboard could be a way to save time.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) On average, Americans spend 100 hours per year stuck in tailbacks. Just to put it into perspective, 100 hours/year is the same as 2.5 weeks off work or walking through Central Park 100 times.In fact, things are much better without the hassle. That’s why when we set out to create the perfect city e-board, one of our priorities was to design something that eliminated the stress that can come with getting around a busy city.Riding an e-board shrinks your commute to work. You’ll arrive feeling energized, refreshed, ready for the day – and not at all sweaty.Several recent studies show that daily commuting using active travel has a positive impact on well-being and mental health. Too much time spent in the driver’s seat poses temporary long-term health risks, including elevated cholesterol, higher blood pressure, muscle and joint pain, problems sleeping, depression, lower frustration tolerance, anger, and much more. Whether they’re cranking the music up, unwinding after the workday, or reflecting on life in general, time spent commuting affords necessary personal time for many busy Americans. E-boards are faster than cars on congested urban streets, so you’ll cut down your inner city journeys by 50% of the time on average. Conquering hills with ease and effortlessly jumping ahead of the traffic is a real buzz – once you’ve mastered the ride, you’ll never look back.Carving your way to and from work on an Linky electric skateboard will make your commute much more fun?2. Unlocks Your City. And Makes It a Better Place.Electric skateboards as a daily transport offer another option that guarantees a reduction in carbon footprint. These devices run on rechargeable Li-ion batteries which implies that smog and other air pollutants are less of a problem.Imagine for a moment: instead of waiting for a crowded bus to get to your place of work, you could use a Linky, thus becoming more autonomous and independent. Or you could leave your car outside the city center where it’s easier to park and then you could reach your destination on an electric skateboard, making those few miles an opportunity to have fun.Using green and personal vehicles means an increase in personal freedom, generating a sense of well-being and serenity that affects us and those around us. If more people ditched or reduced car use at least for short trips, our cities would have more space for green areas, and we very well know how much being in touch with nature has a positive impact on our mental health.But we don’t just believe that riding an electric skateboard paves the way to greener, cleaner cities. We believe it opens up an entirely new world. Feel part of the fabric of the city as you weave through its streets and unlock its true potential in an instant. What may have felt just out of reach will now be within your grasp: all you have to do is reach out and take it.Is Micro Mobility Just A Trend? The rise in micro-mobility like electric skateboards is not just a trend. Whether you’re on an e-bike, escooter, or electric skateboard, any trips taken on one of these contribute to less pollution and congestion on roads, leading to less traffic and cars idling on the road.A recent study says that carbon emissions could be reduced by 12 percent if just 15 percent of urban transportation miles traveled were instead made by e-bike.Being that electric skateboards are smaller than e-bikes with little difference in the average range, the actual numbers for emissions saved by electric skateboarding can be even higher.What About The Energy It Takes To Charge An Electric Battery? While all of these battery-powered ways of getting around are not charged without consuming energy, data on electric cars shows that in every corner of the United States, driving an EV produces significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than cars powered only by gasoline, regardless of the local power mix. And electric skateboards only use a small fraction of the energy it takes to charge an electric car.3. Makes You Feel BetterRiding an electric skateboard can release tension and anxiety. The feeling of the breeze on your face and the warmth of the sun on your skin is priceless. E-skating in the open air increases the release of endorphins, popularly known as the happiness hormone. Therefore, after riding an e-skate, it is possible to experience a pleasant feeling of satisfaction due to increased blood irrigation of the brain.It is a fact that using a motorized skateboard as a mode of transport reduces stress – a lot. It’s an activity that puts your mind in the moment, and it doesn’t require a lot of concentration. While skating, we can simply forget about everything for a moment.The health benefits attributed to the use of an electric skateboard are thrice as many as those attributed to using a car. There might be a bit of exaggeration in this line of thought since there isn’t enough concrete evidence to support the hypothesis that commuting between places with a car has any health benefits. Consequently, the association between a sedentary lifestyle and cars is enough reason to ditch automobiles in favor of electric skateboards.Riding in this way makes you explore a lot of things and might also change your perspective about things that you made sitting in the front seat of your all-packed car. Get to the ground level, be a part of nature, and feel the world on your own as nothing is more beautiful than that.Psychological explanation: people need to have their needs met to feel that life is in order and to feel good about themselves. This is called The Needs Model of Well-being, which suggests that humans need 12 essential psychological nutrients of well-being to improve mental health. Alec Stansfield, a psychotherapist and rider, explained that skateboarding triggers many aspects, including the need for control, achievement, emotional connection and mindfulness.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) "Many people's image of what mindfulness looks like is sitting quietly and meditating. But mindfulness really means doing things mindfully, paying attention, and being present in the moment. You can't skate safely unless you're totally in the present moment", Alec explained in his video about e-skating and mental health.Biological explanation: Another reason why electric skateboarding is so much good for you is because human beings need movement. Skateboarding keeps you alert and agile. When the terrain is uncertain, keeping your knees bent is the best way to maintain balance, but that takes some strength and practice. So lots of movement is involved. Board sports are known for improving coordination, endurance, flexibility and strength.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) Moving your body releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormone, which helps us cope with stress. When scientists started to study endorphins, it was believed that only high-intensity exercise triggered it, associating it with the "runner's high". However, in the last two decades, more studies have shown that only moving your body for 30 minutes would release the hormone.Social Explanation: "Man is a social animal" - Aristotle, Philosopher Sociologists and anthropologists have explored how and why humans need social interaction and its influence on people's personalities. The 'Social Brain Hypothesis" proposed by Robin Dunbar, Professor of Evolutionary Psychology and Behavioural Ecology, analysed how the human neocortex has evolved to improve survival in dynamic groups. Social interactions were some key aspects that helped humans survive and prosper as a species.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) Because of the rewarding nature of social interactions, we seek positive social feedback through friendships, romantic relationships, or community engagement. Many researchers have found that social interaction releases dopamine, the "happy hormone". Our brain processes social interactions similarly to when we receive non-social stimuli like food, money, or psychostimulant drugs, triggering dopamine release.4. It Is a Way To Be FreeAll skaters will agree, riding is not simply a way to get from A to B; it’s a way to be free. You’ll be liberated from traffic and bus schedules, never have to stick to the same old route, and be empowered to rediscover your city and beyond. Adventures lie right on your doorstep: you’ll be surprised at how many discoveries you’ll make just by following different routes and making pit stops whenever you feel like it.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) There’s no other way to say it: riding an electric skateboard is fun. Really fun. Feeling free is synonymous with one thing: flying. And you’ll get a taste of that when you’re accelerating past mopeds and over hills on your LINKY. Trust us: the feeling’s addictive.Meaning and purpose are about having something that you care about that's bigger than you, something external that motivates you. From the Sociology perspective, electric skateboarding is so enjoyable because of the sense of making an impact and a positive contribution to the community. Many riders have adopted an electric skateboard as their main means of transportation to reduce carbon print and as their way to tackle climate change. Besides the benefits on an individual level, researchers have shown that when people change their habits in favour of something that can have a major impact on future generations, their sense of belongingness and contribution increases, triggering dopamine release.   Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation) 5. Saves You MoneyWave goodbye to eye-watering train fares, costly last-minute Ubers, and rising fuel prices. Riding an e-board will save you money in the long run.Many people use their car even to go shopping on the corner, but does it make sense? Why use the car and waste fuel if we can go there by riding an electric skateboard? Certainly, the less you use the car and the more the electric skateboard, you will see the impact of this reflected in the bills at the end of the month.    Visualizza questo post su Instagram  Un post condiviso da LINKY (@linkyinnovation)

Sometimes, you just want to go fast, to feel the wind on your face, your heart racing, the adrenaline pumping through your veins.Going fast on an electric skateboard is a whole other monster! To be propelled forward so fast by such a little device is an impressive thing, not to mention a total rush.But not all electric skateboards are built for speed. Some are (much) slower than others.If you have an electric skateboard that struggles with speed or an already decent board that you’re trying to make even faster, this article is for you. In it, we’ll cover what exactly factors into electric skateboard speed as well what you can do to improve it. Everyone has something to gain here.Are you ready to go speed demons?How fast does an electric skateboard typically go?Different electric skateboards have different top speeds. Some can’t go that fast and struggle to break even 20 MPH, mostly due to mediocre parts. Others are absolute speed demons that can easily go over 40 MPH if you don’t hold back.Most electric skateboards average around 20-25 MPH on a normal day. If you are a good rider and the conditions are right though, you could potentially go faster than this.Parts and build quality play a huge role in how fast an electric skateboard can go. Voltage, battery output, and motor power are arguably the most important things that dictate the max speed.That being said, factors like environmental conditions, rider technique, and additional customization can also heavily influence electric skateboard speed. If you do everything right and ride in the right place at the right time, you could overcome potential weaknesses in your board’s performance, such as a bad battery or subpar motor.Factors that contribute to electric skateboard speedLet’s take a quick look at what factors influence electric skateboard speed: Motor - Certain motors are faster than others. Some are capable of more RPMs and have more torque, both of which play into speed. Having two motors, for that matter, will also make your electric skateboard much faster. Weight - The amount of weight put on the board - by the rider’s body and whatever they are carrying - will affect speed. The more weight there is, the harder the motor has to work and the less able it will be to accelerate. Technique - A rider’s body adds a huge amount of drag to the board. As they stand upright, they create air resistance, and the more air resistance there is, the more energy is required to accelerate. Battery - Going fast and powering the motor requires lots of energy in the form of electricity. An electric skateboard’s battery needs to have the capacity and ability to supply this energy efficiently in order to gain speed. Wheel size - The surface area of the wheel plays a big part in speed. This is because a larger wheel will cover more distance in a single rotation. An 80mm wheel and 120mm wheel will spin at the same rate but, because the 120mm one is bigger, it will travel further in the same amount of time. Software - Some electric skateboards are designed to have different riding modes. Certain modes may actually be inhibiting the motor on purpose while others don’t restrict it at all. Terrain and weather - Rough, bumpy roads as well as inclines will slow down a board dramatically. Wind is particularly good at slowing riders down, at least when riding into it. Rain can deteriorate performance-related parts of the board, like the wheels and bearings. Best ways to make your electric skateboard fasterThe following are nine actionable tips that you can do to make your electric skateboard or longboard go faster.Use larger wheelsThe larger the wheel, the faster the board. This mainly happens for two reasons: As the wheel becomes larger, its surface area increases. But its rate of rotation - when powered by a motor - does not decrease. That means in a given rotation, a larger wheel will actually travel further, and will thus be faster. Larger wheels are also better at handling and maintaining speed on variegated terrain. This is one big reason why off-road electric skateboards also have bigger wheels. On the flip side, larger wheels will accelerate more slowly compared to smaller ones. In a hypothetical race, a board with smaller wheels will appear to move faster at first. But eventually, the smaller wheel will achieve its max speed before the larger one does, at which it's bound to be passed.They may take a bit of time to gain speed, but the larger wheels will be faster over a longer distance.Hit the slopesThe easiest way to go fast on your board? Go downhill. Good ol’ momentum and gravity are always great for adding a little extra speed.Just know that downhill riding is a very serious thing. People get hurt all the time, mostly because they gain too much speed and lose control. Next thing you know, they hit a rock or the side of the curb and go flying into the distance. What happens next often is never good.If you’re going to be hitting the urban slopes, you must be extra careful. You must absolutely be a competent rider and know how to bail in case of an accident. Otherwise, all the extra speed is going to get you seriously hurt.Charge the battery fullyRiding faster and pushing your motor to its limit requires more and more energy. If a battery is not able to meet the energy demands it will cause voltage sag - a phenomenon where performance drops due to a lack of supply. A drop in performance means a drop in speed.In order to guarantee that your battery can supply enough power to achieve the fastest speeds possible, make sure it is fully charged before you go out with it. Get in the habit of plugging it in-between usages, like while you’re at work or chilling at a coffee shop. That way, it’ll always be ready.Maintain your partsThere are ways to increase your electric skateboard’s speed mechanically as well (as opposed to electrically or via your technique).Moving parts like the wheels and bearings all play a huge part in speed. If something is interfering with any one of these, such as dirt, debris, or rust, then the rest of the board is affected as well. Speed then decreases.Regularly check and clean your board’s parts. Make sure the bearings are still in working order (they will degrade over time) and that the wheels are lubricated.If you were to flip your board upside and spin the wheel with your hand, it should keep on turning for as close to indefinitely as possible. This means the wheel is smooth and unobstructed, which will then make for a faster board.Not all bearings are created equal either - some are faster than others. A lot of riders swear that ceramic bearings, rather than steel or titanium ones, are the best for speed.Select the correct riding modeAre you sure you’re using your electric skateboard to the fullest? Did you know there is the possibility that it might be limiting itself depending on how it is set up?Some e-boards come with selectable riding modes. These modes, which inhibit and unlock the board’s drive system via software, are each meant for a different kind of riding. For example, one mode might be good for saving the battery and extending riding range whilst another might be best for quickness.If your electric skateboard comes with unique riding modes, make sure you understand them. Otherwise, you might accidentally be using a mode that is purposefully slowing down your board.Ride on good roadsThe best roads for riding are smooth, level, and completely clear of debris. Smooth pavement and fresh tarmac are a skateboarder’s best friends.What’s not great is old, cracked concrete or roads littered with pebbles or other kinds of litter. Imperfections and little obstructions like these slow the board down, not to mention increase the chances of you being pitched.City streets are also busy, which means you'll have to stop and slow down frequently. The best way to gain speed is by moving uninterrupted so maybe the city won't necessarily be the best place. A nice, empty road in the middle of nowhere, on the other hand, sounds more promising.So do some research and try to find the right places to ride. The better the surface, the faster you can go.Use the right postureYour body creates extra surface area, which in turn creates extra air resistance that your electric skateboard’s motor has to compensate for.Rather than standing totally upright and maximizing your surface, attempt to minimize it instead by tucking your body. The fewer places there are for your body to be hit by incoming airflow, the less resistance it creates.Have you ever seen how downhill longboarders stand on their boards? They tuck themselves into almost a kneeling position so the wind and air travel practically right around them. Not only that, they’ve eliminated potential air pockets in your body’s posture - such as the ones created when you hold your arms at your side - that could potentially slow them down.Emulate these speedrunners and reduce the number of places where your body might drag the board down. Otherwise, you’ll only be making the engine work harder.Reduce weightThe heavier the rider, the slower the board. Electric skateboard motors can only tow so many pounds or kilograms - the more there are, the less the motor is able to cope.If the electric skateboard motor has to pull less weight, it can run faster and more efficiently.Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that riders need to hit the gym and lose a few pounds (although it certainly wouldn’t hurt). They can cut weight in other ways, such as carrying fewer things on them.A lot of people have a tendency to overstuff their skateboard backpacks while riding. These bags could be adding an additional 5-10 kilos sometimes. That’s just extra weight that the motor needs to deal with. If you really want to go fast, maybe consider ditching the heavy backpack altogether.Upgrade your boardIf you’ve already done everything on this list and still can’t get your electric skateboard to go as fast as you want, then just leaves one option: buy a new board. Ultimately, hardware plays a huge role in performance. If your electric skateboard just straight-up has a terrible battery or a weak motor, no amount of weight loss or technique or calibrating is going to make it go faster. Sometimes, a bad board is just a bad board.Shop around a bit and see if there’s a better electric skateboard for you. First, ask yourself how fast you really want to ride and then see what models are rated to go that fast. If you follow the tips outlined in this article, you may just manage to squeeze a couple of extra MPH out of it too.Safety and speedWe need to spend a little extra time covering rider safety, especially given the subject matter of this article.We’re going lay down a hard truth here: oftentimes, speed kills. Most skateboard and longboard accidents happen because the rider is a novice and they try to do too much too soon e.g. go too fast or ride on dangerous terrain. They then lose control and end up getting hurt.Seriously, 20-25 MPH may not seem fast - it is, after all, the average speed limit in most residential areas. But it is fast for an electric longboard! At those speeds, controlling an e-board and staying balanced can really be difficult.At 40 MPH, things can get real hectic. You absolutely better have some sort of protection and really know what you’re doing.The point is: before riders start thinking about fast they can go, they should first consider how fast they ought to go. Honestly, you don’t necessarily have to go faster than 20-25 MPH - anything more than this and just for the sake of speed itself. Practicality kinda takes a back seat at that point.So do you need the fastest electric skateboard in existence? Unless you’re a professional racer, probably not. All you need is a board that is fast (and safe) enough.Wrapping UpSo there you have them: nine ways to increase the speed of your electric skateboard. Although each one may only give a humble boost speed, doing them all together could really make the difference.Of course, if all else fails, you could just buy a new, faster electric skateboard. Linky owners might consider upgrading as well: the upcoming Linky 2.0 will have two motors, making it both faster and better able to handle hills.Please don’t forget to stay safe out there either. With more speed comes more problems. Riders shouldn’t really be considering increasing speed until they’re competent enough to handle what they already have.Do you have any tips for staying safe while riding at high speeds or have some additional speed-boosting tips that we missed? Please leave a comment below and let everyone know what they are.

Few people even consider taking their electric skateboard off-roading. Most stick to paved roads and city streets, not knowing the kind of fun that awaits them outside the concrete jungle.Carving up dirt roads, rolling over roots and rocks like they were nothing, even taking a leisurely loop around the local lake are underrated activities that anyone with an electric skateboard can do...On the condition that they have the right setup.One doesn’t just move from urban to off-road riding without changing a few things. In fact, a proper all-terrain electric skateboard requires certain components and a certain riding style as well.This article is meant to give you an idea of what it takes to go off-roading with your electric skateboard. Whether you’ve just invested in a brand new dedicated all-terrain e-board or just want to customize your current electric skateboard, there’s something new here for you to learn. By the end, you’ll have a much better idea of what you need to do before hitting the trails.Dedicated vs converted vs DIYYou have several different options if you want to go off-roading with an electric skateboard: Buy a dedicated all-terrain electric skateboard - This is obviously the surest way to ensure you have the best off-road electric skateboard possible with all the right features. These will have optimal protection, proper wheels, and enough power to conquer the gnarliest hills. Only downside: these will much more expensive than standard e-boards. Convert your current board - Most electric skateboards could be turned into decent off-roading machines with just a few extra parts. Granted, they won’t be able to handle the same as a dedicated all-terrain board but should still manage. This is a great way to save some money and avoid buying a completely new board. Make your own - For those who want to have an awesome all-terrain electric skateboard without breaking the bank. Those who undertake this project will obviously need to be quite handy and have the right parts. Make sure you have the time to cause you’ll be doing everything from scratch. All-terrain electric skateboard vs mountainboards?It’s important to distinguish between all-terrain electric skateboards and electric mountainboards because they’re actually quite different.An all-terrain or off-road electric skateboard will most resemble a common electric skateboard. They’ll have a longer deck, a bigger battery, one maybe two motors, and some kind of all-terrain wheels.Mountainboards on the other hand are a whole different animal. These are designed to handle the most difficult terrain possible and are highly specialized. They come with enormous wheels, full suspension, and often feet bindings. In fact, they resemble more snowboards with wheels than a longboard with a battery.This article most covers all-terrain electric skateboards and not mountainboards. If you want to learn more about mountainboarding, you can refer to this article here.The setupRegardless of how you come to own an all-terrain e-board, almost all of them will have certain qualities in common. Let’s talk about those similarities now.So what makes a good off-roading electric skateboard? Here is what you need to consider.All-terrain wheelsFirst and foremost, you will need to have a good set of all-terrain wheels. Unlike standard skateboard and longboard wheels, these are pneumatic, meaning they’re pumped full of air and are made of rubber, rather than Polyurethane material. Wheels of this sort are much better at handling variegated ground and riding over little pieces of debris that you might find on the trail.A good set of all-terrain wheels will have a decent amount of tread on them, which provides extra surface grip. The more tread there is, the more able the wheel will be when it comes to handling rugged terrain. Super grippy wheels may not be as fast though due to drag. To compensate, use a larger wheel to achieve higher speeds.An additional benefit of pneumatic wheels is that their internal pressure can be adjusted by adding more or less air. Firmer tires will be faster and be better on firmer terrain whilst slightly deflated tires are better at handling rougher tracks.A lot of people, especially commuters, actually prefer to use all-terrain wheels in the cities because the extra balance they provide is useful even in urban environments. Cracks, curbs, and litter will all be less of an issue with a larger wheel. Just be careful of sharp objects - unlike solid Polyurethane wheels, pneumatic wheels can still be punctured and then rupture.It is possible to get something between a pneumatic and Polyurethane wheel as well. Manufacturers like MBS and CloudWheel make a larger, treaded wheel that is cast from solid material. These are good if you want a little extra traction without sacrificing too much speed. We prefer to use this kind of wheel with Linky.BodyYou’ll want to make sure that your board can handle the additional beating it might receive on the trail.A sturdy yet flexible deck that can bend without snapping is very important as you’ll be bouncing up and down very often. The longer and wider the deck is as well, the more stability you will have.Your board ought to have a good hardshell that covers the battery too. If your deck goes over something protruding and bottoms out, your battery is going to get bashed. Enough force and it could become damaged. A compromised battery might cease to work or even become a fire hazard.Linky boards, for example, are made of tough carbon fiber and have very sturdy battery casings. The battery is also conveniently located at the front.One thing to note though is that because Linky is made of two equally-sized pieces (joined by a hinge), the center can be a weak point. Avoid situations where sudden and massive force might be applied to the bridge in the middle of the board.Drive systemWe won’t get into the technical requirements of all-terrain motors, drive trains, and belts. Only those making DIY all-terrain boards will need to know these gory details.As a regular rider using a consumer board, all you need to know is that the more powerful the motor, the better. More power means less trouble with difficult terrain. Your board is going to need all the help it can get if you want to conquer hills, especially if those hills are covered in dirt or gravel.Top speed isn’t the true indicator of power in this case either. Rather, torque is the thing that you should be focusing on.Technically speaking, torque is the amount of force your motor can generate per rotation and not the number of rotations it can achieve in a certain period. The former, torque, is what gets you up the hill, not necessarily quickly but reliably. That latter, on the other hand, is speed.Torque is not usually listed on electric skateboard sales pages so be sure to inquire about it directly with the manufacturer you’re considering.Most middle to top-shelf electric skateboards come with motors that offer decent torque. Single motor drive systems are often good enough but two is better. The upcoming Linky 2.0 is going to have dual motors, an exciting development that will make it even more competent off-road.Bear in mind that more powerful motors will also consume more power, which means they’ll need more powerful batteries. Double-check your electric skateboard battery’s capacity and make sure it will still last long enough (around 10-12 miles) before needing to be recharged.Trucks, Bearings, and SuspensionThe size of the trucks will influence the size of the wheel you can use, and vice versa. For example, 8” pneumatic wheels usually have larger bearings and a larger bearing requires larger trucks.So it’s not the case you can put a large off-road wheel on EVERY single electric skateboard - some’s trucks will be just too small to handle the larger wheels.Some trucks come with a built-in suspension system. Having suspension on your board can be pretty convenient as it really smoothes out the ride. Not only will make your board further from the ground but will also absorb lots more shock, both of which drastically reduce bumpiness.Suspension is not a common feature with electric skateboards though so you’ll either have to buy a special model that comes with it or install it custom yourself.Insider tip: Adjust your trucks’ bushings depending on the type of terrain you’re riding on.Standard trucks can feel a bit too stiff when used off-road, especially when the track is twisty. This is because standard bushings are meant for more flatter surfaces with higher traction where slight shifts in body weight is enough to turn the board.If the terrain is relatively compact and straightforward, you might not need to do anything different. On the other hand, you’re riding somewhere you know you’re going to be leaning a lot, then you might want to loosen the bushings. This will help you take those sharper corners and nail those bends.The placeThere are certain kinds of terrain that are more fun than others when it comes to off-roading.Loose sand, mud, and other soft surfaces that shift easily are terrible to ride on. Even the most powerful all-terrain electric skateboards can struggle with these conditions. Spin-outs, tail whips, and dug-outs are all possibilities.Firm surfaces, like dirt trails, grass, gravel roads, and even compact sand are much more enjoyable. Although they are not completely flat, they offer enough traction to ensure that (most of the time) your ride goes smoothly.A lot of people think that riding an all-terrain electric skateboard means going into nature or the wilderness e.g. the woods, beach, mountains, whatever. Whilst all of these are places are certainly possible (and enjoyable) to ride your board at, there’s one particular spot with a lot of untapped potential: BMX courses.BMX courses are a great place to test out your new all-terrain e-board. For one thing, they’re controlled environments, which means you don’t have to worry about someone or something jumping out in front of you. For another, the tracks are all specially designed to give you and your board just enough of a challenge whilst still being fun as hell.The techniqueBefore hitting the trails, you’ll definitely want to know how to ride your electric skateboard first, at least on the usual terrain. Once you’ve got that down, then you can move off-road.When you’re off-roading with your electric skateboard, you’ll want to consciously squat much lower to the ground. This will help you not only maintain your center of gravity, which will constantly be altered by the varied terrain but will also give you greater control of the board.When handling large bumps, make sure your knees are bent. That way your body will be better able to absorb the shock when going clearing it.If you lean forward too much on a steep incline, you may end up spinning out. This is because there is too much weight on the front of the board and too little on the back where the motor usually is. It might seem unnatural at first but you’ll have to lean back a bit on those inclines to ensure there’s enough traction between the wheels and the ground. With practice, you’ll find the happy medium.If, on the other hand, you’re using a board with front-wheel drive, like Linky, then you won’t have to worry so much about shifting your weight when going up hills and inclines.While at the BMX course, in addition to bumps and dips, you’ll also be hitting berms: bowl-like turns. At first, these can seem like serious obstacles for those new to BMX courses, but they really don’t require any special technique. Just maintain your speed and don’t too turn too sharply when taking the curve. Rather, lean into it naturally and let it happen.Extra safety gearIt’s much easier to fall off your board when off-roading. Your center of gravity is going to be a whole lot less solid and the odds of you hitting something destabilizing is much greater. If you haven’t already learned how to fall properly, now would be a good time before you hit the trail.As always, you should always be wearing a helmet when you’re riding an electric skateboard. You won’t have to worry about cars or traffic taking you out, but you will have to worry about scraping your face against the gravel or a low-hanging tree branch.Unless you feel really confident in your skills as well, you should also seriously consider knee, wrist, and elbow pads. That variegated terrain is going to wreak havoc on your skin if you take a dive you’ll be lucky to talk away with your outer epidermis still on. Picking wood or cleaning dirt out of wounds isn’t any fun either.Since we’re on the subject, you should probably throw a first aid kit into your longboard backpack while you’re at it. Just in case.Wrapping UpMost electric skateboards are capable to some degree to go off-roading. Just throw on a pair of all-terrain wheels, make sure the board is strong enough, and know what you’re doing. Do these and you should manage in most cases.If you’re serious about off-roading and want to have the most capable e-board possible, you’ll want to invest in something more specialized or build your own. More suspension, larger wheels, a larger battery, and a more powerful motor are only going to help you out on the trails.All that being said, we hope that this article has given a better idea of what off-roading with an electric skateboard is like. Don’t be intimated next time you want to try it out :)What is your all-terrain setup like? Do you use a standard electric skateboard with a few extra accessories or do you have something more custom? Let us know in the comment section below!

