Electric bikes, often referred to as eBikes, are surprisingly affordable for the value they bring!

Unlocking the Perfect Ride: Navigating Electric Bike Costs

Embarking on the journey to find your ideal eBike? The cost of your desired electric bike is intricately linked to the kind of riding experience you envision and the level of quality you seek. Whether you’re opting for leisurely neighborhood rides or gearing up for daily commutes, the price tag on your eBike can vary significantly.

Tailoring Costs to Riding Styles: For those seeking a quick spin around the neighborhood, eBikes designed for short rides often come with a more budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, if your sights are set on traversing longer distances for daily commuting, investing in an eBike with enhanced features becomes a priority. Consider models with robust frames, wider tires, and powerful motors to ensure a smooth and reliable ride every day.

Trail Adventures Demand Premium Performance: Venturing into the trails? Trail-ready eBikes with sturdy frames, wider tires for optimal traction, and potent motors are essential for a premium off-road experience. Recognizing that trail-oriented eBikes require specialized components, it’s natural for them to be priced at a higher range compared to their urban-focused counterparts.

Thriving Industry, Diverse Pricing Structures: The electric bike industry is thriving, with a plethora of manufacturers each presenting their unique pricing structures. As you dive into your eBike exploration, you’ll encounter a diverse range of options, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Navigating through this variety allows you to understand the average price range for a quality electric bike that aligns with your needs.

Comprehensive Guidance for Informed Choices: To ensure you make the best choice amidst this diversity, explore our comprehensive ebike Buyers Guide. Packed with unbiased tips and insights, this guide serves as your compass in navigating the eBike landscape. From understanding key features to deciphering pricing dynamics, our guide empowers you to make an informed decision that suits your riding style and

Remember, when considering an electric bike, there are more than just initial costs to consider.

Consider the Maintenance Cost

Electric bikes tend wear out just like a traditional bicycle. But they have far more components in them that can wear out. Motor. Battery. Motherboard. If you are going to use this as your main means of transportation, it will need adequate maintenance to last. Here is a quick list of some of the things you need and the cost.

• A tune up every six months (or after 500 miles) is recommended. That can cost anywhere between $75 to $100.
• Patching a flat tire costs between $10 and $20, depending on the severity of the fix.
• Brake adjustments will cost $20-35.

Some of our electric bikes use a maintenance-friendly design. Our EB8 features power line quick disconnects, making it easier for bike shops to perform general maintenance.

Since the most common repair is fixing a flat tire, keep the necessary tools and parts so you can do it yourself. Again, this is where our EB8’s quick-disconnects will come in handy. You won’t need to find a special eBike shop with a certified electrician just to change the tires. You can easily do it yourself.

Consider the Cost for Charging an E-Bike

One recurring cost associated with electric bikes is the cost of charging the battery. It’s a common question. And it’s one that is easily calculated, if we do a bit of math.

(Don’t worry, we’ll make this simple!)

Find the battery voltage and amp hour rating of the eBike. Use those numbers to get watt hours. For example, a 36V 10Ah battery has 360 watt hours, or 0.36 kilowatt hours (kWh).

Check your local electricity prices. Electricity prices vary widely from state to state, but the average cost per kWh in the U.S. today is roughly 13.45 cents per kWh.

0.36 kWh x 0.1345 = 0.04842

So basically, it takes just under $0.05 to fully charge a 36-volt 10Ah battery.

Most eBike batteries get somewhere between 15 and 20 miles per charge. That means $1 could power an electric bike for 300-400 miles.

That’s definitely more affordable than buying gas!

Additional Important Components for E-bikes

Consider getting additional battery chargers. Keep a spare at your desk or in your backpack and never get caught without power again. If the eBike has a removable battery, you might want to invest in a second battery. Especially if you commute long distances and plan on riding a lot.

If you plan on using a bike rack, you’ll want to grab a bike lock, like the TurboLock Bluetooth Bike Lock or a Kryptonite U-lock. These can run you anywhere from $45 to $150, depending on the model, strength and extra features.

You’ll also want to purchase protective gear, including elbow pads, knee pads and ASTM-certified helmets. In some cities, cyclists riding are required to wear a helmet. Beyond that, you’d want to stay as protected as possible, and minimize any risk of injury.

Finding the Right Price for your Electric Bike

As you explore different electric bikes in the market, the first and most important question to ask yourself is what you will use the bike for. If you are going to use the bike primarily on the road, then your choice should be an electric road bike or hybrid. You really don’t need a mountain bike for that purpose. Aside from this, if you will be making a ride in snow, mud or rugged conditions, you will probably need a fat-tire electric bike.

There are certainly different varieties of electric bikes in different categories. Sporty. Commuter. Racing. Off-road. Determine the type of electric bike you want. Look for reputable brands that sell eBikes with the features you need.

If you need help determining what kind of electric bike would be best for you, check out our completely unbiased eRideables Buyers Guide.

