It’s easy to understand why the air-filled tired was a welcome development for people who regularly used bikes. Early bicycle tires were made of leather or solid rubber. Because of that, riding a bicycle could be rough and uncomfortable. Pneumatic tires made bicycles easier to manage and a lot more pleasant to ride. Undoubtedly this helped increased the bike’s popularity.

But pneumatic tires aren’t all sunshine and roses. They require maintenance—more so than solid rubber tires—which includes inflating the tires properly. And that’s where valves come in. Valves open to let the tire receive air and then remain securely closed, maintaining the correct pressure.

Schrader and Presta Valves

The everyday bike rider may never think about bike valves until it’s time to inflate their tires or the valve needs repair. But knowing a thing or two about valves could be helpful for bike owners. Once you have even a basic understanding, you’ll know how to handle them and what to shop for when purchasing a take-along pump.

Schrader and Presta valves are two valve types used on pneumatic bicycle tires. The valves are part of the tire’s inner tube, but it’s possible to use the valves with tubeless tires, as well. The typical Schrader valve is shorter and broader than the Presta valve, although longer Schrader valves are available. The Schrader valve’s short and chunky appearance is like a valve on a car tire, and for that reason, Schrader valves are also known as “car” valves. The Presta valve is long and thin, with a threaded screw arising from the top. The entire outside of a Presta valve may also be threaded.

The Anatomy of a Schrader Valve

A Schrader valve designed for tires is partially-wrapped in rubber. The top portion of the valve is threaded, allowing it to accept a dust cap. The threaded portion also makes it easy to fit a pump head over the opening. The valve comes with a spring-loaded center pin that serves as a check valve, meaning that it only permits air to flow in but not out.  When filling the tire with air through the Schrader valve, the pump forces the valve open by exerting pressure on the center pin. The Schrader valve is simple to use and constructed so that a typical gas station air pump can serve as an air source.

The Anatomy of a Presta Valve

The Presta valve has a slender threaded metal body. The threaded body makes it easy to secure the valve to the rim using a special nut. The Presta valve requires unscrewing a nut at the top to inflate the tube. Opening the nut requires care to avoid unscrewing the entire core because that will allow air to escape from the tire suddenly.

Special pumps are designed for Presta valves. It’s essential to follow instructions when using a take-along Presta valve pump because when the tire is unstable, it’s easy to damage the valve. Attaching a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible for a bicyclist to pump air from a gas station air pump. Since Presta valves come in different lengths, it’s crucial to consider rim depth when purchasing a tube with Presta valves. When a bicycle has deep rims, it needs tubes with longer Presta valves.

Is a Schrader Valve Better Than a Presta Valve?

In the end, the decision of which valve you use may come down to the manufacturer’s preference. Presta valves have some advantages that make them complement high-end and performance bikes. The air pressure in the tire itself creates a strong seal, so there is no need for a check valve. Presta valves allow for higher tire pressures and are lightweight, contributing to a smoother ride. A Presta valve’s slim size means that the hole where it fits inside the rim is smaller, making the rim stronger.

However, Schrader valves are standard on many bicycles and scooters, including SWAGTRON’s® eRideables. They’re much more convenient for the casual or occasional rider, letting them add air pressure at any gas station without worrying about adapters or losing the valve core. The sturdy construction of a Schrader valve makes it a good choice for children’s bikes. Schrader valves also work well on mountain bikes, although you might find some mountain bikes with Presta valves. The typical air pressure gauge is designed for use with the Schrader valve but adding a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible to use the gauge with a Presta valve.

Riding an electric scooter or eBike is an exhilarating and empowering experience. Though exhilarating, riders should take precautions to minimize the possibility of injury. That means, always wearing protective gear when riding, especially certified bicycle helmet.

A Reminder on Bicycle Helmet Certification

There are organizations that inspect and rate helmets. Before buying a helmet, make sure to look for a seal of approval from one of these organizations:

• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• Snell Memorial Foundation

Don’t see one of these seals on a helmet? Avoid like the plague!

Bike Helmet Size Guide

When buying a helmet, you might run across size designations, e.g., “small,” “medium,” or “large.” This doesn’t do us much good. So use the chart below to translate and grab the helmet size that perfectly matches your measurement.

