BackFire, frequently referred to as BackFire Boards, is a Chinese manufacturer of electric skateboards and personal electric mobility devices. Established in 2009 by skateboarders Randy and Jerry, the company originally focused on conventional skateboards before gaining international recognition for its electric longboards, all-terrain boards, and related components [1]. In 2025, BackFire expanded its portfolio to include electric scooters [2]. The company describes its founding mission as delivering high-quality, affordable skateboards to make the sport more accessible worldwide.

2009: Foundation

BackFire was founded in 2009 by Randy and Jerry, both university students and skateboarding enthusiasts at the time. Their initial motivation was partly economic; they believed that skateboards were often unnecessarily expensive or overpriced. The company initially concentrated on manufacturing conventional skateboards and developing OEM experience. By 2010, BackFire stated it was producing and distributing skateboards to customers in over 20 countries [1].

2011–2013: Entry into electric skateboards

Research into electric skateboards began in 2011. This led to the development of the company’s first electric model, the G1, which was introduced internationally in 2013 [1]. This transition marked a significant shift for BackFire from a traditional skateboard manufacturer to an electric personal mobility brand.

2017: G2 Series

The release of the BackFire G2 represented a major developmental milestone. The company described this model as having superior industrial design, build quality, and power compared to previous generations. The G2 served as a key platform in establishing BackFire’s reputation within the growing consumer electric skateboard market.

2018: Lineup expansion

BackFire moved beyond basic commuter boards with the introduction of the G2S and the Ranger X1, the latter designed specifically for all-terrain riding. This period saw the company building a diverse product portfolio catering to various riding styles rather than relying on a single board platform.

2019–2020: Product diversification

The company introduced a series of increasingly sophisticated boards during this period, including:

• G2T
• G3
• G3 Plus
• Mini
• Ranger X2
• Zealot

The Zealot was particularly significant as it featured a flexible bamboo and fibreglass deck alongside dual belt-drive motors. This moved BackFire further towards the performance-oriented segment of the electric skateboard market [1].

2020s: Performance and premium models

BackFire continued to develop advanced electric skateboards, releasing models such as the Zealot S, Zealot X, Zealot S2/S3, Ranger X-series, Hammer, and G5. These products incorporated higher-voltage battery systems, Samsung lithium-ion cells, FOC electronic speed controllers, belt or gear drives, larger motors, improved remotes, and advanced deck constructions. The catalogue currently spans from affordable beginner boards to high-performance machines [1].

2025 onwards: Electric scooters

According to its scooter division, BackFire expanded into the electric scooter market in 2025. The company presents this move as an extension of its existing expertise in lithium-powered electric mobility rather than a departure from its core skateboard business [2].

Randy

Randy is identified as the company’s founder and a long-time skateboarder who began skating around 2000. He studied mechanical electronics at East China University of Science and Technology. His engineering background is closely linked to BackFire’s product development; he reportedly leads R&D activities and participates in performance and quality testing.

Jerry

Co-founder Jerry has a business background and later obtained a master’s degree in the United States. He is responsible for strategic planning and marketing. The division of responsibilities between the founders combines engineering and product development with business strategy and international marketing.

BackFire’s core business remains electric skateboards, with a catalogue divided into several distinct categories.

G-series

The G-series represents BackFire’s accessible, general-purpose electric skateboards. The current lineup includes models such as the G2 Black, G2Z, and G5. The G2 Black is positioned as an entry-level board, while the G5 offers greater range and performance [1].

Zealot series

The Zealot family targets riders seeking higher performance. Models in this series have included:

• Zealot
• Zealot S
• Zealot S2
• Zealot S3
• Zealot X
• Zealot X2

The Zealot X2 features dual gear-drive motors, a 14S battery system, and a 504 Wh Samsung 50S battery pack. BackFire rates it at speeds up to 50 km/h (31 mph) with a claimed range of 45–55 km, depending on conditions and rider specifications.

Ranger series

The Ranger line focuses on all-terrain electric longboarding. These boards emphasise larger wheels, greater ground clearance, and suspension capabilities compared to street-oriented models. The Ranger X6 is listed among the company’s primary electric skateboard products.

ERA

The ERA line occupies the more affordable segment of the modern BackFire lineup. The ERA 5 is listed as a relatively inexpensive electric skateboard compared to the company’s performance-oriented models [1].

Nalu

The Nalu differs from BackFire’s traditional longboard products by being marketed as an electric surf skate, providing a playful, carving-oriented option within the lineup.

Components and accessories

BackFire sells replacement and upgrade components, including ESCs, remotes, wheels, batteries, motors, trucks, chargers, hardware, and other accessories. The company emphasises modularity and replaceable parts in its FAQ, designing boards around serviceability rather than disposability [1].

BackFire combines conventional skateboard design with electric drive technology.

Motors

Depending on the model, BackFire utilises hub motors, belt-drive motors, gear-drive motors, and dual-motor configurations. Performance-oriented boards may use high-power dual-motor systems; for example, the Zealot X2 uses two 6360 motors with a gear-drive system.