And remember: Look for a brand with a proven track record and excellent reputation.

Moving Forward

The most common electric bikes in the market today range from $400 to $2000. At SWAGTRON®, we leverage years of manufacturing experience to keep costs low while still using premium components and offering a plenty added value.

But as you’ve seen, there’s far more to the cost of an electric bike than its sticker price. Maintenance. Charging. Security measures. These are just some cost considerations you should understanding before buying your first electric bike.

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

Mastering Hills: Can Your Electric Scooter Go Uphill?

For prospective riders eyeing the electric scooter scene, the burning question often revolves around conquering inclines. Picture residents in Asheville, NC, navigating the windy streets or San Francisco locals braving the world-renowned steep hills. In an era where electric scooters are becoming a staple for daily commutes and quick errand runs, the ability to ascend hilly terrains becomes a pivotal concern, especially for those residing in elevated landscapes.

The Short Answer: Yes, Electric Scooters Can Go Uphill!

Yes, electric scooters are designed to tackle inclines, ensuring a smooth and efficient ride for users. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that, like any feature, there are nuances to consider before embarking on your uphill journey.

Climb Angle

As a rule, the steeper the hill is, the harder it is for the electric scooter to do the climb. There are several factors that determine whether your electric scooter can go uphill or not. The most important factor of them all is the climbing angle. For less powerful electric scooters, an angle greater than 18° is considered too steep to climb. For premium eScooters, on the other hand, that angle could be child’s play.

But there are other factors to consider.

Weight

Two people with significant weight differences could ride the same electric scooter and have differing success climbing the same incline. The less weight a scooter has to carry, the less work the motor has to do. So it’s essential to check the maximum weight capacity of your eScooter before you purchase. Also, heavier scooters tend to have a higher maximum weight capacity.

Battery and Motor

Just like any electronic, your electric scooter must come packed with a powerful battery to store the significant power you will need. The battery and the motor have a direct impact on the performance of the scooter. The more powerful they are, the better the performance.

If you happen to live in a hilly area and you’re considering buying an electric scooter, consider a scooter with a powerful battery and motor. An electric scooter powered by a long-lasting battery and high-torque motor at 250 watts or above will be perfect for you.

Tires

Tires with proper grip and adequate size are crucial to an uphill climb. Having bald or small tires can make climbing more difficult or impossible in some cases. The electric scooter you buy should have grooved, treaded tires. Ideally, a scooter’s tires should be 8.5 inches or larger. Smaller tires might cause excessive load and undue stress on the motor.

Suspension

Having an electric scooter with a suspension can help you go uphill with ease when compared to a scooter with no suspension. When you are climbing a hill, your body tends to exert more weight on the rear wheels of the scooter to balance itself. A suspension in the scooter ensures that the load exerted on the back of your scooter is not fully transferred to the wheels. An e-scooter with a rear suspension ensures you can enjoy a comfortable city ride and climb hills with confidence.

With electric scooters growing in popularity, many manufacturers skimp on production costs by using low-grade components. This results in an electric scooter that can only work on even, level pavement.

If you find that you want a more robust riding experience, then consider our suggestions. Find an electric scooter made from a reputable company, known for using premium-grade materials. Powerful motors. Efficient batteries. High-tread tires. If you do that, you’ll be climbing — and conquering — steep hills in no time.

Need help finding the perfect electric scooter? Check out our eRideable Buyer’s Guide.

Electric bikes, or eBikes, seamlessly blend the convenience of motor assistance with the health benefits and joy of pedaling, offering multiple levels of support to tailor the ride to your liking. In the global market, the acceptance and demand for electric bikes have surged, with China alone manufacturing 27 million units back in 2010. However, a common query often arises among prospective buyers and enthusiasts—can an electric bike conquer hilly terrains?

The succinct response is a resounding ‘Yes’. This article delves deeper into this capability of electric bikes, providing a detailed examination for those wondering about an eBike‘s hill-climbing proficiency or those keen to explore more about the distinctive attributes of these innovative bicycles.

If you’re curious about how an electric bike can navigate inclined landscapes or eager to discover more about this unique feature intrinsic to modern bicycles, read on for a comprehensive insight. Whether you are an avid cyclist considering an upgrade to an e-bike or someone looking to incorporate more active travel in your daily routine, understanding the dynamic versatility of electric bikes can illuminate new possibilities and adventures on the road.

Everything starts with the design

If you live on a steep hill, cycling will be very exciting on the way down but it can be punishing on the way up. While you can get the benefit of a physical exercise, there is a limit to the stress that your legs can bear. The idea of enhancing the failing pedal power by using torque becomes necessary in order to make things comfortable for riders. Today, the electric bikes can be specifically designed towards ensuring that hill climbing is easy. A higher nominal power will give more hill climbing strength but this will reduce the miles that the e-bike can travel. Through the gear systems, the e-bike can be propelled to climb steep hills and when you do this, the average speed will be quite low.

