One of the top electric skateboards available is the Skatebolt Tornado II. Many people even consider it to be their top option. I’ve estimated it after using this electric skateboard for a while and riding it more than 100 miles:
- Top speed
- Range
- Acceleration
We’ll examine the tests that enabled us to conclude its performance. Before moving on to the other elements, let’s take a closer look at its primary specifications.
Let’s start the review!
Skatebolt Tornado II main specs
| Motor and Power | 2*350 hub motors |
| Battery Type: Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 315Wh |
| Weight | 16 lbs |
| Max Load | 264 lbs |
| Wheels | 90mm PU |
| Waterproof Rating | Yes |
| Electronic speed controller | |
| Deck | 8-layer northeast maple |
Speed and Motor Performance
Two 350-watt hub motors on the Skatebolt Tornado II combine to propel the skateboard at a top speed of 25 MPH. It has four-speed modes that can be selected using the Bluetooth remote, and Skatebolt promises that it can climb hills of up to 25 degrees, which is rather unique.
1. Top speed test
The electric skateboard delivered on speed as I reached a top speed of 25.2 MPH (40.5 km/h).
| Battery Level | Top Speed (mph) | Top Speed (kph) |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 25.2 mph | 40.5 kph |
| 75% | 24.9 mph | 40 kph |
| 50% | 24.7 mph | 39.8 kph |
| 25% | 22.6 mph | 36.4 kph |
| 15% | 17.9 mph | 28.8 kph |
Let me tell you that these benchmarks are lovely if you don’t have anything to compare them to. Only when the battery is almost completely depleted will you notice a difference in maximum speed.
2. Acceleration test
On the Skatebolt website, there are no acceleration details provided. Therefore, I tried to test how quickly the acceleration is from 0 to 15 MPH (24.1 km/h) recorded in seconds.
The following are the speed settings:
- 12 km/h in low gear (7.2 mph)
- 17.4 mph (28 km/h), medium.
- High mode 40 km/h (22-25 mph)
- Faster acceleration in pro mode
| Test # | Time from 0-15 MPH |
|---|---|
| Test 1 | 3.96 seconds |
| Test 2 | 4.01 seconds |
| Test 3 | 4.16 seconds |
| Test 4 | 4.03 seconds |
The high mode enables maximum speed, but for those who crave thrills and are speed devils, you can switch to Pro mode (4th) for the quickest acceleration.
I advise you to get acquainted with the Skatebolt Tornado II by starting off at a lower speed setting and working your way up because, as its name implies, it can wreak havoc.
3. Hill Climbing Tests
The Tornado 2 can handle a 25-degree incline, according to Skatebolt. I was able to move at 8 MPH (the quickest setting) up a 24-degree incline, according to my tests (again using cutting-edge GPS monitoring equipment). The Skatebolt Tornado II performs as promised on an inclined surface.
Range and battery performance
Range and battery quality are crucial if you use your electric skateboard for transportation.
A 42V 7.5Ah lithium-ion battery with high potential is installed in the Skatebolt Tornado II. The equivalent battery capacity is 315Wh, more significant than the Backfire Zealot and Backfire G3!
Notably, the power-dense 18650 battery cells appear to have all the necessary safety provided by the battery management system (BMS).
The battery charges in around 3 hours and has a 500-charging cycle life expectancy.
The Tornado II can travel 22–25 miles (32–35 km) on a single charge, according to Skatebolt. That is nearly unheard of at this pricing point, so let’s jump right into the test results.
1. Range tests
The range results are shown in the table below:
| Average Speed | Distance |
|---|---|
| 19.7 mph (31.7 kph) | 15.4 miles (24.8 km) |
| 15.3 mph (24.6 kph) | 18.2 miles (29.3 km) |
| 12.2 mph (19.6 kph) | 20.9 miles (33.6 km) |
As you can see, I didn’t quite reach 22 to 25 miles on a single charge, but on my third run’s sluggish cruise, I reached an astounding 20.9 miles.
I pushed the speed beyond what I’d typically do during my first run at 19.7 mph to really put the motors and battery to work. 15.4 miles is a respectable range once more.
