eSkate Hub
Ad: Meepo

Backfire Nalu Review

A surf-skate electric skateboard that's all about fun.

Backfire Nalu

Best Features

Top Speed: 16mph / 25kmh

Range: 12.5 miles / 20km

Surf-skate truck at front

Integrated electronics and lights

Lightweight and portable

US$599

$349 for first 1000 pre-orders with code NALU

Hey eSkaters!

Ever wished you could capture that surfing feeling on the streets?

The Backfire Nalu electric skateboard brings the wave-carving experience to pavement, wrapped in a sleek package that turns heads with its integrated LED lighting system.

At $599 ($349 for first 1000 pre-orders, with code Nalu), this lightweight cruiser proves that you don’t need a massive price tag to get premium features and an exhilarating ride.

Whether you’re a surfer looking to scratch that carving itch or a commuter wanting something more exciting than a traditional electric skateboard, the Nalu delivers a unique riding experience that sets it apart from the crowd.

My Backfire Nalu review will hopefully shed some light on whether this electric skateboard is for you.

Backfire Nalu Review

Deck and Design

The Nalu’s 30-inch length strikes the perfect balance between portability and stability.

Its fiberglass-maple composite deck features a functional kicktail and thoughtful concave that locks your feet in place during those deep carves.

The shock-absorbing grip tape isn’t just marketing speak – it actually helps dampen vibrations while providing excellent foot traction.

What really makes the Nalu stand out is its integrated LED light system running along the deck sides. These aren’t just any lights – they’re properly bright and offer three modes (steady, breathing, and flashing) controllable right from the remote.

The transparent crash pads at both ends protect these lights while adding to the board’s premium feel.

With four graphic options available (Purple, Maple, Cube, and Jungle), you can choose a style that matches your personality.

Wheels

The Backfire Nalu comes equipped with 80mm wheels rated at 78A durometer – a sweet spot for urban cruising.

These wheels offer decent vibration absorption on smooth to moderately rough surfaces, though you’ll definitely feel larger cracks and bumps (as expected with any 80mm wheel).

The soft 78A compound provides good grip during carves and handles slightly wet conditions well, though I’d still avoid riding in proper rain.

While having other wheel options would be nice, the stock setup is well-chosen for the board’s intended use. The wheels complement the surf-style riding experience without sacrificing too much stability or roll speed.

Trucks

The star of the show is undoubtedly the hot-forged, 5-axis CNC precision surf truck up front.

With a 60° turning radius, this truck transforms the Nalu from a simple electric skateboard into a true carving machine.

The level of precision engineering here is impressive – there’s zero slop in the pivot, and the return-to-center is smooth and predictable.

It does take some getting used to – beginners might find it twitchy at first, but once you adapt to the increased responsiveness, you’ll be carving up sidewalks like they’re waves.

The rear truck is more traditionally stable, creating a nice balance between agility and high-speed stability.

Battery and Range

The 99Wh battery is a clever choice by Backfire. By staying under the 100Wh limit, the Nalu becomes air-travel friendly – a huge bonus for travelers.

In real-world testing, The Nalu consistently hit the advertised 12 mile / 19km range when riding in ECO mode on flat ground.

More aggressive riding in SPORT or TURBO modes will reduce this to about 8-9 miles / 13-14km, which is still plenty for most urban commutes.

The battery charges fully in 2 hours with the standard charger, or just 55 minutes if you spring for the optional fast charger.

The lithium polymer battery choice helps keep weight down while providing punchy acceleration when needed.

Motors, Speed, and Hill Climbing

The dual 340W hub motors provide enough punch for urban commuting without overdoing it.

The 16mph / 25kmh top speed might seem modest compared to some high-powered boards, but it’s perfect for carving and creates a more surf-like experience. Plus, it’s a speed that won’t terrify beginners or attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.

Hill climbing is rated at 15% grade, which proved accurate in testing. The board maintains good speed on moderate hills, though you’ll notice some slowdown on steeper inclines. It’s worth noting that the motors are remarkably silent – perfect for stealthy cruising through quiet neighbourhoods.

ESC and Remote

The Hobbywing ESC is a standout feature at this price point, providing smooth acceleration and predictable braking.

Three riding modes (ECO, SPORT, and TURBO) let you match the board’s performance to your skill level and riding conditions. The remote is comfortable and intuitive, with an LCD screen displaying speed, battery levels, and riding mode.

The ability to control the deck lights directly from the remote is a nice touch – double-clicking the power button cycles through the light modes, letting you switch between attention-grabbing and stealth modes on the fly.

Ride Experience and Overall Quality

The Nalu delivers a unique riding experience that truly captures the surf-skate feel.

Acceleration is smooth and predictable, with none of the jerkiness you might expect at this price point.

The combination of the surf truck and traditional rear truck creates a ride that’s incredibly fun for carving but remains stable enough for straight-line cruising.

Build quality is impressive throughout. The deck feels solid, the electronics are well-protected, and the integrated lighting system is thoroughly weatherproofed (IP65 rated).

After several weeks of testing, including some accidental drops and bumps, the board shows minimal wear and all systems continue to function perfectly.

Final Thoughts

The Backfire Nalu hits a sweet spot in the electric skateboard market. At $599, it offers premium features like the Hobbywing ESC, precision surf trucks, and integrated lighting while maintaining a travel-friendly weight and battery size.

It’s perfect for riders who value carving and style over raw speed and power.

This board is ideal for surfers and snowboarders looking for that familiar carving feeling while riding on the pavement, urban commuters who want something more exciting than a regular electric skateboard and travellers who need an airline-compliant electric skateboard.

While it may not be the fastest or most powerful board on the market, that’s not what the Nalu is about. It’s about bringing the joy of surf-style carving to the streets in a refined, reliable package.

If you’re looking for a unique riding experience with an emphasis on fun and style over raw performance, the Backfire Nalu deserves a spot at the top of your list.

$349 for first 1,000 orders with code NALU

On Backfire’s Website

Must-Have eSkate Accessories

Board Blazers: Underglow Lights

$19.99

On Amazon

Board Blazers: Skateboard Tail Light

$26.99

On Amazon

Nobleman K2 Half Face Helmet

$79.00

On Nobleman's Website

Nutcase VIO Skate Helmet with MIPS and Lights

$149.99

On Nutcase's Website

Nutcase Helmet - Dirty Martini

$79.99

On Nutcase's Website

Nobleman Protective Jacket - NB-K01

$159.00

On Nobleman's Website