As CES 2026 unfolds in Las Vegas, the electric skateboard industry is pivoting from simple recreational gadgets to sophisticated, modular transportation infrastructure. The last 22 hours have seen a surge in announcements regarding high-density energy solutions and industrial-grade chassis designs that promise to redefine urban commuting and “last-mile” logistics.
- WATT and Donut Lab Debut Modular Skateboard Platform at CES 2026
WATT Electric Vehicle Company and Donut Lab have unveiled a functional prototype of their “PACES” aluminum skateboard platform, featuring high-precision in-wheel motors. This modular architecture is designed to support everything from high-performance boards to commercial delivery vehicles using torque-vectoring technology.
Source: Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology International - Donut Lab Announces World’s First Production-Ready Solid-State Battery
In a landmark move for micro-mobility, Donut Lab introduced an all-solid-state battery capable of charging in under five minutes with no risk of thermal runaway. These batteries are already being integrated into 2026 vehicle models, offering a 400 Wh/kg energy density that significantly reduces weight for electric skaters.
Source: The Pack News - Valeo Showcases ‘ePower’ Skateboard for Software-Defined Vehicles
Automotive giant Valeo has used the CES stage to present its latest ePower skateboard, a highly integrated platform that combines thermal management and advanced power electronics. While aimed at larger EVs, the “functional skateboard” demonstration highlights the software-defined future of all personal electric vehicles.
Source: Valeo Press Office - Backfire Boards Launches Dedicated Site for M8 Rover
Leading manufacturer Backfire has officially updated its digital presence to support the early 2026 launch of the M8 Rover series. The new platform marks a shift toward rugged, all-terrain reliability for the brand as it expands its footprint in the global e-skate market.
Source: Backfire Boards Official - Revskateboard Unveils 12kw “Beast” Development Prototype
A high-performance DIY vendor has released technical specifications for a new 12kw drive system designed for extreme off-road electric skateboarding. The “Beast” project aims to push the boundaries of power-to-weight ratios in the enthusiast community.
Source: esk8.news Forums - Iron Foot ESK8 Challenge 2026 Schedule Released
Organizers of the Iron Foot Challenge have finalized the 2026 event dates, focusing on endurance and technical skill in urban environments. The challenge is expected to serve as a testing ground for the newest battery and motor technologies emerging this year.
Source: Events/Group Rides – esk8.news - Voyage Systems Updates “Megan and Minnie” Component Line
Voyage Systems has released new firmware and hardware updates for their premium board components, focusing on VESC-compatible stability. These updates are targeted at high-end commuters who require precision control and telemetric data logging.
Source: Vendor Corner – esk8.news - New California Laws SB 1271 and AB 875 Go Into Effect
Starting January 2026, new regulations in California mandate strict third-party laboratory testing for all lithium-ion batteries in powered mobility devices. Law enforcement now also has the authority to impound devices capable of exceeding 20 MPH if operated by uncertified riders in specific zones.
Source: California Highway Patrol News Alerts - Newbee RTKP Truck Technical Specs Debut for 2026
Newbee has officially released the RTKP (Reverse Tunable Kingpin) trucks, engineered specifically for high-speed stability and vibration dampening. The trucks represent a significant leap in mechanical engineering for the boutique e-skate market.
Source: Newbee Vendor Release - xErace Announces European Tour 2026 for Electric Boarding
The xErace competitive circuit has announced its 2026 European tour, highlighting the growing professionalization of electric skateboard racing. The tour will feature stops in major tech hubs, emphasizing the intersection of sport and clean energy.
Source: xErace Official
Editorial Synthesis: The Shift to Industrial Reliability
The dominant theme in the last 24 hours is the industrialization of micro-mobility. We are seeing a clear transition from “hobbyist toys” to modular EV architectures, as evidenced by the WATT and Valeo announcements. The introduction of solid-state batteries by Donut Lab is a critical turning point; it addresses the two biggest hurdles in the industry—charging speed and fire safety. Simultaneously, the regulatory landscape is tightening, particularly in California, suggesting that the industry is entering a “maturity phase” where safety compliance is as important as top speed. For the consumer, 2026 looks to be the year where electric skateboards become safer, faster-charging, and more deeply integrated into the broader electric vehicle ecosystem.