Just under 22 miles, but even after testing dozens of electric skateboards at the same price, I can’t think of any that had a similar mileage.
2. Performance Retention
Every electric skateboard has performance retention because, with time, the efficiency of a board is affected, and the specs mentioned by the company itself decrease afterward.
Board Design and Ride Quality
The board design is entirely aesthetic, and the ride quality is exceptional. The details of the board are given below.
1. Weight
Given its substantial size and robust construction, the Skatebolt Tornado II weighs only 19 pounds (8.5 kg). Due to its robust design, the board has a maximum load capacity of 264 pounds (120 kg), which should be adequate for most individuals.
The overall construction is outstanding, and it is clear from Skatebolt’s design decisions and their thorough product handbook that lifespan and safety are top priorities for them.
2. Deck
The deck of the Skatebolt Tornado II measures 38 x 11 inches. It is constructed of eight layers of northeast maple, a substance renowned for withstanding the passage of time and offering unparalleled firmness.
It is lighter than materials like bamboo is the only negative. Still, even so, the overall weight isn’t excessive.
Thanks to its mild concave, you gain the advantage of a firmer grip and control without giving up space for your feet. The Tornado II is noticeably simpler to carve and make sharp turns on than the Backfire G2 because of the deck layout.
When you turn too quickly, and the deck catches the wheel, the corners have been rounded in to prevent wheel bite.
The deck corners are rounded to prevent wheel bite, which occurs when you turn too quickly, and the deck catches the wheels. This excellent safety improvement completely removes the possibility of an unpleasant surprise.
Since electronic components (such as a battery pack, an ESC, etc.) are installed across the whole length of the board underneath the deck, the deck itself has very little to no flex.
The grip tape is gentle on your skin and clothing while still offering your feet a good amount of grip when you’re riding.
3. Wheels
Stock 90mm x 52mm polyurethane (PU) wheels are installed on the board. Despite being rather generic, they haven’t shown much wear and tear in my first 120 miles of riding.
Numerous makers of electric skateboards appear to favor the 90mm size.
The durometer score for the wheel’s hardness is 83A, roughly in the middle for e-skate wheels. It strikes a perfect balance between grip and drag.
There is enough PU surrounding the hub motors to produce a smooth and steady ride. Some claim that hub-fitted wheels won’t perform as well as ordinary ones, so they choose belt-driven skateboards. Still, the Skatebolt Tornado II comes quite close, in my opinion.
4. Waterproofing
Even though it has a waterproof feature, we do not advise spending too much time riding in the rain or through puddles. It isn’t completely waterproof. It couldn’t be submerged in water for more than 15 seconds.
5. ESC and Remote
The remote control’s layout is one of my favorites because it puts a lot of capability at your fingers.
Information on the odometer, trip mileage, direction, speed, brake modes, signal strength, remote and board battery levels, and cruise control speed are all displayed on the screen.
The shape of the remote control makes it simple to always reach the throttle, and it fits comfortably in hand.
To prevent you from becoming stranded in the middle of nowhere because you failed to keep an eye on it, the remote will emit a signal to alert you when your battery dips below 25% (both for the remote and skateboard).
Through the supplied USB cord, the small charges in around 30 minutes.
Final Verdict-Who should buy the Skatebolt Tornado II?
The Skatebolt Tornado II is a versatile, value-packed option for skaters of all skill levels. There is plenty of time to get used to the speed before unleashing this beast’s full potential, thanks to its top speed of 25.2 MPH and four different speed and brake modes.
With a tested 18.2-mile range in an actual situation and the capacity to climb hills up to 25 degrees, it’s a good choice for commuters.
Because of the board’s exceptional stability and the truck and bushing system’s ability to effectively absorb road vibrations, you can carve about the streets confidently.
It includes all the essential functions you could want, and the ergonomic and user-friendly remote control puts them all at your fingertips.
This electric skateboard is one of the best boards providing the correct value for money which isn’t even that much, to be honest. It is an excellent choice for beginners that are looking to get their first electric skateboard.
