Can Wowgo Mini 2 Compete with the best?(Wowgo Mini 2 Review)

In the realm of electric skateboards, shortboard enthusiasts often find themselves overlooked, as most electric skateboard brands prioritize their research and development resources on longboards instead of mini electric skateboard. It has become common for these brands to create a longboard design, simply transfer the same components onto a shorter deck, and call it a day. However, a game-changing shift has occurred with the introduction of the Wowgo Mini 2 shortboard.

Looking back at the uninspiring designs of the Meepo Mini 1 and Wowgo Mini, we can all agree that they lacked inspiration. Fortunately, this changed when Boosted, may it rest in peace, released the highly acclaimed Boosted Mini, setting off a craze among electric skateboard manufacturers to create better electric shortboards.

In late 2021, Wowgo finally joined the movement to make shortboards great by replacing their lackluster Wowgo Mini with the impressive Wowgo Mini 2, an electric shortboard priced at $559.99. This model features a 10s2p 187.6Wh battery, indicating right from the start that it is not just a haphazardly assembled board composed of spare parts.

Now, let's delve into the components and specifications.

Check Price On Wowgoboard.com

Build and Specifications

The Wowgo mini 2 electric skateboard boasts specifications that are comparable to most sub-$500 boards from affordable brands. However, the slightly higher price of the Mini 2 is justified by its well-thought-out design and high-quality skate parts. Now, let's move on to the riding experience.

Deck

The Wowgo Mini 2 utilizes a U-shaped concave deck made of solid Canadian maple wood, which follows in the footsteps of the popular Boosted Mini. However, the concave on this model is more subtle compared to the Boosted Mini or Exway Wave, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort.

Functional Kicktail with Deck Guard

This board includes a functional kicktail that proves useful for those proficient in executing kick turns. Additionally, there is a deck guard beneath the kicktail that helps protect it. If you want to exhibit style while braking, you can use the kicktail instead of the remote control.

Premium Shortboard Look

Underneath the deck, you'll find a single enclosure housing both the ESC and battery. Wowgo has clearly invested effort into designing this mini-board. Unlike the first-generation Wowgo Mini, which was a mere assemblage of off-the-shelf components, the Mini 2 exudes a premium look and feel. It is evident that thorough design considerations were made, with sick details on top of the deck and a glossy finish underneath.

Smooth Ride with Hobbywing ESC

Let's move on to the electronics. The Wowgo Mini 2 employs a Hobbywing ESC with 4-speed modes and smart power-on functionality. It features a 10s2p 5.0 Amp-hours battery with 180 Watt-hours capacity. The marketed range for this board is 15 miles or 25 km. During testing, a rider weighing 95 kg (209 lbs) achieved a range of 11 miles or 18 km, which is not surprising given the 5AH battery capacity. The battery charge level can be checked underneath the deck, which proves convenient during charging.

Powerful Hub Motors

The Wowgo Mini 2 is equipped with a pair of 680W hub motors. The board comes pre-installed with 90mm street wheels, but it is also compatible with 105mm Cloudwheel Donuts. The package includes stickers for the hub wheels, along with additional stickers featuring various designs. However, it is advisable to disregard the stickers, as they easily come off the wheels and are not worth the hassle.

Marketed Top Speed and Wheels

The standard marketed top speed for this board is 25 mph or 40 km/h, a limit that can be reached without difficulty.

Well-Balanced Trucks

Wowgo has developed its proprietary 45-degree trucks with double barrel bushings for the Mini 2. These 45-degree trucks strike a balance between stability and responsiveness, a common choice among electric skateboard brands. It's worth noting that these trucks differ from the Poseidon truck found on the Wowgo 2s Pro.

Riding Experience

First and foremost, let's discuss the performance of the trucks. They offer excellent responsiveness, allowing the board to feel nimble underfoot without sacrificing stability. Wowgo's proprietary truck performs impressively, surpassing the Tynee Board Mini and Meepo Mini 2 in terms of nimbleness and carving fun. When compared to Exway Wave's Trist trucks on stock settings, the Mini 2 proves to be more stable.

Most people seek a shortboard for quick and convenient commutes on sidewalks or within college campuses, where maneuverability is key. The kicktail on the Wowgo Mini 2 serves this purpose exceptionally well.

Overall, the Wowgo Mini 2 delivers an incredibly enjoyable riding experience on smooth roads. Riding it for the first time left me pleasantly surprised. The trucks are responsive, providing a nimble yet stable feel. The Hobbywing ESC offers super smooth and intuitive speed controls, with surprisingly strong acceleration that rivals that of a 12s set-up. Braking is also smooth and highly effective. The kicktail is functional and easy to use, while the subtle U-concave of the deck contributes to enhanced control without being obtrusive.

