Electric skateboards are often overlooked in the broader micromobility ecosystem, but they’re tons of fun as both commuter EVs and recreational rides. The Tynee Mini 2 brings affordable electric shortboards to the masses, and is even more convenient than a bulky electric longboard.
I’ve always enjoyed electric longboards as a great way to cruise the city on a pint-sized electric vehicle that carries easily with me when I reach my destination.
But one thing that all electric longboards have in common is that they’re, well, looooong. It’s not quite like carrying a surfboard under your arm. But it’s also not that far from it either, especially when you’re in a crowded place.
Electric shortboards give you much of the same convenience of electric longboards, but with a shorter and lighter design that can be easily carried upright. The Tynee Mini 2 is a great example of that, and one that you can see in my testing video below. Then remember to keep reading for all the juicy details on this fun little board!
There are actually two different version of the Tynee Mini 2 board available. The standard version has a smaller battery (216 Wh), while the higher ranger version lets you ride for longer thanks to its bigger battery (363 Wh).
There are technically even four versions of the board, since there are also hub motor options available in both battery sizes. But I tested the belt drive board, so we’ll stick with that model for now.
The board has a number of cool features. Immediately I fell in love with the smart on/off feature for the board. You can use the remote to turn on the board instead of having to bend over and turn the board on and off yourself from underneath. Several boards have that feature these days, so it’s not groundbreaking, but I love it as a back-saving measure.
The remote is a typical pistol grip style like you’ll find from almost every board these days – nothing special to write home about there.
I like the concave deck and kicktail design. It’s already quite nimble with the shorter wheel base, at least more nimble than the longboards I’m used to riding. But the kicktail helps you make quick and easy turns at low speed by popping up the front wheels.
The board comes with an IPX6 waterproof rating, which means you could basically spray it down with a hose or ride through heavy rain, and you’d be fine. I don’t know why you’d ever want to do that, though. The only time I’ve ever wrecked on an electric skateboard has been from hitting a puddle, and I don’t ride when it’s wet anymore because of that.
A neat little brake light is integrated right into the rear trucks. Again, it’s one of those features that I’m not sure makes a huge difference when you use it as a brake light since no cars are looking for brake lights on skateboards, but you can also leave it on or set it to flash like a bicycle light. That’s a much better feature, in my opinion, so I’m glad to see it included.
In terms of power, I was surprised how much kick this little board has. Those two 850W motors put out a combined 1.7 kW of power. With belt drive, they’re quite torquey, too. That means good pick-up and good braking power.
I’m not normally a fan of belt drive because I always seem to have belt alignment issues, but I haven’t seen any issue yet on the Tynee Mini 2. The motors and belts are a bit louder than I’m used to on my hub motor boards, but that’s to be expected, of course.
The top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h) may be accurate, but I don’t really know. I rarely go faster than 25 mph myself because I just feel most comfortable in the 20-25 range. With a shortboard, that’s doubly true. They just don’t track as nicely as my longboards. But even getting it up to 25 or so, the board definitely felt like it wanted to keep going, so I suspect that anyone looking for speed will find it.
For a board that is priced between $500-$680 depending on the current sales, it’s hard to ask much more of it than this. The Tynee Mini 2 offers good power, more speed than I need, plenty of range in the larger battery version, and even has those cool features like built-in tail light and remote on/off for the board.
With a fairly smooth ride and a comfortable deck design, I’m quite happy with what you get for the price here. I still feel better on my longboards as they tend to cruise better, but it’s hard to deny the convenience of a lightweight and easy to carry electric shortboard like this.
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Japanese equipment giant Komatsu dropped its new, 320-ton Power Agnostic 930E mining truck at MinsExpo trade show in Las Vegas, calling it a future-ready solution that can run on diesel, hydrogen, or pure electric power.
Komatsu continues to develop alternative engine technology with the release of its first commercial rigid-frame dump truck with a “power agnostic” platform for running on diesel, hydrogen, or even battery electric power.
“This platform enables mining companies to start with conventional diesel engines and gradually transition to cleaner energy sources as needed, including utilization of trolley assist for diesel or as one of the future dynamic charging solutions for battery trucks to reduce fuel consumption and emissions,” reads Komatsu’s press material. “Whether adopting battery technology, hydrogen fuel cell technology or a combination of energy systems, the Power Agnostic 930E provides the infrastructure and adaptability necessary to meet evolving sustainability goals.”
Potential customers got a sneak peek at the concept truck, which they were apparently allowed to test at Komatsu’s Arizona proving grounds ahead of MineExpo (I wasn’t invited). The first pre-production Power Agnostic 930E prototype will make its way to Sweden in the coming months, where it will be put to work alongside other electric Komatsu machines in Boliden’s Aitik copper mine, one of the largest such operations on the European continent.
Electrek’s Take
Converting gas and diesel-fueled cars to electric at scale is a concept that’s fraught with problems. Far too many to list here, in fact. But heavy equipment?
Everything from excavators to loaders to heavy trucks are already built to be powertrain agnostic, and manufacturers will often offer the same basic vehicle with Cummins, Detroit Diesel, or Volvo Pentapower, so there’s a degree of openness baked into those systems already. Komatsu is just taking that to the next level by adding a modularity of energy storage (fuel tanks, hydrogen cells, or battery packs) to the mix. And, if the project is successful, it could be the first of many.
isinwheel’s terrific personal EVs “bring all the things you want closer to you.” Whether it’s an electric scooter, an e-bike, or an e-skateboard, the three things you’re guaranteed to get no matter which you choose are fun, safety, and affordability.
