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Boosted (company)
Boosted (company)
Boosted (company)
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Boosted (formerly Boosted Boards) was an American manufacturer of electric skateboards and electric scooters based in Mountain View, California.[1]

Key Information

History

[edit]

2012–2016

[edit]

Boosted was founded in mid-2012 with financial backing by StartX.[2] The company was founded by Sanjay Dastoor, John Ulmen, and Matthew Tran, who delivered a TED talk on the subject in 2013.[3]

The company started a Kickstarter campaign promising a premium electric skateboard called the "Boosted Board" for a $100,000 goal. It was a massive success, and generated over $467,000 from backers.[4]

In 2014, the original Boosted Board was renamed the Dual+, and two new models were announced: the Dual and the Single. The Dual and Single received new, upgraded software. The Dual+ also received the software following the announcement.

On May 19, 2016, the second generation Boosted Board was announced. It featured a swappable battery that could be upgraded to a future Extended Range Battery, water resistance, 80 mm Orangatang wheels, upgraded Bluetooth radio, accessory ports beneath the risers, and more modular design to better enable service and repair by both users and the manufacturer.[5] However, the Single model was cancelled and store credits to reservation holders to upgrade to Dual and Dual+ models.[6]

2017–2018

[edit]

In February 2017, the second generation was re-released with additional upgrades to its battery and firmware. In November 2017, an expanded version of the Boosted mobile app was released, including expansion from just iOS to also include Android. In January 2018 the Extended Range Battery was released, which is able to be mounted on second generation boards, effectively doubling the range of skateboard. On April 17, 2018, Boosted announced its third generation of skateboards. It included two longboards, and for the first time, two shortboards. The company also expanded at this time from shipping in US and Canada to 34 countries, including the EU, Australia, and New Zealand. Time magazine named the Boosted Mini a Top 50 Invention of the Year. In December 2018, Boosted received over $60 million in new investment to continue its global expansion and development of additional products.[7]

2019

[edit]

Boosted announced the new Boosted Rev (scooter) on May 15, 2019.

Boosted announced the new Boosted Beams (dedicated headlights) and Boosted 105's (larger wheels) on November 14, 2019.[8]

2020

[edit]

The Boosted Rev, being manufactured in China, was affected by the US-China tariff war, causing the company to owe its manufactures up to $100,000 during production.[9]

On March 4, 2020, Boosted announced that it has laid off a significant portion of its team and was actively seeking a buyer.[10][11]

In April 2020, it was reported that Lime has acquired some of the remaining assets of Boosted, including five of the company's core patents.[12] The remaining inventory of skateboards, scooters, and related parts was acquired by Boosted USA.[13]

Products

[edit]

Kickstarter Boosted Boards

[edit]

The first Boosted Boards were offered in a Kickstarter running from September 11, 2012 to October 11, 2012, collecting $467,167 with 1,110 backers.[14] The first boards shipped in February 2014.

First gen Boosted Boards

[edit]

The official Boosted line-up was launched November 5, 2014 and consisted of three models.[15]

Boosted Single Boosted Dual Boosted Dual+
Motors One Two
Top speed 18 mph 20 mph 22 mph
Power 1000 watt 1500 watt 2000 watt
Range 10 miles (16 km) 7 miles (11 km) 7 miles (11 km)
Hill climbing 15% grade 20% grade 25% grade
Wheel Size Orangatang In Heat 75mm
Deck length 38.0" (96,5 cm)

Second gen Boosted Boards

[edit]

The second generation boards were announced on May 19, 2016.[16] The second generation features an upgrade to the electronics and drive train of the board. New boards featured modular components such as the motors, skid plates, ESC, and battery. Second generation was also launched with two battery sizes, the 99 watt-hour SR battery and the 199 watt-hour XR battery. Originally announced with a single motor variant, the 2nd generation later discontinued development of this board due to an XR battery recall and subsequent shipping delays.[6]

Boosted Dual SR Boosted Dual XR Boosted Dual+ SR Boosted Dual+ XR
Motors Two
Top speed 20 mph 22 mph
Ride modes 3 4
Power 1500 watt 2000 watt
Range 7 miles (11 km) 14 miles (22 km) 7 miles (11 km) 14 miles (22 km)
Recharge time 75 min 105 min 75 min 105 min
Hill climbing 20% grade 25% grade
Wheel Size Orangatang Kegel 80mm
Deck length 38.0" (96,5 cm)
Weight 15.0 lbs (6,8 kg) 16.8 lbs (7,6 kg) 15.0 lbs (6,8 kg) 16.8 lbs (7,6 kg)

Third gen Boosted Boards

[edit]

The third generation Boosted Boards were introduced on April 17, 2018.[17][18] The line exists of four models, with the Boosted Mini, a smaller electric skateboard. The major difference between 2nd gen and 3rd gen boards comes with their construction, as they now only use in house Boosted components (deck, wheels, trucks).