The strengths of the Wowgo Mini 2 lie in its exceptional speed control and maneuverability. However, it does have one weakness: handling road vibrations. This comes as no surprise since a shortboard with a rigid deck combined with hub motors tends to result in a discomforting ride on rough or poorly maintained roads. In most shortboards, you are directly standing on top of the trucks, causing vibrations from the road to travel directly to your knees.

The good news is that swapping to the 105mm Cloudwheel Donuts can significantly reduce road vibrations. However, if you regularly traverse rough roads, it is advisable to consider a belt-driven longboard with a flexible deck and larger or even all-terrain wheels.

To summarize

The Wowgo Mini 2 offers a comfortable and nimble ride for $559.99. While its top speed of 25 mph and range of 11 miles are not exceptional, the polished build quality and riding experience more than compensate for these aspects. The main drawback of the Wowgo Mini 2 is its poor performance on rough roads due to vibrations. Nevertheless, this is a common issue faced by all hub-driven shortboards, and the Mini 2 provides a comparatively better solution with the option to use 105mm Cloudwheel Donuts.

Taking everything into account, it is easy for us to recommend the Wowgo Mini 2 to anyone seeking a shortboard for use on well-maintained roads. It stands as the best option for those who desire a more refined experience than what the entry-level $400 boards like the Meepo Mini 2 offer, without having to pay the extra cost for the $749 Exway Wave with its fancy lights and removable battery.

If you are in the market for an electric shortboard, the Wowgo Mini 2 should be your first consideration, as it surpasses its cheaper competitors while not falling too far behind its pricier counterparts.

Pros and Cons Wowgo Mini 2

Overall, the Wowgo Mini 2 offers impressive performance, a stylish design, and a smooth riding experience. However, it may not be the best choice for those who frequently encounter rough roads or require a long range. Additionally, the higher price and potential availability issues should be taken into consideration when making a purchasing decision.

Pros:

Impressive Design:

1. The Wowgo Mini 2 boasts a sleek and stylish design that sets it apart from other electric skateboards in its class.

   High Performance:

2. With a powerful 10s2p 187.6Wh battery and 680W hub motors, the Mini 2 offers excellent speed and acceleration, reaching a top speed of 25 mph.

   Smooth Riding Experience:

3. The Hobbywing ESC provides smooth speed control and intuitive braking, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

   Maneuverability:

4. The U-shaped concave deck and functional kicktail allow for easy maneuvering, making it ideal for navigating tight spaces and performing tricks.

   Premium Build Quality:

5. The Wowgo Mini 2 is built with high-quality components, including Canadian maple deck, double barrel bushings, and a gloss finish, giving it a premium feel.

Cons:

Road Vibration:

1. Due to its stiff deck and hub motors, the Wowgo Mini 2 may not handle road vibrations well, making it less suitable for rough or poorly paved roads.

   Limited Range:

2. While the Mini 2 offers a decent range of 15 miles, it may not be sufficient for long-distance commuting or extended rides without recharging.

   Price:

3. Compared to entry-level electric skateboards, the Wowgo Mini 2 comes at a slightly higher price point, which may be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.

   Lack of All-Terrain Capability:

4. The Mini 2 comes with 90mm street wheels, limiting its ability to handle rough terrain or off-road riding.

   Potential Availability Issues:

5. Depending on your location, the Wowgo Mini 2 may not be readily available or may have limited distribution, making it harder to purchase compared to more popular brands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Wowgo Mini 2 stands as a formidable contender in the realm of electric skateboards. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and high-quality build, it offers an exceptional riding experience that is sure to satisfy shortboard enthusiasts. The powerful 10s2p battery and 680W hub motors deliver impressive speed and acceleration, while the Hobbywing ESC ensures smooth control and effortless braking.

The Wowgo Mini 2's maneuverability is a standout feature, thanks to its U-shaped concave deck and functional kicktail. Navigating tight spaces and performing tricks becomes a breeze, adding an extra element of excitement to every ride. The premium build quality, with its Canadian maple deck and gloss finish, further elevates the overall look and feel of the board.

However, it's important to note that the Wowgo Mini 2 may not handle road vibrations well, which can be a drawback when encountering rough or poorly paved roads. Additionally, the limited range and potential availability issues in certain areas should be taken into consideration.

Overall, the Wowgo Mini 2 caters to riders seeking an short electric skateboard that offers both style and substance. It strikes a balance between performance and design, making it an appealing choice for those who value a smooth, nimble ride on well-maintained roads. With its impressive features and competitive price point, the Wowgo Mini 2 is undoubtedly a strong contender in the electric skateboard market.