Do You Need Fenders on an Electric Skateboard?

Bikes have them. Scooters have them. So why do almost no electric skateboards come with fenders? And do you actually need them? Here's my straight answer, as someone who makes them.

What do electric skateboard fenders do?

Fenders, also called mud guards, splash guards, or rain guards, sit over your wheels. When your wheels roll through water, mud, sand, or gravel, they pick it up and throw it upward. Without fenders, all of that lands on the underside of your deck (where the battery and electronics are), on your grip tape, and on your shoes, pants, and back.

With fenders, most of it gets caught and dropped back on the ground.

Who needs skateboard fenders?

Commuters. Roads stay wet for hours after the rain stops. Fenders are the difference between showing up normal and showing up with a stripe of road water up your back.

Year-round riders. Dew, sprinklers, slush, and puddles are part of riding any time the weather isn't perfect.

Anyone who rides trails or rough paths. Dust, grit, and little rocks get flicked up too.

Anyone who wants their board to last. Less water and grit on the underside means less wear on the parts you can't easily replace.

If you only ride on dry, sunny days on clean pavement, you can skip them. Most of us don't get that lucky.

Do fenders make an electric skateboard waterproof?

No, and I'd be wary of anyone who tells you otherwise. Fenders cut down splash and spray, which is where most of the water comes from on a wet road. They don't seal your board. You should still avoid deep puddles and heavy rain, and dry your board off after wet rides.

What to look for in e-skateboard fenders

A fit made for your board. Universal fenders often rub, rattle, or sit too far from the wheel to catch much. Fenders made for your exact board sit right where they should.

Flexible material. Rigid plastic cracks the first time it hits a curb. Flexible materials like TPU bend and come back.

Easy on and off. You should be able to install them in a few minutes and take them off when you don't need them.

Low profile. They shouldn't stick out or catch on things when you carry the board.

Fenders for the Meepo V5

If you ride a Meepo V5, that's exactly why I make Skate Flaps. They're front and rear fenders shaped to fit the V5, made from durable TPU, and they go on with the included skate tool. You can also browse all electric skateboard fenders and mud guards.

For a breakdown of all the different names (mud guards vs. splash guards vs. wheel shields), see this guide.

Rainy days are a thing of the past.

I'm Caleb Leach, and I make Skate Flaps, fenders for the Meepo V5 electric skateboard. Questions about anything here? Email me at SkateFlaps.com@gmail.com.