Boosted went out of business in 2020, but the Mini X remains in wide circulation on the used market and maintains a cult following strong enough that it's still the reference point for short-deck electric skateboards. The Backfire Zealot S is a modern direct-to-consumer competitor from a Chinese manufacturer that has been making ESK8 equipment since 2014 — it costs less new than a used Mini X, and on paper outperforms it in several areas. This is as much a used-market analysis as a product comparison.

Specs Comparison

Motor Output and Performance

The Boosted Mini X used dual 1,000W belt-drive motors for a combined 2,000W output — impressive for its time and still competitive in 2026. The Mini X's Boosted-specific remote and ESC (electronic speed controller) delivered exceptionally smooth acceleration and braking that set the standard for the category. Boosted's regenerative braking was tuned with more nuance than most competitors have managed since.

The Backfire Zealot S uses dual 1,500W belt-drive hub-adjacent motors — 3,000W combined output. The Zealot S is demonstrably faster than the Mini X on acceleration, with a claimed 0-20mph time of approximately 4 seconds. Top speed on the Zealot S is 28mph; the Mini X topped out at 22mph in Extended range mode.

Power delivery on the Zealot S can feel abrupt at high settings compared to Boosted's refined controller behavior. Backfire has improved significantly from their earlier boards, and the Zealot S's acceleration in mode 2 is smooth enough for novice riders. Full power mode requires skateboard experience to control safely.

Range and Battery

Boosted's Mini X had a 99Wh battery — deliberately kept under the FAA carry-on limit of 100Wh to allow airline travel. Real-world range was 14 miles under ideal conditions; 7-10 miles was the honest commuter expectation. For a last-mile transit connector, that's generally sufficient.

The Backfire Zealot S carries a 259Wh battery — more than double the Mini X's capacity and firmly beyond carry-on limits. Real-world range is 18-22 miles at moderate speeds. For an electric skateboard, 20 miles is extraordinary — you can genuinely commute 10 miles each way on one charge.

Charging: the Mini X required Boosted's proprietary charger — a charger that is no longer manufactured and costs $60-120 to source on eBay or from third-party vendors as of 2026. This is the Mini X's most significant practical liability: if your charger fails, replacement is expensive and uncertain. The Zealot S uses a standard DC barrel charging port with a widely available charger style.

The Boosted Ecosystem Problem

Boosted's bankruptcy in 2020 created a support vacuum that hasn't fully healed. The Boosted app no longer receives updates and has known Bluetooth pairing issues on iOS 16+ and Android 13+. The remote has a finite battery life — when the internal battery degrades, Boosted remotes aren't serviceable by most shops. Replacement remotes are available from third parties but compatibility and quality vary.

ESC repairs on the Mini X require finding a shop that maintains Boosted expertise — a smaller community in 2026 than in 2018. The motors and wheels are mechanically simple and serviceable; the electronics are the vulnerability. Riders who buy a used Mini X should budget for potential ESC or remote replacement within 1-2 years.

Backfire's active support, firmware updates, and available spare parts make the Zealot S a much lower-risk long-term ownership proposition. Backfire sells replacement belts, wheels, remote units, and even replacement ESCs through their website.

Ride Quality, Deck, and Practical Use

Boosted's Mini X deck is a 29.5-inch maple and bamboo composite with a concave shape that experienced skaters will recognize as refined. The riding position and deck flex are excellent — the Mini X feels like a premium skateboard with a motor, which was Boosted's core design philosophy. The 85mm Orangatang wheels absorb urban crack and debris well.

Backfire's Zealot S uses a 38-inch deck — longer and more stable at speed, but less maneuverable in tight spaces. The 90mm cloud wheels (available as an upgrade) add vibration absorption on rough pavement. The Zealot S at 38 inches is more of a commuter board than a last-mile transit connector; the Mini X's 29.5 inches was optimized for carrying on transit.

Both boards use belt-drive systems, which provide better braking and motor braking response than hub motor boards. Belt drive also means the boards can be pushed manually like a normal skateboard without significant drag — useful when the battery is low or on non-skateable surfaces.

Best For

• Boosted Mini X Used-market buyers who find a well-maintained unit under $350 and want the finest belt-drive feel ever produced in this deck size
• Backfire Zealot S Anyone buying new — better range, more power, active support, no charger risk, and no software decay

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