On April 22, Earth Day was celebrated, the largest environmental event in the world, an important occasion that reminds us how the planet, because of us, has become particularly fragile and what we can do to reverse the trend.Contrary to those who believe that a sustainable life is very complex, requires too many sacrifices, is oppressive or too drastic, we are here to tell you the opposite; even the smallest changes in daily habits can have a great environmental impact.That's why for Earth Day 2022, we want to share our 5 sustainability tips with you.#1 Save water and energyEach of us in our own small way can contribute to a collective change aimed precisely at reducing water waste. The sustainable use of water in every single home can foster a very powerful collective synergy in terms of sustainability. It is often a matter of getting used to opening the water tap when we REALLY NEED TO, when washing, when using this precious resource in the kitchen or any other domestic activity and when turning on the washing machine, dishwasher, or radiators. At the same time, you must also learn how to recover rainwater to water the garden or wash the car. Ultimately, it's all about learning how to conserve the water available to you as an act of responsibility to yourself, your loved ones, and the world, lest you bequeath a future in which life is unsustainable!#2 Buy less and betterOf all the raw materials we take from nature and turn into products, about two-thirds end up as waste. The health of the planet, therefore, depends on all of us sustainably sourcing the items we really need and reusing them when we no longer need them. The shape of a possible and sustainable future is round: a circular economy where we use resources sparingly and recycle endlessly.#3 Recycle waste and limit plastic useReduce, Reuse and Recycle, in exactly that order. Reduce upstream the volume of waste, buying less disposable products, less packaged products (there are also detergents on tap, which also allow you to save money), fewer shopping bags, less food that too often ends up in the trash.Reuse, or give new life to objects, or donate or exchange them;Recycle: recycling concerns only 52% of the waste produced in Italy. Yet recycling is important for the environment: just think that for 1 ton of paper it takes 15 trees and 440,000 L of water, while for the equivalent of recycled paper only 1,800 and no trees!#4 Be careful what you eatIntensive livestock farming has a very strong impact on the environment. A varied diet, consisting mainly of fruits, vegetables, and vegetable proteins (especially if km 0) is good for the body but also for the Earth that hosts us.#5 Overcome laziness and use the bike and public transportIf we all left the car in the garage even for one day a week, the difference would be enormous. The energy used today is produced mostly using non-renewable sources, such as oil and gas. Of these environmentally damaging emissions, 90% come from road transport, while rail and water transport account for only 10%. Our planet is no longer able to cope with transportation pollution, and a shift towards sustainability is urgent.If you're looking to make a serious impact on the environment, e-bikes are where you need to look. They are the future of transportation and the future is now.Read more here about the impacts of electric bikes on the environment.What are your suggestions to conduct a more sustainable lifestyle? Let us know with a comment below! we'd love to hear your opinion :)

Some people think that electric skateboards are one of the funniest inventions of the 21st century.Others think that they are exploding death traps waiting to engulf you in flames.So is riding an electric skateboard really that risky?Short answer: yes and no.But mostly no - electric skateboards are not overly dangerous to ride. So long as you know what you’re doing.In this article, we're going to cover how electric skateboards might be dangerous and what you can do to mitigate any risks. We'll share some real-world scenarios as well as some easy, actionable tips that you can start using almost immediately.Regardless if you're just getting started or are already a veteran, you'll learn something new about electric longboard safety and will be better equipped the next time you hit the streets.Are electric skateboards dangerous?The thing that people more or less focus on when it comes to electric skateboard safety is the additional power they have.Electric skateboards enable even the most rookie of riders to go fast, sometimes too fast. When someone is going faster than they ought to they also have a harder time maintaining control. Thus, it would be very easy for a novice to get in over their head, or an accident, if they didn’t know what they were doing.And that’s where a lot of electric skateboard safety concerns come from: new riders get too confident or go too fast too soon and then end up in dangerous situations. But even experienced riders can end up facedown on the pavement. Unexpected board malfunctions, sudden shifts in traffic, and just pure chance can all lead to an accident.All of that being said though, using an electric skateboard is really no different than using any other modern piece of equipment. Yes, they require some extra skill and common sense to use but once you know what you’re doing, it’s no more dangerous than any other activity.When and where do electric skateboard accidents occurElectric skateboard accidents can happen anytime or anywhere but are more likely given certain conditions: Rough or irregular terrain - Bumps, debris, and cracks can all be serious obstacles for riders. Every time you hit one of these, the path or direction of the board is affected. At higher speeds, that path is exponentially altered, sometimes to the point of swerving or completely flipping. Smooth, even terrain is always ideal. Wet surfaces - Wet surfaces offer A LOT less friction, which means your board will slip and slide more easily. Controlling a board that is sliding uncontrollably is very difficult and failing to do so could result in a wipeout. Traffic - This includes pedestrians, cars, bicycle riders, other riders, and even animals i.e. pets. These moving targets can behave erratically and be hard to size up when riding. Frankly, it’s really difficult to know when someone is going to turn or accelerate, and misgauging them can lead to accidents. Dogs, in particular, can be really unpredictable - they have been known to lunge out without notice and give riders a real scare. Downhill - You can accelerate really, really fast on even the gentlest of slopes. And once you start picking up speed, it’s very hard to slow down. If you’ve ever felt “the wobbles” while riding downhill, you know what helplessness feels like too. If by chance a high-speed downhill run should end badly, injuries are likely. Dimly-lit environments - If you can’t see what’s in front of you, how do you know something isn’t there? Riding an electric skateboard at night has a whole other host of problems and not just because you can see less - other people can’t see you either. Exploding boardsElectric skateboard batteries deserve extra attention. These are arguably the most volatile component of the board and have been known to spontaneously combust (under extreme stress).Granted, this is a rare phenomenon, but it still needs to be addressed anyway because many people are concerned.Electric skateboards spontaneously exploding has been all over the news and has led to a slew of new laws and regulations. Thanks to a few poorly-made and irresponsible products (looking at you cheap hoverboards) we now have difficulty doing things like flying with our electric skateboards even.If and when an electric skateboard catches fire, it’s most likely because of a bad battery. Sometimes it’s the fault of the manufacturers - as was the case with Boosted a few years ago - or something caused the battery to be compromised, like a serious blow. Charging a battery that is broken can then trigger combustion.Despite all of the ways that an e-board can explode, it’s still very unlikely to happen. It’s more of a sensationalized story that you hear in the news than a regular occurrence.If your electric board does burst into flames, there’s nothing you can really do about it besides let it burn. Best to use a fire extinguisher or call the fire department if it’s a big one.Common electric skateboard injuriesAt the moment, unfortunately, there are not a ton of statistics out there regarding electric boards specifically.But if statistics from regular skateboard riding are any indication, these are the injuries that you should be aware of: The extremities - This includes wrists, ankles, knees, and shoulders, and mostly occur as sprains, fractures, and breaks. Almost three-quarters of all skateboard injuries involved an extremity, most likely after an awkward or incorrect fall. Cuts and bruises are also common (practically a rite of passage, in fact). Head - Though less common, serious damage can occur to the head. Broken jawbones and noses were the most common injury. In serious cases, concussions, skull fractures, and blunt trauma occurred. Overall though, head injuries are uncommon and most happen to young riders below the age of 10. We can confidently assume that the injuries caused by electric skateboards are not dissimilar to those caused by regular ones. In fact, they could potentially be worse as higher speeds increase the chances of serious or aggravated injuries.Again, it’s the fact that electric skateboards enable beginning riders to go so fast from the outset that raises extra concern. Remedying the situation is just a matter of practicing on the board and respecting it.Top Electric Skateboard Safety TipsHere are ten ways you can stay safe while riding an electric skateboard, day or night.Wear a helmetThe grand majority of electric skateboard fatalities happen because of serious head and brain injuries. A rider takes a serious dive or gets hit by a car and goes headfirst into the ground - we don’t need to paint the picture any further.We’ve said it a million times and will continue to say it: ALWAYS wear a helmet when riding. This needs to be repeated because a lot of riders, regardless of their experience, still insist on going out without one.You want to hear a crazy, semi-related statistic too? Nearly 97% of all bike-related fatalities involved someone not wearing a helmet. That number speaks volumes of their importance.Wear the right protective gearIn addition to a good helmet, electric skateboarders might also want to consider wearing some additional accessories to protect those sensitive spots we mentioned before, namely the extremities.Common pieces of protective gear include elbow, knee, and wrist pads. Having these should help protect against nasty breaks and sprains.If you don’t want to be caught dead wearing bulky pads like these, then at least consider a heavier padded jacket. There are brands that make jackets with padding already sewn into the lining for the sake of conspicuousness. No one will be able to tell the difference.Know how to ride your electric boardA lot of electric skateboard accidents happen because the rider just doesn’t know what they’re doing. They go too fast, lose control, ride in the wrong places, or end up in a situation that should’ve never been in in the first place.Knowing how to ride your electric skateboard or longboard will drastically reduce the chances of you getting into an accident. Being able to brake properly, maintaining balance on your board, and knowing when and how to accelerate properly are crucial to avoiding disaster.If you’re just getting into e-boarding, then take some serious time to practice in the beginning. Ride around in secure areas, like parking lots, and really get to know your board. Once you feel comfortable enough while riding, then move on to busier and more hectic areas.Check your e-board periodicallyIt’s a nightmare scenario for skateboard owners: you’re riding around, not a care in the world and confident everything is well, when all of a sudden an old, rusty bearing seizes up, stopping the board dead in its tracks and sending you flying.To be fair, the above doesn’t happen very often - a bearing would have to be real abused before failing like that. But it, in addition to other board failures, does still happen.Check on individual components of your board every once in a while, just to make sure everything is still in working order. Make sure the bearings are smooth, the wheels are flush, and the trucks are nice and tight.Avoid dangerous areas or terrainThe city is obviously one potentially hectic place to be riding your board. Combine traffic, hordes of pedestrians, construction, and the odd deteriorating road, and you get a recipe for disaster.But it is still possible to ride your electric skateboard in the city! You just need to know how to avoid the common problems: Avoid riding in heavy vehicular traffic. Plan your route ahead of time to skip busy areas and rough roads. (Those who commute with e-boards do this often.) Stick to bike lanes if it is permitted. Know the rules of the road. Electric skateboard accidents can still occur outside the city, of course. Gnarly hills, off-road trails, and unlit country roads are all places that riders should still be cautious around.Learn how to fall properlyYes, there is a right way to eat shit, and, quite frankly, we should all know how to do it. Because the difference between a good fall and a bad fall can be HUGE.For example, being thrown from your board and putting your hands out (naturally) to catch your fall is a good way to end up with a broken wrist or arm.Leading with your shoulder, on the other hand, and rolling into the fall is a good way to walk away unscathed (and look like a badass too).To learn how to fall properly, you will need to practice the motions. Don’t just read a few guides on the web - read them and then do the falls live in order to build muscle memory. Here’s a quick video to start out with:Be a “defensive” skaterIt pays to be more cautious than usual when riding your board. For one thing, you’re out in the open and are much more vulnerable than you would be in a car. For another, you never know what can happen on the city streets.Consider as well that drivers who are normally used to regular, slower skaters may not be used to electric longboard riders going 20+ MPH either. If they think you might be in one place when in fact you’re in another, an accident might be in store.Keep your head on swivel when riding and avoid taking risks. If you see someone or something moving strangely, slow down and wait till the coast is clear. A lot of times, it’s just a matter of trusting your gut.This also means cutting out distractions. For example, try not to listen to music so you can instead focus on the sounds happening around you. Screeching tires? Someone just hit the brakes, which means you should too.Use the proper lightingSome newer electric skateboard models, like Linky, come pre-equipped with some sort of front-facing light that helps illuminate the street. So when you’re shopping for your next board, keep an eye out for this feature.If your board doesn’t include built-in lights, you can also install some yourself. ShredLights is a popular brand that makes mountable lighting not only for boards but also for helmets.As mentioned before though, it’s not just the case that you need to see the road. Others need to be able to see you as well. If you ride your electric skateboard a lot at night, consider packing and wearing some reflective garments. A vest barely weighs anything, can fit in any backpack, and will make you much more visible.Don’t drink and rideAs funny as it was to see my college friends face-planting on their boards after a party, there were probably one too many close calls. Yes, keg stands are always fun, but not twelve stitches in your lip on the way home.Regardless of whether you’re an electric longboarder in college or an adult who just tied one-off after work, it just isn’t worth riding drunk. You need to have all of your faculties when riding, especially coordination, which we all know is the first thing to go after drinking.If you’ve had one too many, just hitch a ride with someone else. And by that, we don’t mean riding tandem with another tipsy friend on their board, as amusing as that might be to watch. Get a rideshare or find a sober driver.Be careful with other inexperienced ridersWe’ve mentioned several times now that riding an electric skateboard safely is often a matter of experience i.e. not being ready to ride yet.But that doesn’t just go for you, the board owner, but also other people around you.If someone wants to ride your electric skateboard and you know they’re probably going to fall on their ass, don’t let them ride it. Or, at the very least, keep a close eye on them so they don’t hurt themselves too badly. In particular, children should be treated with extra caution.Be careful when riding alongside shaky skateboarders for that matter as well. It just takes one wipeout to ruin the formation and cause a pileup of epic proportions.Wrapping UpWhen it comes to electric skateboard safety, the single most useful piece of advice we can give is: know what you’re doing. That means not just knowing how to ride your e-board but also knowing where you are and what the circumstances are.If it’s dark, rainy, and the streets are mad with traffic and pedestrians, maybe think twice about taking your electric skateboard out for a spin. At the very least, be extra vigilant.If, on the other hand, you have access to a safe corridor or route and the conditions are favorable - e.g. nice roads, good weather, plenty of time - then, by all means, ride as much as you like!Be aware of the situation as well as your own capabilities and you shouldn’t have a problem riding your electric skateboard safely.Do you have a helpful anecdote or gnarly close call story you’d like to share? Please share it with us in the comment section below!

When you create your own Start-Up there are several steps that you have to take along the way. Unfortunately, passion, dedication, and a clear idea are not enough: a fundamental requirement is the capital, necessary for the idea to turn into a real project.It's part of the famous triad Team - Idea - Capital, the ABC to turn a good idea into a winner.Step One: Invest some capital, or ask friends/relatives to do so.Bootstrapping indicates self-funding through equity, usually the savings of the startup's founders. This is usually the first graft of funds a start-up gets.Another way is to ask for support from relatives/friends. The idea of asking for funds from people you know doesn't appeal to some entrepreneurs, but many of the world's top tycoons readily admit to borrowing from their social networks early in their careers.Bringing in capital from family and friends is an initial validation of the idea and allows the entrepreneur to get a piece of the action.In our case, we started with a modest amount of capital from us founders, with the added support of Stefano, the first external person to believe in the project.This allowed us to validate the idea with someone other than us founders and most importantly allowed us to take the first steps:- set up marketing structures to showcase the project;- to make the first prototypes going ahead with the validation of the idea.Second Step: crowdfundingCrowdfunding is one of the favorite ways of the digital economy, and probably the fastest way to get funding for a new business. You don't even need to be very tech-savvy to launch a crowdfunding campaign. If everything goes according to plan, you'll have capital that you won't have to pay back. As a side benefit, crowdfunding is an elegant form of advertising, a way to stimulate public interest in your company before it even debuts. The difficulty, needless to say, lies in making your voice heard in the vast crowdfunding landscape.For us, the first step was preparatory to the second.In this step the goal is to understand if the idea is actually a winner, that not only relatives and friends and the founders themselves like it but also potential customers. This allows not to waste time and, above all, to optimize the product and talk directly with the future customer.We chose Indiegogo to raise the first capital, but there are also other platforms such as Kickstarter and Eppela.Once the project has been funded, external people have believed in it and you received pre-orders, you have to complete the idea and put it on the market.How? More funding will probably be needed.Tip #1:This has been my mantra for a long time and still is. It's written on the first page of my gratitude journal (yes, I have one) and it's written on a yellow post-it note that I taped to my bathroom mirror. It gets me through the bad days and makes me 10x more grateful on the good days.Third Step: Find Business AngelsThe investments involved in producing projects are quite expensive, and in most cases, the funds collected through pre-orders are not enough.At this point the step to take is to look for professional investors, the Business Angels, people who are dedicated to this activity for profession or for pleasure, believe in projects in their preliminary phase when the idea is not yet mature enough for venture capitalist funds, which need the metrics of validation and control of the idea that at the moment the start-up cannot provide, because obviously it is not yet billing, and its product is not yet in the market.How do you find Business Angels? You need to put on a brave face and go to the places where capital is circulating, where you are more likely to meet this kind of personality.Tip #2:If I were to say that there is one belief that you absolutely must have as an entrepreneur and founder of a startup, it is to be able to believe in the power of rejection.Throughout the course of your business, you will show up for a lot of challenges that you will not win. Often, you'll get rejected, you'll be told you're not good enough, your price isn't low enough, you can't deliver fast enough, or you don't have enough experience. If you believe that each of these reasons makes your startup stronger and gives you a chance to improve, you will be very successful.The more you know how to deal with rejection, the more chances you'll have to discover opportunities that other startups in your niche haven't seen.For us, the cradle of opportunity has been Milan. We participated in business plan competitions, in many pitches where we could talk about ourselves.At this stage more than ever you need to get involved, show yourself, prepare a deck, and train yourself to speak in front of people. Right in this period, we found Rancilio Cube and Italian Retail, the first two real investors of Linky Innovation.That's how we started to get people talking about us.Tip #3:To get an investor's attention, make sure your product solves a real problem. Too many entrepreneurs are simply trying to reinvent the wheel, so avoid being one of them.As Jeff Hammerbacher, founder and chief scientist of Cloudera, said, 'The best minds of my generation are thinking about how to get ads to click."As the old saying goes: Fortune favors the bold.Do something wonderful. You are capable of it.Wrapping upFor every "low" there will be a "high" coming.Remember, your startup journey is a roller coaster so for every "low" there will be a "high" right around the corner.Of course, you never know when the "highs" will come - but you have to trust, they will come.The next time you're experiencing one of the inevitable lows in your startup journey, remember that everything can change in the blink of an eye.Good luck.