Climb that hill with your e-bike

Many people have chosen to use electric bikes to help them in climbing up hills and against headwinds. The e-bike is only complements the human power, it does not serve as a complete replacement. This is the reason why pedaling is also required when riding an electric bike. This is especially true when going up a hill.

To go up any hill you have in mind, you need to get a power e-bike. In order for you to make a good choice, check the selections we have at Swagtron (www.swagtron.com).

To put this in perspective, an electric bike will effectively reduce the gradient of the hills thereby eliminating the ‘groan’ factor when that you usually sets in when a gradient comes into view. If you give a good amount of effort, you should expect to climb hills of 1 in 10 (10 percent) on an electric bike without any difficulty. At the same time, you can clear a maximum gradient of 1 in 7 (14 percent), or even more. In hilly countries, the effect is nothing short of extraordinary.

Going downhill

It normal that after every uphill, there is always a downhill. With regenerative braking, the battery’s life can be extended when going downhill so that the electric bike can travel more distance. In a nutshell, the electric bike can simply generate back some of the energy that was expended on going uphill.

Generating this power will slow down the bike, and this makes it a good idea if you want to limit the top speed of the electric bike without necessarily using the brakes consistently.

Aside from this regenerative feature, the downhill top speed of an electric bike is lesser than that of the traditional conventional bicycle because of the built-in friction in the electric bike.

How to Climb the Hill

The next thing now is to master how to use e-bike to climb a hill. Basically, there are three key things that you need to consider and they are discussed as follows:

• Body Position
  Your body position depends on the steepness of the hill and the terrain on which you are riding. If you are riding on gentle slopes, a neutral position is okay. However, if are riding on steep grades, it’s is good to shift your body weight forward so as to maintain traction on the rear wheel. Just lower your chest to the bars and bend your elbows.
• Pedaling cadence and line choice
  You need to choose the right line while riding trails so that you can keep the right pedaling cadence. This is particularly important when climbing hills because you can’t afford to stop pedaling and lose your momentum. Therefore, it is good practice to look five meters ahead so that you know what is coming.
• Tire pressure
  The tires also have a great influence on the performance of your electric bike. Proper traction is provided by the tires. You need to find the right air pressure and this depends on the terrain you are riding and your own riding style.

Go Conquer the Hills

What are you waiting for? With an electric bike, the hills have suddenly become a lowland, enjoy yourself and don’t forget to get your favorite e-bike from Swagtron (www.swagtron.com).

Updated: Sept 29, 2023

Although electric scooters have been around since 1996, they have only recently flooded a number of large American cities. And the numbers are fairly impressive. Bird, the biggest player in the electric scooter rental market, has scooters in dozens of cities at an estimated value of $2 billion. With so many scooters entering the market (and surely that number will grow), it’s important to consider the operating and product quality standards that apply to this mode of transportation.

One of the most frequently asked questions about electric scooters is where you can drive the eScooter. Should you drive an electric scooter on the sidewalk, a bike lane, or with the general traffic? A fairly straightforward question, one that should have an equally straightforward answer, right? Unfortunately, it doesn’t.

The answer is . . . it depends.

Become Familiar With Your Local Laws. Electric Scooter Laws Vary From State to State.

We’ve talked before about the complexities of electric scooter laws in the U.S. You can take a look back at our previous article, “Are Electric Scooters Legal?”, for a detailed look on the subject. But let’s revisit the basics here, with some added bits:

• In California, you can only ride an electric scooter in a bike lane, or on the right-hand side of the road, next to the curb. You cannot ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk. Furthermore, if you are crossing an intersection, you must walk the scooter across.
• In Texas, you can ride an electric scooter on the road with the traffic, in the bike lane (if there is one available), or on the sidewalk. Riding on the road or using the bike lane are preferable over riding on the sidewalk. That said, in Austin, Texas there are some stretches of sidewalk that are off-limits to scooters, so do your research before you ride!
• In Colorado, riding an electric scooter on the sidewalk is the only option. The law considers an electric scooter to be a toy, and therefore scooters are prohibited from riding in a bike lane or with general traffic.

In Washington, DC, riding a scooter on a sidewalk is prohibited when a bike lane is available. You are however permitted to operate an electric scooter on any sidewalk that is overseen by the National Park Service. With such a mish-mash of rules and regulations involved with riding an eScooter, our final advice remains unchanged:

• Check the website of your state Department of Motor Vehicles first. You might be able to find information there, not only about state laws but also local municipalities. Larger cities such as NYC and San Francisco will also have info on the city website.
• If you can’t find it online, just ask the local police. It’s better to talk to them now on the phone rather than after they’ve handed you a citation!

