I got to try a demo unit of the Nalu, Backfire’s lightweight electric skateboard with surfskate trucks. Unfortunately, I couldn’t record a video for this review due to scheduling issues, but I may do one in the future.
Photos ganked from Backfire’s website.
Unboxing Impressions
The Nalu is remarkably thin—so thin that it’s hard to believe there’s a battery inside! I don’t think I’ve ever owned another electric skateboard with a deck this thin.
At 5.8 kg (12.8 lb), this board is very light for an electric skateboard. For context, a typical longboard weighs around 3.5 to 4 kg, and a lightweight electric skateboard generally starts at 7 kg and up. A sub-6 kg board is quite uncommon.
Like several other electric skateboards today, the deck has an ambient light strip around its perimeter. It looks cool, but as a low-key dude, I’m leaving it turned off.
The back wheels seem very far back, making the kicktail very short. In fact, the tail is shorter than the nose, which is weird.
The standing height of the Nalu is quite tall, which is normal for surfskates. Since it’s electric and uses larger wheels (80 mm), the Nalu is slightly taller than most traditional surfskates.
Because this is a surfskate with large wheels, I had to check for wheelbite. I’m happy to report there is none—you can carve as hard as you like!
There’s very little visible electronics on the Nalu. In fact, it’s the most analog-looking eboard I can think of right now. The only giveaway that this is electric is the hub motors.
Ride Impressions
Compared to a regular surfskate, the Nalu is easier to step on and stay centered. However, it also feels less agile. This added stability may be good for beginners but less desirable for experienced surfskaters. (It’s important to note that I have not tried different bushings, and I probably won’t, because of the next point.)
Surfskate pumping on the Nalu (without using the throttle) is doable, but the board doesn’t free-roll like a regular surfskate. You can feel resistance from the hub motors, and after each pump, you lose speed immediately.
I tried pumping while using the throttle, but it didn’t really work. Carving is fine, but pumping, not so much.
The Nalu’s top speed is just 25 km/h (16 mph). In fact, I got a little less than that. It’s adequate for a crowded city environment like mine. For parents concerned about safety, this lower speed limit may be a good thing.
At my weight of about 75 kg (165 lb), the power (torque) is modest but adequate for casual riding and most city slopes. I wouldn’t want it to be any lower—it’s just barely enough for me. Heavier riders would likely find the power lacking, while lighter riders might find it more than enough.
At low speeds, the Nalu can make some of the smallest turns I’ve seen on an eboard. This is very useful in city environments like mine, which is a big plus for me.
The very short tail makes pivoting on the Nalu awkward. On most boards with a kicktail, the tail begins to curve up about an inch or so behind the rear axle. On the Nalu, the start of that tail concave lines up with the rear axle, making the back wheels seem too far back. As a result, the kicktail is hardly functional. If you want to use it, half of your foot will be hanging off.
The upside of having almost no tail is that beginners are less likely to fall backward when throttling up—a common shortboard issue for newbs—but this is a very minor advantage.
For short-distance rides, the comfort is adequate. Your feet may get numb on longer rides, but frequent stops at red lights should resolve that.
I rode 18.9 km (11.7 mi) on a single charge, which is pretty crazy for a 99Wh board at my weight. Well, maybe not too crazy considering the board’s lack of speed and power. This just shows how much riding style affects range. In any case, the range is more than enough for a board like this.
The recharge speed is great with the fast charger—I was able to recharge from near-empty to full in just under an hour. In most situations, where you don’t ride to empty and don’t have to recharge to full, 30 minutes of recharging should be plenty.
Is the Backfire Nalu good for surfskating?
The Nalu’s extremely tight turn radius is similar to that of a surfskate. While technically the board can pump, it doesn’t pump as efficiently as a traditional surfskate.
If you’re looking for a surfskate primarily for pumping, I suggest getting a traditional surfskate. If you want one for making tight turns, the Nalu is a good option. Just be aware that the kicktail is very short, unlike every traditional surfskate I’ve seen.
Is the Backfire Nalu good for commuting?
Before choosing this board for commuting, keep in mind that all surfskates have a tall ride height and require more effort to stay centered than most other boards. For low-effort commuting, I use double-drop longboards, while I prefer surfskates for fun cardio workouts.
Also, note that hub motors—especially smaller ones paired with a short, stiff deck—can cause foot fatigue more quickly than drivetrains that use full wheels.
These factors may make the Nalu less ideal for longer commutes. However, for shorter trips, its best-in-class portability and ability to make tight turns can be highly beneficial.
Who is the Nalu for?
- People who want an electric surfskate as a fun novelty board.
- People in environments where they can benefit from the tight turn radius.
- People who want a board that looks like a traditional surfskate or cruiser.
- Parents who want to surfskate with their kids without getting exhausted.
- Travelers who want to take their eboard on a plane.
- Beginners interested in surfskating but struggling to learn on traditional surfskates.
Who is it not for?
- People who care about having a functional kicktail.
- Heavy riders and those who need more power.
- People who want to frequently commute more than a few miles each way on a board.
- Surfskaters who expect the same pumping efficiency as traditional surfskates.
Final Thoughts
It’s refreshing to see a new electric skateboard that isn’t just another heavy board with oversized motors and monster wheels catering only to enthusiasts, while doing nothing to bring e-skating to a wider audience.
So many eboards today hardly resemble skateboards and have worse portability than escooters. Honestly, the way this industry has been heading—prioritizing power over portability—pisses me off. Way to make a niche market even more niche!
The Nalu, however, is exactly what an electric skateboard should be: it rides like a traditional board, looks like a traditional board, and strives to be as portable as one. It is a skateboard, just motorized. I’m not saying it’s for everyone or every use case—just like surfskates aren’t for everyone—but at least it’s undeniably a skateboard.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by how well-made the Nalu turned out to be. I expected it to be yet another low-cost, low-effort board, but I really appreciate how much it looks and feels like a regular surfskate.
Discounts for the Backfire Nalu
The first 1000 pre-orders are just $349. After that, use code DKWAN at checkout for the best discount. Shipping is expected to begin in November 2024. Please use my referral link if you found my review helpful!