Lately I’ve been exploring a different side of urban mobility: electric skateboards. This time, let’s take a look at one of the more affordable options; the Nalu is about to start its first crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. Let’s see what we can expect.
If you look up the word Nalu, you will find that it can mean several things, but its main meaning is “wave” or “surf”. With this in mind, you can already begin to understand a little about what it is all about with the electric skateboard in front of you.
But before we dive into this beginner-friendly last-mile solution, let’s take a closer look at how we got here. That means taking a look at none other than Backfire Skateboards. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because this brand has been around since 2009, and the way they’ve made a name for themselves is by making accessible, capable, and fun boards for the masses. That said, you can find a variety of boards and price points to work with, and one that’s right around the corner is the Nalu.
Photo: Anti-backfire boards
Now, to start off with this board, I should point out that Backfire is only asking for $300 for their cheapest Early Bird deal, so don’t expect the most range or speed of any board on the market; the current world record for an electric longboard is just over 82 mph, while the Nalu clocks in at 16 mph.
While the speed junkies among us may not be the happiest with this number, it does ensure that Backfire can tap into a market segment that most, if not all other manufacturers, aren’t focusing on: the new cyclist.
Yep, someone who has never ridden a board before might find that this one is right in their comfort zone, and the top speed is to thank for that. This also ensures that the Nalu can be sold almost all over the world, as it even meets European speed standards.
Being an electric board, we won't be relying on anything other than a plethora of rewards and software to get things moving. First, try to find the Nalu's motor. Honestly, I had a hard time figuring out where it was, as its location is nothing compared to what I've encountered in the industry so far.
Photo: Anti-backfire boards
Okay, so I’ll spare you the “Where’s Waldo” and just point out that Backfire has mounted the Nalu’s motor directly into the rear wheel hubs. Or at least that’s what I think we’re looking at when we look at the rear wheels; they can’t be anywhere else. That also means we’re looking at a direct-drive setup, so power transfer is optimized as well. Maybe that’s why the Nalu boasts the ability to tackle 25% grades and even hold its weight in a bowl; be sure to check out the clip below.
To be a Electric vehicleThe battery pack is another important feature we need to consider. Overall, you get a 99Wh gallium nitride (GaN) battery pack built into the Nalu’s deck, and with that you can get a maximum range of just 12.5 miles. I know, I know; that’s not much, but for a last-mile solution, how much range do you really need? It’s even enough for a decent neighborhood ride during Golden Hour.
What we don’t know is how long it takes to charge the battery, but Backfire mentions that fast charging is part of the Nalu’s magic. Frankly, I’ve tested EV systems that offer less than average range, but with the occasional stops we make while cruising around town, you can charge your board while you eat lunch or grab a coffee.
Photo: Anti-backfire boards
Then there’s the deck itself, the backbone of any skateboard, long or short. Overall, Backfire went with a concave design for control and crafted it from a maple/fiberglass composite for a strong, lightweight construction. How light is it? The Nalu weighs just 12.5 pounds.
Other cool tricks up the Nalu’s sleeve include shock protection on the nose and tail of the board, 80mm polyurethane wheels, and a cute light strip integrated into the deck. This feature not only looks cool, especially on night rides, but it also ensures that everyone around you can see you. Top it all off with a remote control and four riding modes, and you’re bound to have some fun as a beginner.
All that’s left to do now is sign up for Nalu’s Kickstarter campaign, spend $300 on a new board, and see why this EV is gaining massive popularity in the urban mobility industry. Honestly, for that amount of money, what do you have to lose? Just make sure you’re safe out there.