There are few things more annoying than having an electric skateboard with a bad battery that just won’t last. You leave the house fully charged and take off only to sputter to a complete stop 30 minutes later. Ya’ killing me smalls! Ya’ killing me.We all do our best to preserve the battery life of our favorite possessions. Over the years, we’ve even developed personal systems to make them last.But certain habits and behaviors might be shortening your battery’s lifespan even MORE than you think. Letting it drop to 0%, letting it overheat, and even just not using it regularly can all lead to an underperforming battery.In an effort to make our (and your) electric skateboard batteries last a bit longer, we compiled a list of tips to do just that. These are simple, actionable pieces of advice that honestly many people never considered before (some of us included). For example, topping up your battery and never letting it fall below 30% is a proven way to extend its lifespan.So follow the tips in this article and you’ll ensure that your battery has a long and happy life. Let’s find out what they are.Understanding Your Electric Skateboard BatteryBefore talking about how you can increase the lifespan of your electric skateboard batteries, let’s go over a few technical aspects of them first.If this part doesn’t interest you, please skip ahead to the tips section.To the gear junkies out there who want to learn more about their battery, take note of the following specifications: Voltage - Influences how much torque the motor can manage i.e. how fast it can go. Higher voltage = higher speeds. Ampere  - The rating of the electric current. A board that has a battery that can supply the necessary power to the motor consistently (amperage) will run faster and smoother. Ampere hours (AH) - The rate at which power can be supplied in one hour. Very indicative of how long a battery will hold a charge. Also referred to as discharge rate. Wattage hours (WH) - The amount of power that is supplied in one hour. Wattage is found by multiplying the voltage and the AH. This is one of the largest contributors to a board’s range. A larger WH means more riding time. Just be aware that many airlines restrict boards that have more than a certain amount of wattage. Range - Synonymous with battery capacity. A board will only travel as far as its battery will supply energy. Cycle - One cycle = one full charge. Generally, the lifespan of electric skateboard batteries is measured in terms of the number of cycles they can achieve e.g. 250, 500, 1000, etc. Voltage sag - An interruption of the electric current that causes reduced performance. A rare albeit typical issue with most consumer electronics is a sign of poor quality or age. Types of Electric Skateboard Batteries9 times out of 10, an electric longboard battery is going to be of the lithium-ion variety, mostly due to reliability and lifespan. If you buy any commercial board, like a Linky, then odds are it’ll have a lithium-ion battery.That said, there’s still some insight to be had by considering the different types of batteries that are on the market.DIY electric skateboard enthusiasts will probably have a lot to say on the subject.We just find the topic fascinating and even a little “electrifying” at times. (What a terrible dad joke that was…)Lithium-IonThese are the most common type of batteries you see, not only in commercial electric skateboards but all consumer electronics, period. Laptops, cell phones, cameras, almost every one of these uses Lithium-Ion.Lithium-ion batteries are popular because they are safe, reliable, and have relatively long lifespans. By now, technology has also advanced to the point where these batteries can be augmented with microchips that help regulate charging and discharging. These make the boards even safer and longer-lasting.A typical Lithium-Ion battery will last around 500-1000 cycles. That’s roughly 2-3 years of life. Certain factors, like extreme heat and improper charging habits, can negatively affect the battery’s lifespan though (more on that later).The biggest downside to Lithium-Ion batteries is that they can sometimes suffer from voltage sag. This is when the power output is not as strong as it could be and results in a brief loss of performance. These sags are generally rare though.Lithium PolymerA more powerful alternative to the lithium-ion battery that you see less often in commercial electric skateboards. Lithium polymer batteries have a much higher output, suffer less from voltage sag, and charge faster. They’re also less expensive than lithium-ion batteries.Given their upsides, you’d think that lithium polymer would be more common than lithium-ion. But there are some real downsides to these types of batteries, which are deal breakers for a lot of people.For one thing, lithium polymer batteries don’t last as long as lithium-ion batteries. You’ll only get about 300-500 cycles out of these; half that of lithium-ion.More importantly, lithium polymer batteries are much more dangerous. They’re very sensitive when it comes to charging and discharging, and even more sensitive to physical damage. It’s not uncommon to see lithium polymer batteries catch fire after misuse or a heavy blow.TL;DR - use lithium polymer batteries only if you’re willing to show them the extra attention and are careful. People who like to DIY their electric skateboards will have better luck with these.LiFePo4The newest form of battery technology that has a lot going for it. LiFePo4 batteries, which stands for “Lithium Iron Phosphate”, are the best of both worlds. They’re as safe as and even longer-lasting than lithium-ion batteries (1,000-10,000 cycles) but provide similar performance as lithium polymers.The problem? The technology is still in its infancy and hasn’t reached the consumer-level point yet. Aside from being just difficult to find, LiFePo4 batteries can be really expensive. Almost too expensive to be worth the trouble.That being said, we’d love to get our own hands-on some LiFePo4 batteries and try making a Linky board with them. Our head engineer is already frothing at the mouth in excitement.10 Tips for Getting More Out of Your Electric Skateboard BatteryLooking to get the absolute most out of your electric skateboard battery? Follow these ten insider tips below to make it last as long as possible.Avoid extreme temperaturesThis is one of the surest ways to make your electric skateboard battery last longer.External temperatures can have a profound effect on a battery and its ability to retain a charge. Too low and the battery will start to lose its charge even when not in use. Too high and the battery could be irreparably damaged.Regulating temperatures isn’t hard to do either. Just try and keep the board in or around room temperature (68-77 °F or 20-25 °C) as much as possible. Avoid at all costs leaving the board, for example, in direct sunlight. If the battery reaches 140 °F (60 °C), it could be seriously damaged.Ride regularlyBoards that are used often are happy boards. This is because electric skateboard batteries actually last longer if they are used on a regular basis. Not using a board or charging the battery for a long time (months) can actually have an adverse effect. Ultimately, the battery will not be able to hold a charge as well.It’s kind of like exercising - no work and the battery becomes sluggish and lacks energy.If you need to store your board, make sure to take it out every few months and use it a bit. Drain the battery some and charge it back up. This will ensure the battery can continue to hold the utmost charge.But don’t make your electric skateboard work too hardRiding an electric skateboard on ill-suited terrain or exceeding its maximum weight load can cause the motor and battery to work overtime. And whilst in these cases you can be sure that the battery is being used, it might be getting over-taxed.Avoid misusing your board and you’ll avoid draining its battery too quickly or unnecessarily.Top up your batteryBatteries last longer if they are charged at regular intervals. Ideally, you should start charging your battery after it has only been depleted by 20-30%. This is to avoid irregular discharge cycles and to avoid the battery being depleted completely.Though it may sound tedious, if you are consistent about charging your electric skateboard battery so consistently, you could seriously extend its lifespan. Get in the habit of charging the board every time you finish using it, either recreationally, when commuting, whenever.Avoid depleting the battery completelyDraining the battery totally and letting it hit 0% can also negatively affect its lifespan. This has to deal with a battery’s depth of discharge, which is a somewhat technical concept that we invite those interested to read more about here.Basically, the more you deplete a battery on a single charge (higher depth of discharge) the less able it will be to hold a charge in the future.The key is to limit the depth of discharge i.e. charge the battery before it gets too low. Doing this will extend the electric skateboard’s battery life markedly.But don’t charge it to 100%Conversely, you want to avoid charging your battery until 100% and then leaving it alone. This will also have a negative impact on the battery’s lifespan.A good rule of thumb: try to keep your battery between 70-90% charged at all times and avoid letting it fall below 30%.Check and clean your battery periodicallyYou ought to take a peek at your electric skateboard’s battery and the compartment every once in a while to make sure everything is looking good.The presence of dust, dirt and other particulates is normal, especially if you ride your board frequently.What you should really be looking for is rust or other signs of damage, like corrosion, caused by moisture. Water is a real killer when it comes to electronics, in particular batteries. If your battery is already starting to show signs of rust, it could mean that its lifespan is coming to an end.To limit breakage caused by water, avoid riding in the rain and store your board in a dry place. Even though a lot of electric skateboard brands claim to be, and to some degree are, waterproof, water has a funny way of still getting inside still.Limit your exposure to water to limit the chances of damaging the battery.Store the board properlyIf you need to store your electric skateboard or longboard for an extended period of time, you need to do the following: Make sure the battery is 50% charged before putting it away. This is the optimal amount for long-term in-activity. Store the electric skateboard somewhere dry and at room temperature. Avoid damp areas or leaving them near windows for months on end. Moisture from the outside can affect the board. Take it out every 3-6 months to recharge the battery. Most likely the battery will have gradually lost power over time. Expend whatever energy is leftover and then bring it back to near fully charged. Ride it a bit more until the battery is back to that goldilocks 50%. Check for any new damage, like rust or mold. Do the above and you will be able to prolong the lifespan of your electric skateboard’s battery even when it’s not being used.Check to see if your board has regenerative brakingThis is a really cool new feature of modern electric skateboards that you might be taking advantage of without even knowing!I won’t go into the finer details or the physics of how regenerative braking works.All you need to know is that when you brake, additional electricity is produced. Rather than let that go to waste, regenerative brakes harness this extra energy to recharge your battery. Incredible, right?!Not all electric skateboards come with regenerative braking though. Be sure to double-check if the electric skateboard that you want to buy does or not.Replace the battery if and when neededSometimes, despite all of our best efforts, things just run their course. We can pour all of our heart and soul into making sure our battery runs as long as possible - and maybe get more than the average amount of cycles out of it - but eventually, it will fail.So when ol’ faithful finally decides to croak, just let it. Give it a proper farewell, and by that, we don’t mean a Viking funeral, rather at a specific center. Then move on to the next one.Many commercial electric skateboards will require a specific type of battery. Your best bet is to contact the company first and order from them. If they can’t provide a battery, they should be able to recommend an alternative.Wrapping UpBattery life decreases with age; this is inevitable. The more energy you consume, the less energy it is able to hold on future charges. Like our own fleeting human existence, it’s just a reality that we have to deal with.But with proper treatment - much like proper diet and exercise for us humans - we can reduce the rate at which a battery degrades and increase its potential lifespan.We believe that all of the tips in this guide offer the best chances of maximizing an electric skateboard’s battery life. If you have any other special tricks or tips that we might have missed though, we’d love to hear what they are in the comment section.Until next time.

As electric longboards and skateboards become a more popular means of transportation, more variations are developed.These days, not all e-boards are made equally either. Some have different components and are more or less better at certain types of riding.So how does one actually choose the right electric longboard or skateboard for themself?This buyer's guide was written precisely to answer that question.We’re going to share a host of information with you, from what aspects of the board to focus on as well as whether you should invest in an electric longboard or skateboard. Crucially, we’re also going to help you figure out which type of rider you are, first.Let’s not waste time: here is what you need to consider primarily when shopping for an electric board.What kind of e-skater are you?First and foremost, ask yourself this question.“What do you like about riding electric boards?”By asking yourself this question, you should be getting a better idea of the following: What it is you’ll be doing with the board. What you need from the board. What is possible with the board you’re eyeing. Once you know what you can do and need, then you can start choosing the best electric longboard or skateboard for yourself.If you’ve already ridden regular, analog boards, fantastic. There are only a few extra things to consider when going electric.CommuterThings to pay attention to: range, battery life, maneuverability, portabilityFor the working person, a workhorse board is needed.Above all else, those who use an electric board to commute will need something reliable and well-rounded. That means having decent range, good battery life, and enough power to get you up those hills. Bonus points if your board is small or easily storable - no one wants to trip over someone’s board in the office.Commuters don’t necessarily need a fast board either. Since you’ll most likely be using your electric longboard or skateboard in the city, you won’t be hitting high speeds. Better to have a board that is maneuverable so that you can avoid traffic and pedestrians.Those who are just getting started with electric longboarding i.e. beginners will probably fall under this category as well. Like commuters, novices will need something versatile, to begin with.Carver Things to pay attention to: maximum maneuverability, control, durability, speedE-skaters love to carve - it’s a great way to accelerate and is super fun. Once you nail it, you’ll probably start doing it constantly.Many believe that e-boards are better at it than their analog predecessors. Electric skateboards do a fine job at carving but longboards are usually considered the better option, given their longer decks.When carving with your electric longboard, you must absolutely prioritize maneuverability over everything else. Make sure your board is responsive and that you completely understand how to use it.Also, be sure that your board is durable enough to handle the constant and sometimes sharp turning. Pay particular attention to the trucks, which will take the brunt of the stress during carves.TravelerThings to pay attention to: portability, range, battery life, durabilityAs e-boards become more and more advanced, they also become more and more convenient to travel with. In fact, there’s never been a better time to travel with your electric board we say!Portability is crucial when it comes to travel as you’ll regularly need to pack away your board and even potentially fly with it. Whilst electric skateboards might seem to be the natural choice - because of their smaller size - electric longboards can also be good candidates. Foldable electric longboards, like Linky, are arguably the ultimate choice for those who want to travel with a board.Those who plan on flying with their board will want to be aware of battery size. Most airlines do not allow removable batteries over 160 watts/hour on the plane, in the cabin, or checked-in. You can of course take a spare battery with you and absolutely should consider it to maximize riding range.Speedster Things to pay attention to: power, maximum speed, battery life, controlThe final evolved form of most electric skaters: the adrenaline junkies who charge down the hills as fast as possible without a second thought. Do these daredevils have no fear???Thanks to their increased stability, electric longboards are usually best for speed runs. Having a larger battery and a more powerful motor will help you achieve maximum velocity.It should go without saying as well that speedsters will need to invest in all the proper safety gear and longboard accessories.Beginner electric longboarders should not consider high-speed boards at first. The average top speed for an electric longboard is around 28 miles/hour and, frankly, anything faster than that feels like you’re being shot out of cannon. Know how to ride first and then think about going fast.TricksterThings to pay attention to: maneuverability, maximum control, durability, portabilityNaysayers be damned - it’s totally possible to thrash on an e-board despite the extra weight! You just need to know what you’re doing.Those wanting to trash will most likely end up with an electric skateboard rather than a longboard. Whilst it is possible to do some tricks on an electric longboard, it’ll be hard to do much more than dance on the deck. Electric skateboards are just the better choice.You’ll want to make sure that your electric skateboard is as light and agile as possible. It’s ok to sacrifice battery capacity - and shed some weight in the process - since you’ll mostly be riding in shorter bursts rather than long distances. Bonus points if the board material is also tough (look into carbon fiber) and the controller is intuitive.Off-roaderThings to pay attention to: maximum durability, power, controlYes, it is totally possible to turn your electric longboard into an all-terrain machine and many people prefer the dirt over the pavement.What does it take to go off-roading with your e-board?It’s all in the wheels, baby. All-terrain electric longboards need much larger, more rugged rubber wheels to cope with the hard terrain. Luckily, most e-boards allow you to swap out wheels and the all-terrain variety are easily purchased separately.Beyond the wheels, having a board with a firm, yet flexible desk helps cope with the elements as does a little waterproofing.You’ll also want to make sure the board has enough torque to handle the random inclines. It doesn’t need to be fast, but it does need to be powerful.Electric skateboards vs electric longboardsWhen it comes to battery-powered boards, electric longboards are far more common. This is mostly because they’re better suited for cruising. In their case, the addition of a drive system and the battery isn’t really a dealbreaker - they only enhance the experience.Longboards are built for pleasure riding. A longer, more flexible deck provides a lot more stability and comfort while riding, and larger wheels handle bumpy terrain more easily. Longboards, especially electric longboards, can go really, really fast as well.Consequently, longboards can also be less agile and are not great when it comes to tricks. Some people still manage to do a cool trick on their longboard but the grand majority of riders can’t do anything more complex than carving.Electric skateboards are less common, probably because sticking a heavy battery on one defeats their ultimate purpose: to be light and glide through the air.That being said, electric skateboards do still exist and they are still fun to ride. They tend to be a bit longer and could even be described as a “shortboard”. One could even manage to do tricks on an electric skateboard if they set their mind to it.The biggest positive of an electric skateboard is its compact size. Some riders actually prefer to use them to get around town in fact. Usually, they will install larger, softer wheels - like a longboard - because they’re better for cruising.So if you know what kind of rider you are, ask yourself if a skateboard, longboard, or shortboard would better suit your style. Commuters, carvers, and speedsters should stick to buying an electric longboard while tricksters and ultralights will gravitate towards an electric skateboard. Travelers and off-roaders could get away with either depending on the situation.What to look for when buying an electric longboard or skateboardLet’s drill down into the details and look more closely at the individual aspects of an electric board. As we learn more about what makes a good electric longboard or skateboard, then we can really start to hone in on which is the right one.Range and battery lifeBoth electric longboards and electric skateboards average around 12-20 miles on a single charge. For most types of riders, this is enough.It is of course possible to purchase an e-board with a larger battery and more range; a lot more. Some longboard brands, like Lacroix, have models that come with a ridiculous 2000 watt battery. To put that in context, the average is 200! With a battery that big, a board can easily hit 100 miles on a single charge.But having a larger battery might not necessarily be a good thing. For one thing, a larger battery will mean a heavier longboard. A normal longboard is around 10-15 pounds; the aforementioned behemoth from Lacroix can be upwards of 50 pounds. With a heavy board like that, traveling will be more difficult for sure.Don’t even think about trying to bring a longboard with a larger than average battery on a plane either. Chances are, security will confiscate it.If you’re looking to add a little range to your board, you’re probably better off bringing an extra battery or two in your backpack. This way is more convenient. Just make sure the electric longboard you want to buy features replaceable batteries.DurabilityE-boards can take a real beating on the streets and (especially) on the trails. Trucks, wheels, belts, and chassis get worn out and can break depending on the board and the rider. God forbid someone comes down hard on it and snaps the deck :’(When choosing an electric longboard or skateboard, you’ll want to make sure that the board is made of good materials. Boards made with bamboo, carbon fiber, and high-quality plastics are usually a good sign. Cheaper brands will obviously skimp on using materials like these.Do a little research beforehand and make sure you’re not investing in something that will break after a few rides. Read electric longboard reviews and see if anyone has had any glaring problems. If the board is bad, usually it will be obvious from people’s comments.Power and speedMost electric longboards and skateboards top out at around 20-28 miles/hour. And in all honesty, new riders shouldn’t look for anything that goes faster than that. Beyond 30 miles/hour, boards become more difficult to control and serious injuries are more likely.More important than speed is power. Power means you can conquer hills more easily and deal with variegated terrain, but not necessarily go faster. Power mostly comes from a combination of torque and the type of motor your board has. If they’re top quality, your board won’t struggle as much and your ride will overall be smoother.A good electric longboard for beginners will offer just enough torque and speed to get you to where you’re going. Once you’ve become more experienced, then consider whether or not you actually need more speed from your next model.Maneuverability and controlWhen it comes to maneuverability and control, it really comes down to the rider. Whatever electric board you end up buying, the bottom line is you’ll need to feel comfortable on it. If you’re not, the ride just won’t be fun and even accidents can occur.You’ll want to try out the board for a period of time before committing to keeping it. Feel it out, take it for a spin, make sure that this one is right for you. In this case, it is pretty mandatory that the electric longboard or skateboard company that you buy from has a good return policy. 14 days should be a minimum.Pay special attention to the controller. You’d be amazed how difficult some are to use. You don’t want to be in a hectic situation either where you need to be in full control but you can’t because you can’t figure the remote out.PortabilityPortability is a huge factor for those who are on the go and travel frequently. Being able to quickly grab a board and pack it away easily is hugely convenient. Just ask anyone who’s tried to take their electric longboard on a crowded bus. People glare.Those wanting maximum portability might instinctively buy an electric skateboard or even a shortboard. After all, they are the lightest and most compact form of electric mobility.That being said, it is possible to have a portable electric longboard as well, so long as it is foldable or collapsible.Where can one find such a board? Linky of course!Linky is the world’s ONLY foldable electric longboard. It packs down to about the size of a pile of textbooks and can fit in most regular-sized backpacks. Perfect for college students, commuters, travelers, and anyone else looking for something storable.Shameless promotion over.BudgetLet’s be honest: price is a big deal when it comes to choosing an electric skateboard or longboard. One could spend a couple of hundred dollars on a real beater board or thousands on something state of the art. Ideally, you’ll find a happy medium.Budget electric longboards and skateboards are usually made of subpar materials. They’ll break faster and you won’t get much in the way of customer support. This may not deter a casual rider or someone like a college student but regular riders will need something more reliableA good e-board - one that will perform well and will last a while - should cost between $500-$1000. You could easily spend more on a board if you wanted more bells and whistles but the above price range is the Goldilocks range: just right.SupportAn oft-overlooked aspect when it comes to choosing an electric longboard or skateboard but one that can make all the difference. Being able to actually TALK to someone who speaks your language is huge.Imagine this: your board starts to malfunction and the motor won’t start. You find the company email address and send a message, only to wait days until you receive a reply, and in broken English for that matter.It’s an all too frequent occurrence for those who buy cheap electric longboards from foreign (mostly Chinese) producers.Buying from a local company comes with a couple of extra assurances: they’ll 1) speak your language 2) should be quicker to respond and 3) faster to ship and receive.It’s a really satisfying feeling to know that the person on the other end of the line actually understands your problem, even more so when they successfully fix your board. Thankfully, most of Linky’s staff is bilingual in English and Italian. Send us a ciao or hello anytime!Wrapping UpWhen it comes to picking the right electric longboard or skateboard, you must consider the following: What kind of style of riding do I like and which board is best for it? Do I want an electric longboard, electric skateboard, or something in between? What aspects of the electric board are most important to me? Range? Durability? Speed? Customer support? How much am I willing to pay? Answer the above questions, the best electric board for you should be obvious.This concludes our electric longboard and skateboard buying guide. If you have any further questions that you’d like to ask or have some good e-board suggestions, please leave a comment below!