How to Measure Your Head for Proper Helmet Sizing

You should always try on a bicycle helmet before buying it to make sure that it fits snugly yet comfortably and cannot move side to side. But this isn’t always possible, especially if you’re buying from an online vendor. For online purchases, you’ll want to find the proper size to buy. The best way to do this?

Wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest portion of your head, usually about 1 inch above your eyebrows. No flexible tape measure on hand? No problem! Wrap a string or ribbon around your head. Mark where the end of the string connects, then measure the string with a ruler.

Remember: The helmet should fit snugly with little-to-no movement once on the head. (But don’t make it so tight that it cuts off circulation.) So if you find that you’re between sizes, always opt for the smaller size.

And if buying for your child, take their measurements again every six months or so, depending on how fast they’re growing.

Proper Bicycle Helmet Fitting

Almost as important as the size of the helmet is how it positions on the head. The helmet should sit low and cover your forehead without obstructing your vision. You should only be able to fit one or two fingers above your eyebrow.

It’s Time to Replace the Bike Helmet When . . .

• You’ve crashed in the helmet.
• Your child — or you (no judgments!) — has outgrown the helmet.
• The helmet has dropped onto a hard surface, like concrete.

Yes!

Let’s start off on the right foot — or the left foot, if you’re left-handed. It’s good to set the record straight. Skateboards can get wet. When and how they get wet can determine whether they are damaged by water. For example, riding a skateboard in the rain is not the same as submerging it in water, which is again different than leaving it out in the rain.

The Deck or Board

The deck of the skateboard is usually made of wood. When it comes in contact with water wood can become soft and deform. Even after it dries out, the board’s performance may not be as good as it was before getting wet. You may realize that the skateboard does not have a crisp pop to it any longer.

The Bearings and Bolts

When skateboards get wet, their bearings can lose their lubrication and the bolts can rust. When lubrication fails, the skateboard will slow down, and the bearings will start to weaken from the inside out. The skateboard will not move as fast or as smoothly as you have come to expect. As water gets below the surface, it takes a long time for it to dry. This makes the bolts rust. Rusty bolts can lead to breakage, although the breakage will be a slow process, not a sudden one. Other parts of the skateboard to consider for the impact of water:

• Grip tape works well to give your feet traction on the board, even when wet. But grip tape can lose adhesion over time with repeated wetting and drying. If that happens, the tape will start to peel off the deck.
• Skateboard trucks can withstand water for some time, but if they get wet too frequently, they will soon start to rust.
• Made of synthetic hard rubber, skateboard wheels have absolutely no problem with getting wet.

After Wetting, What Next?

If your skateboard gets wet, there are some measures you can take to reduce the consequences that result. The most important thing to do is to take the skateboard away from the source of water and dry it. Some of the necessary things to do are:

• Remove the hardware in order to disconnect the deck from the trucks. You can then use a towel or a rag to dry the board, the hardware, the trucks and the grip tape.
• Remove the wheels, then dry the inner and outer parts of the bearings. Spray some lubricant on the bearings. Doing this will ensure that the bearings are protected from rusting.
• Put the deck in the sun for as long as you can to get it dry. If you have a bad weather, keep it inside a garage so it can air dry. To confirm if the skateboard is dry or not, tap on it and listen to the sound it makes. If you get a sound like the sound it makes when dry, then the skateboard is dry. Once this is achieved, reassemble the board and move on to enjoy skateboarding.

Start and Enjoy Skating

As much as possible, try to avoid getting your skateboard wet. Water is bad for the bearings, board, trucks and bolts. Plus, you might have to deal with hydroplaning, which could affect your ability to control the skateboard. So, try not to skate in the rain or through puddles. But if your skateboard does get wet at all, follow the steps above and you should be good to go.

But . . . what about your electric skateboard?

Can Electric Skateboards Get Wet?

Electric skateboards are a slightly different story. They have the same considerations as their non-powered counterparts: a deck, wheels, bearings, and bolts. But they also have a battery, motor and electronic components to consider.

An electric skateboard might advertise a certain level of water resistance, but that doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. Even boards that have high IP ratings run the risk of damaged electrical and drive systems after repeated or prolonged exposure to wet conditions. If board malfunctions occur, there’s a higher-than-normal chance of serious injury. After riding in wet conditions, electric skateboards should always be wiped down and dried out.

In the end, trust your instincts. Some people have ridden in the rain and their boards were just fine. Others have ended up with a wrecked board. Always check for the IP rating of an electric skateboard and use our guide.