General Laws and Full-Size Electric Scooters

With so much variety, the responsibility is on you to follow the law wherever you are. Fortunately, there are a few general laws that you can expect to be consistent from state to state. For example,

• You are not required to wear a helmet if you are 16 or older.
• At age 16, you are allowed to drive on a public road.
• You also cannot drive a full-sized electric scooter on a sidewalk or bike path.
• A full-sized electric scooter, also known as a street-legal scooter, can travel up to 65 miles per hour and is designed to drive on the road.
• If you are operating a scooter that is 50cc with a top speed of 30 miles per hour or higher, you are required to have a valid driver’s license.
• In addition, annual registration is frequently required for full-sized electric scooters.

Electric and Hand Signals

Whether you are riding your electric scooter on the road or the bike lane, it is important to communicate to other motorists around you. First, consider mounting turn signals on your handlebar. This type of turn signal looks very similar to those mounted on a motorcycle, where the light signal blinks when the rider flips a switch. Do a quick search online, and you’ll find a variety of turn signal models under $15 that are easy to install.

Be advised, not all models of electric scooter are easy to operate one-handed, so hand signals can be problematic. Electric signals are strongly advised in this case.

If you choose not to mount electric signals on your handlebar, then you should use gestures that indicate direction and intent.

• To signal that you are stopping, extend your left arm out and bend your arm down at the elbow.
• To signal a right-hand turn, extend your right arm perpendicular to your body. That is, point in the direction you are turning.
• To signal a left-hand turn, raise your left arm perpendicular to your body.

It’s one of the fundamental truths we lived with for decades: water and electronics don’t mix. But with electric scooters, the temptation to throw caution to the wind and ride out in the rain is too great to ignore. So, this article will answer the question: “Can electric scooters be used in the rain?”.

As is usual with these questions, the definitive answer is . . . maybe.

What Happens When You Ride an Electric Scooter in the Rain

When operating your electric scooter in the rain, here are two things to keep in mind.

First, you have to understand how the water would be affecting the electric components in your electric scooter.

While some low-grade electric scooters in the market may take a splash or two and handle some scattered raindrops, riding such scooters in the rain will definitely be a gamble. Poorly manufactured electric equipment is best sheltered inside when it starts raining.

Another thing to understand is that the handling and performance in wet conditions are more difficult, just like with a bicycle or an automobile. Wet surfaces can dramatically lower the traction of the electric scooter, making it harder to maneuver or stop.

Electric scooters from disreputable brands or unknown manufacturers might have poor handling ability in the rain and poor braking.

What about SWAGTRON® Electric Scooters?

Performance in adverse weather conditions is one of the many areas where shoddy electric scooters do not come close to matching the standards and quality of SWAGTRON. Our electric scooters are water-resistant (IPX4) and can be ridden in short intervals during light rain.

All SWAGTRON electric scooters come with grooved rubber or inflatable tires. These tires offer a firm grip on most of the surfaces, wet or dry. No matter what surface you ride on, riders will have a good grip on the road for proper handling.

When Not To Ride Your Electric Scooter: In The Rain or Low Visibility

Briefly riding your SWAGTRON electric scooter in light rain causes no harm to you or your scooter. But if it’s raining heavily and your visibility is reduced, you probably shouldn’t go riding. Wait for the rains to subside before heading out. Avoid going out on electric scooters during torrential rain.

Chance of High Standing Rainwater

“Water-resistant” is not the same as “waterproof.” So, don’t use your electric scooter in areas where there’s a chance of floods or high water. Extreme conditions such as flash floods, overflowing rivers or streams, and deep puddles will render your electric scooter inoperable. Such conditions may also permanently damage your electric scooter. There’s also a chance that you may be left stranded far away from your home. Use caution. Do not take your electric scooter out for a spin if there is a chance of high standing water.

Again, SWAGTRON electric scooters are water-resistant — also termed as splash-resistant — not waterproof. Never fully submerge your electric scooter in water. That will void the warranty and might damage electric components beyond repair.

Electric Scooters In Freezing Rain

If the temperatures are below freezing and it is raining, it is strongly recommended NOT to ride your electric scooter. Operating your electric scooter in the rain below freezing temperatures causes your battery and motor to overwork. This adversely affects the longevity of the battery and the electric motor. If your electric scooter does happen to get cold, wait until the battery gets warm before trying to recharge or power-up.

If you’re buying a premium electric scooter from a reliable brand, you should be fine if you get caught out in light rain for a brief amount of time. Always check the IP-rating of your electric scooter before buying. They should be well advertised. Avoid risky behavior. Don’t ride your e-scooter in freezing temperatures, during heavy downpours, or through water puddles.

Need help finding the best electric scooter for your needs? Check out our absolutely free eRideable Buyer’s Guide for some guidance and support.

Electric bikes come in many shapes and sizes. Not every body is perfect for everybody.  Pricing an eBike —and determining what you’re willing to pay for one—is a balancing act between form and function, style and substance. Yeah, the latest eBike may look suave. But does it do what you need it to do? Will you end up paying for features that you don’t need, don’t want and will never use? After all, different features can mean different costs; more features, higher costs.

So how much does an electric bike cost? It depends on what you need out of an eBike.

