Fully functional electric skateboards at affordable prices are difficult to find, but we were able to ride one. Its code name is Possway T3.
Electric skateboards are a radically different sidewalk surfing experience.
The world is moving toward environmentally friendly energy, and skateboards are increasingly becoming popular personal means of transport.
Whether in an urban context or inland, electric scooters and e-bikes have already taken over the streets and roads, slowly reducing the use of single-occupancy vehicles.
Commuting and taking short trips from one place to another now have plenty of riding options, some of them unavailable in the millennium turn.
Since their creation, skateboards have been alternative personal transportation vehicles from home to school or work.
However, they were the last micro-mobility devices to embrace the electric revolution.
Now that they're here, only the best will prevail and conquer the market.
The Possway T3 has nearly everything you need on an electric skate - quality construction materials, a long-lasting battery, and a sturdy and high-performance design.
Well-Built and Sturdy
Let's first dissect the technical specifications.
The e-skate by Possway features a board made of eight layers of Canadian maple and one of bamboo.
The 37.2'' drop-through deck stands on four large (105x65 mm) shock-absorbing wheels, 45-degree and seven-inch trucks.
In the bottom, you'll also find a 280.8 Wh switchable battery that fully charges in four hours and allows you to ride for 17-20 miles (28-32 kilometers).
The range varies according to the road, slope, and rider's weight.
T3 has a maximum load of 330 pounds (150 kilograms) and is ready to take on a climbing grade of up to 30 percent.
The remote control is simple to use and will charge in around 40 minutes.
It features a throttle wheel, an LCD with functions and settings, a power button, a function key, and a USB-C charge port.
The display shows the battery status for both the board and the remote control, cumulate mileage, single mileage, top speed, back/forth setting, speed mode, brake mode, and real-time speed.
The Possway T3 has an IP54 waterproof rating, meaning it is protected against water splashing from any angle and is not fully dust-tight.
In other words, you shouldn't ride it when it's pouring rain or on a sandy surface.
The e-Skating Experience
The first thing that comes to mind when you see and grab the Possway T3 is that it is solidly built and slightly heavy.
If you ignored the board's bottom, you'd say it's a robust, quality longboard because it really looks great.
Weight is a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, you'd love to carry a super light electric skateboard.
On the other, you need a solid skate that maintains complete control and grip at high speed and on uneven surfaces like asphalt, concrete, tarmac, and other relatively smooth riding areas.
So, although you might find it a bit heavy, you'll immediately understand why it is the way it is after the first experience.
Make no mistake: T3 has four speed/ride modes:
- Low: 0-10 km/h (0-6 mph);
- Mid: 0-20 km/h (0-12 mph);
- Hi: 0-52 km/h (0-32 mph);
- Pro (faster acceleration): 0-43 km/h (0-26 mph);
We tested the first two modes and decided not to go beyond them.
Riding a beginner e-skateboard at over 12 miles per hour is not for the average person.
If you lose balance, turn the board more than you should, or the dual 500W wheels hit a small pebble, you will fall and get seriously hurt.
The Mid riding mode is the ideal compromise between an adrenaline-fueled experience and safety.
Anything above this comfort level should only be performed by professionals in very specific riding surfaces and environments.
Before riding the T3 for the first time, we suggest you adjust the brake strength to a level that suits you and the spot you're riding on.
The cruise control option should also be approached with caution.
Remember that an e-skate loses speed by releasing the throttle wheel or rolling it backward.
You will need to get acquainted with this in your first practice sessions.
And could it be safe for a teenager to try? With parental supervision, yes, and as long as the speed mode is kept at the lowest level.
"It's really cool," said Pedro Mendanha, the young teen who performed the complementary hands-on test.
"It's not a skate you can do tricks with, as it is harder to turn. But it's amazing when it comes to cruising."
"The trick is to stay low, relax, and have fun. Overall, it is a great riding experience, and I definitely recommend it."
Tricks and Safety Tips
It is also important to stress that, unlike a regular skateboard, you must have both feet on the board before starting the ride.
The trick is to bend your knees, tilt your body forward to accelerate, and tilt your body back to brake.
The goal is to cushion/absorb both forward/backward forces and avoid falling off the board.
So, if you're just starting, roll the throttle wheel forward gently to start with a slow speed and get familiar with the accelerate/brake functions.
The Possway T3 allows you to change the marching direction, which can get you to ride switch stance.
If, for any reason, you need to replace wheels, you can ask the remote control to tell the board which size you are riding - 90 or 105 mm.
We tested the Possway T3 on a long and relatively flat and smooth surface with a relatively rough boardwalk on both ends.
We really enjoyed its stability and carving performance, even at higher speeds.
Nevertheless, we learned that you need time and practice to mitigate injuries, so it does have a learning curve to make it fun, safe, and exciting.
There is also a fine balance between loose and tight trucks, especially when riding at 12 miles per hour.
You want it to turn but not too much; you need to quickly dodge a small obstacle, person, or vehicle but want to remain in control of the ride.
The overall riding feel is phenomenal, and it sure can be the weapon of choice for your daily commute and short rides to the beach or supermarket.
Again, remember that the Possway T3 is not a toy.
As a result, whenever you put your feet on the deck, you must always wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and gloves.
Make sure to:
- Move the throttle wheel in small increments;
- Keep a wide stance on the board;
- Keep a low center of gravity;
- Lean forward when accelerating;
- Lean backward when braking;
Also, avoid the following:
- Water;
- Wet and slippery surfaces;
- Steep hills or mountains;
- Traffic;
- Road and street cracks;
- Crowded boardwalks;
- Gravel and rocky surfaces;
In case of a wireless interface or battery error, you may need to rely on your skateboarding skills, like foot-braking or sliding, to stop the board.
Is the Possway T3 perfect? Almost. We'd love it to feature a front and rear light, even though that is something you add on the nose and tail.
Nevertheless, it is definitely one of the best budget electric skateboards for beginners under $500. Get it at possway.com.