We all know what a skateboard is and what they’re good for. They’re a fun, fast and efficient way to get from point A to point B. An electric skateboard takes all that fun and ramps it up. Some people use skateboards for transportation within short distances. Others use skateboards for sports and recreational purposes. But as bicycles and bike lanes become more common every year, many people wonder, can electric skateboards go on bike lanes? Let’s explore . . .

Electric Skateboards and Transportation

It is helpful to know whether skateboards are a viable means of transportation or not. To address that, we will aim at getting the ultimate answer to the question of riding skateboards on bike lanes. It goes without saying, skateboards are very useful for transportation. This goes double for electric skateboards.

For short distances, skateboards are often faster than a bus or a car and easier than a bike. They are best for short distances, less than 6 miles — especially if the weather is nice.

Top boarders can go as high as 10 mph on a non-powered skateboard. With electric skateboards, speeds reach 15 mph and 20 mph. A recent study estimated that 0.14 percent of daily trips in California were made on skateboards. That number may seem small until you remember how many people live in California. Basically, that means more than fifty million miles are travelled — every year — on a skateboard. That’s more than 2000 times the circumference of the Earth.

Skateboards Say Yes; Authorities Say No

Skateboards have proven to be an effective way to get around. But some city policy makers don’t see it that way. Some authorities have passed legislation strictly prohibiting riding skateboards on bike lanes, sidewalks, business districts and streets. These regulations are likely based on negative perceptions that have plagued skateboarding for decades. In most countries, skateboarders are not allowed to use bike lanes. Some cities also restrict electric skateboard use to private property only.

Even in places where skateboards have been proven to be good for transportation, policy makers have had concerns about public policy. Plenty of advocates have pointed out the double-standard: there isn’t a ban on cars despite the high number of car-related injuries and per capita.

Are skateboarders allowed to travel in bike lanes? For the most part, the answer is no. In many U.S. states, there are stiff laws that prohibit skateboard travelers from using bike lanes or even sidewalks (pavements). This prohibition extends to electric skateboards.

But there are different regulations for different cities. You’re urged to follow the same recommendation we gave in Are Electric Scooters Legal? and contact your local DMV/BMV for a definitive answer. Your city may ban electric skateboards on bike lanes in the city, but a college campus might allow them.

The Wild West?

If your state or local jurisdiction has no laws regarding electric skateboards, does that mean you can ride them wherever you want? Probably not.

Legislation in the U.S. is often viewed as a marathon, not a sprint. Technology might advance too quickly for many lawmakers to keep pace. Some cities and states might simply ignore new and emerging technology, preferring to react to issues after they arise, rather than proactively addressing potential concerns.

And because of the very nature of the United States, you might have a state law that contradicts a city’s ordinance. Or a city law might further restrict a lax state law. This has been the case with the eRideable industry as a whole.

Laws change all the time. For instance, California’s ban on motorized skateboards on city streets stemmed from the loud, gas-powered motors used by those devices. As the industry shifted to lithium-ion batteries that were quieter, California eased its restrictions. In 2016, California Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 604, which made riding powered skateboards in the bike lane legal.

In contrast, Washington state law specifically addresses electric scooters. They refer to them as ‘motorized foot scooters.’ Meanwhile, electric skateboards remain undefined by state law. According to Washington state law, if you’re on a vehicle that is a human-powered vehicle — other than bicycles — then you are still considered a pedestrian. And pedestrians cannot use the bike lane. This restriction applies to kick scooters and skateboards.

But once you strap a battery and motor to a skateboard, then it’s no longer “human-powered.” Washington state law specifically discusses electric scooters, which are placed in the same category as electric bikes, but they make no mention of electric skateboards.

The absence of a dedicated electric skateboard law doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want. When there’s no law guiding local law enforcement agencies, they can use their discretion. Some police officers might view the lack of a dedicated law to mean a lack of legality for electric skateboards. Other officers in the same city might apply the city’s electric scooter laws to electric skateboards. As with previous recommendations, you should contact local law enforcement agencies, state departments of motor vehicles and local departments of transportation offices about where electric skateboards are — and aren’t — allowed.

You Can Always Enjoy Your Ride

As we have pointed out in this article, skateboards have a strong ability to perform well in bike lanes. Bike lanes provide a smoother ride than sidewalks, which can be riddled with obstructions, including pedestrians.

