Hey everyone! 👋 In this article, we're diving deep into the Meepo City Rider 3, an electric skateboard that's been turning heads (and wheels) in the e-skate community. I've spent the last three months putting this board through its paces, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride – literally! From its robust build to its impressive power, this board has a lot to offer. Let's break it down.
📏 Built for the Streets: Dimensions & Design
First off, let's talk about the physical aspects. The Meepo City Rider 3 is a substantial board, measuring 94 cm long and 25 cm wide. This generous size means even those with larger feet (like my size 44) can comfortably plant their feet without feeling cramped. It's definitely on the larger side compared to some other boards I've tested.
However, this size comes with a bit of weight – 13.8 kg to be exact. While not ideal for carrying around, this weight is largely due to the powerful battery, which we'll get to in a moment. The board itself feels incredibly sturdy, with a strong wooden deck and grippy sandpaper for your feet.
🔋 Power & Performance: Battery Life & Motor
Now, let's talk about the juice! The battery boasts a 35 km range, but in my experience, pushing it hard resulted in around 25 km of real-world use. However, on a smooth, well-paved bike path at a consistent 25 km/h, you'll likely hit that 30-35 km mark.
The motor is where things get really interesting. My test model features a dual rear motor setup, delivering a staggering 7 kW of power! That's 3500W per wheel. There's also a four-wheel drive version available, which cranks the power up even further. The top speed of this board is a claimed 48 km/h, but I personally felt most comfortable around 20-25 km/h. At higher speeds, the board can get a bit unstable, and I'm not exactly the most graceful rider. 😅
The battery itself is a 544 Wh unit, which is a solid capacity for an e-skateboard. It can also handle inclines of up to 26 degrees, which is seriously impressive. For context, mountain passes are usually around 9 degrees!
⚙️ Smooth Ride: Suspension & Wheels
The Meepo City Rider 3 isn't just about power; it's also about a smooth ride. It features dual shock absorbers on each axle, both front and rear. This is a step up from many other boards that only have one or none. This setup gives the board excellent agility and maneuverability.
The wheels are solid, meaning no punctures! They're not overly hard either, providing a comfortable ride even on bumpy surfaces. My test model came with road wheels, but you can swap them out for off-road tires if you're planning on hitting some rougher terrain. The power is transmitted to the wheels via a belt, which helps to smooth out acceleration and braking, preventing that jerky feeling you get with some other boards.
🕹️ Control & Features: Remote & More
The board has a power button and charging port on the bottom. The remote control, which charges via USB, has three buttons that allow you to control speed and braking. There are four modes for both acceleration and braking. I found that using mode two for both was the sweet spot. Higher modes can lead to skidding or instability. The remote also displays the battery level of both the board and the remote itself. You can even put the board in reverse!
🛵 Riding Experience: Maneuverability & Fun
The Meepo City Rider 3 is a blast to ride! It's incredibly manageable, even on twisty circuits. It turns well, feels stable, and is very responsive. The power delivery is smooth and precise, unlike some boards that give you a sudden jolt.
If I had to pick a drawback, it would be the charger. It's quite heavy and bulky, making it inconvenient to carry around.
🤕 A Few Bumps in the Road: My Anecdotes
Now, for a bit of honesty. I've had a couple of falls while testing this board. I was pushing it to the limit, trying to get the best times on a circuit, and well, I got a little overconfident. It's a reminder that even with a great board, you need to be aware of your limits and wear proper safety gear. I highly recommend a helmet, and if you're planning on pushing the limits, consider hand and elbow protection.
🛠️ After-Sales Support: Accessories & Replacements
One thing that really impressed me about Meepo is their after-sales customer service. They offer a wide range of accessories and replacement parts on their website, from wheels and motors to belts and even the deck itself. This is a huge plus, as it means you can easily maintain and customize your board.
🤔 Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
The Meepo City Rider 3 is a fantastic e-skateboard. It's powerful, well-built, and a lot of fun to ride. The dual-motor version starts at around $1000, while the four-wheel drive version goes up to $2000. While it's not cheap, I believe it's worth the investment.
Key Takeaways:
- Robust Build: Durable and designed for urban environments.
- Powerful Motor: Dual rear motors provide impressive acceleration and hill-climbing ability.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 35 km range (though real-world use may vary).
- Smooth Ride: Dual shock absorbers and belt-driven motor for a comfortable experience.
- Excellent After-Sales Support: Wide range of accessories and replacement parts available.
Questions for You:
- What are the main differences between the dual-motor and four-motor versions of the Meepo City Rider 3?
- How does the e-skateboard perform on different types of terrain, and what are the benefits of using off-road wheels?
- What safety gear is recommended when riding the Meepo City Rider 3, especially at higher speeds?
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever tried an e-skateboard? What are your experiences? Let me know in the comments below! 👇
