Throughout my week-long affair with the Zealot, thrills were aplenty; speed and power never disappointed while reliability stood as a pillar of trust during each ride. Balance in form and function makes this skateboard not just another option but a distinguished choice for the serious rider.
28 - 36 km, 17.5 miles (28 km)
46 km/h, 28.5 mph (46 km/h)
2 × 750 W, 1500 Wh
Changhong Sunpower, 9 Ah, 50.4V, 311 Wh, 311 Wh
Thrill-seekers and daily commuters, meet the Backfire Zealot—a high-performance e-skateboard crafted to quench your thirst for speed and agility. If carving through cityscapes or dominating hilly terrains is your idea of fun, this board beckons. However, those looking for a gentle introduction to electric skateboarding might find its power a bit intimidating.
First impressions? The Zealot oozes quality with its robust deck and premium finish. Handling it, you can tell that this isn't a run-of-the-mill board; there's a heft to it that screams durability. Assembling was no sweat, everything aligned perfectly, suggesting meticulous attention to detail from Backfire.
Speed demons rejoice; this beast hits top speeds like a champ, making my heart race as I pushed past 25 mph with ease. Commuting turned into an exhilarating experience rather than mundane necessity. Uphill climbs? It tackled them with gusto, leaving me impressed with its persistent torque. Braking was responsive too—essential for those unexpected moments. Long-distance rides felt like a breeze thanks to an impressive range that lived up to the promised specs.
The dual 1500 Wh motors pack a punch, delivering acceleration that might catch new riders off-guard—it certainly did me at first. Power delivery remained consistent across various terrains. Regarding battery performance, it held up well; even after extensive use each day, I wasn't left stranded.
Rolling on standard wheels provided enough comfort on most surfaces, though I noticed a tad more vibration on rougher patches. Braking gave me peace of mind; it was both smooth and powerful when needed.
Carving through streets felt natural and intuitive. Each turn was smooth, confident—whether I was weaving through urban obstacles or cruising along open roads. This board didn't just handle well; it felt like an extension of myself.
Maintenance became part of my weekly ritual. Belt-driven systems need love, but thankfully the process wasn't complex—I managed all upkeep without hassle. While I experienced no significant breakdowns, acquiring parts appeared straightforward via Backfire's channels.
Little touches like the quality remote control added finesse to the overall experience—reliable connectivity and feedback were much appreciated during rides. Safety features were not overtly noticeable but subtly integrated, ensuring confidence without distraction.
Factoring in design excellence, thrilling performance, and solid construction against minor comfort issues on rough terrain and maintenance needs for belt-driven components—a solid 8/10 from me.
Backfire Zealot | Backfire Zealot | ||
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Brand | Backfire | Backfire | |
Category | e-Skateboard | e-Skateboard | |
Weight | 8 kg | No info | |
Max Load | 110 kg | 260 lbs (120 kg) | |
Suspension | None | ||
Performance | |||
Range | 28 - 36 km | 17.5 miles (28 km) | |
Top Speed | 46 km/h | 28.5 mph (46 km/h) | |
Motor Power | 2 × 750 W | 1500 Wh | |
Battery Size | Changhong Sunpower, 9 Ah, 50.4V, 311 Wh | 311 Wh | |
Drive Train | 2WD, belt drive, 96 mm, 30 % hill climb | 2 x Belt | |
Features | |||
Air Travel Friendly | No | ||
Recharge Time | 6 hours | ||
Hill Climbability | 30 % |
The lowest price is $799 for the Backfire Zealot, available from renteboards.com.