Is Meepo Mini 5 The Best electric shortboard?

If you've been following Meepo Board, you're likely aware of their dominance in the budget electric skateboard market since 2017. One of their most popular portable electric skateboard shortboards has been the Meepo Mini 2, which has held that title since 2019.

In 2023, Meepo introduced their latest addition to the electric shortboard lineup, the Meepo Mini 5.

With a price tag of $469 for the standard version and $599 for the Extended Range (ER) version, we're excited to delve into this review and discover the upgrades the 2023 Meepo Mini 5 brings to the table.

Will Meepo continue to be the top choice for an affordable electric shortboard? Let's find out!

Check Price On Meepoboard.com

Meepo Mini 5 Build and Specs

Deck: Crafted from 8-ply Canadian maple

Electronic Speed Controller: LingYi ESC; 4-speed modes, push-to-start

Batteries: Standard version – 144Wh battery; ER version – 288Wh battery

Claimed Range: Standard version – 11 miles (18 km); ER version – 19.8 miles (32 km)

Motors: 500×2 Hub

Claimed Top Speed: 28 mph (45 km/h)

Trucks: 5th Gen Shredder 45° Truck

Wheels: 90x60mm, 78A

The specifications of the Meepo Mini 5 may seem familiar to fans of the brand. The Meepo Mini 5 shares the same electronic components as the recent Meepo V5. Both models have the same ESC, battery, motors, and trucks—the only difference lies in the deck.

The Meepo Mini 5 features an 8-ply Canadian maple deck that is completely rigid, offering no flex. With a length of 30 inches, it boasts a functional kicktail and a deep concave. This aggressive deep dish-shaped concave, popularized by the late Boosted Mini, has become the standard for all-electric shortboards. The aggressive concave enhances the board's responsiveness and adds to the fun riding experience.

In terms of design, the 2023 Meepo boards stick to the black and gray color theme, creating a simple, tasteful, and polished vibe that is appreciated.

The weight of the board is 17.9 lbs (8.12 kg), making it relatively easy to carry around.

Speed Control – Punchy 4th Speed Mode

Similar to the Meepo V5, the Mini 5 is equipped with a LingYi Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). It features a push-to-start function, automatically powering up the board when pushed forward. The ESC offers 4-speed modes and 4 braking modes that can be adjusted independently. The LingYi ESC is known for its gentle and smooth acceleration in the first three speed modes, while the 4th mode provides a punchier acceleration. This allows the Mini 5 to cater to the control preferences of any rider.

For more information about the Meepo V5, you can read our verdict here.

However, personally, I believe Meepo could have removed the fourth speed mode from the Mini 5, as only a small percentage of riders would desire such intense acceleration.

Beginners are advised to stick to the first three speed modes, which offer smoother acceleration.

It's worth mentioning that the Hobbywing ESC provides slightly more stability and better smoothness in control compared to this latest version of the LingYi ESC. However, the difference is minimal and likely only noticeable to experienced electric skateboard reviewers.

Strong Brake

Many riders prefer the strong braking profile offered by the LingYi ESC, with the option to adjust it to the very potent 4th mode, favored by some eskaters. However, Meepo's decision to design a remote resembling the generic Hobbywing ESC remote, rather than sticking with the default LingYi remote with a screen, leaves some users puzzled. Unfortunately, this means the remote lacks a speed and range display. For those keen on having a screen on the remote, the Meepo 5s remote ($69) or another LingYi ESC-compatible remote can be purchased.

Meepo Mini 5 Battery Test

The Meepo Mini 5 comes with two battery options: a standard 4AH 144Wh battery with a claimed range of 11 miles (18 km) and an extended range version featuring a 288Wh battery, boasting an impressive 19.8 miles (32 km) range.

During testing, the Extended Range version covered 13.5 miles (22 km) with a 188 lbs (85 kg) test rider riding at high speeds, meeting expectations. The base 4AH version of the Meepo Mini 5 and V5 should offer approximately 10 miles (16 km) of range on full charging. Of course, slower riding or weight reduction can significantly increase the mileage on a single charge, also remember to account for the rider's weight.

The board is equipped with powerful 500W dual hub motors, generous for an entry-level electric shortboard. These motors are more than capable of handling steep inclines even for heavier riders. It is also very easy to hold stable speeds and you can reach astonishing speed of 28 mph which is way faster than Most people want to ride.

The Fastest Top Speed for any Shortboard

According to Meepo, the motors of the Meepo Mini 5 can reach a maximum speed of 28 mph (45 km/h). In our own testing, we were able to achieve a top speed of 27 mph (44 km/h). This speed is definitely faster than what one should typically go on an electric shortboard.

In terms of trucks, Meepo has introduced updated Shredder trucks as their signature choice. These 7-inch trucks, angled at 45 degrees and manufactured by Meepo, exhibit excellent responsiveness and a reliable return to the center which makes it an overall responsive ride.

In our review of the Meepo V5, we mentioned that these trucks come pre-configured with a loose and carve-y feel, making the board highly maneuverable and ideal for navigating tight spaces, such as maneuvering around pedestrians or executing sharp turns. So choose this option if you need more agile turning.

Of course, the Meepo Mini 5 also features a kicktail for tight turns, although we understand that not everyone may be familiar with utilizing a kicktail. That's perfectly fine, and we won't pass judgment on that.

However, if you intend to ride at high speeds, it is advisable to tighten the trucks. The default configuration can be too wobbly for a comfortable ride at such speeds.

The Meepo Mini 5 is equipped with 90mm wheels, with the front wheels being of good quality. We have heard that they are manufactured by the same wheel manufacturer as the now-defunct Boosted brand.

It's worth noting, however, that the urethane on the hub motors is still relatively thin, resulting in potentially harsh road vibrations. Additionally, the board's lack of flexibility further contributes to this issue. You don't need electric skateboards to have a super flexible deck so I wouldn't let this stop me from buying it.

Meepo Mini 2 VS Meepo Mini 5

Initially, we anticipated that the Meepo Mini 5 would simply be an upgraded version of the Mini 2, featuring a fresh paint job, improved design, higher-quality components, enhanced polish, and waterproofing. However, upon thorough evaluation, we discovered that these two shortboards are, in fact, quite distinct.

I like to describe the Meepo Mini 2 as an electric longboard in a compact size. It possesses an impressive level of power and stability, prioritizing stability over ease of turning with its truck configuration. While it may seem unconventional for a shortboard to emphasize power and stability, this uniqueness set the Meepo Mini 2 apart from other electric shortboards, and it gained my fondness for those distinctive qualities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Meepo Mini 5 is a solid electric skateboard that offers agility, decent range, user-friendly speed control, impressive power, and a high top speed. Priced at $469, it provides a stylish and portable option for riders seeking a reliable and enjoyable riding experience. While it may not be suitable for rough roads, the Mini 5 excels in delivering a satisfying ride. With its 8-ply Canadian maple deck, adjustable LingYi ESC, and sufficient range of versatile battery options, it's a compelling choice for both beginners and experienced riders.