The Backfire Nalu Electric Surf Skate with R5s Remote isn’t just an electric skateboard—it’s a moving piece of design and performance art. Lightweight, precise, and perfectly tuned for carving, this board brings the feeling of surfing to the pavement. With its sleek minimalist look, highly maneuverable surf trucks, and smart remote control, the Nalu delivers a fresh take on electric riding that blends traditional skate culture with the smooth power of dual hub motors.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore why the Nalu stands apart, who it’s built for, and how it turns daily commutes or weekend cruises into something that feels more like riding waves than navigating concrete.
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A Fusion of Surf and Skate Engineering
The Backfire Nalu Electric Surf Skate is inspired by the fluid motion of surfing. From the moment you step on the board, the design encourages flow, agility, and rhythm. With a 30” x 10” deck shaped for carving and made from a fiberglass and maple composite, the Nalu offers the right combination of stiffness and flexibility.
Its 60° turning angle allows for ultra-tight carves—ideal for weaving through urban landscapes or cruising along beachside paths. The surf-style trucks, hot-forged and CNC-milled with precision, respond to even the slightest shifts in your weight, allowing riders to generate speed by pumping rather than pushing, just like a surfskate.
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Lightweight Build for Everyday Portability
Weighing just 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg), the Backfire Nalu is one of the lightest electric skateboards in its class. This makes it highly portable—easy to carry up stairs, onto public transit, or into cafes.
The low weight doesn’t sacrifice quality or stability. The solid deck construction supports riders up to 220 lbs, and its low center of gravity adds to the stability during sharp turns or faster riding. Commuters and students will especially appreciate how nimble and manageable this board is when it’s not under power.
Powertrain Performance: Smooth and Subtle
Hidden beneath the Nalu’s clean exterior are dual 340W hub motors. These motors provide silent acceleration and seamless braking without disrupting the natural aesthetic of the board. Tucked away inside the rear wheels, they give the Nalu its stealthy, traditional look.
The board is capable of hitting speeds up to 16 mph (25 km/h), a perfect balance between adrenaline and control. While it’s not a racing board, the Nalu doesn’t need to be. It’s designed for carving, gliding, and playful movement—not blasting down streets at breakneck speed.
Battery and Range: Ideal for Short Commutes
The Nalu is powered by a 99Wh lithium polymer battery, giving it a maximum range of about 12.5 miles (20 km). This makes it perfect for short commutes, trips to class, or cruising neighborhoods without range anxiety.
Charging is efficient, too. With the standard charger, you’ll be back on the road in just 2 hours. Use the optional GaN fast charger, and you can juice the battery in under an hour. Plus, the 99Wh battery is small enough to meet TSA flight requirements, making it one of the few boards you can actually travel with on a plane.
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R5s Remote: Intelligent Control in Your Hand
A standout component of the Backfire Nalu Electric Surf Skate is the upgraded R5s remote control. This sleek, ergonomic controller puts advanced board functionality right at your fingertips. Featuring a crisp OLED display, it shows your:
- Current speed
- Battery levels (for board and remote)
- Riding mode
- Estimated range remaining
With the R5s remote, riders can switch between three intuitive riding modes: Eco, Sport, and Turbo. These allow you to adjust power output and acceleration depending on your mood, terrain, or skill level. It also controls the board’s built-in LED lighting, letting you toggle on ambient lights for safety and style.
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LED Lighting: Ride with Visibility and Flair
The Nalu doesn’t just perform—it shines. Embedded LED lights along the sides of the deck offer a head-turning glow in low-light conditions. Whether you’re commuting at dawn, skating at sunset, or just showing off to friends, the lighting adds both functionality and visual appeal.
These LEDs are remote-controlled via the R5s and include various lighting modes to suit different riding scenarios. Visibility is important when you’re sharing the road or sidewalk, and the Nalu ensures you’ll be seen as much as you’re felt.
Designed for the Street Surfer
Let’s be clear—this board isn’t built for high-speed downhill racing or rugged terrain. The Backfire Nalu is for the rider who appreciates nuance over raw power. It’s for those who love carving, pumping, and flowing through city streets or bike paths.
