Meepo's founder, Kieran Mao, begin prototyping his first electric skateboard in April, 2017. Since then, they have sold over 12,000 boards. Although the boards are made in China, Meepo has grown impressively due to their ability to keep cost low while providing excellent customer support (which most Chinese manufacturers lack). They now sport a product line of 6 different models and their newest introduction is a 4 wheel drive, the Meepo AWD GT.
The Meepo AWD GT, announced in June, is the world's first 4WD priced under $1000 USD. Meepo's website claims that the board is also the "World's First Perfect Symmetry Electric Skateboard". This means that they are the first manufacturer in which both end of the boards are symmetrical as each pair of wheels is powered by a separate battery. They also claim it is the "World's First Fastest Accelerating Electric Skateboard". We don't think that is the case. Although we cannot disprove it, there is no standardized testing methodology to prove it either. Despite the claim, it is indeed a powerful board for $799. At press time, the website claims it will begin fulfilling its next batch of orders with anticipated deliveries between Oct. 26 and Nov. 3rd - about two weeks from now.
Image from meepoboard.com
A Compelling Purchase
At press time, we are awaiting a production board from Kieran for a more in-depth review. There have been pre-sale batch along with an initial production lot purchased by early customers or sent out to various youtube reviewers, and they can provide some good insight as well. Meanwhile, we have gathered sufficient information to help educate potential buyers. There are only a handful of all wheel drive boards, and Meepo may be the fifth entry. We are of course aware of the many existing custom DIY boards, especially the all terrain ones that are all wheel drives. But in terms of off-the-shelf boards, the Meepo AWD GT makes it a very compelling purchase based on price alone as shown in the comparison table below (and Meepo includes free shipping to 46 countries). Its specs are comparable or better than the other boards. The main disadvantage is the weight (mainly due to the maple construction) and the range (smaller capacity batteries).
Meepo AWD GT | JED AWD | Acton QU4TRO | Walnutt SPECTRA Silver | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  | |
Price: | $799 USD | $1,599 USD | $1,699 USD | $1,399 USD |
Range: | 22.5 km (14 mi.) | 40 km (25 mi.) | 35 km (22 mi.) | 32 km (20 mi.) |
Top Speed: | 44 km/h (28 mph) | 40 km/h (25 mph) | 37 km/h (23 mph) | 37 km/h (23 mph) |
Maximum Incline: | 35% | 30% | 30% | 36% |
Weight: | 10.6 kg (23 lbs) | 7.6 kg (16.8 lbs) | 7.7 kg (17 lbs) | 6.9 kg (15.4 lbs) |
Charge Time: | 3 hr. (108 Wh Battery x 2) | 45 - 60 min. (320 Wh Battery) | 3 hr. (240 Wh Battery) | 110 min. (148 Wh Battery) |
Motor: | 4x300W (DD Hub) | 4x1200W (DD Hub) | 4x500W (Hub) | 4x200W (Hub) |
Board Dimensions: | 101.6 cm x 24.1 cm (40" x 9.5") | 106 cm x 22.8 cm (42" x 9") | 86.4 cm x 22.8 cm (34" x 9") | 61.7 cm x 17.8 cm (24.3" x 7") |
Board Material: | Maple (7 layer) & Bamboo (2 layer) | Bamboo | Aircraft Graded Aluminum, Carbon Fiber | Magnesium |
Wheel Size: | 90 mm | 80 mm (Orangatang) | 88 mm | 80 mm |
Maximum User Weight: | 127 kg (280 lbs) | 150 kg (330 lbs) | 127 kg (280 lbs) | 131 kg (290 lbs) |
Warranty: | 90 Day | 24 months | 6 months | 6 months |
What's in the Box?
At press time, Meepo ships to 46 countries and shipping is included in the price of $799. As shown in the picture, the box is packed securely to protect the board and its parts. In addition to the board and the instruction manual, Meepo includes an power adaptor (US, EU, or AU), a skateboard tools, charger, and a rear LED light.