While riding an electric skateboard in a bike lane might seem like common sense, it might not be legal. So, always check with your local government agencies. And don’t forget to always wear protective gear, including knee and elbow pads and an ASTM-certified helmet.

Even if your city has restrictions against riding an electric skateboard in the bike lane, there are still plenty ways you can enjoy your electric skateboard.

Technology is ever-changing. And nowhere is that more evident than with consumer electronics. Several years ago, no one would have thought an electric skateboard could – or would – exist. But today, it is not only a thought, it’s a reality.

An electric skateboard is basically skateboard with a battery and electric motor. People are looking for new, efficient ways to get around. Either to explore their neighborhood, commute to-and-from school or work, or show off to their friends. And the electric skateboard has become one of the more attractive options available.

Like the electric bike, an e-board looks nearly identical to its non-powered counterpart. You’re riding an electric skateboard and it doesn’t look like it’s some newfangled oddity. It just looks like you’re riding a skateboard.

That’s all well and good if you’re just riding on even, level pavement. What about those hilly sidewalks or campuses? With a traditional skateboard, you can just kick harder to conquer those steep inclines. What about an electric skateboard? Can they also go uphill?

In short, yes, electric skateboards can go uphill.

But there’s always a “but” . . .

The Underlying Factors

In theory, electric skateboards can go uphill. The reality of it might be quite different, depending on a few factors. How steep is the incline? How powerful is the e-board’s motor? How much does the rider weigh?

Let’s dive in!

The Incline (or Gradient)

The most important factor for you to consider when you travel up a hill is the hill’s incline, or gradient. The incline of a road or sidewalk is measured in either degrees or percentage. Without boring you with geometry, 10% grade equals about 5.7 degrees.

Even budget electric skateboards can at least be able to climb a 5% incline. For the average rider, you’ll want to find an electric skateboard that can at least climb 10-15% inclines. That shouldn’t be too hard.

But if you weigh 250 pounds and you’re trying to ride around those steep and windy Asheville, North Carolina, hills? You might need something with a bit more oomph! Which leads us to the next important factor:

The Motor Power

The higher the motor power, the better chance your electric skateboard will be able to tackle those steep hills. As you would expect, electric skateboards are built in a wide variety of power levels, measured in watts. Most low-end e-boards feature at least a 100-watt motor. You’ll need to stick with flat, even sidewalks with those boards!

Premium electric skateboards can have motors powered anywhere between 350-500 watts, but the average rider will be more than fine with a motor ranging from 150 watts to 350 watts.

The Battery Capacity

The electric skateboard needs a lot of power, as we have stated earlier. This means that it needs a high battery capacity. When going up a steep (about 20% gradient) the battery will drain quicker. Therefore, it is crucial for you to conserve your battery capacity with different riding techniques, so that you can have enough capacity to go uphill.

The Torque

To go uphill, the torque of the electric skateboard must be properly calibrated to handle the board. Manufactures spend a lot of time balancing the ratios between power, speed and torque. Nearly every component of the electric skateboard can affect the amount torque transferred to the wheels. This can, in turn, affect the climbing ability of an electric skateboard.

For instance, larger wheels might help the e-board go faster. But that lowers the amount of torque applied to the wheels, making an uphill climb a bit harder for the board.

This is important for people building DiY electric skateboards. But it’s good knowledge even if you plan on buying yours outright.

Rider Weight

Just as with electric bikes, the weight of a rider is crucial when going uphill with electric skateboards. The higher your weight, the more power you will need to go uphill. A rider with a weight of 70 kg can go uphill easily using a normal electric skateboard. For riders that weigh more than 80 kg, the premium motor type will perform better.

Riding Downhill

What goes up, must come down. And you will certainly need to come down a hill at some point in your adventures. It’s easy to lose track of speed when going downhill, so you should definitely be more careful.

If you know you’ll be riding in hilly areas, make sure you find an electric skateboard with some sort of braking mechanism. That can be either be through regenerative braking, dynamic brakes, through a remote, or an anti-lock, electromagnetic disc brake system (MagBrake).

Riding Uphill with an Electric Skateboard

Well, now you know that electric skateboards can go uphill. You also know the factors that go into determining how well your e-board will go uphill. Now that you understand these mitigating factors, you should have no problem determining whether your current electric skateboard can go uphill — or buying the perfect board that does.

Now all you need to do is grab your electric skateboard, point it uphill, and ride beyond!