Boosted Stealth Boosted Plus Boosted Mini X Boosted Mini S
Top speed 24 mph (38 km/h) 22 mph (35 km/h) 20 mph (32 km/h) 18 mph (29 km/h)
Ride modes 5 4 3
Power 2100 watt 2000 watt 1000 watt
Range 14 miles (22 km) 7 miles (11 km)
Recharge time 105 min 75 min
Hill climbing 25% grade 20% grade
Wheels Boosted Stratus 85mm Boosted Lunar 80mm
Deck length 38.0" (96,5 cm) 29.5" (75,0 cm)
Weight 17.0 lbs (7,7 kg) 16.8 lbs (7,6 kg) 15.0 lbs (6,8 kg)

Boosted Rev electric scooter

[edit]
Boosted Rev
Motors Two (all wheel drive)
Top speed 24 mph (38 km/h)
Ride modes 3
Power 1500W (nominal)
Range 8-16 mile Real world Range depending on user weight and mode used
Hill climbing 25% grade

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Boosted (company)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Boosted, Inc., formerly known as Boosted Boards, was an American manufacturer of high-performance electric skateboards and scooters headquartered in Mountain View, California. Founded in 2012 by Stanford University graduates Sanjay Dastoor, John Ulmen, and Matthew Tran, the company specialized in lightweight, wireless, remote-controlled electric longboards designed for urban commuting and recreation. Boosted gained prominence for pioneering consumer-grade electric skateboards with speeds up to 24 mph, ranges exceeding 10 miles, and premium build quality that earned it comparisons to the "Apple of e-boards" among enthusiasts. The company's products revolutionized personal micromobility by emphasizing fun, speed, and simplicity, attracting a dedicated following and endorsements from influencers, while securing venture funding from investors including Khosla Ventures. Boosted expanded into electric scooters and raised millions in capital, but faced intensifying competition from lower-cost Chinese manufacturers and supply chain pressures from U.S. tariffs on imported components. In early 2020, amid escalating financial troubles, Boosted laid off most of its staff and ceased operations, with its intellectual property later acquired by Lime for use in shared mobility fleets rather than consumer products. The shutdown sparked controversies, including lawsuits from investors alleging mismanagement and from customers over defective boards prone to failures like belt snaps and battery issues, highlighting challenges in scaling hardware startups under venture capital expectations. Despite its abrupt end, Boosted's innovations influenced the broader electric vehicle sector, though its direct-to-consumer model proved unsustainable against market dynamics favoring cheaper alternatives and fleet-based services.

History

Founding and Kickstarter Launch (2012–2014)

Boosted was founded in 2012 by Sanjay Dastoor, John Ulmen, and Matthew Tran, all of whom held advanced degrees in engineering from Stanford University. The concept emerged from Dastoor's personal experiences longboarding in San Francisco's steep hills, where he sought a solution combining the portability of skateboards with electric propulsion for effortless uphill travel and eco-friendly commuting. Initially developed as a side project starting in the summer of 2011, the team formalized the company after joining Y Combinator's Summer 2012 batch, which provided $100,000 in funding and enabled a shift to full-time development. They also participated in Stanford's StartX accelerator for additional support. In September 2012, immediately following their Y Combinator demo, Boosted launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production scaling from prototypes to manufactured units. The 30-day campaign, running from September 11 to October 11, featured the Boosted Board as the world's lightest electric vehicle at the time, weighing 12-15 pounds with dual 1000-watt brushless motors enabling a top speed of 20 mph, a 6-mile range per charge, and regenerative braking via a handheld remote. It exceeded production funding goals by raising $467,167 from 1,110 backers, selling approximately 350 units at early-bird prices and validating market demand for portable electric skateboards. By 2013, Boosted began shipping initial boards to Kickstarter backers, transitioning from handmade prototypes to small-batch manufacturing while iterating on battery and motor reliability based on early user feedback. The company maintained operations in the Bay Area, focusing on engineering refinements such as a 2-hour lithium-ion battery recharge time, which positioned the product as a practical urban mobility tool rather than a novelty. Into 2014, Boosted secured further investment through platforms like FundersClub to expand production capacity, marking the end of the crowdfunding phase and the onset of direct commercial sales.