Batteries

The company has adopted high-capacity lithium-ion battery packs using cells from manufacturers such as Samsung. The Zealot X2 uses a 14S2P, 504 Wh pack built with Samsung 50S 21700 cells and a smart battery management system.

Electronic speed controllers

BackFire uses customised ESC technology. Replacement ESC documentation describes these as HobbyWing/BackFire customised-program ESCs designed for compatibility with BackFire products.

Remote controls

Modern BackFire products feature advanced control interfaces. The Major V3 remote used with the Zealot X2 includes a 1.43-inch AMOLED touchscreen, allowing riders to monitor and control various functions.

Deck construction

Deck materials vary by product and include maple, bamboo, fibreglass, carbon fibre, and ABS-reinforced composites. The company has emphasised flexible decks, arguing they provide a more natural longboarding feel [3].

BackFire’s central design concept involves combining the feel and culture of skateboarding with modern electric propulsion. This distinguishes the company from mobility firms that focus solely on scooters or small electric vehicles. BackFire products retain conventional skateboard characteristics such as deck flex, trucks, carving capability, skateboard wheels, longboard geometry, and rider-controlled acceleration and braking. Simultaneously, they integrate electric motors, lithium batteries, electronic speed controllers, wireless remotes, regenerative braking, digital displays, lighting systems, and smart battery management. The stated goal remains centred on high-performance, affordable electric skateboards.

BackFire occupies a middle ground in the electric skateboard market. It is not primarily a generic budget brand, nor does it position every product as an ultra-luxury machine. The lineup ranges from affordable entry-level boards to expensive performance machines. For example, the company’s comparison chart has listed the G2 Black at approximately $499, the G5 at $649, the Zealot S3 at $899, the Zealot X2 at $1,399, and the Ranger X6 at $1,499. Prices are subject to change and discounts. This creates a broad product ladder spanning beginner, commuter, enthusiast, performance, and all-terrain segments.

Although originating in China, BackFire has established an international business. The company reports sales and service operations in major markets including China, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the European Union, alongside distributors in additional countries. BackFire’s scooter division claims over 240,000 users worldwide, though this is a company-reported figure rather than an independently audited statistic [2]. The company advertises global shipping, a 180-day warranty, and local customer service [1].

BackFire has roots in Chinese skateboard manufacturing, including OEM production for other brands before focusing on its own products. Unlike software or electronics startups that later added motors to boards, BackFire developed from a traditional skateboard manufacturing background into electric mobility. Its engineering organisation encompasses mechanical engineering, structural engineering, industrial design, product design, electronics, battery systems, and motor/drive systems. The R&D team develops different board shapes, functions, and performance characteristics according to rider requirements.

Throughout its history, BackFire has experimented with features beyond standard motorisation. Highlighted developments include illuminated skateboard decks, metal-bodied colour-screen remotes, advanced touchscreen remotes, gear-drive electric skateboards, high-voltage electrical systems, high-capacity Samsung battery packs, all-terrain electric longboards, and flexible composite decks. The company describes several of these as industry-first innovations, though such claims represent BackFire’s own descriptions rather than independently verified records.

BackFire’s identity is built upon three pillars:

1. Skateboarding heritage: Founded by enthusiasts, the company retains traditional concepts such as carving, flex, and longboard geometry.
2. Engineering: Product development focuses heavily on motors, batteries, ESCs, drive systems, and mechanical construction.
3. Value: Compared to some high-end brands, BackFire has historically offered substantial performance without luxury pricing.

The company’s FAQ emphasises performance, reliability, modularity, and customer support as key reasons to choose the brand.

Versus conventional skateboard brands

BackFire sits between skateboarding and electric mobility. While conventional skateboard companies focus on decks, trucks, wheels, bearings, apparel, and skate culture, BackFire prioritises battery engineering, motors, ESCs, wireless controls, electric drivetrains, range, speed, and electronic safety systems. Consequently, it is more accurately described as an electric mobility and skateboard technology company than a simple skateboard manufacturer.

Versus electric scooter companies

The 2025 expansion into scooters extends BackFire’s existing technology base. The rationale is that underlying expertise in lithium batteries, controllers, motors, manufacturing, and after-sales service applies to multiple forms of electric mobility. This signals an evolution from an electric skateboard specialist toward a broader personal electric mobility brand [2].

As of 2026, BackFire’s official electric skateboard catalogue includes:

• G2 Black
• G2Z
• G5
• Zealot S3
• Zealot X2
• Ranger X6
• ERA 5
• Nalu
• Lorentz Major V3

The lineup ranges from approximately 16 lb entry-level boards to nearly 28 lb high-performance and all-terrain machines. Claimed top speeds range from roughly 16 mph for the Nalu to around 31 mph for the Zealot X2 [1].

1. About – Backfire Boards
2. The History of BACKFIRE – Backfire Scooters
3. Why is Backfire G2s one of the best Budget Electric Skateboards? The D – BackfireBoardsUSA