Photo: Acedeck Electric Skateboards
In the pursuit of thrills, mankind has created all sorts of machines to handle all sorts of terrain. One I’m currently investigating is off-road electric longboards. With that in mind, here’s what Acedeck’s Nyx Z3 has to offer for just over $1,700.
Ladies and gentlemen and thrill seekers of all stripes, if you like skateboarding, longboarding, snowboarding, or even surfing, this might be right up your alley. That’s because the Nyx Z3 you see in the image gallery and video review below is one hell of a machine.
But before we talk about this much-lauded machine, let’s take a second to get to know the team behind the magic, none other than Acedeck. While Acedeck’s website doesn’t show much information, their Facebook page shows that they were created in April 2022. Judging by their age, this is a pretty young team compared to the giants that are already tackling the e-board scene.
Nonetheless, Acedeck got to work right away because, judging from the video below and my personal experience with other machines of this type, this one is truly different in the best sense of the word, and it all starts with the way Acedeck designs the Z3.
Photo: Acedeck Electric Skateboards
At its core, the Z3 is built on Acedeck’s proprietary suspension system; I’m talking about independent, full-suspension trucks designed to handle whatever the road or lack thereof throws at you. If you’ve ever seen a dune buggy swinging across the desert, its upper body still stabilized while the wheels fly all over the place underneath, that’s what you’ve got here, and it’s the main reason you can hit 60 km/h (37 mph) on this board and “feel like you’re going 30.” That suspension was also completed using CNC-milled aluminum, so there’s no doubt it can take some abuse.
Another part of the suspension and comfort story lies in the deck and how it is designed. Generally, Acedeck creates each board using composite materials arranged in multiple layers for just the right amount of strength, flex, and response. Add to that the independent suspension I mentioned and we are bound to see an incredibly comfortable and responsive ride.
Speaking of responsiveness, since Acedeck has moved the battery pack to the top of the deck, you don’t have to worry about the bottom of the board catching something or breaking it if you hit a bump that’s a little bigger than you intended. The deck has a maximum load capacity of 150kg (331lbs), so even the biggest people among us can take one for a spin.
Photo: Acedeck Electric Skateboards | Screenshot from YouTube
As for the battery itself, you have to pay close attention to what Acedeck does with it. Why? Well, in the case of the Z3, the battery pack or its capacity will also determine the power level of the motors you install. According to the manufacturer’s website, there are four different models available, but the 1,553 Wh version gives us everything that the Z3 has in store.
For this version, Acedeck adds its proprietary DXW 6890 motor with a peak torque of 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) and the ability to tackle 50% inclines. Did I mention that the top speed of these beauties is limited to 60 km/h (37 mph)? More than enough to do some serious damage if you don’t have safety devices.
As for range, again, it all depends on the battery size you ultimately choose. The smallest pack—that thing straddling the board right between your legs—can pump out a peak 40km (25 miles): the 653Wh option. But the 1,554Wh battery can squeeze out a maximum of 95km (59 miles) on a full charge, and when tested with a 65kg (143lb) rider on a flat, smooth road, the real world is likely to yield less than that.
As for the motors themselves, Acedeck claims to be constantly improving these little powerhouses. According to their website, chrome-moly steel gears are featured in every motor, ensuring power and control at all times. They’ve also updated the controller to squeeze every ounce of power out of the motors, hence that top speed.
Photo: Acedeck Electric Skateboards | Screenshot from YouTube
Screw and bolt everything into place, add a set of AT tires and what do you get? A super fun machine that lets you explore places and routes that would otherwise seem boring on foot. Personally, I'm all for testing this thing out.
Last but not least, I should point out that the price I mentioned will only get you the less powerful Z3 variant, the one with 653 Wh. The version with the maximum 1,554 Wh battery sells for just over $1,718: $2,600 is what we will have to shell out for this latter version.
Are you willing to spend $2,600 on something like this? Most people would say “No.” But please take it for a test drive and go from there. Would you shell out the money to own the Nyx Z3? Feel free to comment below.