Electric Bikes for Commuter (from $450 up)

Commuter eBikes need to tick a few boxes in order to appeal to commuters. These include:

• Lightweight
• Easy to store
• Enough power to navigate through city traffic

The SWAGTRON® EB5 Pro Plus Folding City and Campus eBike is a great example of an eBike that ticks all these boxes. With a price point of around $500 to $600, it fits comfortably in a mid-range budget. The bike gets around 15.5 miles per charge, which makes for zipping through the city.

At the entry-level, the SWAGTRON EB1 Short Commute Folding eBike is an excellent choice for smaller budgets. If short distances are your thing, you’ll be happy to know this compact model will get you just under 7.5 miles per charge. It also has an attractive price tag that ranges between $300 and $400.

Purpose-Built for the Outdoors (from $550 up)

The SWAGTRON EB7 Plus Electric Bike With 7-Speed Gear Shift is the ideal companion when you need to make a quick transition from your outdoor adventures to city streets. It has a 20-mile range when charged which is great for those meandering adventures. It’s also foldable, making it easier to carry when you’re using multiple modes of transport.

When you think outdoors, two things should come to mind: fat wheels and power. Outdoor eBikes are purpose-built to give you that extra boost when you’re climbing hills and navigating rocks. The SWAGTRON EB8 offers a great solution to your outdoor needs.

All-terrain, fat tires provide that extra bit of grip when the road includes branches, gravel, and dirt. This particular model is also foldable too, and its heavier weight adds a bit more stability on rough terrain. Add to it the Shimano gear shifts and removable battery and you got yourself a trail-riding beast. eBikes like this one start at around $850.

(There’s also a slightly smaller version—the EB6—with much of the same features, only a smaller frame size that some riders find more comfortable.)

Recertified & Budget-Friendly (from $240 up)

You’re ready to get your hands on an eBike, but you’re not quite ready to part with a few hundred dollars. Recertified electric bikes are great for those who want the easy commute an eBike offers on a smaller budget.

Recertified eBikes aren’t relegated to just one type of eBike, from the EB7 Commuter  to the pedal-free swagCYCLE Envy. And SWAGTRON’s technicians make sure all recertified bikes are fully functional and performs good as new. A minor scratch equals major savings.

When Pedaling Isn’t an Option (from $200 up)

Pedaling goes hand-in-hand (or foot-in-foot, as it were) with bicycling. But sometimes, you just . . . don’t wanna. Fortunately, not all eBikes require you to put in effort to keep things moving. Pedal-less bikes are here to let you have fun exploring and engaging without leaving yourself winded or sweaty.

The SWAGCYCLE Classic—our O.G. pedal-less eBike—is a good option for those who travel distances of 12 miles or less. The eBike includes a port for charging your phone and a headlight for those twilight trips. This model costs around $350 to $450.

A great option for those who just want an entry-level runaround that ranges from about $250 to $350 is the SWAGTRON Envy. It has a collapsable neck, a lightweight design, and can reach distances between 9 and 12 miles on a single charge.

The SWAGCYCLE Pro is the ultimate cruiser that gets you between 12 and 15.5 miles per charge. It’s the perfect crossover between a scooter and eBike and boasts a 350W motor. You can expect to pay around $400 to $500 for this one.

Picking an eBike is all about features and cost. Think about what you need from your new ride and how much you have to spend. Then get shopping! Find your SWAG!

So you want to up your swag? Of course, you do. After looking through our eRides, how could you not? By now, you’ve decided an electric scooter suits your swag best and may have picked out the model that’s right for you. But the age-old question remains: where should I buy my ride?

If it bears the SWAGTRON® name, it’s going to have the quality and swag that you deserve. To help you find the best deal out there, we’ve put together a list of the best places to buy SWAGTRON electric scooters, with some things to consider for each.

1. Can I Buy SWAGTRON Electric Scooters Online?

The short answer is yes. But given the number of online marketplaces and retailers to choose from these days, that doesn’t narrow it down much. The digital universe has plenty of sellers to choose from, but we don’t recommend handing over your hard-earned cash to some random “vendor” whose inventory is really just odds and ends in his garage. Better to buy from a reputable seller so that you know what you’re getting, and even then it’s best to be careful. With that in mind, here are some online suppliers you can look to for your SWAGTRON merch:

• Amazon. They supply everything else in the universe, so why wouldn’t they carry SWAGTRON, too? You can find our products sold directly through Amazon’s site, but just be careful to make sure you buy from a vendor with a high rating. It’s worth the extra expense.
• Best Buy. We’re friends with this all-purpose tech store too, so you can find our rides here also — though there’s no guarantee they’ll have the exact eScooter model you’re looking for.
• Walmart. You can buy your groceries, your clothes, your car parts, and just about everything else life demands at Sam Walton’s place, and you can get one of our electric scooters here too — but again, no guarantees as to model.
• Costco. Yeah, they’re considered the “bulk store,” but they’ve routinely sold exclusive SWAGTRON models before, made especially for their members. The exclusive models also came with swag benefits not found anywhere else.

