Last week the boys in the office decided that the old guy would get to test ride the RazorX Longboard Electric Skateboard. Little did they know I’ve been falling off skateboards since I was 10. Let’s go for a ride!!
Out of the Box
Those who follow my articles realize that my focus has been audio equipment such as speakers, earphones, earbuds, headphones, DAPs, radios, and that’s been my focus in my career since high school. Once in awhile the editorial team likes to throw me a curve and see what I can do with something out of my area of expertise. The Razor Longboard Electric Skateboard was supposed to knock me for a loop, and instead, I rode it to success! The retail box is huge. That’s because the RazorX comes pre-assembled with a 5 ply bamboo deck and it’s probably got one of the biggest decks I’ve ever stood at just over a yard in length. The only boards I have which compare are my off-road “mountain boards” which have almost the exact same size deck. Included with the RazorX Longboard is a 2.4 GHz variable speed digital handheld remote control, a set of AAA name-brand batteries for the remote, an AC wall wart charger, and clear and easy to follow instructions. I quickly read through the instructions then plugged that baby in to get a full charge. Once that was done the fun would begin. The RazorX is propelled by a kick-to-start 125-watt electric motor powered by a 22-volt lithium-ion battery. The board is 37.5 inches long with plenty of grip tape and rolls along on 83 mm polyurethane wheels. Razor claims a 40-minute continuous ride at 10 mph top cruising speed. That’s got to be on level ground, my experience was a bit different but still plenty of fun. The custom-designed reverse kingpin trucks are wide and the factory adjustment gave me plenty of turning and carving ability. Both the wireless remote and the RazorX Longboard have LEDs to indicate pairing as well as power level on the longboard. The board and wireless remote come paired from the factory, but if yours has lost communication it’s easy to repair the two. The Variable speed wireless remote includes a motor braking ability. This allows one to ride the board down steep hills with total speed control, as well as come to a complete stop. Warning: The brake function is very touchy and should be used with caution as you get up to speed on the RazorX, or you will go flying off the board. I think the variable speed control should be a longer arc for the braking ability to allow for the most subtle slowing versus a hard stop. Like any new tech, there’s a learning curve. Until you are absolutely confident you can control the RazorX Longboard Electric Skateboard safely around pedestrians and car traffic, it’s best to stay in your own home neighborhood.
Notice that the RazorX Longboard Electric Skateboard isn’t really intended for indoor use and after I sent the second intern through the drywall the boss sent me home for the day. With the RazorX Longboard Electric Skateboard in hand and underfoot I spent the weekend cruising my neighborhood halfway up a mountain in Las Vegas Nevada. Although Razor recommends using it on level ground this Electric Longboard was well able to go up and down relatively steep hills but at a much lower rate than the 10 mph cruising speed. I would go as far as to say this is a vehicle for an experienced sk8r. The experience of kicking and riding completely changes when one adds an electric motor and different muscles come into play but the RazorX Longboard is a real treat to ride. Being a longboard the RazorX likes to take big loops, but it’s very nimble for its size. I had no problems riding along a busy road while weaving between the light poles, and up and down sidewalk ramps. You do have to brace your legs differently when hitting power, as the rear-wheel driven RazorX Longboard does hit full speed FAST. There’s a lot of time to move around on the deck to either reduce pressure on the front wheels for hopping a bump or even to kick it up. I spent time from standing the front with both feet like a surfer, to full spread on the board for street carving while heading downhill pumping the brakes from time to time to keep my speed controlled. The relatively large wheels rode very comfortably and easily rolled over small obstacles like the ubiquitous pebbles and sidewalk detritus. I had no problem rolling over sidewalk transitions of about an inch but I didn’t try to jump any curbs. Just once in a while I’d stroll to the back of the deck and lean my weight to get over “dipsy doodles”. The deck itself is very flexible and a bit bouncy but that adds to the fun of the ride. The RazorX Longboard zipped up and down the street and the variable speed controller can be used to impart extra boosts when carving up or down if you choose to kick. Unlike other electric transportation devices: if your battery dies, you can still kick this board smoothly and it completely acts like any other high-end longboard I’ve stood on and rode. I rode it for a half hour before I noticed the battery becoming weaker and slower on the uphill ride. I also noticed you can “rock” the RazorX Longboard when riding uphill to keep your momentum. If you do happen to lose your balance and have to jump off the electric brake will stop your board quickly instead of just watching the RazorX roll away.
Final Thoughts
The RazorX Longboard utilizes a geared rear-wheel-drive motor to push you to new places instead of a chain or belt. It is maintenance-free, although somewhere down the road you will probably be replacing the battery, or wheels if you ride it a lot, or adjust the trucks from time to time. I plan to ride this a lot. The RazorX Longboard Electric Skateboard is a great entry-level electric vehicle but I truly recommend it for people who can already ride a skateboard versus an absolute newbie. Plenty of speed, plenty of agility, and hours of fun make the RazorX Longboard a great way to zip around town but those are the exact things that require an experienced person on the board. If you can ride a skateboard you can truly master the RazorX Longboard Electric Skateboard very quickly. Wear a helmet, proper knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards while getting acquainted with your new best friend because safety is number one. We also don’t recommend riding an electric device like this under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With my only complaint the touchy brakes I give the RazorX Longboard Electric Skateboard 8.5 out of 10. I’ve been using Razor kick scooters since the company came on board almost 20 years ago and they never disappoint. Thanks again!!
Buy from Amazon | Buy from Razor | Buy from Best Buy | |
Our Rating | Average Price* $199.99 |
*Average price is based on the time this article was published
Video:
Unboxing:
Interview:
Promotional (Razor):
Additional Images:
Specifications:
- Speed: Up to 10 mph (16 km/h)
- Run Time: Up to 40 minutes of continuous use
- Deck: Length 37.5” (952.5 mm), 5-ply bamboo
- Wheels: 80 mm 80a PU cruiser
- Trucks: Custom, reverse kingpin trucks for increased turning and stability
- Motor: Kick-to-start, 125-watt, geared, rear-wheel-drive (no alignment, no chain or belt)
- Battery: 22V lithium-ion battery pack, rechargeable (UL2271)
- Includes: Wireless (2.4 GHz), hand-held, digital remote with wrist strap (replaceable), battery charger
- Patent Pending
- Age: 9+
- Max Rider Weight: 220 lb (100 kg)
- No assembly required
- Assembled Product Dimensions: 37.5” x 10.6” x 5.7” (950 mm x 270 mm x 145 mm)
- Product Weight: 12 lb (5.4 kg)
Are you a manufacturer or distributor that would like us to test something out for review? Contact us and we can let you know where to send the product and we will try it out.
Don’t forget to subscribe for a chance to win cool prizes!