The Australian brand Evolve was created in 2010 by extreme sports enthusiasts. It is renowned for its skateboards that are fast, elegant and comfortable.
Currently, it offers three main ranges of electric skateboards: the Evolve GT Bamboo Series, the Evolve GTX Bamboo Series, and the Evolve GT Carbon Series. Each series is available in two versions: Street (for urban use) and all-terrain (for extra-urban use).
In this Evolve electric skateboard test, we will mainly talk about the characteristics of the Evolve GT Bamboo Series, since it represents the basic model. Afterwards, we will discuss in detail the characteristics that distinguish each of the other ranges of Evolve skateboards.
Without further ado, here is our Evolve electric skateboard review.
The Evolve GT Bamboo Electric Skate range
The GT Bambou represents the entry-level offering from the Evolve brand. It is offered in two longboard versions: the Evolve GT Bambou Street and the Evolve GT Bambou All-Terrain.
The Evolve GT Bambou Street is designed to ride on stable roads like asphalt or concrete. The Evolve GT Bamboo All-Terrain can be driven on stable roads but also on country paths or uneven asphalt.
Both models share a dual brushless motor drive system, which is mounted on the rear truck of the skateboard. The driving force generated by each motor is transmitted via a toothed belt to a reduction mechanism housed in the corresponding wheel.
With a cumulative power of 3000 W, the GT Bambou can reach a maximum speed of 40 km/h, which already represents great performance for an electric skateboard.
Evolve GT Bamboo battery and remote control
On the battery side, the Evolve GT Bambou electric skateboard is equipped with a Lithium-Ion 37 V / 7 Ah accumulator housed below the deck. If you use the standard charger that comes with the skateboard, then you should allow 3 to 4 hours for a full charge.
An optional fast charger allows you to charge the battery in less than 2 hours. The range is approximately 35 km for the Street version and 20 km for the off-road version. Battery life is estimated at 1000 charge cycles.
A wireless remote control with digital screen allows you to display the charge level and control acceleration and braking. It also allows you to choose between 4 driving modes: Slow, Eco, Fast, and GT.
- Slow and Eco modes prioritize driving safety and optimize the skateboard's autonomy.
- Fast mode offers a good compromise between autonomy and speed.
- GT mode allows you to use all of the power generated by both engines. It is suitable for riding at the maximum speed of the skateboard or for crossing slopes of up to 25°.
Design and structure of the Evolve GT Bamboo
The design of the GT Bamboo series is very elegant. The board is made of 7 superimposed layers of Canadian maple wood and two layers of bamboo. It is therefore robust and durable. Measuring 96 cm long and 23 cm wide, it adopts a W-shaped structure which improves the stability of the user. With a wheelbase of 73 cm, the skateboard offers a good compromise between maneuverability and comfort.
Both models use 306mm wide Super Carve trucks and Abec 9 Speedball bearings providing very high rotational performance. The “Street” version comes with 83mm 76A wheels. The “All-Terrain” version uses wheels designed specifically for driving on uneven roads.
To brake, the skateboard only uses an energy recovery mechanism.
While the “Street” version weighs 7.9 kg, the “Off-Road” version weighs 9.5 kg. These two versions are therefore very light compared to the first electric skateboards which weighed up to 40 kg!
Evolve GTX Bamboo electric longboards
Developed on the basis of the GT board, the GTX Bambou is also offered in two electric longboard variants: the GTX Bambou Street Black Edition and the GTX Bambou Tout Chemins.
Overall, there are 2 main details that distinguish the GTX from the GT:
- A more efficient battery Lithium-Ion (36 V/10 Ah) offering a range of 50 km for the GTX Bambou Street Black Edition version and 30 km for the GTX Bambou Tout Chemins version.
- larger wheels (97 mm 76A),
Aside from these two elements, the structure of the GTX is identical to that of the GT. It therefore adopts the same dual-motor drive system, the same trucks, and the same bearings. However, to fully recharge the battery, you should allow 4 to 5 hours with a standard charger and 2 to 3 hours with a fast charger.
A structure similar to the Evolve GT model
The board has the same dimensions of the GT and the same structure in superimposed layers of maple wood and bamboo. That said, it is covered with a laser-cut honeycomb grip and offers a more comfortable flex. It therefore offers better performance in terms of cushioning and rebound.
Another stylistic detail that makes the Evolve GTX stand out is that both engines are offered as standard in Gold finish. While the GTX Bambou Street Black Edition version weighs 8.8 kg, the GTX Bambou Tout Chemins version weighs 9.8 kg.
The Evolve GT Carbon skate series
The GT Carbon represents the high-end offering from the Evolve brand . Like the other models, it is offered in 2 versions: the Evolve GT Carbone Street and the Evolve GT Carbone All-Terrain .
The board is constructed of molded layers of carbon fiber and Kevlar. It is elegant and extremely sharp. Larger compared to other models, it measures 102 mm long and 23.5 cm wide. The gain in length resulted in a generous wheelbase of 81 cm.
Equipped with the same 36 V/10 Ah Lithium-Ion battery , it offers similar performance to the GTX in terms of autonomy and top speed. For the rest, it uses the basic equipment of the GT Bambou.
Despite the use of ultralight materials for the construction of the deck, the GT Carbon has an identical weight to the GT Bamboo (for both the Street and all-terrain versions).
Conclusion of the Evolve electric skateboard test
To conclude this Evolve electric skateboard review, let's take a close look at the advantages and disadvantages of the 3 model ranges.
Good point: the motorization with belt drive system
On the motor side, Evolve brand electric skateboards are equipped with a belt drive system. Unlike the motor integrated into the wheel (hub), this system is equipped with a reduction mechanism to optimize the transmission of driving force to the wheels. Which results in higher power compared to standard skateboards.
Certainly, the belt drive system has some disadvantages:
- A noisy operation.
- The need to regularly change the belt.
- The risk that a foreign body could obstruct the movement of the belt.
On the other hand, if the Evolve brand, which is one of the pioneers of electric skateboarding, continues to use this design, it is because it offers essential advantages:
- A higher torque compared to integrated motors allowing you to easily climb a slope.
- Faster starts and acceleration.
- Effective braking.
- A comfortable road holding.
- The possibility of fitting wheels of your choice, since the wheels are independent of the motors.
Additionally, the belt drive system is less complex than the built-in motor. It is therefore easier to maintain and repair.
Generally speaking, the 3 model ranges feature solid and elegant boards that can support a weight of 100 kg. They are also equipped with high-performance trucks and bearings.
The coolest part: customizing your configuration
Furthermore, the Evolve brand offers numerous customization possibilities including the “all-terrain kit” which allows you to transform a Street skateboard into an all-terrain version.
In addition, on all 3 model series it is possible to mount high-performance Kegel 80 mm or Evolve F1 107 mm wheels as well as Abec 11 bearings. Unfortunately, the bearings and electrical components are not are not waterproof.
The Evolve GT Bamboo is the ideal choice for a beginner. With a medium flex, it is comfortable and generally easier to control.
Equipped with large wheels and a sporty design, the Evolve GTX Bambou offers a compromise between the comfort of the GT Bambou and the sporty characteristics of the GT Carbon. In addition, it stands out for its good quality/price ratio.
As for the Evolve GT Carbon, it is distinguished by a hard flex and a more accomplished finish compared to the other models. Clearly, it’s the ideal choice for a rider looking for thrills!