If you own an electric bike for commuting, you probably know how important is to keep it charged.As a commuter, the last thing you ever want to deal with is being far from home or from your car and suddenly losing power!Having good care of your battery will allow you to go out for a ride with confidence, to have a great time enjoying the sights and sounds while you go home without any stress.Let’s see how to take care properly of your new baby. 1-  Charge Your Ebike Battery Regularly It's always best to keep charging and try to never run the pack down all the way, this applies to all battery types.I suggest you always leave for a trip on a full charge whenever possible, and in case you know you’ll be stretching the limits of the range, try to make the effort to pedal a bit more and conserve energy (it is also good for your health).Those living in the city with an ebike already know the benefit of route planning.2- Avoid temperatures extremesDo not charge a frozen battery pack, otherwise, you could harm the cells. It is no problem to ride the bike in below-freezing conditions (it doesn’t harm the battery), just make sure you let the battery warm-up before charging. Bring it to a warm location before charging and give it time to warm up, if you feel comfortable and cozy in a sweater, so is your battery.Ideally, try to keep your battery in a cool place, preferably below 20°C (68°F). 3-    Don’t Overcharge an Electric Bike Battery You should not overcharge an electric bike battery as this could reduce how it works as well as for how long it works.Over time, the battery capacity tends to naturally reduce based on the charging cycles.Here at Linky Innovation, we offer 10 Years Full Replacement Battery Warranty, which is one of the best deals in the business.I advise you don’t buy an ebike with anything less than 2 years warranty. 4-    Where to charge an Electric Bike Battery The simplest way to charge your battery is on-the-go, bringing with you the charger and finding a common wall to plug in: restaurants, coffee shops, offices or libraries, etc. Having an electric bike with a removable battery will be much easier since you won’t need to carry the entire bike inside the office or the coffee shop in order to charge.The Linky e-bikes have this amazing system that allows you to unplug the battery from the ebike and carry it with you wherever you want.

College is the perfect time to have an electric longboard.What better way to commute to your classes than by carving up the campus streets, remote in hand and backpack over your shoulder as you fly by the rest of the students who are forced to walk everywhere. You’ve just hacked one of the most annoying parts of college: spending less time getting around campus.There are a lot of good electric longboards out there that can be used for college, but which one is THE BEST?This article is intended to help college students pick the right electric longboard for their needs. For those who are not convinced we’ll cover why you should invest in a longboard (HINT: they’re super convenient) before moving on to what you need to consider before buying one and which board we think is best.We’ve even thrown a tip or two to help you crush it on campus while riding.Class is now in session.Why use an electric longboard for college?1. It makes going to class more funGoing to class can be a drag, especially if the classroom is located on the other side of campus. Sometimes, it can be downright exhausting (take it from someone who used to walk 30 minutes to get from Western Civ 101 to Italian 202).Arriving either in poor spirits or out of breath is no way to start the lesson.Riding an electric longboard to class can help curb those bad moods and keep you fresh. You’ll get a bit of exercise in, stimulate the brain, and will appreciate the campus more.You’ll also absorb more in class too when you arrive happily! Studies have shown that students actually learn more when they’re in a good mood.2. Longboarding is faster than walkingThe average student walks about 12,000 steps per day. For the average pedestrian, that equates to about 2.5 hours of walking.Whilst we’re all about the health benefits of electric mobility, dedicating 2.5 hours a day walking - especially when students already have 6 hours of class and several hours of homework on top of that - is a bit too much.Wouldn’t you rather spend a little extra time socializing with friends and riding around the college?Riding an electric longboard on campus can more than halve your commute. That means less time worrying if you’re going to be late and more time to yourself. Go ahead and shoot the shit if you want at the student annex - you’ll have plenty of time to get to class with your electric longboard.3. Using an electric longboard on campus is convenientCollege campuses are usually well organized and designed with pedestrians in mind. Granted, some campuses are enormous and require some real effort to get across but the way is still straightforward.In actuality, college campuses are perfect for electric longboards. Everything is paved, the pathways are flat, and vehicular traffic should be limited as much as possible. All ideal conditions for boarding.Riding on campus isn’t like commuting to work - this is a safe, easy, and pleasant place to be riding an electric longboard. So take advantage of it!4. Electric longboards are relatively affordableCollege tuition is already expensive enough.Looking down the barrel of a $60,000 tuition? Want to add the aforementioned car expenses on top of that and make it an even six figures?Screw that. Young adults don’t need any more debt as it is.Don’t add to those college expenses unnecessarily. Use a cheaper mode of transport, like an electric longboard, while attending. You won’t have to bug mom and dad to pay for insurance or maintenance. You’ll just need to pay for the extra electricity to charge the battery and that will be a matter of cents, not hundreds of dollars.5. You don’t need a carHaving a car while attending university is often more painful than convenient. Parking is a nightmare, gas is expensive, and friends have a tendency to latch on to the one with the car (“Can I hitch a ride to the liquor store, bruh?”)My own experience of having a car while in college should be enough to deter you. One car broke down, another was stolen, and a third was towed after a party. All-in-all, I must have wasted $10,000 over the course of three years by having one.Honestly, college students don’t need to have cars as they’re more of a liability than anything. Rather, having an electric longboard while attending college is much cheaper, safer, and way more convenient.Things to consider when looking for the best electric longboard for collegeBuying an electric longboard, especially if you’re a starving college student with limited funds, can be a big deal.We’re here to help you with your decision though. Here are some things that you need to keep in mind when buying a new electric longboard.Range and battery lifeYou’ll want to make sure that your electric longboard lasts at least the entire day on campus. Most electric longboards should have the ability to do so, considering that the average student walks 5 miles per day and the average longboard battery lasts at least 10 miles.Still, a little extra juice in the caboose wouldn’t hurt, so having an extra battery would be convenient. That way, you could use the electric longboard after your academic day has wrapped up.Insider tip: make sure your board is fully charged in the morning before starting class. Running out of battery wouldn’t be the end of the world - you can always charge during class (if allowed) or just kick and push it like a regular board. But saving yourself the hassle is always best.PriceWithout a doubt, price is the number one factor for college students when looking to buy an electric longboard. Universities ain’t cheap and so the last thing students need are more unnecessary expenses.The average electric longboard should cost around $500. It is possible to find boards that cost less but these will most likely be poor quality and will be more likely to break. Cheap batteries can’t hold a charge either for very long.A good electric longboard, if cared for properly, can survive for years - long enough to last for all of college, even in the case of super seniors!Do yourself a favor a spend the extra money. You’ll be ensuring yourself and the board for the future.PortabilityAfter price, portability is arguably the next most important thing to consider when looking for a good electric longboard for college. Why? Because you’re going to be going in and out of different classrooms a lot and the last thing you want to be is that awkward person trying to find a place to put your board.Picture this: you’re late to class. Your teacher is an asshole. You walk into the lecture hall as quiet as a mouse. The moment you try to shuffle past to your seat though, disaster strikes. Your board knocks into the chairs, you step on toes, there’s no way to lay your board down without giving it its own seat. Meanwhile, the professor looks like they’re about to start slinging a severe scolding. This is what hell must be like.Make sure your longboard is light, reasonably sized, and not too cumbersome to carry. If you want the most portable electric longboard possible, buy a foldable one like the Linky. Foldable longboards can be slipped easily into a backpack or underneath a seat, two things that college students should college students will be using very, very often.DurabilityLet’s be frank: college students can be hard on their property. God knows I crashed my bike plenty of times riding home drunk from a party.If you want your electric longboard to last for your entire college duration, you’ll want to make sure that it can take a heavy blow or two and can still run. Make sure to check the reviews of the board before buying it just to make sure that there are no hidden or ridiculous defects. Boards made out of carbon fiber and heavy-duty plastics will be among the strongest.Insider tip: when riding your electric longboard around campus, be careful on those bumps and offroad routes. Sudden impacts to the battery compartment can cause it to malfunction.Why Linky is the best electric longboard for college studentsThe one thing that a college student needs from an electric longboard is convenience. Speed is not that important; having something reliable that will make your life easier is.The Linky electric longboard checks all the boxes.A joy to ride? Absolutely.Long-lasting battery? 10 miles is more than enough.Easy to pack and carry around? Now we’re cooking with gas.The thing that makes Linky stand out from other electric longboards is its foldable design. Hell, it is the world’s ONLY foldable electric longboard for that matter. For college students, this ability is a game-changer.Foldable means no more angry professors bemoaning you for leaving the longboard propped against the wall. It means not having to trip over it in your college dorm, which is already cramped enough as it is. It means you have the ability to take the board almost anywhere because it fits conveniently in your backpack.So yee, call us biased, but we really believe that Linky is the best electric longboard for college students. Truth is, we made the board specifically with them in mind because personally, we were tired of having to deal with cumbersome fixed boards. We hope (and are sure) you will also enjoy having one too.Tips for getting around campus with an electric longboardAlready have your longboard picked out and ready to go? Here are some extra tips for riding around the university safely and enjoyably.1. Avoid riding through crowded areasRiding your electric longboard around campus when there are lots of people around can be very frustrating. Pedestrians can make random moves, block the streets, and get in your way when it’s least convenient.Worst case scenario you crash and someone gets hurt or your board is damaged. More likely, you’ll just have to dismount and walk with your board, which is super annoying.Ultimately, people are just extra hazards to worry about.Avoid the busier parts of campus. That includes public spaces like the student center and popular meeting places as well as sidewalks and other walkways that pedestrians generally use. 2. Know your rights before ridingEvery college has its own set of rules when it comes to riding electric longboard - or any form of personal mobility for that matter - around campus. Before you start using one, make sure you know what these are.For example, some colleges may require that longboards only be ridden in bikes lanes. Also, some states may actually consider personal mobility devices, like electric longboards, as vehicles, which means if you’re caught riding one while intoxicated, you could get a DUI.If you ride in a respectful way, it will help ensure that longboards can continue to be used on campus and the rules remain fair. Ride recklessly and people will also start to think all boarders are dicks.Don’t get hit with a hefty fine and don’t jeopardize the longboard community - know the rules before you start riding.3. Avoid hills and steep sectionsAlthough hills are less of a problem with a motorized longboard, they should still be avoided if possible. This is because inclines require a lot of power to climb and will very quickly drain the board’s battery.Know where all of the problem spots are on campus and try to find alternative routes. Stick to flatter sections that will be faster and easier to ride on. Your battery will last a lot longer if you do.4. Find the best roads and plan your rideFoot traffic, hills, and rough roads can all make your ride less enjoyable. Rather than dealing with them on a daily basis, you should be looking for the best route possible.Do a bit of research ahead of time and find out where the good paths are. Look for quieter backways and smooth pavement to reduce your travel time and the risk of getting in an accident.Riders might even consider planning entire routes ahead of time, much in the same way that commuters do. Once you have a system in place, your life on campus will become much easier.5. Have a good place to put electric longboard during classNot every teacher or professor is going to let prop up your longboard in class. Some may not even let you bring it into the room at all!Before starting class, you’ll probably want to ask the professor, assistant, or some sort of faculty member where would be the best spot. Some buildings may have some sort of secure sharing space, like a room or a locker. The teacher could always be nice and let you prop it out of the way and in the corner as well.Really though, electric longboard backpacks are a godsend for college students. Having one will allow you to travel with your board in a less obtrusive way and will give you more options for stowing it away, such as hanging it on a sturdy hook or a secured chair. Just make sure the person behind you can still see!Foldable longboards are even more convenient. You can store these in even more places, such as underneath a seat or in a regular backpack. To give you an idea, Linky longboards, once folded, are about the size of a small stack of textbooks.6. Know how to ride an electric longboard in the first placeA lot of freshmen may think that going to college is the perfect opportunity to try out electric longboarding for the first time. Whilst we are stoked to see new riders being born, they should still know what they’re doing before zooming around the university.As we’ve already mentioned, college campuses can be super busy. To avoid crashing into someone or something else, you’ll need to know how to turn and break on a dime. You should probably avoid hills too until you know how to go down them properly or throttle back. I’m sure every single longboarder can tell you about their first time riding down a big hill - it’s scary as hell!Practice riding your electric longboard on gentle terrain and in a controlled environment before riding in the controlled chaos of campus. Understand how your longboard functions and the proper riding techniques in order to become a confident rider. You’ll be less likely to eat shit if you do.Entry-level riders can study up by reading our introductory article on how to ride an electric longboard.7. Always wear a helmetWe’ve all seen them: the daredevils who ride through campus, completely at ease and riding without a care in the world. They ride effortlessly between people, often standing straight-legged with shoulders back whilst texting on their phones, completely oblivious to any obstacles ahead. They look so damn cool these Valentino Rossis of the longboard...Until they eat shit after hitting a pebble and go tumbling forward headfirst. That’s how you end up on Reddit’s Hold My Feeding Tube thread.Forget looking cool or acting like you don’t care: wear a helmet and protect that precious brain of yours. You never know when that crack in the pavement is just large enough to launch you or when you might lose control on a particularly steep hill. It’s not worth going to the hospital for stitches or a potentially fractured skull.At the very least, wear your helmet while you’re still learning how to use your board and the layout of the college. Longboard accidents are a serious concern on college campuses, more so than skateboarding.Wrapping upIt should also be said that students can take this opportunity to help to preserve the environment. By not using transport that runs on fossil fuels, you can help to break the cycle and curb global warming.The personal mobility revolution is upon us and the campus streets are where we can get the message out.Do you have a funny or interesting story from riding your longboard around campus? Leave a comment below and let us hear about it!

The difference between a casual electric longboarder and a diehard electric longboarder is often vague. What makes the latter so damn appealing and how can I become a better boarder myself?Well, aside from riding your electric longboard every day and using it for things like commuting, what gear you use is hugely important.And no piece of equipment is arguably more important than a good electric longboard backpack. Having a solid backpack will not only allow you to carry more while you’re riding but will also give a place to put your electric longboard when you’re not using it. This is crucial for those who travel a lot with their board or those who just use it regularly throughout the day.Electric longboard bags are not your run-of-the-mill backpack either - there’s quite a bit that goes into them. You’ll need to consider size, materials, ergonomics, and, of course, price, among many other factors.This guide is intended to help riders find the perfect backpack for their electric longboard. We’re going to help you find the perfect one for you and go further into why you should have one in the first place.Let’s ride!What makes an electric longboard backpack special?Electric longboard backpacks differ from regular backpacks because they are intentionally designed to carry longboards. How they actually accommodate the longboard varies from model to model, but regardless, their primary purpose should always be making the board comfortable and safe to carry.Most backpacks come with custom features - ties, compartments, hooks, etc - to arrest the longboard as well as accessories. Some bags use straps to tie the longboard down whilst others rely upon a large compartment in which the rider stores the board in its entirety.Because of their specialized design, electric longboard backpacks are not always “one-size fits all”. In other words, certain backpacks are sometimes meant for certain boards.If you’re a serious electric longboard user, you should definitely consider buying a special backpack to carry your board. It’ll make your life so much easier as you won’t have to worry so much about carrying stuff in your hands while riding or the board itself. In particular, those who travel with their electric longboards have a TON to gain from investing in a good backpack.5 ways that an electric longboard backpack helpsStill on the fence? Here are some reasons why you should buy an electric longboard backpack.1. You can pack extra stuff when ridingChances are you’ll want to bring something with you when you ride your electric longboard. Could be a spare battery, could be a change of clothes, could be anything really! College students will be especially wanting for space as they’ll need to bring their books, laptop, pens, pencils, and half the stationary store when going to class.Having a backpack is simply mandatory in these situations. There’s just no way you can possibly take all that stuff using just your pockets and hands. Doing so would just be downright dangerous.Having a backpack while boarding can also unlock a lot of new places! No longer will you have to run back to the house to grab that one thing you need. Instead, just take it all with you and spend the entire day out riding.2. You can be hands-freeWhen riding an electric longboard, it is really is important that you keep your hands free at all times.For one thing, you need to use one hand to actually grip the remote! Meanwhile, the other is used for balancing (perhaps on a gnarly corner you’re carving) or to help catch yourself when you’re about to fall and eat the pavement.You don’t want to be in a situation where you need to dedicate one arm to holding onto something for dear life. There’s enough going on as it is and having to worry about clinging on to a laptop or notebook is going to make your ride way more stressful. God forbid you drop that laptop too...Just put everything in an electric longboard backpack and save yourself the hassle.3. It’s a convenient way to store your longboardWhen you’re done riding, you need a place to put your longboard. Rather than just propping it up against some wall or desk, use an electric longboard backpack and store it somewhere safe.Picture this: you just finished your longboard commute to work. You grab your board, throw it in or strap it to your backpack, walk in the front door, and then casually hang it in the employee room with all the other bags. No worrying about someone tripping over it, no worrying about someone kicking it over on accident, and no worrying about it breaking. Job well done.Seriously, one of the biggest pain points with having an electric longboard is just finding a way to store it that doesn’t get in people’s way. A backpack makes storage oh so much easier.4. It makes traveling with your electric longboard easierIf you’ve ever tried to ride a crowded bus or train while holding a longboard, you know the look: people glaring at you from all angles clearly annoyed because the board is occupying so much space. And when it comes to getting off the bus, get ready for the screams of abuse as you try to politely push past.Having an electric longboard backpack makes just traveling on public transport easier but all traveling general.Having a backpack means that you can carry your board close to your body in a non-intrusive manner. It means you can get on and off the bus no matter how tight the squeeze. It means that you can walk through the airport terminal smoothly without bumping into people at security or check-in. It means you can go about your business without having to worry about holding the damn thing all the time.If you have a foldable electric longboard, like Linky, you have even MORE options. Ever think it was impossible to take your electric longboard on the plane with you? If it’s foldable, why not?! Just slip into your backpack and stow it overhead, simple as that. Talk about ultimate convenience.5. You can grab and goEarly day tomorrow? Pack up your electric longboard backpack the night before and hit the ground running! No need to go around collecting everything half-dazed and totally rushed right after you’ve waken-up.Having a backpack means you can keep everything nice, organized, and totally accounted for ahead of time.Types of electric longboard backpacksThe following are common types of backpacks that are used to carry electric longboards: Strapped electric longboard backpacks - These bags rely upon external straps to hold the longboard. These are convenient because riders can access their boards more easily but this comes at the cost of protection. Strapped longboards are almost always exposed in some way. “Contained” electric longboard backpacks* - These backpacks have an enormous compartment, which you fit your longboard completely into. These provide ultimate protection but can be a bit tedious to use, not to mention select. You’ll need to find the right-sized backpack in this case that will fit your board. Regular travel backpack - A lot of riders opt to buy a regular backpack and then outfit it to accommodate an electric longboard. If you take this route, you’ll want to make sure that either a) the backpack has strong and well-fitted straps that you can tie your longboard down with or b) you have an accessory like a Deck Hook that you can use to safely mount the board. Option B can be convenient as it will fit on most backpacks but, fair warning, not all longboards will fit on it. Electric longboard duffel bags - You don’t see these very often because it’s not very common that electric longboards are packable enough to be carried using a duffel. But Linky boards are the exception. Because they’re foldable, they can easily fit into the bottom of a duffel whilst the rest of your gear sits at the top. The Linky Voyager bag actually comes with a hidden compartment meant just to hold your board! It’s perfect for a weekend getaway or for taking on an airplane. *I’ve not heard an actual term used the discern between backpacks that have a dedicated compartment and those that just rely upon straps. For now, I just refer to the former kind as “contained” backpacks.Things to consider before choosing a backpackConsider the following when searching for the best possible electric longboard backpack:The longboard itselfNot all electric longboards are going to fit in each and every bag. Some are going to work better with specific backpack brands or models.Before buying an electric longboard, consider the ergonomics of the longboard itself first. The length, bulkiness, and shape will all factor into how well the board fits onto or into a certain backpack.It might be the case that certain backpacks are designed for certain longboards. For example, HUBRO backpacks tend to work well with Boosted Boards whilst the Linky Daily Traveler is designed specifically for a foldable Linky longboard.DurabilityIt’s always good to have a tough backpack, no matter what you’re doing or where you’re going. Nothing is more frustrating than watching an attendant manhandle your bag or seeing it tear at the slightest impact. If you fall off your board while riding and are carrying valuables like a laptop, then you better hope the backpack has enough padding too.When it comes to durability, the best electric longboard will be made from high-quality materials, such as tarpaulin, rip-stop nylon, and sometimes hard plastics. Check the manufacturing quality of the backpack thoroughly and make sure it looks and feels robust.Also, be sure that there is some kind of padding on the backpack. The part touching your own back should definitely have some, for the sake of comfort, but you’ll want to make sure that is the padding on the bottom of the bag and maybe even in the interior.CapacitySpace is crucial not just for the sake of the board itself but also for all the stuff you want to bring. The best electric longboard backpacks should offer enough room to accommodate both.A backpack should have several dedicated compartments. If it’s the kind of backpack that is meant to wrap around the entire board - as opposed to exteriors strappings - then there ought to be at least two separate vestibules: one for the board and for the rest of your stuff.Backpack capacity is measured using liters. The average amount is usually around 30-40.Note that it might not necessarily be a good thing to buy the largest electric longboard backpack possible. Overly large backpacks can be too cumbersome, not only to ride but travel with. You’re better off determining how much room you actually need based upon the things you carry most often and buy a suitable backpack then.Comfort and fitThis is often one of the most overlooked aspects when people are looking to buy an electric longboard backpack. It is also one of the MOST important things to consider.You could be riding your longboard for long periods of time. As you start carrying more stuff with you - and not just the longboard - that backpack is going to start getting heavy as well. It’s not uncommon to be carrying around 40 pounds worth of gear, especially if you’re traveling.Make sure that your backpack fits you well. The shoulder traps ought to contour to your body, rather than dig in, and the hip straps (if you have them) should sit above your pelvis. The backpack should also maintain a relatively sturdy shape as you big to pack it (sagging has a negative impact on your body).While you’re at it, make sure to pack your electric longboard backpack properly as well. Put heavier items at the bottom of the bag and then lighter ones at the top. This will maintain the center of gravity in the bag.Extra featuresStraps, pockets, rings, hooks, chargers; backpacks these days are like Batman utility belts! And the more people use them, the more creative the designers get. Who knows what the electric longboard backpack of the future will look like.If you’re the kind of person who takes ergonomics seriously, then be on the lookout for the little things a bag offers, the bells and whistles. Whilst some extras aren’t so useful, others are really game-changers, like the cellphone pocket.PriceThe price of an electric longboard bag is between $50 and $150. You could certainly spend more than that but I wouldn’t spend less. Anything less than $50 is either going to be really basic or poorly made.Do yourself a favor and spend the extra money on a good backpack. If you take care of the bag, it can last for years and will outlast many boards. Regular travelers know this already but a backpack is like your home, so make it a good one.Trusted Brands and the Best Electric Longboard BackpacksLinkyAll of Linky’s bags are designed specifically for the Linky foldable longboard.The ‘Daily Traveler’ is made from tough nylon materials and features a secondary padded pouch for valuables. Despite being smaller than most other longboard bags, this backpack can comfortably accommodate the Linky board, a laptop, and several books. Together, the Linky longboard and backpack combine to make one of the most compact packages on the market.The ‘Voyager’ is a bit more stylish. It is a duffel-style bag made with denim and suede fabrics and is intended for more serious travelers. There’s a hideaway pouch at the bottom of the bag for the Linky board and a primary compartment with plenty of room for clothing and/or accessories.Notable backpack models: The Daily Traveler The Voyager GoRideGoRide backpacks are great all-around and are very reasonably priced. They have large capacities, lots of extra built-in features, and are compatible with most longboard designs (not just their own). All this for less than $100.GoRide has two backpacks on offer: the ‘Commuter’ and the ‘Commuter Elite’.The Commuter is the standard model that uses external straps to carry longboards. But rather than being located on the back of the backpack, which is the more typical place, these straps are on the front, facing outward. This allows for quick access to the board but can also make the backpack a bit unbalanced at times. With heavier loads, the bag is a little uncomfortable.The ‘Elite’ version is a sealed backpack that is intended to hold the entire board inside rather than strapping it down externally. This means that the board is completely covered at all times, which is great when you’re traveling. When you’re not skating either, you can use the extra internal space to carry more stuff as well!Notable backpack models: GoRide Commuter Backpack GoRide Commuter Elite Slick RevolutionSlick Revolution backpacks are designed specifically to be adaptable. They can accommodate all types of electric longboards and can hold all sorts of different personal items.Slick covers a lot of bases with their backpacks. They’re made of tough, water-resistant materials, come with a variety of hooks and straps for mounting items, and have very well-organized interiors. You can access the inside of the bag in multiple ways and can readjust the interior using the padded dividers, which photographers and gadget-nerds will appreciate very much.Because of their wide appeal and customizability, Slick Revolution backpacks have become a market standard. These bags will serve any electric longboarder well and for a long time. They are, predictably, more expensive than other brands though.Notable backpack models: Slick Revolution Rucksack AlterBagsAnother staple company in the electric longboard bag market, AlterBags have come to be very reliable.Rather than make one bag that fits all boards though, AlterBag opted to be more focused with their design. All of their bags come in either ‘mini’ or ‘maxi’ versions: minis are better for shorter boards whilst maxis are better for longer. Some models, like the Gunmetal, also come with additional features like hip straps.No matter which model you choose though, AlterBags are designed to be sleek and efficient. They use space very well, despite looking sleek as hell, and can hold a 15” laptop. If you need more space, the bags are also expandable thanks to the rolltop.Notable backpack models: AlterBag Native - Dove Grey Native - Gunmetal (w/ extra features) DakineLots of the big-name brands, such as Nike and Volcom, make backpacks for carrying skateboards and longboards. Whilst it’s tough to wrong with players like these, Dakine is arguably the most reputable of the bunch.Dakine has been making outdoor backpacks for decades and surfers, skateboarders, and snowboarders all swear by the brand. Above all, Dakine backpacks are well-made, comfortable, and very utilitarian. They may not be the fanciest backpacks around but they get the job done, period.One model, in particular, called the ‘Mission’, is regularly touted as one of the best backpacks ever made. It may be intended for snowboarding, but just about every kind of boarder can benefit from using the Mission.Notable backpack models: Mission 25L Cyclone II

