How to estimate range using battery specs

If you know the battery capacity of an electric skateboard in Watt-hours (Wh), you can get a rough estimate of how far the board can carry you. Here’s how.

Step 1

chart showing efficiency vs weight

Use this chart to get a rough estimate of a board’s efficiency (Wh/km) based on your weight. If you don’t like charts, use this table instead:

Rider weight
(kg)
Longboards
(Wh/km)
All-terrain
(Wh/km)
60812
701015
801218
901421
1001624
1101827
1202030

How to find out battery capacity in Watt-hours (Wh)

Step 2

Now divide the board’s battery capacity number (Wh) by the efficiency number (Wh/km) to get a rough range estimate for your weight.

Suppose you weigh 70 kg. According to the chart, an electric longboard’s efficiency for you would be about 10 Wh/km.

And suppose you’re looking at a board that has 216 Wh.

216 / 10 = 21.6

That board should be able to carry you about 21.6 km.

Now suppose you weigh 90 kg. The board’s efficiency is now 14 Wh/km according to the chart.

216 / 14 = 15.4

That same board now carries you about 15.4 km instead.

Rough estimate only!

The chart assumes the following conditions: smooth road, no inclines, mild acceleration, mild weather, about 30 km/h, and standing pose. A change in any of those conditions can greatly affect the range.

Don’t expect the estimate to be very accurate! It is meant to be a convenient way to help you estimate range based on your weight before you buy a board. Many variables influence the actual range of a board.

If there’s anything you’d like to add to help others estimate range, feel free to leave a comment below.