It doesn’t really matter which one you’re looking at. The point with all digital marketplaces and online retailers is the same: you may be able to save a few bucks, but the selection isn’t a given. You’ve bought online before, so you get how this works: you usually have no trouble at all, but if the product has passed through other hands between the manufacturer and you, there’s always some risk.

2. Can I Buy My Electric Scooter Locally?

Supporting local businesses is important. But it’s also difficult to do sometimes. Especially when it comes to electric rideables that, for many, are still considered “niche.” If you can find a mom-and-pop eRide shop, you’re more than welcome to support them. Many riders love the touch factor and personal rapport they build when they buy local but finding an electric scooter provider near you is dependent upon your location. And, because the little guy has to compete to survive with the giants, we can’t guarantee they won’t have to charge you a bit more to stay afloat.

3. Can I Buy My Electric Scooter From SWAGTRON?

We thought you’d never ask! Buying directly from the manufacturer is often the best way to guarantee the quality product you deserve, and it’s a sure bet in getting the exact electric scooter that you had your heart set on. You’re also more likely to get warranty protection that online retailers may not supply. This keeps you from having to worry about what that guy on Amazon meant when he said your ride was in “acceptable” condition, and it ensures your electric scooter comes the way you’re expecting.

If you know you want an eScooter but haven’t chosen a specific one, you have all the more reasons to buy straight from us, as our website lets you browse and compare the full selection of our models. And if you still need more help, our quality customer support knows the eRide industry inside and out, and we’ll do everything we can to put you on the eScooter that’s right for you.

Have Swag, Will Buy

From online marketplaces to local eRide experts, you’re sure to find SWAGTRON products wherever swag and speed are sold. Many of these places offer a solid selection of our electric scooters with minimal risk of a damaged product, but it’s still important to buy from a trusted vendor. Given that we’re the ones making our product, we’re pretty sure that’s us. Warranty protection, complete selection, personal attention — why not get your swag straight from the source?

We think we’re the best suppliers of our eScooters, but we’re okay with it if you’d like to get your swag another way. What really counts is that you find the electric scooter of your dreams.

Yes. Hoverboards can go on trails. But let’s be honest, you wouldn’t take your Prius on an off-road adventure, would you? Likewise, you want a monster hoverboard to ride the trails. Large, sturdy, grippy tires provide the traction you need to traverse dirt, gravel and grass terrain. Powerful motors are necessary to climb relatively steep inclines with ease.

Read on to find out what to look for when buying an all-terrain hoverboard.

Five Important Features for Off-Road Hoverboards

1. Tire Size

Your hoverboard needs tires that can handle dirt, grass, gravel, and mud to ride on trails. The larger the tire, the better, and the 6.5-inch tires on standard hoverboards won’t cut it. Look for hoverboard tires that are at least 8 inches to handle the rough terrain you find off-road.

2. Tire Material

Most standard hoverboards have solid rubber tires, which are fine if you ride on mostly even surfaces. If you plan to ride on trails, air-filled tires are the way to go. Unlike solid rubber tires, air-filled tires don’t lose stability and traction on terrain with dirt, grass and gravel.

3. Tire Tread Pattern

The uneven surfaces of trails call for better traction and stability. The tread pattern on off-road hoverboard tires is deep and staggered because grooved tires have the best grip. With these patterns, an all-terrain hoverboard can maneuver over roots, rocks and thick mud.

4. Motors

A hoverboard needs a relatively high-powered motor to push those rugged tires across the rough trail terrain. If you plan to take your hoverboard off-road, look for one with more than a 200W motor.

5. Water and Dirt Protection

A hoverboard that rides on trails should be able to take a beating and survive getting wet and dirty. At the very least, the IP rating of an off-road hoverboard should be IPX4. This rating shows that the hoverboard was built to withstand contact with water and dirt.

Best Hoverboards for Trail Riding

swagBOARD T6 Outlaw Hoverboard

The Swagtron T6 Outlaw is a robust hoverboard that delivers power and speed. The T6 comes with LED headlamps, Bluetooth speakers, and an accompanying app for added control. It’s popular among hoverboard beginners and enthusiasts alike because it can travel most terrains. It’s a monster of a hoverboard, weighing 32 pounds, with its air-filled tires wrapped around massive 10-inch wheels. The board’s grippy wheels help it move over uneven trail terrain, including grass, mud and gravel. It can handle riders up to 420 pounds.

With two powerful 300W motors, the T6 can accelerate up to 12 mph and climb an incline of up to 30 degrees. It can go for up to 12 miles on a full charge, and it takes about three hours to recharge. Improve your riding experience by using the accompanying smartphone app to adjust the steering sensitivity and power setting to match your needs.

swagBOARD Warrior XL Hoverboard

The swagBOARD Warrior XL Hoverboard with LiFePo Battery.

