Between longboards, cruisers, mini-skates, and DIY kits, it’s not always easy to find your way when you start getting interested in electric skateboarding. Yet, each type of board has its own particularities and advantages.
The idea of this glossary is to simply explain the main families of electric skateboards. No need to know the basics of skating or be into mechanics. We get straight to the point: what each type of board is for, who it’s for, and how it differs from the others.
And if some terms escape you (deck, flex, kicktail…), don’t worry: a small glossary awaits you at the end.
The electric cruiser
The electric cruiser is a board that’s neither too big nor too small, designed to be maneuverable, stable, and pleasant to ride every day. Its intermediate size makes it very comfortable in the city: you can weave between pedestrians, turn sharply, brake easily, without losing comfort.
It stands out from the longboard, which is bigger and more stable but less responsive in tight turns. And unlike the mini-cruiser (even more compact), it remains wide and long enough to keep fluidity even on slightly longer rides. In short, it’s a good balance between reduced bulk and riding sensations.
For what use?
- Get around the city smoothly and quickly
- Make your commute stress-free
- Enjoy a light, maneuverable board that’s easy to carry
- Ride comfortably without aiming for top speed
Example
-
Ritmic Nimbus 2
The electric longboard
The electric longboard is the board designed for a smooth, playful, and comfortable ride. Thanks to its length and flex (that is, the board’s flexibility under your feet), it offers a sliding sensation very close to surfing or snowboarding, with wide turns and true freedom of movement.
That’s what makes it perfect for carving: this style of riding where you link turns by leaning from one side to the other, just like you would on a wave or a snowy slope.
Compared to a cruiser, it is longer, more flexible, and more stable at medium or high speeds. It is a bit less maneuverable in tight spaces, but it more than makes up for it with the sliding sensation and the joy of movement.
For what use?
- Carve with a feeling close to surfing or snowboarding
- Enjoy a flexible and comfortable board on long distances
- Ride with stability, even at good speeds
- Ideal for riders seeking a wide, smooth, and dynamic ride
Example
-
Ritmic Staco 2
The electric mini-cruiser
The electric mini-cruiser is the ultimate compact format. Inspired by retro skateboards from the 70s-80s, it’s short, lively, often with a kicktail (the raised back of the board that makes it easier to pivot the skate). It’s a board designed to be responsive, quick underfoot, and very easy to handle.
Smaller than a classic cruiser, it’s easy to carry by hand or on public transport. Its short size allows very quick turns, on-the-spot U-turns, or slipping through tight spaces, but it will be a bit less comfortable on long distances or rough roads.
Compared to a cruiser, the mini-cruiser is more responsive but also less stable at high speed. It’s for those who want a compact, agile board designed for short trips.
For what use?
- Get around the city over short distances
- Have an ultra-compact board that’s easy to carry
- Make tight turns, move through dense or crowded environments
- Ideal for quick trips, campuses, light urban rides
Example
-
Ritmic Liten 2
The electric conversion kit
The electric conversion kit allows you to transform any skateboard (or longboard) into an electric skateboard. It usually comes as a motor + battery unit that you attach under a regular board. The result: you keep the board you already love but add motorization.
This type of product is for those who want to personalize their setup or already have a favorite board and don’t want to change it. It’s also a good solution for tinkerers or curious people who like to understand how it works.
Compared to a “complete” electric skateboard, the kit offers more freedom but requires a bit more preparation: you need to make sure the board is compatible, securely attach the components, and sometimes adjust a few details (screws, trucks, spacing…).
For what use?
- Turn your regular board into an electric skateboard
- Choose each component yourself for a custom setup
- Reuse an existing deck you love (shape, flex, style…)
- Ideal for tinkerers or those who want to customize their ride
Example
-
Ritmic Powerkit 2 System
The electric all-terrain skateboard (or All-Terrain)
The electric all-terrain skateboard, as its name suggests, is designed to go off pavement. It’s recognized by its large wheels (often pneumatic) capable of absorbing shocks and rolling on dirt, gravel, grass, or even hard sand. Some models are also equipped with suspensions for maximum comfort.
It’s a large format, generally heavier and more powerful than a classic skateboard. It offers a lot of stability and traction but is also bulkier, less maneuverable in the city, and sometimes requires a bit more experience to master.
Compared to a classic longboard, the all-terrain board is more robust, better gripping on uneven ground, and capable of overcoming obstacles. In return, it’s less smooth on smooth roads and harder to carry daily.
For what use?
- Explore forest, mountain, or countryside trails
- Ride on grass, gravel, dirt, etc.
