Interested in riding with the pack but on a budget? Fast, fun and affordable are just a few of the features that make the Swagtron Swagboard NG-1 a great option for beginners and casual riders alike.
With a top speed of 11 mph, the Swagtron Swagboard NG-1 is fast and light enough to zip around safely, whether commuting or just riding around for fun. While the speed of the board can fluctuate depending on a user’s weight, Swagtron recommends a maximum weight of 175 pounds. As with all riding activities, it’s important to exercise caution by always wearing a helmet and protective gear.
As is common with other electric skateboards on the market, the Swagboard is controlled by a wireless handheld remote that connects via Bluetooth. The NG-1’s wireless controller easily regulates acceleration and braking with a knob, and it has a wrist strap to prevent being accidentally dropped. For longer stretches of riding there is a cruise control feature that maintains speed without having to fumble with the remote. We find the ability to use cruise control particularly useful when needing to hold an item while cruising around on the electric skateboard.
While the Swagboard promises a ten-mile riding distance, we found that the skateboard is realistically only pushing five miles at best. At a top speed of 11 mph, the NG-1 is plenty fast, especially considering that we hadn’t shredded on a skateboard since junior high.
Charging fairly quickly in about three hours, a full charge only provides about an hour or so of riding time. Fortunately, once the bottom-mounted battery dies the board can still be used by pushing off like a standard skateboard. How 90’s retro!
The Swagboard’s polyurethane wheels absorb shock surprisingly well, making for smooth sailing over bumps and cracks on the ground. While only the rear left wheel is motorized, it doesn’t affect the rideability of the electric skateboard. With two convenient cutout handles, and weighing in at just under ten pounds, the 32-inch electric skateboard is very easy to carry around and transport. Made of Canadian maple plywood, the wide deck has a bit of flex to it, and also features a textured grip that helps immensely with balancing while riding.
Bottom Line
It’s true that there are many other high-performance electric skateboards on the market with far more advanced options like independent suspension systems, multi-wheel motors, swappable batteries and off-road terrain ability, but they also come with a much steeper price tag than the Swagtron Swagboard NG-1. On the high-end, models like the Evolve Carbon GT can cost as much as $2,000 while on the low-end, the Evolve Carbon GT comes in at $449.
While the Swagboard NG-1 doesn’t exactly hit the mark when it comes to promised distance range, it does provide a low barrier to entry for even the most price-conscious shopper. Quick, fun and easy to ride, with an attractive price tag of $159.99, makes the Swagtron Swagboard NG-1 a great option for beginners, as well as those of us who haven’t stepped on a skateboard since childhood.