We’re taking a closer look below at six of isinwheel’s personal EVs – could one of these be your next electric ride?
Table of contents
isinwheel S9Pro commuting electric scooter
Meet the isinwheel S9Pro, the best value-for-money electric scooter that zips you through your day at speeds up to 19 mph with a range of 19 miles – perfect for your daily commute.
The S9Pro‘s powerful 350W motor delivers a smooth, efficient ride without breaking the bank. With a lightweight, foldable aluminum frame, it’s easy to carry, store, and even pop into your car trunk or onto public transport. Plus, the quick one-step folding mechanism makes it the ultimate on-the-go companion.
The isinwheel S10Max is your ultimate high-performance ride, powered by a beastly 1000W motor that conquers any terrain with ease. With an impressive range of up to 37 miles, you can enjoy long-distance adventures without worrying about recharging.
The S10Max‘s all-terrain 10-inch off-road tires, paired with dual shock absorption, provide unbeatable grip and stability whether you’re cruising through city streets, on country paths, or on muddy trails.
Unleash your adventurous side with the isinwheel GT2. With a powerful 1000W motor, it rockets up to 28 mph, effortlessly conquering steep hills and challenging landscapes for a thrilling ride every time.
Its 11-inch off-road tires are built for all terrains, whether you’re cruising through the city or tackling rugged countryside paths. Plus, with four advanced shock absorbers, every ride is smooth and stable, no matter where your journey takes you. Get ready to ride the GT2 and experience performance like never before!
The isinwheel M10 electric commuter bike blends style with power. Crafted from lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum alloy, this sleek ride weighs just 47 pounds, making it easy to carry and tough enough to last.
With a professional 35-speed transmission, the M10 adapts to your every need, whether you’re accelerating, cruising downhill, or conquering steep inclines. With a 500W motor capacity, a top speed of 20 mph, 374 Wh battery capacity, and four hours of charging time, it’s the perfect blend of performance and convenience for your daily commute!
Say hello to the versatile isinwheel U1! With folding handlebars, pedals, and a height-adjustable seat, it’s perfect for easy storage and transport. The U1’s 500W motor comes with a smart chip that instantly adapts to give you that extra boost when you hit an incline, face a headwind, or carry more weight.
The U1 has a top speed of 18 mph, 280 Wh of battery capacity, and three hours of charging time. Whether you’re zipping through city streets or tackling hills, the U1 has you covered with power and portability.
Check out isinwheel’s V8, V6 and V10 electric skateboards
The isinwheel V8 electric skateboard is your ticket to thrilling rides, featuring a top speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 12 miles. Its removable, detachable batteries allow for quick swaps, so you can extend your adventure with ease. Choose from four riding modes and let the gorgeous ambient lights make you stand out, whether you’re cruising in daylight or lighting up the night. With its powerful dual 540W motors and regenerative braking system, the V8 delivers a ride that’s as exhilarating as it is stylish.
The V8 is isinwheel’s first-gen electric skateboard, and we’ve also taken it to the next level. The V6 is perfect for teens and beginners, and the high-performance V10 is for those who crave more power. But we’re not stopping there – this September, we’re launching the V6 PRO, the ultimate cool ride for young skaters and newbies. Stay tuned; it’s going to be epic!
It’s no Ferrari, but owning a sporty little Fiat 500e is about as close to putting a cavallino rampante in the garage as most of us will ever get. And if we act soon, we could do just that for 30% less money than before.
Fiat parent company Stellantis is giving dealers the ability to offer buyers up to $3,000 in coupons and incentives to help move its slow-selling 2024 FIAT 500e coupes. When paired with a $7,500 factory lease credit through Stellantis Financial, those coupons lead CarsDirect analysts to call the 500e one of the most affordable new EVs on the market.
The math maths
2024 FIAT (500e) RED in Miami; via Stellantis.
Between coupons and Stellantis Financial cash, that’s $10,500 in potential discounts before negotiations even begin. With a base MSRP of $34,095 with destination for a 2024 500e, that’s a JC Penney-style 31% off, with an additional 2% (presumably) within easy reach.
According to CarsDirect, the biggest downside of the coupon program is that it’s still unadvertised, which means there’s no way of telling how much of the allowable discount dealers are actually including in prices. But (as GI Joe taught us) knowing is half the battle, so click here to find deals on a new Fiat 500e near you, and make “are you applying those $3,000 in Stellantis coupons” one of your first questions.
Electrek’s Take
2024 FIAT (500e) RED interior; via Stellantis.
Small cars have never sold well in America. Not even great ones like the OG Honda CRX or Suzuki Swift GTi. Americans tend to buy for low use case scenarios, which is a fancy way of saying that, if an American thinks they’ll need a pickup 2-3 days/year, they’ll convince themselves to drive a pickup for the other 362 days. The British want more taxes than Americans wanted to pay in 1775, and today we have more gun shops than McDonald’s … just in case.
The little Fiat, in other words, was never going to be a volume player in the US. And that’s too bad, because the little 117 hp microcar is, by all accounts, fun to drive, zippy, and unquestionably cool. The media at large, though, has complained about the 37 kWh battery and 149 miles of EPA range – calling both “inadequate,” despite the fact that the first-generation Nissan LEAF had objectively inferior specs and sold 200,000 examples before getting its first significant upgrade in 2016. And, frankly, that Nissan had about as much style as a hospital gown.
So, while it may not offer what most car buyers think they need – as a second car, or a fun, urban runabout for lighthearted singles, the little Fiat is tough to beat (especially in red).