The swagBOARD Warrior XL runs on a LiFePo lithium phosphate battery that is non-flammable, non-combustible, and non-explosive. Decked out with LED lights and Bluetooth speakers, the board can illuminate the sidewalk with 30 music-synced effects.

The XL roams the trails as effortlessly as it cruises the sidewalk, supporting up to 250 pounds. It has huge 8-inch off-road wheels that require no maintenance. These wheels dwarf the standard 6.5-inch wheels available on most hoverboards. Its dual 300W motors power you for 5-7 miles per charge, at a speed of up to 9 mph.

Added SWAG Bonus: With the Warrior XL, you’ll not only get the maintenance-free, all-terrain tires and EXCLUSIVE features of music-synced ground effects lighting, but you’ll enjoy the safest hoverboard battery on the market today—LiFePo! No other hoverboard on the market has this battery tech.



If you’re a beginner when it comes to riding hoverboards or you want to get one for your kid, look no further. The XL comes with a smartphone app that lets you choose a training mode. This mode limits the speed at which a person rides the hoverboard.

Read More: Check out our infographic and video on the history of the hoverboard battery and why LiFePo is the safest on the market today!

Other Hoverboards You Can Ride on Trails

Of course, there are other off-road hoverboards out there, like the EpikGO All-Terrain Board, the Hyper GOGO, and the TOMOLOO Eagle V2. But why look further than SWAGTRON, where you know you’re getting the latest in eRideable technology.

Hoverboard — also commonly known as self-balancing boards—get you where you need to go without leaving you in need of a shower or change of clothes, and you’ll have a lot of fun getting there. Once you’re more of a pro, you can even do some sick tricks. But you gotta start somewhere. So might as well start at the beginning, in other words, learning how to ride a hoverboard.

How Do You Ride a Hoverboard?

Admittedly, riding a hoverboard takes some getting used to. Stand on the footpads and adjust the board’s speed and direction by applying weight with your feet. With a little practice, you’ll get used to the balance and the feel of the board while it moves.

SWAG TIP: To help with balance, place the hoverboard next to a wall and use the wall to help you balance.

Remember: whether you’re new or a seasoned pro, it’s a great idea to wear protective gear while riding a hoverboard. Such gear includes an ASTM-approved helmet and age-appropriate elbow and knee pads. Many hoverboards, like the swagBOARD Classic T5, have various skill-level modes, including “Learning Mode” for beginners. Take advantage of this solid feature, which limits the upper speeds of the board while increasing its responsiveness for more control. Oh, and always make sure your hoverboard is fully charged.

Check out our previous article about how to find the perfect for helmets.

Now let’s get ready to roll!

Getting On With It

To begin, follow these steps for getting onto a hoverboard:

1. Place your hoverboard in a clear, open space and on a flat, even surface.
2. Turn on the hoverboard before stepping onto it, so its balancing mechanisms are activated.
3. Place your dominant foot on top of one of the pads over a wheel, keeping it flat without any tilt.
4. Place your other foot on the hoverboard above the other wheel, so your feet are roughly hips-width apart, again keeping it flat.
5. Stand straight and still while you get a sense of how to balance.

It’s Time to Move!

Once you feel comfortable with your balance, it’s time to move. The swagBOARD self-balances and moves because of dynamic equilibrium, generated by the shifting of your body weight. From there, an internal gyroscope with acceleration sensors moves the board based on your center of gravity.

Forward and Backward

To move either forward or backward, lean very slightly in that direction by tilting your ankles rather than bending at your waist. It’s best not to tilt beyond 10 degrees.

Left and Right

SWAGTRON uses the “lean-to-move method” to move left and right. This method like the one that works best with SWAGTRON® hoverboards. This method is more intuitive than other methods and makes turning more straightforward.

Just remember to always slow down a little before you make your turn.

To go LEFT, lean a little to the left, shifting your weight slightly off the RIGHT pedal.

To go RIGHT, lean a little to the right and slightly shift your weight off the LEFT pedal.

Speed Up, Slow Down and Stop

Once you lean forward and start moving, your hoverboard keeps accelerating as long as you keep leaning forward. Most SWAGTRON® hoverboards—like the swagBOARD T5 Classic—have a Learning Mode that lowers the hoverboard’s maximum speed and decreases its sensitivity. This mode helps you get the hang of maneuvering your board—kind of like training wheels on a bike.

If you don’t have a speed limit set, the board keeps going faster until it reaches the maximum speed. Many boards will give you a warning beep when you’re getting close to that speed. (That would be a good time to slow down a bit.)

To slow down so you can stop, just return to the upright, centered standing position. As you continue to lean back, your speed gradually decreases until you can step off. Remember to always step back off the board one foot at a time when dismounting. (Step off with your dominate foot first.) That way, you don’t end up in front of the board!

Want a good video tutorial on how to ride a hoverboard? Check out this killer video from Cyberyoga, who’s worked with us for several years.