Riding as a family can seem pretty intimidating. Keeping everyone in order and lil’ Jimmy off of Sally’s back is bad enough already let alone while riding a bike.But now you want to throw a powered motor and battery into the mix as well? Having an electric bike MUST be too much to handle.Truth is, riding together as a family using ebikes is actually very doable. In fact, it might be easier at times, just so long as you and everyone else knows what they’re doing.This guide is intended to illuminate parents on how to ride electric bikes with their kids. It covers necessary precautions, gear, key safety tips, and more. We’ll even cover (briefly) the process of finding the best ebike for adults as well as children!Electric bikes have changed the way people live and get around in this modern world. It’s high time that families jumped on the electric bandwagon.Let’s ride!The mission: have fun while staying safeThe first big family bike ride can go one of two ways:Scenario A: “I’m having so much fun!” says the ecstatic child - This is the dream for all parents. They prepare everything beforehand, pull their shiny new electric bike out of the garage, strap in the kids, and everything goes more creamy than butter left out overnight. Truly, this is the ideal situation for any family biking together.Scenario B: “I want to go home!” cries the not-so-happy child - The nightmare scenario, where the kids can’t stop crying and everything falls apart. This can come about from a lack of planning, bikes malfunctioning, and a general unwillingness from all parties involved. Nothing is worse or kills the ebike spirit more than a pack of screaming kids or a pair of adults riding around with their hair on fire.The key to having a successful outing with the family and electric bikes is preparation and setting the proper expectations. Depending on the size and age of the family, you may not be going fast or really anywhere at all. Could be the case that you just do laps in a park or a quick ride down to the school. It always depends on what you as the parents feel most comfortable doing and what your kids are capable of.So before starting your family electric bike ride, ask yourself the following questions: How old are my kids and what can they handle? Are they old enough to ride an electric bike? What kind of (electric) bike do we need as parents and do my kids need? Are the kids going to be riding with us or with their own bikes? What kind of accessories will be useful? A child seat? A trailer? Training wheels? Extra storage for snacks? Where are we going and what can we expect? Are the kids ready for hills or long distances? Are there places to take a break along the way? What are the local rules of the road where I live and do my kids know them? Let’s dive in and ponder these questions more right now.Before you ride: Choosing the best electric bike(s) for your familyChoosing the right bike for not only yourself but also the rest of the family is a crucial first step as there are a ton of options out there.At the very least, you, the group’s brave leader, should have a decent bike. And not just any beater either, but a solid, reliable electric bike.We suggest starting out at least with an electric city bike, like the Linky EZY. A city bike will offer enough power, comfort, and battery life to handle most family electric bike riding situations.If you’re in need of something more specialized, there are, thankfully, lots of different ebikes available on the market.The best electric bikes for families will offer the following: A generous rack in the back that can accommodate a child seat or... A large bucket where the kids can sit while you ride. A stronger motor that can handle the extra weight plus a larger battery to power it. An electric cargo bike would be an excellent choice. They tick all the above boxes and are very popular with families. They’re great if your kids can’t ride themselves yet and you don’t want to bother with equipping a child seat or trailer. They’re also useful not just when it comes to portering around the kids but also chores and life stuff in general.Cargo bikes with front-loader buckets are called bakfiets or Long Johns, whilst rear-loaders are called longtails. Which you choose is down to preference.Other models that are good for family bike rides are eMTBs (electric mountain bikes) and hybrid bikes. eMTBs are a bit tougher and can handle more difficult terrain should your family decide to go biking in the woods or offroad. Hybrids are like a cross between a city bike and eMTB and fall somewhere in between the two in terms of comfort, ruggedness, and power.Why choose an electric bike for your family outings?Ebikes are starting to become very popular in all wakes of life. People are using them to commute to work, as means of recreation, and for taking active holidays.It’s high time that families jumped on the electric bandwagon.There are lots of reasons to choose an electric bike over a regular bike as a parent.For starters, you’ll have more riding power, which is crucial in case the kids take off ahead or you need to tow something like a trailer. You’ll also look more like a badass when you crush that big hill and leave the kids in the dirt (just kidding don’t actually do that).Secondly, you can use your ebike for most of your daily needs. On top of the things that we already mentioned, they’re also great when you need to run errands or shop for groceries, especially if you opt for an electric cargo bike. Seriously, you’ll be surprised at how convenient having an electric bike is and at how much you use it in the course of a day, You might even find yourself ditching the family van altogether.Special note: can children ride electric bikes?Whether or not your child is ready and capable to ride an electric bike is up totally up to you. If they are a good riders and you feel confident in their ability to handle a bike with a motor then by all means.Most parents slowly work their children up the bicycle ladder e.g. training wheels, then solo riding, then the addition of a motor. How long this takes depends on the child’s proficiency and the parent’s guidance.We, and many others, would recommend NOT giving your children an electric bike right out of the gate. For one thing, it’s probably a bit too much for them to handle at first. Better to have them learn the basics on a regular bike before throwing an electrical dive system their way. For another, depending on their age, it might not even be legal for them to ride an eclectic bike.Most countries require riders to be 14-16 years old before riding an electric bike. Rules and regulations vary across different regions (this includes US states) but 14-16 is the general rule of thumb. In some cases, riders may even require a license. So ALWAYS check the local laws before giving someone an ebike or riding yourself.Just start simple. Buy your child a regular bike first and once they get a handle for that and reach a certain age, then buy them an ebike.The first ebike should also be a simple one - nothing too powerful or too heavy. If the child can handle the ebike system, then upgrade. Bear in mind too that as they get older, they will outgrow the bike and need a larger frame. Don’t waste money by buying them a bike when they’re too young. God forbid they don’t even like biking (shock and terror).Getting equipped: what you need before riding as a familyRiding a bicycle goes beyond just the bike itself. You need to have the right gear in order to maximize your fun and safety levels.The most important thing you can equip yourself and your family with is knowledge. Know how to ride an ebike - or any bike in general - before attempting to ride as a group. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re in over your head.In terms of physical equipment, there are a couple of mandatory items, none more important than a good helmet. Never ride without one - you should be drilling this into the little ones’ heads as well. Always make sure the helmet fits well and make sure it follows all standard safety practices. Refer to this guide for how to fit a helmet properly.In addition to a good helmet, you will also need: Comfortable clothing - Preferably clothing that can get wet and handle the elements. Pack layers. Additional safety gear - Gloves, arm and knee pads if the kids tend to fall. A first aid kit might also be called for. Proper lighting - Make sure the electric lights work and that there is some sort of reflective material on the bike. Drinks and snacks - Stay hydrated and happy. Avoid reaching the point where the child is hungry. Crankiness might rear its ugly head. Bike lock(s) - In case you need to stop and lock up. Read up on ebike safety. Trailer or child seat?It’s a good question and one that gets asked a lot…Do you want to install a child carrier on your electric bike or invest in a trailer with which you pull the child?In all honesty, it totally comes down to personal preference as each has its own pros and cons.Riding with a child carrierThe classic way of biking with your kids is still common in the era of electric bikes. These come in two varieties: seats that mount to the front of the bike and ones that mount to the rear.Front-mounted children’s seats are usually intended for younger children who don’t interfere so much with the bike rider’s vision or legs. Rear-mounted seats are better for slightly older children. Both offer decent protection for the child - the rear offers a bit more as the child is behind you - and are usually easy to install on most electric bikes.The problem with having a child seat on an electric bike is that they can be a bit unwieldy. Your center of gravity will be off and balancing can be more difficult, especially if the child is fidgety. This applies not only to riding but also mounting and dismounting the bike.Some electric bikes come with a passenger seat pre-installed. These can be convenient as they work not only with children but also with adults. Think electric cargo bike except better for people and less for portering.Pulling a trailer with an ebikeThese are probably the more popular choice with families that use electric bikes as the extra power provided by the motor makes towing much, much easier.Child’s trailers are great because they don’t affect your center of gravity so much. In fact, they add quite a bit of extra stability as they’re lower to the ground. Because of this, many believe that bike trailers are the safest way to transport children.The biggest issue with child trailers is that they can be heavy and require extra effort to pull and maneuver. This isn’t so much of an issue though if you have the right ebike. If you intend on pulling a trailer with an ebike, just make sure the motor is more powerful and the battery larger to accommodate for the extra weight.Transporting your ebikesThinking about going on a vacation with your entire family and electric bikes in tow? Excellent idea! Traveling with an ebike can be a ton of fun just so long as you do it right and don’t overcomplicate things.The key to having a successful ebike vacation with your family is planning. That means knowing where you’re going to go, what you’re going to do, and how you’re going to get there.First of all, make sure to have a reliable means of transport besides the ebike itself. That usually means having a car with a good ebike rack or the ability to pull some sort of trailer. Note that the type of car you have heavily influences whether or not a rack can actually be mounted (good luck Prius owners).That being said, a lot of people are opting to ditch the car and travel either by public transport or join an organized tour. Traveling by public transport with an ebike is arguably more doable in Europe where the system is more built-up and trains can actually accommodate the bikes. Whether or not your family or children travel well on public transport is also circumstantial.To reiterate, before embarking on an epic ebike journey with your family, know ahead of time the practicalities. Plan out, as best you can, the logistics of the trip and assess whether or not the juice is worth the squeeze. Get a good bike rack or arrange for some kind of alternative transport.People interested in learning more should read our guide on traveling with an ebike.During the ride: planning makes perfectDoesn’t matter if you’re going far away or just down the street on a family bike ride, having a plan is always in your best interest. The more you know about the ride, the fewer things can go wrong; and as we all know, families have a tendency to complicate things.When going for a spin with the family and your electric bikes, make sure of the following:(First-time family bike ride organizers pay special attention.) Plan your route ahead of time - This is imperative! Knowing where you’re going and avoiding tricky spots like hills, rough roads, and construction will ensure you and the kids have a good time. Those living in the city with an ebike already know the benefit of route planning. Be the leader - Instruct your kids (not too strictly) on what to do and be very clear about the day’s plan. This can be a simple as telling them “we’re just riding down to the store” or “stick close to me munchkins”. Make sure they know enough - Kids, especially young ones, won’t know everything about bike riding yet. But if you have an idea of their aptitude, you can plan a trip accordingly and not introduce them to something too difficult. Be patient - Young ones might struggle at first and bike more slowly. Stay with them and keep in mind that this is a learning experience. If you find yourself ahead of the pack often, you might consider cutting the ebike motor and riding un-assisted for a while. Be observant - Kids can be temperamental. If it looks like they’re not enjoying themselves, take a break. Give them a snack, chill out, and wait until they’re ready to go again. Make it fun - Remember your primary objective? Stay safe while having fun. This is supposed to be a good time, so make it one! Don’t set any lofty goals and just ride. Be positive and praise your children when they do a good job. That’s how you create lifelong cyclists. Safety: some extra tips for riding electric bikes as a familyAs if getting the whole family together for an electric bike outing was hard enough, now you have to keep them all in one piece! Understandably, this part of the trip can be pretty stressful for parents and kids alike.To ensure that everyone has a good time and is not put into any unnecessary danger, follow these safety tips: Check your bikes before riding - Make sure everything on the bike works correctly. Check the tire pressure, brakes, chain, battery level, and motor. Stick to lower riding modes - Going fast, especially when the kids are riding with you, is not the goal of this trip. Take it easy and set a leisurely pace. Teach them the proper hand signals - Start with the basics, such as indications for stopping and turning. Read up on what the official hand signals are here.  Ride in safe places and with the flow - Stick to bike lanes or bike paths as much as possible. If these don’t exist, ride on the far edge of the lane as close to the curb as possible, perhaps even on the sidewalk (if it’s legal where you live). Also, never ride against traffic - always go in the same direction. Be visible - Wear bright clothing, have reflective surfaces, wear ridiculous costumes while riding if that’s your choice; just make sure that other people can see you and know that you’re riding together. Ride as a group - No rogue riders in this family! Everyone should be riding together and within sight. You need to be able to communicate with the kids so make sure they’re within (reasonable) speaking distance. Once they know the rules of the road and are confident riders, then you can let them fly. Conclusion: ready to get the family together?Investing in and riding electric bikes together as a family is not just a great bonding experience: it’s also the chance to educate everyone on the benefits of biking in general. This includes environmental impacts, health benefits as well as leading an overall more sustainable lifestyle.Just don’t forget to make it fun. At the end of the day, bikes are meant to be enjoyed just as much as they are meant to be useful. Plan your route out, have all the necessary gear, and don’t go too hard.Safety should be a primary concern but no one had a good time in a suffocating situation. Make sure everyone understands the rules of the road and then let them ride. The baby birds have to leave the nest eventually and sometimes all they need is a little push in the right direction.Light the fire of electric biking in the hearts of your loved ones! Stoke the passion and let them grow into ebike lovers. They and the world around them will be a better place.Are you a part of a family that rides electric bikes together often? Do you have some personal anecdotes or tips to share? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Traveling by bicycle is a dream for many people. What better way to experience this beautiful world we inhabit than by the seat of a bike, completely open and a part of everything going on around you.Now traveling by electric bike - that’s really something else. With the assistance of a battery and a motor, you could ride further, see more, and with less effort than a regular bicycle.With the right preparation and some additional gear, it is totally possible to travel with your ebike. There will be some limitations of course - such as plugging in - and you won’t necessarily be able to go everywhere, but wherever you end up, you will have way more fun.In this article, we’re going to be covering what it takes to travel with your electric bike and what you need to do to succeed. We’ll be sharing some tips for organizing your own ebike tour as well as some suggestions for those who want to join an organized tour.There’s a lot to consider before traveling anywhere, let alone with an electric bike in tow, but the extra effort will be worth it. Soon, it’ll be just you, your trusty electric stead, and the wind at your back.Why would you travel with your ebike?Long-distance touring using a conventional bike is already a very popular activity. There is an enormous community that believes that traveling around the world is best seen from the seat of a bike and done using one’s own human-generated power.Now touring the world with an electric bike? That’s a relatively new phenomenon and you don’t hear too many stories about people crossing vast distances with pedal assistance.Why is that? Why isn’t long-distance touring with electric bikes more popular?There is no definite answer to this question but one can guess what some problems might be: Ebikes are more complicated thus they must be more prone to breaking down. They’re heavy, so heavy that traveling with them is impossible. You have to always be near some sort of charging point to keep the battery full. Whilst these are all valid points, they can all be addressed relatively easily and once they are, the pros of touring with an electric bike far exceed the cons.Here are some reasons why you should consider using or electric bike for your next big trip or tour: You can cover longer distances with less effort. Terrain is less of an issue and climbing hills is way less grueling. They’re stronger and more durable than people think. They have a positive impact on the environment. Physical ailments, such as injuries, are less of an issue. Traveling by bike is cheaper than traveling by car, public transport, or plane. Experiencing a destination by bike is extremely rewarding. They're still a great way to get fit. How to organize an electric bike tourJust like touring with a regular bike, touring with an electric bike takes some planning. Not necessarily more planning, but different planning.Most of what goes into undertaking a long-distance tour using a conventional bike also applies to using an electric bike. This includes: Having a set and reasonable itinerary e.g. not covering enormous distances in a single day. Choosing the right kind of bike for your trip. Being in good shape, whether or not you use an electric bike or not. Understanding your bike, meaning how the parts work and how to repair them. Arranging the necessary accommodation, food, gear, and shelter beforehand: enough to keep you warm, dry, safe, and satisfied. Knowing the terrain as well as the weather (wind storms are your worst enemy) Decide if and how much support you need on this tour. Not getting in over your head. Protecting your e-bike from potential thieves. All of these things need to be considered, regardless if your bike has a battery and motor or not.As mentioned before though, traveling by electric bike does come with some unique problems. Keeping your battery charged, maintenance, and transporting the ebike itself will be the largest pain points.Charging on the roadKeeping your ebike battery charge will probably be your largest obstacle while traveling. But in reality, it’s not so much of a problem.You’d be surprised at how many charging opportunities there are on the road, especially if you’re traveling in a western country. Restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, gas stations, even bathrooms all have plug-ins that you can use, and you should be using as much as possible.Stopping for lunch at a restaurant? Charge the battery. Hitting the sack? Charge the battery. Get in the habit of plugging in whenever possible as well as asking permission from management if you can or not.A fully-charged bike battery should last around 3-4 hours and work for around 25-50 miles, depending of course on how you use the bike and charge the battery.When you’re going to be camping, double-check to see if there is some sort of public charging area. An oft-overlooked spot is also the camp bathrooms!If you’re planning on touring around Europe, you might actually find ebike power stations in odd places as well. Bosch has stations all over the continent and these can be very handy in a pinch.Of course, there might be times where you just can’t reach a plug-in for whatever reason. Perhaps it’s just not your day or maybe you’re totally off the grid. In cases like this, it pays to pack a spare battery or two. Peddling in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery isn’t ideal.Maintaining your electric bikeLuckily, most electric bikes are reliable machines. Many are waterproof up to a certain degree, can handle high temperatures, and are resistant enough to withstand the elements e.g. mud, dirt, sand, wind, etc.That being said, bikes still break and there will not always be a mechanic or shop around when you’re traveling with your electric bike. Being able to repair your bike by yourself in the case of unforeseen accidents would help your trip go much more smoothly.Get to know your bike very well before going on an enormous journey. Like a new pair of hiking boots, you’ll want to break the bike in first. That way, you’ll know what to do in case you need to troubleshoot.Every electric bike has a different way of working and so requires different ways to prepare.  Always read the manual for your own ebike as well though.One of the most common ebike problems is that it just won’t start. Usually, this is due to a dead, improper set-up, or faulty battery. Be sure to check to make sure that it is fully charged and plugged incorrectly.Transporting your electric bikeGetting your bike to the starting point of your trip and getting it back home is also something you’ll need to consider (unless you plan to start at your doorstep). Depending on where you’re going this takes more or less some real consideration.First off, if you’re going to be traveling far away and want to take your ebike with you, there’s bad news: you almost certainly will not be able to take your ebike on a plane. This is due to the lithium battery as almost all airlines prohibit checking in or bringing onboard anything over 100 Wh.If you yourself insist on flying, you may be able to transport your bike using a special delivery service.Transporting your ebike is best done on the ground either using some private vehicle or the train.Using a private vehicle to transport your bike is convenient because if you need to go elsewhere or want to bail, you can at any time. If you plan on doing a big point-to-point trip though, you’ll need to make sure there’s a car waiting for you at the end, which can then take you back to the beginning.Whatever car you end up using - be it yours, your friends’, or an agency’s - it’ll need a rack to carry the ebike. Because ebikes are heavier than regular bikes as well, a special, stronger rack will be required.Trains are also a great means of transport as they are usually bike-friendly. This is especially so in Europe, which makes the region, in our opinion, one of the best places to go on an ebike tour. You’ll just need to make sure and double-check the policies of individual train companies as they do differ from place to place.The best touring electric bikesWhich electric bike you choose to travel with depends on how you’re going to use it.Plan on covering vast distances over a longer period of time? You’ll need a larger, more powerful bike that can carry you further and longer.Need a bike for recreational purposes but not necessarily as your primary means of getting around? Something more compact or foldable would be much more useful.Serious ebike trips or electric bikepacking will require serious ebikes. The bike will need to be sturdy enough to carry multiple days worth of gear and to withstand the elements. Having a battery with a larger capacity will also pay off as you’ll need to recharge less often.A larger bike will of course be heavier and harder to transport, not to mention much more expensive. A proper electric touring bike will cost at least $4,000 but you get what you pay for: more range, more durability, more mounting options, and more reliability.If, on the other hand, you’re primarily traveling by car or train and just use the bike in between, you could get away with using something simpler.Foldable electric bikes travel very well. Once collapsed, you can slide into your car, bring it on the train with you, or store it in the cargo hold under a bus. Easy! You won’t be able to bike very far at once or carry too much, but enough to get to the next guesthouse or cafe.Linky foldable bikes make for great travel companions. They come with a rack that can hold a 35-liter bag and have a range of 60 km or 35 miles. They are especially useful on ebike tours in Europe.Where can you go touring with your electric bikeListen: there may be no better place to go traveling by electric bike than in Europe. The conditions are perfect for ebikers: lots of public transport, public charging stations, copious bike lanes, and a thriving cyclist culture. If you ever wanted to go on an epic trip, this would be the place to start.Imagine biking from town to town along the charming Croatian coast, or conquering the Alps via Switzerland and Austria. In places like these, there’s usually never an inn or bike shop too far away either.North America is no slouch either as electric bike tours are becoming quite popular. This is a great place to go on a more outdoorsy trip, relying more upon campgrounds and spending more time in the wilderness. The Pacific Coast route is particularly beautiful.There are other opportunities abroad as well. Africa has always been the stuff of dreams for long-distance bikers: raw and untamed. Southeast Asia, in particular Vietnam, is emerging too as a potential ebike destination.The thing about touring in these places though is that there is a lot less in the way of safety nets. If your battery dies in the middle of a savannah or you’re caught up in some hectic traffic in Vietnam, you could be in trouble. When going on more adventurous trips like this, it pays to have some support.Organized electric bike toursSometimes, you can organize a big bike trip on your own. Other times, you might need some help.The benefit of going with a tour company is that they can organize everything for you. Food, accommodation, itineraries, you name it. You’ll also be dodging entirely the thorny issue of transporting the ebike by going with a tour company since they usually have their own fleet.With the additional support provided by the tour company, you can really go to places you never thought possible before such as Sri Lanka, Patagonia, and Bhutan.Here are a couple of notable electric bike tour companies: Edelweiss (Global) TrekTravel (Americas + Europe) Spice Roads (Asia) Other things to consider before traveling with your ebikeBefore starting your trip, it would pay to know your electric bike very well. Is it going to stand up to the elements? What is the range of the battery? What happens in case something breaks? Knowing the answers to questions like these will help ensure that your trip goes smoothly.Here are some extra bits that you know about specific parts of your electric bike: Range - Every ebike can cover a certain distance before it needs to be charged, which is also called maximum range. This depends on several factors including the size of the battery, the demand of the motor, the riding modes, and how you ride an e-bike. Before starting any ebike tour, you ought to know what the average range of your bike is and plan your itinerary accordingly. Speed and power - Certain ebikes travel more or less faster than others. Some ebikes can travel 30+ mph or 50+ kph. What you need to know is that most countries have electric bike speed limits. In Europe and the UK, it’s 25 km. In the USA, Class 3 bikes can go 25 mph but must remain in traffic lanes. Keep this in mind when transporting your bike. Motor - There are several kinds of ebike motors available. Mid-drive motors are effective and reliable but add extra bulk to the bike. Hub-drive motors are more popular and generally powerful but can affect the handling of the bike. Rear hub-drive motors offer more control than front ones. Battery specs - The bigger the battery, the further you can travel before charging it. The downside is that the battery will be heavier and take longer to charge. A happy middle ground - between 350 wh and 450 wh - should do fine. Having two batteries also pays.

