I’ve been reviewing products now for well over three years and it’s always nice to get something fresh in for review. You can’t get any fresher than the Halo Board Electric Board. This is the first electric skateboard we’ve reviewed and hopefully not the last. Despite this being our first go at an e-skateboard, I have to say, the Halo Board Carbon Edition is possibly the coolest electric skateboard out there. Of course, there are competitors, most notably the Boosted Board. While I’ve only been able to experience the Boosted Board for just a few minutes, the Halo Board matches its specs and wrapped in carbon fiber it just looks bad ass. Read on for my thoughts on the Halo Board Electric Board Carbon Edition which is skating away with a Techaeris Top Pick Award for 2017.
Specifications
The Halo Board Electric Board Carbon has the following features and specifications:
- Deck length: 36 in / 91 cm
- Wheels: 83 mm halo street wheels – 78a
- Wheelbase: 27 in / 68.5 cm
- Trucks: aluminum 9.25-inch width
- Remote: ergonomic Bluetooth Halo remote
- Weight limit: 286 lbs
- Charge time: 3 hours
- Safe battery: 7ah certified fire-safe LG lithium ion battery
- Charger: UL certified charger
- For ages: 10 and up
- Deck material: 100% Japanese T700 carbon fiber
- Motor: 3000-watt dual-motor design
- Speed: Up to 22 mph
- Range: Up to 12 miles
- Hill grade: up to 25 degrees
- Weight: 14 lbs.
What’s In The Box
- Halo Board Electric Board Carbon
- Halo Remote
- Battery charger for board
- Quick start guide and documentation
Design
Let’s just get this out of the way up front. Aesthetic design is a subjective thing. Not everyone is going to enjoy the looks of a product and this is exactly why there are multiple products on the market. Having choices really is awesome. With that said, let’s move on to my thoughts on the aesthetic and functional design qualities of this e-skateboard.
One of the first things that strikes you about the Halo Board is its carbon fiber build and all black color. It’s just an intimidating design with rounded edges that make it look very stealthy. I found the grip tape on the deck is very effective in keeping your feet in place. We couldn’t test long-term durability of the grip tape so if you pick one up, let us know in a year how it fares. The deck is solid and supports up to 286 lbs and I can attest to this as I am 260 lbs and it supported me just fine.
The bottom of the board is also well designed and thought out. The battery is covered and tucked away with some nice solid durable cables feeding power to the wheels. Speaking of the wheels, they’re nice and large and feel nice and smooth, especially on black top. The trucks are also adjustable so you can tighten up or loosen up the board as you see fit.
The in hub motors are 3,000 watts and are nicely integrated into the hubs closest to the handle. The handle is a nice and welcome addition as it gives you a nice carrying option. I will say that I found it much more comfortable to just tuck the board under my arm. The handle is nice and a great addition for many but it wasn’t my preference.
Overall the design of the Halo Board is really amazing. It’s tough and durable and the battery design is intuitive and protects those sensitive electronic bits. Just based on looks alone, I’d say this electric skateboard is one of the best looking on the market.
Ease of Use
If you’ve never used an electronic skateboard you will be in for a learning curve. I used to ride traditional skateboards growing up until my late teen years and if you have that experience, it will be easier. Even with that experience though, it does take some getting used to riding a board that’s powered by electric motors. The old push with your foot method got you places and you could get going at a decent clip (especially with nice wheels and hubs) but this is much faster.
I’ve only had the Halo Board for a week and I still haven’t gotten it to its top speed of 22 mph. Speed mode 1 is plenty fast and it’s the mode I’d suggest unseasoned electronic skateboard riders start at. I would also highly suggest and condone the use of safety gear such as helmets, pads, gloves and the like. Don’t follow the stupid example our staff is demonstrating in the video below.
The Halo Board isn’t hard to use once you’ve gotten the hang of operating the joy stick and gotten used to the speed and steering. I personally see the Halo Board as a commuter board for urban dwellers and college students but it can be used to trick ride as well. I can’t speak to the durability of the board under the stress of trick riding as we didn’t test that aspect. But the company does say the board is virtually indestructible so if you’re trick riding on it, let us know if you manage to destroy yours.
Performance
Having never used an electronic skateboard before I still felt I knew what to expect. I was wrong. The speed, even on speed mode 1, is jarring yet exhilarating. At first, you’ll want to give it all its got but then realize you could fall flat on your face so you ease off. After a week I feel much more comfortable on speed mode 1 but haven’t kicked it up to speed mode 2 just yet. I do wish the board had three-speed modes, breaking up the velocity to three modes seems like it would ease riders into each level at a more gradual pace.
Riding the Halo Board on the blacktop is going to give you the smoothest and most comfortable riding experience. Riding this thing on the sidewalk is doable but also annoying with the consistent cracks along the way. Concrete is also a good ride just not as smooth as blacktop. I will say, take caution on any surface and watch for larger cracks and holes. I came across one crack I thought I could get over, I was wrong.
Using the joystick is fairly simple. Pushing the joystick forward gives you forward roll. Pushing the joystick in (like a click) will engage reverse which you still push the joystick forward to operate. Pulling the joystick back will engage the brakes so don’t confuse that for reverse. I did find the brakes to be very sensitive and you really have to pull back gently unless you need a quick and abrupt stop — and this will stop fast. Once you get the hang of using the brakes they’re really excellent, it’s just a learning curve to overcome.
Overall I felt the Halo Baord performed exactly as advertised. The use cases for the board will vary on your needs. I wouldn’t use this board (or any skateboard) to trick ride, simply because those days are gone for me. Using this board to commute and get from here to there over short distances is more appealing. This would be an excellent commuter board for city dwellers and excellent for college students. I would stress you take your safety seriously as well as the safety of those around you.
Battery Life
The Halo Board Carbon is billed with a 12-mile range which is pretty standard in the industry. The board has regenerative braking which means when you use the brake it transfers that power to the battery keeping it partially juiced up. We didn’t test the board in major hilly areas where we were braking a lot but we managed to get just over 11-miles on a single charge. It’s also important to note the weight of the person will have an effect on battery. I happen to be a bit heavier so I’m sure I lost a bit of range because of that. I would say Halo Board’s 12-mile range is pretty spot on but it will fluctuate depending on use and weight of the rider.
Price/Value
The MSRP on the Halo Board Carbon is $1497USD but you can snag one as of the time of this review on Halo’s site for $1297. This price gets you the same specs as the Boosted Board+ but for much less money. We wouldn’t complain any if Boosted wanted to send us a board for comparisons sake. The price is great here and doesn’t sacrifice quality at all. No, it’s not cheap, none of the quality e-skateboards with these features is cheap. There’s a lot of value here if you’re looking to invest in an e-skateboard. I’d recommend you at least consider this board if you’re shopping around.
Wrap Up
If you’re looking for an electric skateboard with the same specs and attributes as the Boosted Board but for a slightly smaller price without sacrificing quality, then you need to check out the Halo Board Carbon Edition. This board is fun, fast and perfect for urban commuters, college students or just about anyone who wants to have a bit of fun. If you’ve never used an electric skateboard there is a learning curve here so take it easy on your first go!
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