Time. It’s one of life’s most valuable resources, and it’s the one people seem to demand from you the most. Long lines, traffic jams, and long-distance treks often take up more of your time than you have to give—and yet you’re still expected to get from A to B with seconds to spare.

A swagster like you needs an electric bike — and a fast one, at that!

You’re not about that rush hour traffic crawl life. You’ve got no time for holdups on your commute—and no interest either. Whether it’s the next class across campus (that you’re apparently supposed to be able to teleport to) or the business meeting you’ll crush if you can ever get there, you need something that will get you there with a speed that’ll match your swag. At SWAGTRON®, we’ve got some of the fastest, affordable electric bikes on the market—along with the range and comfort to cover your entire commute with swag.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A FAST EBIKE?

We know you’re ready to fly down the road with the wind in your hair, but there are some things you need to know first. The exact speed of your eBike depends on multiple factors, so you’ll need to do some research first. Different classes of bikes exist for the terrain you’re going to master, the range of your ride, and how much help you’d like along the way. To help you find the eBike with the specs and speed to match your swag, we’ve put together this list of our fastest electric bikes, and the features we’ve packed into them.

EXTRA-CREDIT READING: Federal, state and local laws may determine which type of electric bike you’re allowed to ride in your particular area. Brush up on some of these laws here: eBikes—Understanding the Three (Legal) Classifications.

A Note About Performance Specs

It’s easy to get stuck on the numbers when looking at an eBike’s spec list. But there’s more to that spec than just the number. Many factors affect the advertised speeds and range-per-charge—many of which you don’t control, some you do. When it comes to a pedal-only bike, you can go as fast as your legs can take you. Want to go faster? Pedal harder. Even then, something like a steep incline will drastically affect how fast you can go. So even when you’re doing all the work, there are outside forces affecting you.

The same can be said for the motor on an electric bike. Performance-based specs, like speed and range-per-charge for throttle mode, can be impacted by rider weight, pavement incline and other riding conditions.

Bike Class

Even the fastest electric bikes are as diverse as their riders, so bike type is an important factor to consider no matter what you’re looking for. There are three basic eBike classes to choose from, namely commuter, pedal-less and off-road. Here’s an overview of the three:

• Commuter: Modern yet practical, these SWAG eBikes are for owning the streets.
• Pedal-less: Looking for a way to get around without breaking a sweat? These models do all the work for you.
• Off-road: Why stay stuck on the pavement when the whole world awaits? With our rugged off-roadsters, you’ll dominate any terrain.

Some overlap exists between these three bike classes, as a few pedal-less eCycles can be classified as commuters. Our Swagcycle Classic, for example, doesn’t have pedals, but it’s still good for a city commute of up to 12 miles at a max speed of 15 mph.

Specs

So you’ve decided how you’ll be using your eBike, but you still need some info on what every swagster wants: power. How much work will you have to put in to light up the roads? Are you looking to get in some exercise and have the motor give you a boost, or would you rather the bike do it all for you while you enjoy the ride? If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, here’s a breakdown of some specs to help you fly.

Pedal-to-go: With a motor for ease and pedals for exercise, the only speed limit with these hybrids is how fast your legs can take you—and the law, of course. These rides let you get the bike started, and the motor kicks in before your coffee. That’s how our EB5 Pro Plus and EB7 Elite work, letting you reach top speeds up to 15.5 mph and 18 mph, respectively.

Full throttle: Need a breather, or just want to relax? Throttle up at the push of a button and go full speed with no effort at all. The throttle on the EB7 Plus will take you up to 20 miles at a max speed of 18.6 mph, leaving your commute and cares in the dust. (All of our commuter eBikes let you easily switch between pedal-to-go and full-throttle modes.)

Motor size: More power means more swag. Our 250W motors give you plenty of juice for your flight, but why not max out on power and speed? Our EB6 All-terrain fat-tire bike comes with a 350W motor, topping you out at 18.6 mph for 21.4 miles on a single charge. And the added torque and tires—along with the 7-speed gear shift—combine to give you the control you need to dominate the trails.

Mobility

What good is having the fastest electric bike if it weighs you down when you get to your destination? You need an eBike that’s as portable as it is fast, if it’s going to keep up with your on-the-go life. Our compact, foldable eBikes are lightweight enough to carry through your office or on the crowded parts of your commute, and our step-through models offer those with limited mobility the chance to catch some swag too. Campus cruiser or riding rookie, there really is an eBike for everyone.

RECLAIM YOUR TIME WITH SWAGTRON

You’re welcome to keep packing yourself in with the friendly folks on that crowded subway if you want to, but we know you’ve got no time for that. You live your life at a breakneck speed every day, and you need an eBike that can keep up. At Swagtron, we’ve got some of the fastest electric bikes you’ll find. And they all come with the quality and performance it takes to deliver maximum swag. So step up your street speed today, and let Swagtron help you fly!