If you’re here, you’re probably asking yourself at this moment: is riding an electric longboard any different from riding a normal one? One just has a few extra parts so they are essentially the same thing right?Whilst riding an electric longboard is a VERY similar experience to a regular one, there are some things that you need to know before riding the electric-powered one. Overlook these differences, and you could be missing out on the full potential of your ride.This article is going to explain how to properly ride an electric longboard and delve into some of the finer details of its use. Some of the topics covered here will seem very familiar to regular longboard users, such as stance, kicking/pushing, and turning.Beyond the usual subject matter though, we go further to explain how to use the remote and what to expect when the motor is being used. Spoiler alert: it can feel a bit funky at first.In short: we’ll cover as many aspects as possible when it comes to using both electric longboards and regular ones.Class is now in session.How to stand on an electric longboardThis is probably the single most important thing to consider when you start riding your electric longboard.There are a handful of stances that one can use when riding - each one is better for different styles of longboarding.Know the basic stances and you will remain balanced on your board without falling. Know them all and will become a samurai street warrior, capable of handling any situation you encounter.First and foremost, you need to discover whether or not you ride regular or goofy.Regular means that you ride with your left foot forward and right foot back. Your “strong” foot is in the back whilst your left foot is at the front and is responsible for balancing. When you aren’t using the electric longboard motor, the strong foot is the one used for kicking and pushing.Regular is the most common way of riding by far.Goofy is the opposite: the left foot is in the back and the right foot is in the front.Not sure which foot is your strong one? There’s an easy way to find out! Grab a football, getting a running start, and try to kick it. Whichever foot you use is your kicking foot i.e. the one that goes in the back.If you don’t have a football, just run and attempt to slide instead. The foot you put forward first is the foot you will also place at the front of the board.If you think you know which stance you will use, try standing on the longboard whilst stationary and find your balance. Give a couple of pushes and see how you feel. You’re already riding!The stanceOnce you’ve found which foot goes forward, you need to check your actual stance. The standard stance will be as follows: Feet positioned shoulder-width apart. A slight bend in the knees but not too much. The front foot should be turned at a 45-degree angle. The back should be placed perpendicular to the board. This is the most foundational stance you will use while riding your electric longboard. 95% of the time, it will be like this.If you have a Linky e-board, it’s even easier to find your stance - because the board is broken into two pieces, you will know exactly where to put your feet.Be aware of your center of gravity in relation to the board as it will shift depending on what you’re doing. When cruising, it will be slightly forward; when accelerating, it will be even more forward; when braking, your center of gravity will naturally drift back.The electric motor and braking system can also affect your center of gravity depending on their placement. We’ll dive deeper into these next.How to accelerate on an electric longboardNow that you know how to stand on a longboard, it’s time to actually ride the damn thing! This will require a bit of practice as electric longboards come with a bit - but not too much - of a learning curve.Most people when riding electric longboards for the first time just hit the accelerator and go full speed right out the gate. This is a good way to lose your feet and eat shit.Rather than hitting the gas immediately, take a couple of pushes first and build some momentum. If you’re already moving when the motor kicks in, you’ll ease into the acceleration.Once you’re using the electric motor as well, whatever you do, DON’T GIVE IT EVERYTHING. You should gently accelerate by gently moving the joystick forward on the remote. Some electric motors offer very little in the way of damping and will shoot like a bullet out of a gun.Once you’re moving, the goal is to stay up without falling off.The key to riding an electric longboard successfully is balance. You must always know where your center of gravity is and have control over it. For example, when you’re ready to accelerate, you’ll want to lean forward a bit before actually accelerating. This will allow you to maintain balance because when you do accelerate, you’re body will naturally rock back.Keep in mind too that the placement of the motor on the board will also affect your balance. People riding front-wheel-drive boards may feel like they’re being pulled forward harder when accelerating and will try to compensate. On the other hand, those with rear-wheel drives may have a tendency to lean back more instead.The reality though is that it doesn’t matter so much where the motor is, be it the front or the back: your board will accelerate the same either way. Keep this in mind and avoid over-compensating.How to turn on an electric longboardBefore we can become urban carvers and downhill demons, we need to learn how to turn first.Turning quickly and accurately takes quite a bit of practice but is arguably the most gratifying part of longboarding.First, don’t try to cut anything too close in the beginning. You’re first turns are going to be slight probably and not too dramatic.Second, take it slow. Decelerate a bit when you’re preparing for a turn and slowly accelerate again once you’ve completed the turn. Like cars, accelerating whilst turning could possibly lead to a loss of control and being tossed.Be sure to maintain visibility as well. Novice riders have a tendency to look down at their feet when turning and try to watch what they’re doing. Riders should always be watching the road instead. You may hit that turn, but if something suddenly appears after, you’re not going to see it.Here’s more on how to turn on an electric longboard: Make sure your feet and body are in the right position. Bend your knees slightly (don’t squat) and slowly apply pressure to your toes. If you’re riding regular your boards will turn inward to the right. If you’re goofy, you’ll go left. To turn the opposite direction, apply pressure to your heels instead. Keep your torso in line with the board and your center of gravity in the middle. Use your feet and heels to turn the board, not your body. Doing the latter will cause you to lose your balance. How to brake on an electric longboardThis is the part about electric longboards that (literally) trips everyone up.Using the electric brakes on an electric longboard can be weird. Some braking systems offer some sort of dampening; other systems apply the brakes immediately; a few actually work by running the motor in reverse!No matter which braking system your longboard uses though, the story remains the same: NEVER hit the brakes suddenly and completely. Do so and you will most assuredly be sent flying.The key to using the brakes on an electric longboard is to do so gently. Anticipate that you will need to stop and slowly apply the brakes. If you need to stop on a dime, you might be better off using your foot as a brake, at least until you’ve gotten a feel for the longboard’s braking system.Also, like accelerating, be aware of the change in the center of gravity when you decelerate. When braking, your body weight will naturally shift forward so lean back a bit before you actually do.If you’re riding a Linky longboard, you will actually be recharging your battery while braking! This is because, when the motor is running in reverse, it is putting charge back into the battery, much like a dynamo. This feature is called “regenerative braking.”Practice!Everything gets better with practice! You may struggle at first using your electric longboard but after some trial runs, things will get easier.Before hitting the busy city streets, ride around somewhere a bit less hectic, like an empty parking lot or basketball court. Get used to the braking system and slowly accelerate more as you become more comfortable. Eventually, you develop the confidence to ride in busier environments.If you plan on commuting with your longboard, this practice period is vital. The worst thing you can do in the beginning is to get in over your head. This is when accidents and injuries happen.Keep at it and in no time at all, you’ll be carving up those streets like a Christmas ham.Other things to considerFor heavy riders on electric longboardsMost commercial electric longboards have a weight limit of around 200-300 pounds. Specific weight limits will vary across different brands.Whilst it is generally ok to toe the line, you don’t want to go too far over the weight limit. Otherwise, you might run the risk of burning out the motor or compromising the brakes.If you’re a heavier rider, there are specially made boards that can handle the extra weight. Look for something made with strong, flexible materials, a powerful motor, and good brakes.Know your remoteIf plan riding an electric longboard, you will need to understand how the controller works before even getting on.Different kinds of electric longboards come with different kinds of remote controls. All remotes allow you to accelerate and decelerate (usually in the form of a joystick) and connect wirelessly to the board.Some boards, including the Linky, also allow you to change riding modes. Some example riding modes include “eco” for saving the battery and “sport” for higher speeds.It is a terrible idea to start riding without knowing what to do with the remote control. This is when people jam on the acceleration and lose their board under a car wheel or hit the brakes too hard and get chucked. Know how your controller works and practice with it as you would with the board itself.Don’t forget to make sure the remote control batteries are charged as well!Riding electric longboards safelyWe’ve mentioned several times in this article that you need to know how to ride your electric longboard first to ride it safely. It stands to be repeated but there are some other things you can do to ensure you don’t end up in a bad situation: Wear additional protective gear, such as gloves and elbow pads. Helmets, as always, are an absolute must. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Consider the terrain you’ll be driving on and potential obstacles. Follow local longboard laws. Avoid riding in actual traffic. Stick to the bike lanes instead. Use lights at night. Learn how to fall correctly. Riding on different terrainDifferent terrains call for different riding styles. You’re not going to be able to ride over dirt the same way you could pavement and changes in incline (hills) can be especially tough for electric motors.If you want to ride your electric longboard anywhere else besides the asphalt, you’ll need to swap out your wheels. Standard longboard wheels will be too smooth and hard for off-road use. Proper off-road tires, which are larger, softer, and more durable, can handle varied terrain much better.Before, going off-road make sure your longboard is also structurally sound. Going over bumps can put additional force on the board and weathered ones will snap eventually.No matter which board you have, hills will be tough to conquer. Generally, your board will slow down as the motor deals with the additional incline and you can relax a bit. Linky e-boards can handle hills with a 12-degree incline.When your battery diesA lot of people ask if they can still ride their electric longboard once the battery is dead and the answer is a rousing...hell yee!It’s one of the great benefits of using an electric board: if all the electric bits fail, it just turns into a regular board.For this reason, you should still know how to kick and push on a board. It seems like common sense, but there’s a specific way to do it that will help you conserve energy and maximize energy.If you’re less keen on perfecting the art of the kick-push, we suggest taking care of your battery and keeping it charged.Other electric longboard riding stancesIf you feel very comfortable with the standard stance and want to try something else, here are some other electric longboard stances you can use: Pushing stance - Although you won’t be doing it as often - instead of relying upon the motor - you will still need to know how to push to get going and ride if your battery dies. When pushing, your knees are bent more to create extra momentum and your torso is facing more forward. Carving stance - Your front foot is placed perpendicular rather than at 45-degrees, like the back foot. Your torso position and the amount you squat change naturally as you actually carve. This is a more advanced stance and urban carvers generally have a lot more practice. Speed stance - Your torso is leaning much further forward and your squatting very low on the board. The heel of your back foot, still perpendicular to the board, lifts a bit so you’re on the ball. Most of your weight is over the front foot. This stance cuts down on wind drag and allows for faster longboard speeds. Only try this if you’re comfortable with your board and high speeds. Freestyle stance - This largely depends on which kind of electric board you have and how good you are at “tricking.” The trick you are attempting will also dictate your stance. Here are a couple of longboard tricks for beginners.

Bicycles are among the most stolen objects in the world. They’re useful, valuable, and very alluring to thieves everywhere.Now put an expensive motor and battery on a bike - you’ve now got yourself a mouth-watering prize for bike thieves.Electric bike owners need to be extra cautious when it comes to locking their bikes. Nothing feels worse than splurging a few grand on a shiny new bike, only to have it stolen because of a faulty locking system.There is a proper way to lock up your electric bike as well as the proper equipment to use.In this article, we’re going to be sharing some very useful tips and tricks that should help keep your bike safe from thieves. A lot of it comes down to buying the proper lock but there are additional things to consider too.Don’t let the thieves get away with your precious - follow these ebike security tips!How many bikes are stolen every yearAn enormous amount of bikes are stolen every year. In the USA, an estimated 2 million bikes are stolen every year. In Europe, that number increases to a staggering 4 million bikes. As biking becomes more popular those numbers are at risk of rising.Electric bikes are particularly at risk of being stolen. They’re more valuable, more obvious, and becoming more popular every day. To keep your electric bike safe from thieves, you’ll need to be on your guard.Luckily, keeping your ebike safe doesn’t require special alarm systems or fancy devices. In fact, ebikes and regular bikes require a lot of the same precautions. That means using the proper bike lock, finding somewhere secure, and locking it properly. There are a couple of extra things you need to consider with ebikes, such as the battery, but nothing overwhelming.How to keep your electric bike safe from thievesHere are ten ways you can do now to keep your ebike secure.1. Get a good ebike lockThis means getting something seriously strong. Chain and cable bike locks frankly just don’t cut it as thieves can actually cut through these using bolt cutters.Your best bet is to always get something like a u-lock as these are tough enough to withstand most thieves’ attempts. And whilst there are some pretty fancy u-locks on the market, the classic u-lock with a lock and key or a combination still works fine. Linky uses U-locks with a combination and we haven't had a bike stolen yet.Some ebikes actually have their own self-locking system as well. Whilst these are pretty cool, you’ll need to make sure they’re up to standard. At the end of the day, nothing beats a good ol’ fashion external lock.TIP: When riding your ebike, carry your u-lock on your belt if you’re wearing one. Nothing is more annoying than an unsecured lock rattling on the handlebars when riding. It’ll chip the hell out of the paint as well!2. Maybe get a second lock while you’re at itThis might be overkill for some but it will make your ebike EXTRA safe from no-gooders. Locking your bike with two locks means that thieves have to do twice the work to steal, which might be enough to discourage them.Your second doesn’t necessarily need to be as strong as your first lock. If you have a good u-lock already, a chain or cable lock can serve as your second. Secure the frame of the bike with the u-lock (using the method described next) and then secure the bike elsewhere using the chain/cable. Pass it through both wheels and then around another secure point.3. Secure the bike via the frameThis is bike security 101 folks: always secure your bike on a secure part of the frame.Certain parts of a bicycle are easier to navigate around and bypass for thieves. For example, if you lock a bike below the handlebars, the thieves just have to remove the handlebar itself, lift it, and the bike is free. Another example is if you lock the bike at the wheel; if the thief removes the wheel, the rest of the bike is no longer secured is it?Locking your bike in a way so that it is actually locked seems like common sense. But when people are in a rush or just complacent with locking, they can easily ignore where they’re actually attaching the lock. Choose the wrong spot and trouble can follow.Electric bikes with step-through frames are a bit trickier because their frames are intentionally left open - there is no bar connecting the handlebars with the seat. There should be a rear triangle on the bike that you can run a lock through still. Do this and make sure to lock the rear wheel as well.4. Make the thief’s life really miserableThe biggest thing that thieves have to battle against, besides the ebike locks themselves, is time. In order to succeed, bike thieves have to be quick otherwise the chances of them being caught increase.If you make it difficult for thieves to steal your bike, they’ll get discouraged and give up.Making sure the bike is locked correctly and to a secure location are great starts. But this is where we can start to get a little creative and have some fun with would-be thieves.Ever seen a group of bikes locked together but not actually secured to anything? This is because if someone wanted to walk away with one bike, they’d have to walk with ALL of them. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to walk with five bikes at one time?Another example: lock your bike to a couple of grocery carts at the market. Sure, one car is easy enough to walk away with, but towing three or four? That would be ridiculous.5. Choose the right place to lock your bikeIt’s just about how you lock up your ebike - it’s also where.When you’re in a rush, it’s easy to leave and lock your bike up to the first thing that seems secure. A lot of objects are deceptively easy to get around though.Chain-link fences are notoriously easy to cut through. Stop signs? Committed thieves have actually unscrewed the sign and then lifted the bike up and over the pole. That rickety old park bench that could be broken with a few powerful kicks? Not a good place to lock up to.Moral of the story: whatever you’re locking your bike to, make sure it’s bomb-proof. If you have a solid base and the bike is locked securely by the frame, the thief is going to have a real hard time.6. Take the parts with you or lock them individuallyRiders have resorted to removing the rear or front wheels of regular bikes and taking them with them in the past. That way, there’s less for the thief to take.The same principle applies when trying to keep your electric bike safe as well, if not more so. Electric bikes use a lot more expensive components than regular after all. There’s a motor, a display screen, and, most alluring to thieves, a battery.If your bike allows it, take the expensive parts with you after you lock your electric bike. Many ebikes, including the entire Linky line, feature removable batteries.If the expensive parts of your bike aren’t removable and aren’t secure either, the alternative would be to lock them individually. Make sure that your main lock passes through or around these parts or use separate locks. Again, pay special attention to your ebike’s battery.7. Leave the bike somewhere private at homeFellow working adults: the days of us returning home and just dumping the bike in the front lawn like eager kids are unfortunately over. Whilst I would love to just prop my bike on the front step after a sweaty bike commute home, this is not the way to keep it safe at home.When parking your bike at home, put it somewhere private and out of sight. Put it inside the garage, a shed, or inside your actual house. The backyard doesn’t count: thieves can go back there and just take it too.A lot of bikers insist on securing their bikes even at home. If there is a home break-in, bikes are usually easy targets (and maybe even a getaway vehicle!)Interestingly, most burglars will spend time scoping a neighborhood or home out before actually breaking in. So imagine that if you’re always riding around with your bike or leave it unattended at home, a potential thief might notice this behavior.In short, keep your ebike safe and out of sight at home.8. Lock the bike somewhere public when outsideWe mentioned earlier that thieves don’t like extra attention when they’re working on bikes. If you lock your bike somewhere super busy, the chances of them going unnoticed are very unlikely. The last thing they would want is to be caught.Make sure wherever you leave your bike is: Very well lit even at night. Heavily trafficked yet not in the way. Within sight, if you’re nearby. The most common place to park your bike in public is a bike rack, which may or may not have seen better days. Increasingly popular though are public bike garages. These range from simple facilities to futuristic centers complete with automated racking systems and hydraulics. If you’ve ever biked around Amsterdam before, you may have noticed one or two of these before.9. Make the bike look unimpressiveAdmittedly, camouflaging your bike might not be totally necessary and might feel a bit over-the-top. But in all seriousness, I’ve heard of riders who go to great lengths to disguise their bikes and haven’t one stolen yet.Some people go to great lengths to “uglify” their bikes because they believe that thieves will be less interested in a beater. This article over at Treehugger will actually show you how to make your bike look like the shabbiest on the block.Is making your bike less appealing worthwhile? It’s certainly one way to steer away potential thieves. You’ll become the person riding around town with the worst bike it seems but, hey, an ugly bike is better than no bike maybe.10. Register the bike and get some insuranceIf your bike is stolen, having some record of ownership will pay off. If your bike should turn up again, either in the custody of the police or just on the street, having some proof that you own the bike will make it easier to reclaim the bike.Almost every bike has some sort of serial number attached to it. On Linky ebikes, it’s located under the crank towards the front. Write this number and save it somewhere. Take a picture while you’re at it.Here’s a cool trick: write down your contact information on a piece of paper and hide it somewhere inside the bike frame. The tubes where you insert the bike seat or frame are good places. This is extra insurance in case the robber decides to file away or remove the original serial number.Should the worst come to worst and your bike is gone forever, having some insurance will at least allow you to buy a new one.Note that traditional homeowners or personal items insurance will most likely not cover your ebike in case of theft. Rather you’ll need to get some sort of special electric bike insurance.Types of ebike locksBike locks deserve a dedicated section because of all the theft deterrents out there, these are probably the most vital. The difference between having a good lock - or two - and a bad one is the difference between keeping your bike and having it jacked by a thief.Here are the types of bicycle locks available on the market today: U-lock: Also called a D-lock. These are generally the most reliable form of bike lock as they’re made from solid steel and are very difficult to break. They can be a bit awkward to pack though and unwieldy when it comes to locking the bike. Having some sort of holster helps for carrying. A key or combination lock works fine. Smart u-lock: These are the hi-tec and feature alarms to scare away the thieves in case of a break-in. They’re usually unlocked via a smartphone app. They are heavier and more expensive though. Chain lock: The heaviest of bike locks but the best mix of strength and flexibility. Very difficult to cut through although lighter chain locks can still be severed. Cable lock: These are the lightest and most flexible but weakest bike locks available. Should never be used as a primary lock for a valuable bike, rather a secondary lock. Can be warped and maneuvered in lots of ways to secure the bike. Folding lock: A relatively new type of bike lock. Supposed to offer the flexibility of a chain lock but the strength of a u-lock. Because of their newness, there are not many options available on the market at the moment. Ebike security systems: Some electric bikes feature an internal locking system that will lock the wheels when you’re away. Whilst the system itself is pretty cool, not many manufactures currently offer this. Plus, what’s to stop the thief from simply carrying the bike away instead?

