Buy new electric board or convert kit for existing one?
May 4, 2026, 11:17 AM
Just discovered eSkateboarding and I am completely obsessed. I already own a regular longboard that I love, but now I am torn between buying a complete electric skateboard or converting my existing board with a bolt on kit. The idea of keeping my own deck with all its memories is really tempting, but I also love the idea of a plug and play board that just works out of the box.
What I really need to understand is the real world cost difference. If I buy a ready to ride board from a brand like Backfire or Meepo, am I looking at three hundred to six hundred dollars for something decent? And if I go the conversion route with a kit from Revel or similar, what is the actual total after buying batteries, charger, remote, and any hidden extras I have not thought about? Are there cheaper kits that are still safe for a beginner who just wants to cruise?
I like the idea of tinkering, but I do not want to end up spending more on a conversion than a complete board that comes with customer support and a warranty. For those of you who have done both, which one actually saved you money in the end, and did the converted board feel as fun and reliable as a factory built eSkate? I am super excited to join this world and just want to make the smartest first move without breaking the bank.
What I really need to understand is the real world cost difference. If I buy a ready to ride board from a brand like Backfire or Meepo, am I looking at three hundred to six hundred dollars for something decent? And if I go the conversion route with a kit from Revel or similar, what is the actual total after buying batteries, charger, remote, and any hidden extras I have not thought about? Are there cheaper kits that are still safe for a beginner who just wants to cruise?
I like the idea of tinkering, but I do not want to end up spending more on a conversion than a complete board that comes with customer support and a warranty. For those of you who have done both, which one actually saved you money in the end, and did the converted board feel as fun and reliable as a factory built eSkate? I am super excited to join this world and just want to make the smartest first move without breaking the bank.