Elwing

Elwing, a Bordeaux-based company, is positioned in the personal electric mobility market, focusing on compact and lightweight electric skateboards designed for urban commuting. The company was founded by Quentin Sartorius and Gaël Lapierre, who met in Shanghai with a shared passion for board sports. Sartorius brought commercial expertise from his time as a store manager at Decathlon, while Lapierre contributed his background as an electronics engineer. Their journey began in 2014 with prototyping, driven by the desire for a more portable and affordable alternative to the heavy electric longboards that dominated the market at the time. This led to the launch of their first commercial model in 2017.

Elwing operates on a direct-to-consumer model through its website and also utilizes a network of retailers. The business targets urban commuters and board sports enthusiasts who seek a practical and enjoyable mode of last-mile transportation. Revenue is generated from the sale of electric skateboards and related accessories, such as fast chargers and tools. A key aspect of their product strategy is modularity, introduced with their 'Powerkit' generation. This allows customers to customize their boards by choosing different decks (like the shorter Nimbus or the longer Halokee), single or dual motors, and standard or long-range batteries, catering to varied performance needs and preferences.

The skateboards are designed in Bordeaux and assembled nearby in Artigues-près-Bordeaux, using components sourced from Asia. The boards are characterized by their Canadian maple decks, in-wheel hub motors that provide a smooth glide and can be used as a regular skateboard, and a handheld remote for controlling speed and braking. Features include multiple speed modes, regenerative braking, and a weight of around 4.7 kg for standard models. Top speeds can reach up to 38 km/h depending on the configuration, with ranges varying from 10 km to over 30 km. The company emphasizes the ride feel, inspired by surfing and snowboarding, and the balance between power and weight to make daily travel a more engaging experience.

Keywords: electric skateboard, urban mobility, personal electric vehicle, last-mile transportation, Elwing boards, compact skateboard, modular skateboard, Quentin Sartorius, Gaël Lapierre, Powerkit, Nimbus, Halokee, direct-to-consumer, board sports, electric vehicle, urban commuting, lightweight skateboard, French startup, Bordeaux, electric longboard alternative