What is a 2-in-1 electric skateboard and do you actually need one?

A 2-in-1 electric skateboard comes with two complete wheel sets, street and all terrain, so you can configure the same board for different surfaces without buying separate setups. It is one board that genuinely works across sealed roads, gravel paths, grass and dirt tracks.

The concept sounds straightforward, but the value of it depends entirely on how you ride. Here is what you need to know before deciding whether the 2-in-1 format makes sense for you.

Street wheels vs all terrain tyres

The core difference between the two configurations comes down to what the board is optimised for.

Street wheels are hard urethane, typically 97mm in diameter. They roll fast on smooth surfaces, give you sharper responsiveness and lower rolling resistance. On sealed roads and footpaths they feel quick and direct. On rough ground, loose gravel or wet grass, they lose grip and make the ride punishing.

All terrain tyres are large pneumatic rubber tyres, 175mm on most Evolve boards. They absorb surface irregularities, grip loose ground and make the board far more stable at lower speeds over uneven terrain. The trade-off is reduced top speed and range compared to street configuration.

Neither setup is objectively better. They are different tools for different conditions.

What the 2-in-1 actually includes

A 2-in-1 board ships with both wheel configurations in the box. Everything else, the deck, motors, battery, trucks and electronics, remains the same. You swap between setups at home using the included Y-tool when your riding environment changes.

It is worth understanding that converting between street and all terrain is not a quick roadside job. The swap requires removing wheel hubs, changing drive gears and replacing belts. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes and assumes you are reasonably comfortable with the process. Once done, however, the board is fully configured for that terrain and performs as intended.

The 2-in-1 format is best suited to riders who want both setups but prefer not to invest in two separate boards or manage a full conversion kit separately.

The Diablo Bamboo 2-in-1

If you are looking at the 2-in-1 format in Evolve's current lineup, the Diablo Bamboo All Terrain represents the strongest case for it. The Diablo Bamboo 2-in-1 gives you one of the most capable platforms in the range with both wheel configurations included from day one.

The board runs dual 3500W motors with a combined output of 7000W, powered by an 864Wh Samsung 50S battery. In street configuration, it reaches 50 km/h with up to 80 km of range. Switch to all terrain tyres and you get settled, confident riding across mixed surfaces with up to 50 km of range and 45%+ hill climbing capability. Maximum load is 120 kg.

The 3-ply bamboo deck with fibreglass laminate provides natural flex underfoot. That flex matters, especially on longer rides or rough terrain, because it takes the edge off surface feedback without making the board feel unpredictable. It is a noticeably different feel to the rigid Carbon version and suits riders who prefer something more akin to surfing or snowboarding than a stiff platform.

Performance and tuning are managed through the Phaze remote and the Explore app, where you can adjust acceleration curves, braking response and riding modes across ECO, SPORT and CORSA. For riders new to high-power boards, starting conservatively is easy. For experienced riders, there is plenty of headroom to open things up.

Where this format makes sense in New Zealand

New Zealand's riding environment is genuinely well suited to the 2-in-1 concept, more so than most places.

Auckland has long stretches of sealed coastal paths and shared lanes, but also plenty of parks and rough connecting sections where urethane wheels become uncomfortable quickly. Wellington's waterfront and Te Ara o Ngākau are good street terrain, but anyone wanting to explore further into the hills or off-path areas benefits from the flexibility of switching setups. Christchurch has some of the best flat sealed riding in the country along the Ōtakaro Avon River Corridor, though the surrounding terrain rewards all terrain capability if you push further out.

Hamilton's riverside paths and Queenstown's varied landscape, sealed paths one moment, gravel or grass the next, are exactly the kind of mixed conditions the 2-in-1 format was designed for. Queenstown in particular has the added benefit of terrain that genuinely tests hill climbing. The Diablo's 45%+ gradient rating means most hills riders encounter are not a concern.

All orders ship direct. There is no physical store, so checking the Evolve NZ help centre before purchasing is worthwhile if you have questions about setup or service.

Is the 2-in-1 worth the premium over a single configuration?

The Diablo Bamboo 2-in-1 is priced at $3,049 NZD compared to $2,849 for the Street-only version and $2,899 for the All Terrain. The 2-in-1 costs roughly $150 to $200 more than buying either single configuration, which is considerably less than purchasing a conversion kit separately after the fact.

If there is any genuine possibility you will want both setups, buying the 2-in-1 upfront is the more economical path. If you know your riding is exclusively sealed road or exclusively off-road, a single configuration is simpler and slightly lighter in the wallet.

The honest answer is that most riders who buy a premium electric skateboard eventually want to ride more varied terrain as their confidence grows. The 2-in-1 accounts for that from the start.

Common questions

How long does the wheel swap take?

Expect 20 to 30 minutes, particularly in the first few times. The process involves changing wheels, drive gears and belts. It becomes quicker with practice and is best done at home rather than mid-ride.

Does converting between wheel sets affect performance?

Each configuration performs as the board was designed for that terrain. Street mode gives you full speed and range on smooth surfaces. All terrain mode is tuned for grip, stability and obstacle clearance. Mixing components across configurations is not recommended.

What is the weight difference between configurations?

The Diablo Bamboo is 14.1 kg on street wheels and 15.3 kg in all terrain configuration. The pneumatic tyres and hubs add approximately 1.2 kg.

Can I buy a conversion kit later instead of the 2-in-1?

Yes. Conversion kits are available separately. However, the cost of a kit added to a single-configuration board will typically exceed the price difference of buying the 2-in-1 upfront.

Is the Diablo Bamboo suitable for heavier riders?

The Diablo Bamboo is rated to 120 kg, which is higher than the GTR Bamboo and Stoke X at 100 kg. For heavier riders, the all terrain configuration with pneumatic tyres also adds stability and confidence at speed.

If you want one board that handles both sealed roads and mixed terrain without compromise, the Diablo Bamboo 2-in-1 is the most practical and capable way to do it.