Backfire Zealot S Review

Performance Comparison

Ride Comfort

Ride comfort is the primary metric that keeps us riding longer and more often, so we weighted it at 30% of the total score of the Zealot S. We tested this option by taking it on rides of all lengths and of varying levels of difficulty from pavement to trail. We also deliberately hit cracks of all shapes and sizes to see how the Zealot handled rough surfaces. Besides being a bit more sensitive to bumpy rides, this board scored well in this metric and is a fraction of the price of its competitors.

We loved the feel of the Zealot S, with an ABS glass fiber composite deck offering a flexible, spongy ride. For many riders, the bounce of this board will be a positive, and our testers thoroughly enjoyed putting this option through the paces.

In testing, we could feel cracks and bumps on the Zealot S that were on the larger side. We didn't feel like those cracks or bumps were about to kick us off, but it required the rider to stay more diligent where other boards allowed us to virtually ignore smaller features. Despite a few considerations, we feel the ride comfort of this option is exceptional when considering its price.

Range

Many are seeking an electric skateboard that can handle longer rides, so the Zealot S range was weighted at 20% of its total score. We investigated this board's range by charging the battery to 100% and then riding it until it died, recording the total distance covered. We also investigated the time it took to charge the battery from empty to full. This was one of the best scoring metrics for the Zealot and was a significant contributing factor to its overall score.

We were thoroughly impressed with the Zealot S, which has a range of 27 miles — this board will likely get you where you need to go. This distance was covered over the course of two hours over relatively flat terrain in the surrounding areas of Lake Tahoe.

We found the battery recharge time of the Zealot S to be around 3 hours and 20 minutes, landing it somewhere in the middle of the pack in that test. We generally found a trend amongst the various options that the longer the maximum range, the longer the charge time, so boards with faster charge times couldn't go as far.

Braking

You must be able to stop when riding the Zealot S, so we allotted 10% of the total score to braking. We tested this metric by regulating its speed on a sustained downhill and notating its performance. We also measured its stopping distance when traveling 11-13 mph on flat ground and fully hitting the brakes, conducting this test multiple times to get an average. The Zealot S offers decent braking and landed in the middle of the pack for this particular assessment.

We loved the smooth braking feel of the Zealot S when conducting our downhill test, and our testers were easily able to go as slow or as fast as we wanted. The remote is set up to effortlessly apply the brakes and was intuitive to all of our reviewers. Other budget options we examined didn't have the same stopping/slow-down capacity — helping this board emerge among the price-friendly options.

Whether zipping around an urban street or a mountainous trail, we need to get a clear idea of how fast each electric skateboard can stop. After getting the Zealot S up to the 11-13 mph speeds, we slammed on the brakes and got an average stopping distance of 28 feet. This was in the middle of the various options tested, with the best scoring boards able to stop at half the distance of the Zealot S and the worst of the scores stopping at twice the distance of this board.

Speed

Looking to go fast? Many of us are, so we weighted this metric at 10% of the total score. We tested the top speed by creating a set track, having the Zealot S enter that track at full speed, and timing it. We also tested this option's acceleration by timing it from a standstill to the end of a 50-foot track. Both tests were conducted multiple times to create averages. The Zealot S offered excellent scores and emerged near the front of the options tested in our review.

The Zealot S has an incredible max speed of 29 mph which is one of the fastest velocities we tested. While we'd recommend that one eases into this board before maxing out its speed, we think most riders will love its capabilities — but make sure you wear a helmet!

The acceleration capabilities of the Zealot S were among the best tested, with an average time of 3.64 seconds from a standstill to the end of a standardized 50-foot track. This, once again, confirmed this board's excellent performance in the speed metric, and it outperformed many options that cost much more than the Zealot S.

Hills

Many riders demand uphill capabilities from their electric skateboard, so we weighted the hills metric at 10% of the total score of each board. We tested the boards by throwing them at a variety of different hills, from more to less steep, and noting our findings.

The Zealot S was able to make it up every hill that we threw at it, but it slowed down as the hills got steeper. Depending on your anticipated use, this may or may not impact your purchasing decision, especially when considering that the Zealot S was still able to make it up every testing hill.

Beginner Friendly

Many users are new to the sport of electric skateboarding, so we weighted this metric at 10% of the total score. We investigated the remote, beginner mode, and weight of the Zealot S to create a combined score and help you size up its learning curve. We were pleased with this option's beginner-friendly touches and would recommend it to anyone getting into this sport.

The remote of this board is intuitive, comfy to hold, and requires little in the way of reading instructions.

In beginner mode, we also loved the gentle initiation of the accelerator and braking which reduces the chances of you getting thrown off. This mode also maxes the board's speed out at around 11-13 mph.

At 20.7 pounds, this is a more carryable option than many we reviewed and is quite amicable to transport. Overall, we think a new rider will love the Zealot S with its friendly remote and effective beginner mode, keeping the learning curve reasonable.

Should You Buy the Backfire Zealot S?

This electric skateboard offers an incredibly high-performing option when considering its modest price. If cost has been keeping you away from this sport, look no further than the Zealot S as an effective way to hit the pavement or the trail without having to pull money out of your retirement account.

What Other Electric Skateboards Should You Consider?

For those that are willing to invest the funds for top-notch performance, the Ownboard Carbon Zeus Pro is our highest-scoring model overall. If you're looking for a monowheel ESB, the Onewheel Pint is reasonably priced and displayed commendable performance during our assessment while the higher-priced Onewheel GT earned a high overall score thanks to its impressive all-around performance.