Think of the Nalu as a surfskate with a silent motor—more about rhythm and creativity than brute force. It’s ideal for riders who value aesthetics, balance, and style. Whether you’re transitioning from surfboarding or looking to upgrade from a traditional penny board, the Nalu gives you a soulful ride.
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Premium Components and Build Quality
Backfire has a solid reputation for quality, and the Nalu reflects that commitment. Every element, from the grip tape to the CNC-machined trucks, is thoughtfully engineered. The deck is layered for durability while remaining lightweight. The wheels—80mm 78A polyurethane—are soft enough to absorb bumps yet firm enough for sharp carves.
The board also features IP65 water resistance, meaning it can withstand light splashes or damp conditions, though riding in heavy rain isn’t recommended.
Even the charging port and power button are flush-mounted and subtly integrated into the deck’s design, preserving the clean, minimalist look that sets the Nalu apart from most electric boards.
Aesthetics: Minimalism Meets Function
The Nalu comes in several eye-catching colorways—Maple, Cube, Purple, and Jungle—each offering a unique vibe. Its stealthy design hides the motor and battery system, making it nearly indistinguishable from a traditional cruiser.
With no large enclosures or bulging batteries, the board maintains a sleek silhouette. It’s a conversation starter at first glance and a performance cruiser once you step on.
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Who Should Ride the Backfire Nalu?
The Nalu is perfect for:
- Urban riders looking for a lightweight, portable board
- Beginner-to-intermediate skaters who prioritize carving and control
- Commuters who want a TSA-compliant, short-range electric vehicle
- Surfskate enthusiasts transitioning to electric
- Design lovers seeking a minimalist yet stylish board
It’s not the best option for:
- Riders seeking 25+ mph speeds
- Long-distance commuters who need 20+ mile range
- Rough terrain or off-road riders
Real-World Riding Experience
Riders report that the Backfire Nalu handles like a dream on smooth pavement and boardwalks. The surf trucks respond beautifully to carving motions, and the transition between Eco, Sport, and Turbo modes feels intuitive and natural.
One of the most praised features is how quietly the hub motors operate. Combined with the board’s clean look and surf-inspired movement, the overall ride is elegant and expressive rather than aggressive.
Battery life is consistent with Backfire’s claims, and the compact charger makes it easy to keep topped up during the day.
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Pricing and Value
At $599, the Backfire Nalu Electric Surf Skate falls into the mid-tier price range of electric skateboards. But for what it offers—dual motors, precision trucks, LED lighting, remote control, and aesthetic finesse—it delivers considerable value.
You’re not just buying performance; you’re buying a lifestyle board that combines portability, fun, and craftsmanship into a complete package.
Final Thoughts
In a market flooded with carbon-fiber monsters and high-voltage speed demons, the Backfire Nalu Electric Surf Skate brings something rare: grace. It’s not about maximum speed or range. It’s about feel. Carving. Gliding. Enjoying the ride for what it is, not just what it can conquer.
If you’re looking for a sleek, surf-inspired e-board that balances performance and portability, the Nalu checks all the boxes. Its beautiful design, intuitive control system, and responsive ride make it a joy to own—whether you’re carving curves in a park or simply commuting with style.
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FAQs
1. What is the top speed of the Backfire Nalu?
The board can reach speeds up to 16 mph, which is ideal for casual cruising and controlled carving.
2. Can I travel with the Nalu on an airplane?
Yes. Its 99Wh battery is TSA-compliant, making it one of the few electric skateboards you can legally bring on a flight.
3. Is the Nalu waterproof?
It has an IP65 water resistance rating, which protects against light splashes. However, it’s not suitable for riding in heavy rain or through deep puddles.
4. What is the range on a single charge?
The Nalu provides up to 12.5 miles (20 km) of range, depending on rider weight, speed, and terrain.
5. What riding styles does it support?
The board is optimized for surfskate-style riding—tight carving, pumping, and flowing street rides.
6. How does the R5s remote enhance the experience?
The remote provides real-time data (speed, battery, mode), mode switching, and LED light control in a comfortable, ergonomic form.
7. Can beginners use the Nalu?
Absolutely. With three riding modes and a responsive control system, it’s beginner-friendly while still offering depth for experienced riders.
