LINNPOWER EVO MK-1 Review: A Big, Powerful All-Terrain Electric Skateboard

Introduction

The LINNPOWER EVO MK-1 is a lacrosse-style electric skateboard, a form factor that features a large, flat deck, channel trucks, and very large wheels. This design is not a mountain board, but rather a big cruiser built for range and power. The company behind it, LINNPOWER, is known for its gear drives used by other brands, and this is their first complete board release.

There are two versions of the EVO MK-1: the Light and the Pro. The Light version uses a 14s 3p Samsung 50s battery pack with 756 watt-hours, while the Pro version uses a 14s 4p Samsung 50s pack with 1,008 watt-hours, offering about 30% more range. The Light version uses a belt drive with a 4.0 gear ratio, while the Pro version uses a gear drive with a 4.3 ratio. The Light version weighs around 16.5 kg, and the Pro version weighs 18.5 kg.

Deck and Build Quality

The deck is 96 cm (38 inches) long and 27.5 cm (10.8 inches) wide. While these dimensions may not sound massive, the board feels very large when standing on it. This is partly due to the shallow concave, which is almost flat. This creates a very roomy deck, but it can feel a bit too big for riders used to smaller boards.

The deck is crafted using snowboard manufacturing techniques for durability. The flex is good, providing a decent amount of give for absorbing bumps. There are holes included for bindings, which can help with turning, though some riders may prefer the freedom of being able to step off the board quickly. The deck also has holes for Trampa trucks that use springs. The grip tape is very grippy and looks great.

Trucks and Bushings

The EVO MK-1 uses channel trucks, which are common on mountain boards and lacrosse-style cruisers. The stock setup comes with a white, softer bushing in the front and a red, harder bushing in the rear. The stock bushings can feel too hard for environments that require frequent sharp turns, like a crowded city. The board does come with an extra set of bushings, and swapping the rear bushing to the softer white one improves maneuverability significantly.

The trucks are very wide, which is great for stability but can make the board feel a bit sluggish in its maneuverability. The wide trucks can also get in the way when pushing the board before getting on. This board is clearly set up for higher speeds, with a top speed that is not recommended for most riders.

Wheels and Hubs

The stock wheels are 8-inch pneumatics, which are quite large. The hubs are compatible with other sizes, so you can use 6.5-inch wide wheels or go up to 9 inches with a different set of rims. The hubs are quick-release and require no tools to take apart, making tire changes very convenient. The rims look cool and are easy to service.

The stock 8-inch tires perform adequately on rough terrain like cobblestone and grass. However, for really rough terrain, an electric skateboard may not be the ideal vehicle compared to something like a mountain bike.

Performance and Ride Experience

The performance of the EVO MK-1 is very good, though for very powerful boards, the difference between one and another can be hard to tell. The board feels stable, especially with the softer white bushings in the rear. The ride is more suited to suburbs with wide roads and less traffic, where there is more room to maneuver. In a crowded city, a large board like this can be difficult to handle, especially for new riders.

Buying Advice

The LINNPOWER EVO MK-1 is a well-built, premium-feeling board with a strong price point. The introductory price for the Light version is $1,200, with a normal price of $1,600. The Pro version has an introductory price of $1,500, with a normal price of $1,900. These prices are very competitive when compared to other brands in the all-terrain category.

This board is best for riders who enjoy large, all-terrain boards with plenty of room to stand. It is not ideal for those who need a lightweight, portable board or for riding in dense urban environments. If you are looking for a powerful, stable cruiser for open roads and light trails, the EVO MK-1 is a very attractive option.

Conclusion

The LINNPOWER EVO MK-1 is a compelling entry into the complete electric skateboard market. It offers a unique lacrosse-style form factor with a roomy deck, large pneumatic wheels, and a solid build quality. While it may not be the best fit for every rider or environment, it delivers strong performance and value for those who want a big, powerful all-terrain cruiser.