Electric longboards are leading the charge of the personal electric mobility movement. They are efficient, reliable, affordable, and easy to use.More and more commuters are opting to use an electric longboard as a means of getting work. They’ve caught on to the fact that personal mobility is just as feasible as using a car or public transport, if not even more so.But there are some unique things to know about commuting to work with a longboard if you’re planning on doing so. For one thing, you will need to start considering where and when to charge as well as the terrain that you will be riding on.There’s nothing intimidating about riding an electric longboard to work - it’s totally doable even for beginners. But once you’ve learned a trick or two, your commute will be much quicker.Below is a list of tips and tricks for commuting to work with an electric longboard. Give them a try and soon you will find commuting not only easier but also more enjoyable. Going to work doesn’t need to be so bad!1. Choose the right kind of longboardLongboards are becoming increasingly specialized these days. Some are meant for downhill, others can be taken off-road, a few can even be folded and put in your backpack.Commuting requires a very specific type of longboard. You’ll need something maneuverable, portable, and, above all else, reliable. Starting your morning routine and getting stuff halfway to work because your board broke would obviously be frustrating.Since you’re already here, you obviously are interested in an electric longboard specifically. Electric longboards are good for commuting because they’re more practical than analog boards over longer distances as well as faster.When choosing between electric commuting longboards, you’ll want something preferably with a removable battery. These are easier to charge.You’ll also want a board that is a bit wider and less short. These are generally easier to ride though not quite so good at carving. Unless your commute includes crazy corners or downhill sections, you won’t need to carve too much.Having a portable board would also be very convenient as you’ll be mounting/dismounting it regularly and might even need to take the bus or train. Linky electric boards are actually foldable which makes them the best in portability!2. Take an additional battery and chargerThe average electric longboard battery will last about 20 miles or so before it needs to be recharged. The average commute distance in the USA and UK is about 10-20 miles one way.At some point in the workday, you’re going to have to either charge or switch batteries.First and foremost, you should always have your charger with you if you plan on riding more than 10 miles in a day. That way, you plug in wherever you go.Linky battery are very easy to remove and replace.It would also pay to have a spare battery with you. Who knows if the coffee shop you’re working in has a spare outlet or if you’ll even have enough time to charge. You never know either if and when your battery might not work due to a malfunction. In cases like these, a spare battery can really save your ass.Worst case scenario is you have a dead battery and have to ride the longboard the good ol‘ fashioned way: by pushing. That’s not so bad.3. Use the right kind of wheelsYou’ll want to have larger, softer wheels for commuting on your electric longboard. The additional girth and cushion will help your board handle irregular surfaces better and make the overhaul ride much more comfortable.Larger wheels have increased stability and will allow your longboard to travel faster. When they’re softer too, they can handle imperfections in the road as well as little pieces of debris.Smaller, harder wheels - like the ones you find on skateboards - are much less able to handle cracks and pebbles on the road. If you’ve ever seen a skateboarder launched from their board suddenly for no explicable reason, it’s probably because they just hit a rock in the street.If you’re going to be commuting with a longboard, you’re going to be riding A LOT. Not having to worry about getting tossed or eating shit will make the ride much more safe and enjoyable.4. Understand the terrainLongboards are less able to cope with varied terrain as an electric bike or car might be able to. Whilst they’re great on flat, level surfaces, they’ll struggle more with anything off-road or where hills are involved.Streets are where commuter longboards thrive. They’re relatively smooth and usually flat, which are ideal conditions for your board. If you’ve invested in some big, soft wheels, your electric longboard will be even more capable.Leave the road and things get complicated. Uneven and soft terrain - such as mud, dirt, and sand - will slow the electric board down and possibly cause it to get stuck. Roots, rocks, sticks, anything lying on the ground will also risk tossing you. Some all-terrain longboard wheels might help but not by leaps and bounds.Cracks: the mortal enemy of the longboarder.Hills in particular will be the bane of your board’s existence. You might be racing along at 25 mph on the road but the moment you hit that slope, the board’s going to slow to crawl as you lose momentum and the motor goes into overdrive to compensate. You’ll get over the hill eventually, but doing lots in a row will lengthen your commute time and drain the battery quicker.If you know what kind of terrain you’re going to encounter, you’ll be prepared to deal with it. Avoid hills and stick to the asphalt as much as possible and your commute will be easier.5. Combine with other modes of transportThere are times when you need to put the longboard away and use alternative means of commuting. Perhaps the rain is pouring so hard that you can’t ride anymore, or maybe you’ve got a dead battery, or maybe there’s a terrible hill that you just don’t want to deal with ever.One of the greatest advantages of using an electric longboard to commute is that you can carry it just about everywhere: on the bus, on the train, over your shoulder, in a backpack, anywhere!So if you’re in a position where riding is just not a good idea - either because it’s dangerous, difficult, or inconvenient - take something else instead.You can actually cover a lot of ground using a combination of public transport and longboard. Ride your board to the station, catch the train, and ride the rest of the way to work.Crucially, it doesn’t take any time to pack up your electric longboard. This is one of their greatest advantages over commuting with an ebike. Ebikes can be tedious to take on public transport at times and require extra effort. Longboards don’t - you just need to pick it up and carry it with you.6. Know how to ride your electric longboardRiding a longboard isn’t difficult to do. Riding takes balance, muscle memory, and some practice. If you’re using an electric longboard you don’t even have to worry so much about pushing either (although it still pays to know about proper technique).When you’re commuting with a longboard though: that is where knowing the finer details of riding really pays off.For one thing, you’re going to be riding for longer stretches. Positioning your feet properly on the board and using the right posture will not only help you maintain balance but will also be less strenuous physically.For example, whilst you’d usually need to squat a lot on an analog board in order to kick and push, you can actually stand straighter and lean back on an electric longboard. The motor provides the majority of the propulsion.The fact that you’ll be mingling with regular traffic on your commute as well means that you need to be EXTRA confident on your board. Longboarders are at risk of falling and potentially being hit by vehicles. Knowing how to ride safely will ensure that you don’t end in the hospital on the way to work.7. Wear a helmetThis should go without saying but you should wear a helmet when you ride. Longboarders are reportedly more likely to sustain a serious head injury than skateboarders due to the fact they are often riding on roads - rather than in parks - and at greater speeds.You can absolutely commute to work safely on your electric longboard provided that you follow the rules of the road and are properly equipped.Just to repeat it one more time: always wear a helmet when you’re out and about. While you’re at it, it might also be worthwhile to invest in some other kinds of safety gear, like knee pads, safety gloves, and wrist guards. Whilst these won’t save you during a terrible accident, they can reduce the chances of a simple fall turning into something much worse.8. Know the rules of the roadKnowing the rules of longboarding in public not only protects you from unnecessary risks, it also makes you a better sort. No one likes dealing with a daredevil and no one likes scraping them off the side of the road either.First off: stick to the bike lanes. Most electric longboards can only reach a top speed of 20-25 miles per hour and that’s usually enough to qualify for the bike lanes. There’s no need for you to be riding with regular traffic either. Most longboarders won’t be able to keep up and riding with cars is just asking for trouble.Secondly, avoid riding on the sidewalk. Whilst it’s technically legal in some American states, it’s not exactly good manners. At the very least, go slower than usual and don’t ride in the middle of a crowd.Finally, make yourself known. Give a heads up to unaware people that you’re approaching; wear reflective gear or lights at night so other people can see you; use hand signals to indicate you’re turning.Legal note: every region has its own laws regarding longboards and skateboards; this includes individual American states. Before riding your electric longboard, be sure to check what the local laws are regarding them. You’d be surprised how strange some longboarding laws can be.9. Plan your routeA great way to minimize journey time is to actually know where you’re going to go from the outset. Doing so, you’ll reduce the chances of running into a patch of sketchy street or maybe a grueling hill, both of which can make your journey much more difficult.One way of planning your route is to use Google Maps. This is actually kind of fun as you’ll chart routes and itineraries as if you were on an epic adventure! You can also use street view to zoom in and check for anything weird you might come across.Another way of planning your longboard commute is to run a few trial runs first. Set aside an extra hour before work or a free afternoon to actually do it. Make mental notes of possible obstacles, pain points, and traffic. If it takes you 45 minutes the first time, you might be able to get it down to 30 once you get a rhythm.10. Keep your board in good shapeAs an electric longboard commuter, you’re going to be using your board a lot; at least five days per week and several times per day. So much riding is going to lead to a ton of potential wear and tear.Here at Linky, we’ve seen some really gnarly boards that have clearly been shown a lot of love. Boards that were shipped out clean and returned black with dirt; boards with shredded wheels; you name it.Running routine checks on our boards.All of this wear and tear obviously leads to complications. Over time, electric longboards become less effective because the trucks aren’t lubed anymore, a part is on the verge of breaking, or the battery just can’t hold a charge. Eventually, they cease to work and need to be refurbished.But caring for a longboard regularly will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. It’ll ride better for longer and you will get your money’s worth out of it.For more information, check out our in-depth article on maintaining your electric longboard.Additional Questions about Electric Longboard CommutingHere are some things people ask about electric longboards and longboarding to work:What is longboard commuting?Longboard commuting is a relatively new form of personal mobility transportation. It is the act of going to and from work using only a longboard or a combination of longboarding and personal transport.Longboard commuting is practical because the longboard itself is easy to use, easy to pack, and allows for quicker moving times.With the addition of a battery and motor, a longboard becomes an electric longboard. Electric longboards offer faster travel times and more comfortable journeys for the user.Commuting with a skateboard vs longboard vs (electric) bike: which is better?There are some key differences between bikes, longboards, and skateboards when it comes to commuting. Consider these differences and whether or not you need one or the other: Skateboards - More portable and lighter than skateboards but less stable and usually not as fast. There are some decent electric skateboards out there but are still not a replacement for an electric longboard. Bikes and ebikes - The classic means of getting to work via human power. Bikes are, above all, an efficient and reliable means of transport. They’re faster, tougher, and easier to ride than longboards, but are much more expensive, less portable, and more likely to be stolen than longboards. Both electric longboards and electric bikes are great for commuting.What else do I need when commuting with an electric longboard?A good backpack to carry your things! If you have a Linky foldable longboard, you can actually pack it in your backpack along with the charger and spare battery. Great for when you need to ride the bus or are looking for a place to store your board. This makes the Linky one of the best electric longboards on the market for commuting.Where can I learn more about commuting with a longboard?If you’d like to hear more from the community about the best ways to use your longboard for commuting - or anything for that matter - then check out the official longboarding thread over at Reddit. There are a ton of great tips and advice in there from some truly passionate people.

In recent years, electric bikes have become hugely popular. Everyone wants to get their hands on one at the moment.As electric bikes become more popular, they also become more specialized. These days, it seems that there is a different model for almost every type of cycling activity you can imagine.So how do you choose an electric bike? Which one is best for you?It’s a fair question and one that you should consider carefully. After all, depending on what kind of bike you get, this could be a big investment for you.This electric bike buying guide covers the most common ebike types and what they can do. We’ll break down each variety and the kinds of riders they’re best for. We’ll also dive deeper and explore what to look for in an electric bike before buying it.By the end of this article, you will have a much clearer idea of which ebike you need and which one to purchase.Quick Answers: What electric bike should I buy? Best electric bike(s) for commuting: electric road bikes, foldable ebikes, hybrid bikes Best electric bike(s) for traveling: electric touring bikes, foldable ebikes, hybrid bikes Best electric bike(s) for recreation: hybrid ebikes, electric mountain bikes, electric fat tire bikes Best off-road electric bike(s): fat tire ebikes, beach cruisers, electric mountain bikes Best ebikes for carrying things: cargo bikes Which type of electric bike should I buy?There is an ebike for every kind of rider out there!Like to commute to work? You’ll need something fast and reliable.Want to hit the mountain trails? Your bike will need to be tough and offer additional torque.Looking to be a professional delivery biker? You will absolutely need some sort of cargo bike.Below are some common types of electric bikes and who they’re most appropriate for.Electric commuter bikes or road bikesLet’s start with one of the most general types of electric bikes: the commuter bike. As the name implies these are intended for the average commuter: the person biking at 9 and 5, to and from work.Electric commuter bikes really come in all shapes and varieties. There are casual all-purpose bikes, suped-up road bikes, and even hybrids. How serious you are when it comes to riding your bike to work and how much you’re willing to spend really dictates which ebike you’ll buy.If you’re not biking vast distances to work and across varied terrain, a mid-level ebike should be enough to get the job done. The Linky EZY makes for an excellent commuter bike - it’s reliable, gets 60 kilometers (40 miles) on one charge, and, most convenient, features a detachable battery that you can take inside with you and charge.If you’re going to be riding a lot though and want to get to work as fast as possible, you might want to invest in a specialized road bike instead. These are sleeker, lighter, and are better at longer distances. They are also much more expensive to buy and maintain.If you opt for a faster electric road bike, keep in mind that there might be local speed limits. Sure, that speed demon can go 35mph tops but you might legally be able to reach those speeds.Mountain electric bikesIf you want something you can take on the trail as well as the pavement, an electric mountain bike might be a better option.Like their push-powered predecessors, electric mountain bikes are built to survive a beatdown. They have a bit extra suspension, a more solid frame, and special gears for ascending/descending. The only difference being that the electric mountain bike has a few extra bells and whistles, like a battery and motor.Though they’re intended for off-road use, there’s no reason you can’t use an electric mountain bike for commuting to work as well! You’ll have to worry less about busting a hub on a pothole and will conquer those hills even easier.One thing to note is that electric mountain bikes are rated to handle uphill and downhill rides differently. Going downhill is way harder on the bike than the opposite, and the ones that are better at the former are a lot more expensive. eMTBs are already expensive as it is.Foldable electric bikeIf you’re looking for convenience above all, an electric folding bike will be best for you. Due to their compact nature, these are much easier to travel around with and carry.Electric foldable bikes are ideal for those who want to take their bike with them wherever they go. This could be in the trunk of a car whilst on a road trip, on the train, or even into your office (no need to worry about locking your bike then!)Whilst all electric bikes are easy to ride, electric folding bikes do handle a bit differently. They’re usually much lower to the ground and the wheels are often smaller to allow folding. For taller people, it’s a bit weird at first but they’ll get used to it eventually. The convenience is usually worth the initial awkwardness.If you’re looking for a good option, then check out the Linky EZY Fold!Electric hybrid bikeElectric hybrid bikes are usually a mix of several different kinds of ebikes. Generally speaking, they usually bridge the gap between road and mountain bikes.A standard hybrid usually combines the speed and comfort of road bikes with the all-terrain capacity of mountain bikes. As such, they can handle more varied terrain. For commuters living in hilly cities, hybrids are among the best hill climbing electric bikes you can buy.Because they wear many hats, hybrids may not be the best at any one thing. For example, they might be able to handle off-road conditions but won’t be as rugged as a mountain bike. On the flip side, they may do well on the road but will not be as comfortable or as ergonomic as a pure road bike.Electric cargo bikeCargo bikes are great for those who need to move more than just themselves: they need to worry about groceries, kids, even making deliveries. A normal ebike may not have the storage space or torque to be able to handle the extra demands, but a cargo bike will!There is a huge variety of cargo bikes out there. We’re talking about your classic longtails, the biggie box bikes, the bike trucks, cargo trikes, and then some. If and which cargo bike you need depends on your own demands.If you’re an urban dweller and need something to carry groceries - or the occasional buddy - a simple bike truck will be more than useful. This is the type of cargo bike that Linky offers.If you use your bike for business purposes though - perhaps as a delivery service - or go biking frequently with your family then you will definitely need something more specialized. Box bikes or “Long Johns” would be more appropriate: these are those limousine-like bikes you see around town with enormous front-ends. These will carry all that and then some.Just be mindful that as the front of the bike is extended to accommodate a larger bucket, the handling does change a bit. Like riding a folding bike though, you’ll get used to the extra length with time.Fat tire electric bikeFat tires are the ultimate off-road electric bike. The exaggerated width of the wheels plus the additional traction allows one to ride over all kinds of terrain.Heading to the beach? Fat tires can handle the shifting sands, no problem.Looking for something to do in the winter? Fat tires bikes can coast over the snow without sinking. Photo by Marco Verch (source/licenseFancy a leisurely ride in the woods? Fat tires will have no problem dealing with all the roots and rocks on the trail.Despite having a motor and battery though, fat tires are not the fastest electric bikes out there. They’re great for recreational activities but may not be best if you’re in a rush. Commuters and long-distance bikers: stick to a road bike or something hybridized.Electric cruiser bikeThese are the Cadillacs of the electric bike world: the thing that you want if you just want to (literally) cruise around looking good. These are, above all else, comfortable to ride and are stylish as hell.Electric cruiser bikes are particularly popular at the beaches 1) because they have wider tires that can handle the sand better and 2) where else is a better place to cruise? Honestly, nothing beats a slow ride on the beach at sunset.Like fat-tire bikes though, electric cruiser bikes aren’t exactly built for speed and they tend to be a bit heavier as well. This is ultimately a leisure bike and not something you would take off-road or into traffic.Less common ebike varietiesNone of the ebikes already mentioned seem right for you? Here are a few other kinds that might be more up your alley: Electric hunting bikes - These are like a three-way cross between a cargo bike, an electric mountain bike, and a fat-tire. They’re strong enough to tow the extra weight (of the prey) and strong enough to handle varied terrain, which hunters usually navigate often. Hunting bikes also have super wide tires to help deal with the off-road conditions. In recent years, hunters have become quite fond of these. Tandem ebikes - Yes, you and your main squeeze can ride together if you want! To accommodate the extra weight of two riders though, tandem ebikes usually come equipped with two batteries. What to look for in an electric bike before buyingThere’s a lot that goes into choosing the right ebike. Parts, modes, styles, prices, the list goes on. Here is a breakdown of some common things that you need to consider before purchasing anything.ClassesIn the United States, ebikes are assigned classes based upon how they function and how fast they can go. Classes also dictate where you can ride the bike legally.Ebike classes are important to consider because, depending on which bike you have, you may not be able to ride it everywhere. Another important thing to note is that whilst class 1 and 2 bikes offer pedal assist up to 20 mph, most European countries, as well as the UK, have laws that limit ebike speeds to 25 km or 15-16 mph.Back in the USA, electric bikes fall under three different classes: Class 1 - The motor will only work up to speeds of 20 mph. Once you go faster, it stops helping. The motor only starts when the rider is pedaling and the throttle will only work then as well. Class 1 bikes can be ridden in the same space as regular bikes i.e. in dedicated bike lanes. Class 2 - Also limited to a top speed of 20 mph but throttle will work even if the rider is not actually pedaling. Can be ridden in the same place as class 1 bikes. Class 3 - The motors on these bikes will work up to 28 mph but the bikes usually can’t be ridden in the same places as conventional bikes. Usually, you need to ride with regular traffic or on the far edge of the bike lane. Rules vary from region to region. BatteryThe wattage and capacity of your battery will largely dictate how far your ebike can travel (also called max range).A larger battery will obviously allow your ebike to go further without a recharge. A bike battery lasts around 3-4 hours and works for around 25-50 miles. Long-range electric bikes have larger batteries and can go for 50-100 miles. The latter will normally take longer to charge though.When deciding which electric bike to buy, consider what you’re actually going to use it for. If you’re just going to commute to work and the office is less than 20 miles away (the average bike commute is 10 miles one way), stick to something more convenient like a road bike or a foldable.If you’re planning a big bike tour though, you’ll probably want something with a bit more battery power, like a long-range tour bike. It’s not to say you can’t take your touring bike to work either although adding extra mileage to the bike isn’t necessarily a good thing.Motor typeEbike motors will determine how fast your ebike travels under pedal-assist mode and will be more or less better at certain types of terrain. They will also affect the rate at which the battery is drained depending on which riding more you tend to use.There are several kinds of ebike motors; each excels more or less in different ways: Mid-drive motors - These kinds of motors generally offer the most power and torque, which makes them great for climbing hills. They can also be quite light compared to others. Mid-drives are a bit bulkier than usual though, which will make the bike bulkier as well. Rear hub-drive motors - Hub-drive motors - which include rear and front versions - are found directly on the wheels of the ebike. Hub drives are more easily installed on bikes and are more common in the market. Rear-wheel hub-drives are considered higher quality than front-wheel due because they are more powerful and handle better. Front hub-drive motors - Front-wheel hub-drives are more popular with kit enthusiasts who like to convert regular bikes to ebikes. Front-wheel is not a great choice though because it isn’t as effective on slopes nor varied terrain. Front-wheel drive can also be awkward to ride as some feel like they’re being pulled forward. Whichever electric bike you choose, make sure that the motor it has is right for you. If you’re going to be climbing a lot of hills and riding long distances, a mid-drive motor would be best. If you’re looking for a more portable bike (and a less expensive one) a rear-wheel hub-drive works great too.FrameThere are a lot of different ebikes out there and a lot of different frames to go with them. There are frames that fold, frames that you can step through, narrow frames, frames with built-in buckets to carry cargo, and a whole lot more.Frames are also an overlooked part of the buying process when they are in fact very important to consider. A hybrid bike with a lighter frame but also be weaker, thus making it more vulnerable in off-road conditions. Folding bikes, though super convenient, are actually heavier to accommodate the extra parts and components.When looking to buy an electric, be sure to consider the frame carefully. It’s the one part of the bike that will last the longest.Bear in mind that lighter frames will also be easier on the motor. This means the battery will be drained less quickly and, in the long run, less carbon-based emissions (read more about the positive environmental impacts of ebiking here).ThrottleWhen your ebike has a throttle, you can use it to gain an extra boost in speed. Hit the throttle and the motor will start to work on its own regardless of how fast you might be pedaling.Usually, the throttle comes in the form of a twisting mechanism on the handlebars or some sort of button/switch. Not all throttles can be used immediately or at any speeds though. Some throttles only work if you’re pedaling; others switch off automatically after you go a certain speed. Class 2 ebikes feature a throttle that can be used right at the get-go like a moped. You see a lot of electric bikes with a throttle around Asia. Photo by J.G. (source/licenseThrottle is not a total replacement for pedaling though and you’re not going to gain nitrous levels of extra speed. It’s just an extra helper or something nice to have when you want to coast.Riding ModesEvery bike and bike brand has its own set of riding modes. This bike has an eco-mode whilst this one has a coaster mode. One bike may have a booster mode whilst another might have a mode that caps the speed at which the pedal-assist works (good in case you’re taking a class 3 bike into a zone where you normally couldn’t).In short, the more riding modes your ebike has, the better. More modes mean more control, and with more control, you can ensure that the bike performs as efficiently as possible. You’ll preserve the battery, extend the range, and make it work when you need it to.PriceThis is a BIG factor for a lot of people when they’re deciding which electric bike to buy. Ebikes are an investment - sometimes an expensive one - that you will make maybe a few times in your life. Buy the right ebike for the right price and your quality of life can improve dramatically.The costs of an electric bike can vary a lot. The cheapest ebikes go for less than $1000; the most expensive can be in the low five figures.A lot of people make the mistake of buying the cheapest thing they possibly can, which is a mistake. A cheap ebike will break much faster and those hundreds of dollars spent will all be wasted. Once you cross the $1500 threshold, the quality of bikes improves vastly and keeps these running smoothly for years to come.Here is a breakdown of ebike price groups: Budget ebikes ($500-$1,500) - Cheap and sometimes complete pieces of garbage. These feature subpar parts and break on sooner rather than later. Most people prefer these kinds of bikes because they are pretty much disposable. With a little higher budget, you can get something that will last much longer Mid-range ebikes ($1,500-$3,000) - Offers good performance for a longer period of time and at the right price point. Midrange bikes feature more robust components and more advanced electronics. The first thing that will probably go is the battery but, these days, most electric bikes feature replaceable batteries anyway. If you’re looking to buy a good ebike, this is the place to start. Premium ebikes ($3,000-$6,000) - These bikes start to become more specialized. These might offer better suspension, more features, larger batteries, more advanced components, among other things. This is the point where you get serious about what you use the bike for, be it touring, delivery, commuting, or whatever else. Ultra-premium ebikes ($6,000-$10,000) - Now we’re talking about some real cash. If you’re willing to drop this much, you must really hate driving cars! Admittedly, these ebikes can be pretty incredible and can ride like a dream. Find out what kind of ebike you need and then how much you’re willing to spend.