Image from meepoboard.com
Image from meepoboard.com
Custom-made Trucks
The way Chinese manufacturers keep their cost low is to use either low-quality parts or parts used by other boards in high volumes (such as the Electronic Speed Controller (ECS). For Meepo to custom design and manufacture its own trucks is a giant step forward. Furthermore, the board is constructed of 7 layers of maple, and two layers of bamboo. This makes the board heavier, but on the other hand, it rides safer due to the powertrain beneath the board, especially in hilly terrain. The trucks are made of A365 aluminum alloy and utilizes 100A bushings. The combination provides greater stability when carving (especially when taking quick, sharp turns).
For those curious about A365 aluminum, here is quote from a third-party website:
"A356 has very good casting and machining characteristics. Corrosion resistance is excellent and it has very good weldability characteristics. Mechanical properties are rated excellent. Typically this alloy is used in castings for aircraft parts, pump housings, impellers, high velocity blowers and structural castings where high strength is required. The fact that A356 has good castability makes it a logical choice for intricate and complex castings where lightweight, pressure tightness and excellent mechanical properties are needed."
Two Batteries, Swappable Hubs
The Meepo AWD GT uses two Sanyo 108 Wh Lithium Ion Batteries. It could be that they may provide an option for a bigger battery pack to extend the range in the future. As with their other product lines, the PU wheels are swappable which allows you the flexibility of different wheel sizes as well as replacing the hub motor in the future. The braking system is applied to each wheel for quick stops (within 3 seconds at top speeds). Furthermore, aluminum handles are integrated on both sides of the board.
image from meepoboard.com
Image from meepoboard.com
Riding Modes
It should be noted that riding a skateboard is a subjective experience and everyone has their own perspective on what makes a good board. Some like the quiet, comfortable ride and others like to "feel the road," Note also that your weight significantly impacts the speed and the range of the board. The Meepo AWD GT provides four modes:
- Beginner - Not sure I would recommend such a powerful board for your first board. I would rather recommend Meepo Campus 2. At beginning mode, your top speed is a modest 10-11 kmh (6-7 mph) with a range in the 20-21 km (12-14 mi)
- Eco - Your top speed will run 25-27 kmh (16-17 mph) with a range of 16-18 km (10-11 mi.). Over 20
- Expert - Your top speed will run 40-42 kmh (25-26 mph) with a range of 12-14 km (8-9 mi). Be warned that speeds over 40 km is borderline unsafe, especially in crowded areas. Please always wear a helmet.
- Pro - Your top speed will run 40-42 kmh (25-26 mph) with a range of 10-12 (6-7 mi.). It is the same as expert but with a faster acceleration (sort of like a turbo mode). Please exercise care because if you are not ready for it, it will be like having your feet taken out from under you.
Meepo Demonstration by Kieran Mao
Below is a video produced by Kieran demonstrating the board, especially its power in going up hills and its quick braking action. Kieran is a young guy and in my opinion is a great asset since he is hands-on and not managing things from a board room.
Conclusion
Meepo's development as a company has been extremely impressive. For them to be able to sell over12,000 boards in 14 months is a significant milestone (maybe Meepo is also the world's first electric skateboard company to achieve this) and although it is made in China, they are rare in their ability as a Chinese manufacturer to provide excellent customer support. The Meepo AWD GT board is their flagship product and it could be a game changer in the industry. The board seems to be constructed well and its components are thoughtfully integrated to provide a solid ride in terms of power (acceleration and braking) and handling (carving). Meepo is also unique in customizing its own trucks which greatly improves the ride quality which shows Kieran has a good understanding of what it takes to build a solid board. The only question is the durability and reliability of the board along with its components. This can only be answered through the passing of time and Meepo has proven itself in its short history to handle un-anticipated issues and problems to keep the customer happy.