- Tackle hills, bumps, or steep slopes with ease
- Ideal for those who love off-the-beaten-path thrills
Example
-
Backfire Ranger X3
The electric mountainboard
The electric mountainboard is an extreme version of the all-terrain skateboard. It is designed to tackle very rough terrain: steep slopes, mountain descents, rocky paths, bumps, jumps… It’s a thrill machine, made for experienced riders.
Visually, it stands out with a very wide deck, often rigid, very thick and treaded wheels, specific trucks (often spring or “channel trucks”), and especially: straps to keep the feet fixed to the board. These straps help maintain control during jumps or on unstable terrain but also limit freedom of movement.
Compared to a classic all-terrain skateboard, the mountainboard is bulkier, more demanding, and designed for committed use, sometimes close to freeride.
For what use?
- Ride in the mountains, forest, or on technical terrain
- Do electric downhill with full control
- Practice a more committed style, with jumps and obstacles
- Ideal for extreme sliding enthusiasts or thrill seekers
Example
-
Overion “R”
The electric penny board (or compact mini-skate)
The electric penny is a small ultra-compact skateboard, directly inspired by classic “penny boards.” These are very short boards, often made of rigid plastic, with wide and soft wheels to compensate for their small size. In electric version, they keep their minimalist format while integrating a discreet motor.
It is one of the easiest formats to carry: in a bag, by hand, under a desk… But this compactness comes at a price: little stability, very little comfort on uneven roads, and a rather “tight” riding position. You stand on a small surface, so you need good balance or stick to short trips.
Compared to a wooden mini-cruiser, the penny is often even lighter, stiffer, but less comfortable. It mainly appeals to those looking for a truly minimalist electric skateboard.
For what use?
- Travel very short distances
- Take your skateboard everywhere without hassle
- Light riding, occasionally or on very smooth terrain
- Ideal for students, multimodal trips, or very tight spaces
Example
-
Voyager Neutrino
The four-wheel drive electric skateboard (4WD)
The four-wheel drive electric skateboard, or 4WD, is designed to deliver maximum power and traction. Unlike classic models that have only one or two motors, here each wheel is motorized. The result: sharper acceleration, better grip on difficult surfaces, and the ability to climb very steep slopes.
This type of skateboard is generally very heavy, very powerful, and intended for specific use. It can ride on asphalt, of course, but it really shines off-road or on very demanding courses. It often requires a high-capacity battery, which adds even more weight to the whole.
Compared to a 2WD all-terrain skateboard, the 4WD offers more torque and control, but at the cost of increased complexity and maintenance. It is not a beginner format: it is aimed more at experienced riders looking to push the limits of electric riding.
For what use?
- Climb very steep hills without losing traction
- Ride on very rough, slippery, or loose terrain
- Get maximum power, torque, and responsiveness
- Ideal for experienced riders and extreme environments
Example
-
Bajaboard Pantera
Conclusion
There isn’t just one type of electric skateboard, but a whole family of models designed for very different uses. Some are made for the city, others for speed or comfort, and others still for extreme terrain or customization.
This glossary aims to help you understand these differences so you can choose a board suited to your use, riding style, and real daily needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact format, a longboard for carving, or a custom solution to build yourself, there’s definitely an electric skate that fits you.
And if some terms slipped past you while reading, no worries: the glossary below is here to help you better understand electric skateboarding vocabulary.
Electric skateboard glossary
Deck: the board itself, on which you stand. It can be longer or shorter, stiff or flexible depending on the type of skate.
Flex: the flexibility of the deck. A flexible deck absorbs vibrations better and provides a smoother ride feel. A stiff deck is more responsive.
Kicktail: the raised end at the back (and sometimes front) of the board. It allows easier pivoting of the skate or overcoming certain obstacles.
Carver / Carving: a riding style involving smooth, wide turns, like surfing or snowboarding. It requires good weight control and a suitable board.
Trucks: the metal parts under the board that connect the wheels to the deck. They influence stability and turning ability.
Pneumatic wheels: inflatable wheels, mainly used off-road, that absorb shocks better than solid wheels.
Hub motor: a motor integrated directly into the wheel. More discreet and quiet, but often less powerful than a belt-driven motor.
Belt drive (courroie): a system where the motor is connected to the wheels by a belt. More torque, more power, but a bit more maintenance.
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller): the electronic controller that manages acceleration, braking, and motor response.
Straps: attachments fixed to the feet on certain skates (especially mountainboards) to maintain control on very rough terrain.
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