Most people learn how to ride their electric bikes like a conventional bike: they get a push, start pedaling, switch a few gears, and next thing you know they’re off. It’s to be expected as electric bikes and regular bikes do function very similarly on a fundamental level. One just has a motor and battery attached.But did you know that there are particular ways to use your electric bike that will allow you to ride faster, longer, and, crucially, more safely?For example, having a faster pedaling cadence can not only be a smoother ride but can also help conserve your battery. This goes somewhat against the logic of conventional biking in some ways!This article is intended as a review of how to ride an electric bike properly. Perhaps you’re looking to buy and want to study first how to actually use one. Perhaps you already own an ebike and are looking for some additional tips. We’ve got it all covered here!So stick around and find out just how fun and easy it is to ride an electric bike.Understanding how your electric bike worksWithout overcomplicating things, electric bikes are essentially the same as conventional, human-powered bikes with a few extra bells and whistles. Working in tandem with one another, those added components make for a smoother and quicker journey.The concept of an ebike is simple: by adding a motor to a regular bicycle and powering it with a battery, the wheels of a bike can be turned with less assistance from the rider. Many modern electric bikes also incorporate internal sensors and basic computers to help regulate the entire system as well.Here are the parts that you should be aware of before riding your electric bike: Motor - helps you pedal and to save your thighs on those terrible hills. Motors come in two varieties: mid-drive motors and hub motors. Mid-drive motors are located in the middle of the frame and usually make the bike more stable and efficient, at the cost of extra bulkiness. Hub motors, which are located on the wheels, are easier to install but offer generally less control. The battery - powers the motor. Batteries come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and will require more or less time to charge. The capacity will largely dictate the range of the ebike. Lithium batteries are considered the highest quality as they are lighter, have larger capacities, and last longer. The brakes - behave much in the same way on electric bikes as regular bikes. You’ll just need to use them slightly sooner. The frame - Foldable ebikes are very portable but are much shorter to compensate for smaller wheels. Fixed-frame bikes are sturdier but more cumbersome. There are lots of different kinds of electric bikes as well. Each will excel at a different kind of riding. Be sure to read our guide on common types of ebikes to learn more.How to ride an electric bikeHow easy is it to ride an electric bike? About as easy as it is to ride a regular bike! Riding an electric bike is about enjoying yourself, not necessarily going fast.We’ve heard a couple of people ask if knowing how to ride a regular bike is necessary to ride an electric bike and our answer is usually “it certainly doesn’t hurt!” Although electric bikes require some extra attention, they are not so different from their analog predecessors. One could learn how to ride a bike using either in fact.Let’s assume you already know how to ride a regular bike though. Luckily, riding an electric bike is very similar to riding a conventional one, with a few extra things to consider.Before the first rideFirst thing’s first: you need to check your ebike for actually riding it. Make sure that: Your battery is fully charged or close to fully charged. The more it is, the further you will be able to ride. The tires, brakes, and gears all function properly. Never hurts to do a quick thumb check of the tires to make sure they’re good. Make sure that the bike is assembled and working properly. If you have a Linky bike, you can review the tutorials here. Don’t forget to wear your helmet as always! If everything looks good, the next thing is to actually mount. Adjust the seat, check the mirrors if you have them, and switch on the electrical components. If you have difficulty mounting, some bikes actually use a special kind of frame called a step-through, which is missing the top bar that usually connects the seat to the handlebars. These can be easier to ride for some people.Once you’ve turned on your electric bike, check to see if the appropriate gear and assistance mode is selected. While you’re at it, pedal the bike a bit just to make sure the motor responds.During the rideThe first thing you might notice is the motor and pedal assistance kicking in. Before you actually start riding though, it would pay to know what kind of pedal assistance your ebike provides and how it behaves. Some bikes with a more sensitive cadence system will start accelerating immediately. Others may take a bit longer to kick and won’t start until you reach a certain speed or cadence.On the subject of pedals, you do have to use them in order to ride an electric bike. Whilst many ebikes have a throttle that can be relied upon, you’ll still need to pedal in order to get the most of the bike. Pedalling also helps to conserve the battery.QUICK TIP: you generally want to pedal faster i.e. have faster cadence when using electric bikes, at least compared to regular bikes. This allows the bike to run more smoothly and helps to preserve the battery longer. This is especially the case when you’re riding your electric bike uphill.Be aware of the gears you are using and which riding mode you’re in. You don’t want to be using a gear that is too low or a riding mode that is too active. Both will drain your battery very quickly. You need to find a fine balance between which gear and riding modes you use. Linky bikes have six riding modes and seven gears, which results in 42 possible combinations!Finally, maintain the correct posture when riding an electric bike. You don’t want to stand up and push down on the pedals with all your force as you might on a conventional bike. Causing an electric bike to sway can sometimes confuse the motor and electric components, which will in turn cause the bike to slow down. Face forward and activate your core muscles to keep the bike stable. You may find that you're getting an extra ab workout in while riding!How do you ride an electric bike uphill anyway?If you’re on the road, you just need to put the bike in the right gear and the motor will do the rest. (Be prepared to be amazed by the hill-climbing powers of the ebike!) If you really want to conquer the hills though, having a bike with a mid-drive motor is best though rear hub motors do well too.Climbing hills off-road is a bit trickier though as you’ll need to consider terrain and body position more. You’ll want to really nail your gear choice as well as the pedaling cadence when going up steeper sections and be on the lookout for debris that might catch the pedals. Remember to stay seated on the bike but lean forward a bit more than usual to keep the center of gravity over the front wheel.Ending the rideWhen you’re ready to stop, it’s just a matter of slowing down either using the brakes or coasting to a halt.Regarding braking: because electric bikes have increased mass and are usually traveling at faster speeds than regular bikes, it takes longer for them to brake. That means you shouldn’t brake at the exact moment you reach an intersection or see an obstacle directly in front of you. Start breaking ahead of time so that your bike will be able to lose momentum and inertia. In some cases, the final destination is better than the journey itself.Once you’ve come to stop, it’s just a matter of finding a place to park your bike. Make sure you find somewhere secure and always use a good U-lock (and never the cable variety). Always lock the bike properly.Most likely, you will need to give your battery a quick charge as well. If you’re commuting to or from work and traveled more than 10-15 miles one way, you will definitely want to charge the battery. Park the bike near a charging station or, if your ebike has a removable battery, carry it with you wherever you’re going. Make sure you unplug your charger when not in use though! Leaving in the outlet leads to "vampiric drain" and increases the carbon footprint of the ebike.Essential electric bike safety tipsBesides remembering to brake early, there are some other things that you need to remember when riding your ebike safely, such as:Be even more aware of trafficDespite the growing popularity of commuter ebikes, many drivers don’t know how to behave around them. Most don’t expect them to be so nimble or reach 25+ miles per hour, neither do they factor any of this when driving. If drivers misjudge the speed or position of the bike, accidents can happen.So be sure to be EXTRA defensive when using an electric road bike. Keep plenty of space between you and them and try your best to communicate what you intend to do. If the drivers know, the situation will be much safer.Don’t go too fast too soonMost people start to quickly and dial their bike speeds to the max without knowing how to use it first. Although riding an ebike is relatively straightforward, you need to get a feel for it first. The bike’s center of gravity, gear-shifting and level of assistance can vary quite a lot. Some bikes accelerate very quickly whilst others are smoother and take their time. Start slowly and understand the nuances of your particular electric bike first before going full throttle with it. Be especially careful when riding in the dark.Careful of cornersLike a car or anything with a motor for that matter, you generally want to avoid accelerating on corners. Electric ebikes behave in the same way - if you accelerate on a corner too quickly, you run the risk of losing control of the bike. Rather, coast or brake slightly when going around corners and accelerate again once you’ve cleared it.Don’t fixate on your smartphone or screenIf you attach your smartphone to the handlebars (you can do so using this accessory) and use it as a GPS device, it can be very easy to get distracted. If you’re looking at your phone, you’re not looking at the road and then accidents happen. Having a screen mounted on your ebike is very useful but you need to use it safely. Make sure your surroundings are clear or pullover to check.All the usual bike safety rules applyRemember that you’re still riding a bike, even if it has a battery and motor installed. This means you need to follow all of the usual precautions such as: Using proper lighting both on the bike and your clothes. Making sure your tires are pumped and the pressure is correct. Double-checking that everything is functioning properly. Using the proper hand signals. Follow all the issues bicycle etiquettes. FAQ: Where and when can I ride my electric bikeWe’re often asked quite often when and where exactly is best to ride your electric bike. Here are some common questions and answers:Can you ride an electric bike on the sidewalk?If you want to be that person who skips over traffic by going rogue on the sidewalk, we won’t stop you. This is generally frowned upon by fellow pedestrians and sometimes even illegal. Don’t think you’re Officer Gordon in The Dark Knight hoppin’ curbs left and right.Some sidewalks are wide enough to accommodate both pedestrians and bicycle riders though. You usually see this at the beach or in touristy areas. In this case, you could ride your ebike on the sidewalk - just make sure to check first. Some sidewalks are ok to ride on, others not. It all depends on where you are.Can you ride an electric bike on the road?Yes and no. Whilst electric bikes are often used by commuters and as road bikes very often, electric bikes are treated differently by the law. If you intend to ride your electric bike somewhere public, you’ll need to make sure it is legal first in your country or region. For example, class 1 and 2 bikes are restricted to bike lanes in the USA, whilst class 3 bikes are generally allowed only on the road.TL;DR Check the local laws first before riding your bike on the main roads.Where can you ride an electric mountain bike?As mentioned before, you can’t just ride an electric mountain bike or eMTB anywhere. Many trails prohibit electric mountain biking if they’re a certain kind or class. So you’ll need to pick a trail before you actually head out. Check out this site to find some potential electric mountain biking trails. Most mountain bikes, especially eMTBs, can only be ridden on certain trails.Can you ride an electric bike in the rain?Most ebikes are resistant to rain up to a certain degree. Make sure to check how much with the manufacturer.Do you need a license to ride an electric bike?Each country and region will have its own ebike laws. In most cases, electric bikes do not require a license, insurance, or registration to use.Riders do need to be a certain age though. In the UK, the rider must be 14 years old whilst in the US only 12. Keep this in mind when you want to use electric bikes on the next family bike ride.Final ThoughtsDo you have a particular way of riding your electric bike? Is there a special trick or habit that you absolutely can't neglect? Let us know in the comment section below!

Boarding airplanes with personal mobility devices has been a hot topic for a while now. Even more so since the rules seem to change on a monthly basis. These changes have even resulted in various companies going out of business.These ever-changing regulations have put electric skateboard owners who want to travel in a particularly tough situation. A lot of airlines are starting to ban them from bringing their board on the plane and even in checked baggage. Mostly this has to do with batteries (but more on that later).We’re here to say that despite horror stories that you might have heard, YES, it is still possible to travel by plane with an electric skateboard. You just need to know exactly what you’re doing.This article is intended to help explain the current situation with airlines and equip you with the proper knowledge. You’ll understand why airlines are so strict on electric skateboards and how you can navigate the sometimes confusing rules.With the right preparation and correct conditions, you should be flying with your electric skateboard or longboard soon enough.What’s the problem?Obviously, there are some regulations to respect when it comes to traveling with an electric skateboard by plane.The first thing you should know is that most airlines are very strict about lithium-ion batteries. Practically every one of them requires that batteries be put in check-in luggage. This is why passengers are required to bring personal electronics, like laptops, phones, cameras, etc, into the cabin.The reason for the strict monitoring of batteries is that there have been a lot of concerning events where lithium-ion batteries explode. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 debacle a few years ago is a prime example. More recently, OneWheels and hoverboards have also been making a mess.So, understandably, airlines and the bodies that govern them have decided to crack down hard on traveling with any sort of batteries. Nowadays, you can only bring batteries that are less than 160WH onto the plane with you.Speaking specifically about electric skateboards, most use lithium-ion batteries as well, which means they are subject to the same scrutiny, if not more. For one reason or another, airlines are just less flexible when it comes to motorized boards, which can make traveling with them difficult…But not impossible.Who makes the laws regarding lithium-ion batteries?Airlines don’t make the rules on whether or not you can or cannot fly with your electric skateboard. They, in conjunction with the TSA, just enforce them.Federal agencies, like the FAA and EASA are the ones who decide what is and isn’t prohibited onboard airplanes. They write the laws and we are often left to follow and sometimes interrupt them.Most regulations don’t directly refer to electric skateboards at all either - rather they all pertain to lithium-ion batteries that they use. These are the laws that declare that anything over 160WH is prohibited from flying.Notable organizationsBelow are some important associations that you need to be aware of. Each has its own set of rules that should be consulted before you try flying with your electric skateboard or longboard. TSA - Transportation Security Administration. These are people scanning your bags, looking for prohibited items, and keeping the peace. Their official site says that two spare batteries may be brought on the plane given they are no more than 160WH and that airline approval is needed. FAA - Federal Aviation Administration. The leading organization that makes the laws concerning air travel, at least in the USA. They lay down the initial guidelines for batteries in terms of size, capacity, and wattage. Official documentation is here. IATA - International Air Transport Association. Global organization that ensures that all airlines follow similar guidelines. Jurisdiction covers both public transport as well as shipping. Their documentation about batteries can be found here. CATSA - The Canadian version of the TSA. Battery guidelines are here. CAA (United Kingdom) - Civilian Aviation Authority. The English version of the FAA. Guidelines here. EASA - European Aviation Safety Agency. Finally, we have the European Union’s iteration of the FAA. Refer to this webpage for battery-related rules. What do the airlines say?Airlines can be quite vague when it comes to specifically transporting electric skateboards or longboards. Some say nothing; a lot just say “no”.The problem is that, in most cases, electric skateboards fall annoyingly between two different categories of luggage: hoverboards and (standard) skateboards.Hoverboards, which include balance boards, gravity boards, and self-balancing devices, are strictly banned by ALL major airlines. This is due to reports of terrible, consumer-grade hoverboards catching fire spontaneously.Skateboards, on the other hand, are usually allowed either as checked luggage or a carry-on. Each airline does have its own rules when it comes to size, dimensions, and additional fees.So you’d think that simply removing the battery from the board, checking the board in your luggage, and then taking the battery on the plane would be fine. But this is sometimes not enough to dissuade paranoid gate agents.At the end of the day, the airlines and their agents have the final word. Some are lenient; others have zero-tolerance. Always consult them before attempting to travel with your electric skateboard, either in person or via email. If you say the right words and plead your case, you might be able to travel with your electric skateboard.Which airlines will most likely say no?These are the airlines that we found with policies that point-blank say no to bringing electric skateboards on the plane. We’re sharing this list because these are obviously the airlines that are the LEAST likely to accommodate you: United Spirit Airlines Alaska Southwest  British Airways Air Canada LATAM Air France Any airline not mentioned in this list might be more open to someone traveling with their electric skateboard. As usual, this is circumstantial.Rules and policies are constantly changing. Again, always check with the airline beforehand to see if there is any chance.How to fly with an electric skateboardSo let’s say you decide to say “screw the odds! I’m feeling like I can succeed at bringing my board on the plane.”What then do you do?If you decide to attempt to fly with your electric skateboard, there are some things you can do that will increase the chances of making it. We have prepared a simple step-by-step guide that you should follow before your trip starts. Step 1 - Liaison with the airline and gain as much information as possible about the situation. Check their website under the section about dangerous goods/batteries. Step 2 - Print out any relevant documentation from the airline and/or governing bodies in case you need to plead your case. Make sure that you bring the battery’s certificates as well. Step 3 - Decide if you can and want to carry your electric skateboard in the cabin or in the check-in luggage. Step 4 - If you bring the board with you in the cabin, have the proper backpack. If you put the board in check-in luggage, make sure to remove the battery. Here’s a video for removing Linky’s. Step 5 - Stow the battery properly in the cabin. If it can fit under the seat in front of you, do that. Otherwise, leave it in the overhead. Spare batteries within 160WH are generally allowed in the cabin by airlines. Step 6 - Always be warm and respectful with airline staff. They can either make your life easy or very, very hard. What’s the best electric skateboard to fly with?Before you even begin to consider traveling with your electric skateboard, you need to make sure it is relatively compact and has a detachable battery that is less than 160WH. If your board has none of these, then things won’t be easy for you.There are a lot of electric skateboards to choose from these days. Most of them weren’t designed with airline travel in mind.Enter Linky.One of the biggest reasons that makes Linky unique in the electric skateboard industry is its outstanding compactness. With its solid foldable system, you just squeeze it into your backpack when your ride is finished.A lot of our customers are happily using Linky for commuting in cities, but more and more people are starting to travel with it. Thanks to its extremely compact dimensions and lightness, we believe Linky is the best electric skateboard to travel with. Owners have the greatest odds of bringing their board on the plane and we can confirm that lots of people have done so already.Linky’s battery is 125W, removable, and also has the right paperwork. Therefore you will face fewer issues when flying with your board. Just make sure that you know what to do!How long can my skateboard be?All airlines have their own policies when it comes to the maximum length of carry-on luggage. Generally speaking though, an item should be no more than 22" x 14" x 9" as per FAA suggestions.That means that most skateboards and definitely longboards are not going to be able to come in the cabin with you. Most likely, you’ll probably have to check your board; the max length of checked baggage is 62 inches. Some longboards may still not be short enough for this though.This is where Linky really shines. When folded, the board becomes a super-compact 15” x 11” x 4.5” - perfect for a carry-on. If the gate agents allow you to travel with your board, you should have no problem getting into the cabin itself.What are the alternatives to traveling with an electric skateboardIf you just don’t want to deal with the hassle of trying to bring your electric skateboard on a plane, you do have other options.Use another form of transportAirlines are the strictest when it comes to traveling with electric skateboards and their batteries. Rail companies, ground transport, and rental agencies, on the other hand, care a lot less about how big of a battery you have - practically not at all it seems.Our favorite way to travel is definitely by train. Being able to take advantage of the amazing rail network here in Italy (and the lax rules) means we can travel just about anywhere with our board. Feels good to hop out of the cabin, extend the board, and then take off on the streets!If you haven’t traveled to Europe before with an electric skateboard or even an e-bike, we highly recommend it.Renting an electric longboardThis is not so common, even in larger cities. But that doesn’t mean the option doesn’t exist. Try looking for rental agencies on Google Maps or use lending sites like FriendWithA… to see if there is an available board near you.Shipping the boardUsing a courier service, like FedEx, DHL, or UPS, to send your board ahead of you while you’re traveling is a totally viable option. We use FedEx ourselves and can say that they are fairly reliable.You ought to be aware of a few things when shipping your electric skateboard though: Couriers have wattage limits as well - Similar to the airlines, a shipping company won’t take a battery over a certain wattage. The batteries will also need to be packed a certain way to avoid being damaged. Ask whatever company you are planning on using ahead of time what their standards are in regards to shipping batteries. It’ll be expensive - It is not cheap to ship anything overseas let alone a heavy piece of equipment like a board. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny if you choose to do so. Customs - Even though your board is a personal item - thus saving the hassle of having to pay duties - it never fails that a customs officer misreads the label and charges something extra. Any unnecessary charges can of course be disputed and reversed, but this will take time. And clearing customs already takes a while in the first place! Wrapping UpUltimately, it IS possible to travel by plane with an electric skateboard. We’ve done it, our clients have done it, and a lot more people for that matter, we’re sure.In order to succeed though, you’ll need to make sure of some things: Invest in the proper board and battery. Know the rules and regulations of airlines and transport regulators. Choose the right airline to fly with. Comply with all of the policies and do your best to explain your situation. Do it right whilst being respectful of the rules and the people enforcing them and you will increase your chances of being able to travel with your electric skateboard.Do you have any success stories of traveling with your board? Know which airlines are most likely to allow you to bring one? Please leave a comment below and let us know any and all experiences you have to share!