Early Commercialization and Growth (2015–2016)

Following the initial shipments of prototype boards to Kickstarter backers in 2013, Boosted Boards transitioned to full commercial production and sales in late 2014 and early 2015, offering three models: the Single with a single 1,000-watt motor, the Dual with dual motors, and the premium Dual+ with 2,000 watts total power, regenerative braking, and speeds up to 22 mph on a 99Wh lithium iron phosphate battery providing 5.2–5.8 miles of range. Priced at $999, $1,299, and $1,499 respectively, these longboard-style products used Bluetooth-enabled handheld remotes for control and were demonstrated at CES 2015, marking the company's entry into broader consumer markets beyond early adopters. The passage of California Assembly Bill 1682 in September 2015 legalized the operation of electric skateboards classified as class 1 motorized bicycles, permitting speeds up to 20 mph without pedals, which removed a key regulatory barrier and supported domestic sales expansion in the U.S. and Canada. With fewer than 50 employees at the time, Boosted focused on refining manufacturing processes and firmware updates, including speed enhancements rolled out in early 2015 for existing owners. In May 2016, Boosted announced its second-generation boards, opening pre-orders for updated Single, Dual, and Dual+ models with swappable batteries extending range to 12 miles (from 6–7 miles previously), improved water resistance, stronger drivetrains, and modular accessories like an expanded port for future integrations. Shipping began in August 2016 at prices starting from $999 for the base Single (with extended battery options adding $100–$400), alongside regulatory approvals for international markets, positioning the company as the leading electric skateboard producer amid growing consumer interest.

Product Expansion and Scaling Challenges (2017–2018)

In 2017, Boosted experienced significant revenue growth of 450%, driven by demand for its second-generation electric skateboards, prompting plans for more affordable and compact models to broaden market appeal. However, this period was marred by a major product safety issue when, on January 12, 2017, the company recalled approximately 3,300 units of its second-generation Boosted Dual+ skateboards due to lithium-ion battery packs overheating and smoking, attributed to short-circuits in the battery electronics. Consumers were instructed to cease use immediately and receive free replacement battery packs, highlighting early engineering and quality control hurdles in scaling battery production while maintaining safety standards. To address expansion, Boosted appointed Jeff Russakow as CEO in 2017, targeting an "Apple-like cadence" of two major product releases annually to sustain momentum. This culminated in the April 17, 2018, launch of its third-generation lineup, including the compact Boosted Mini S at $749 with a 14-mile range and shipping in May, the upgraded Mini X at $999 shipping in June, and the high-performance Boosted Stealth model boasting enhanced top speeds. These introductions aimed to capture urban commuters and casual riders with smaller, lighter designs, while the Stealth targeted enthusiasts seeking premium performance. Scaling these ambitions proved challenging amid rapid demand surges, such as those fueled by influencer endorsements, which outpaced manufacturing capacity outsourced to China. The company doubled its workforce to around 160 employees and expanded to vendors across 34 countries by late 2018, but supply chain constraints hindered efficient production ramp-up and elevated costs. Persistent quality issues, exemplified by the prior recall, compounded difficulties in achieving consistent output without compromising reliability, as high capital demands for iterative hardware development strained resources. By December 2018, Boosted secured over $60 million in funding to fuel global reach and further product diversification, yet these operational bottlenecks foreshadowed ongoing tensions between innovation pace and infrastructural readiness.

Decline and Shutdown (2019–2020)

In 2019, Boosted faced mounting financial pressures, including delayed payments to vendors and consideration of layoffs as early as September. The company had secured $18.5 million in venture debt from Structural Capital in May, followed by a smaller loan from Khosla Ventures and Activate Capital in October, but these proved insufficient amid high operational costs and production delays for the Rev electric scooter, attributed to latch mechanism issues and scaling challenges. The U.S.-China trade war exacerbated costs, with 25% tariffs imposed in 2018 on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles—Boosted's primary production site since 2016—leading to delayed tariff exclusions and increased expenses. Negotiations for potential bailouts faltered in late 2019, including talks with Yamaha that collapsed in December despite interest from the company. A revised $15 million stock deal offer from Lime followed in January 2020, but funding dried up; Khosla Ventures extended $2.4 million in bridge loans in February before halting support by month's end. By March 2020, Boosted laid off the majority of its approximately 130 employees, providing one week of severance, as announced in a company blog post citing the capital-intensive nature of electric vehicle development and the ongoing tariff burdens from the prior 18 months. Structural Capital foreclosed on assets, leading to an auction on March 17, after which Lime acquired Boosted's intellectual property for 62 million shares; the company ceased operations, pursuing strategic options under potential new ownership that did not materialize.

Products

Electric Skateboards

Boosted's electric skateboards, marketed under the Boosted Boards brand, originated from a Kickstarter campaign launched on September 11, 2012, which raised $467,167 from 1,110 backers by positioning the product as the world's lightest electric vehicle combining portability with high performance. The inaugural model utilized a belt-drive system powered by a 2000-watt (2.6 horsepower) electric motor, achieving top speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h) and a range of approximately 6 miles (10 km) on a single charge, while weighing about 15 pounds (6.8 kg) for easy carrying. This design emphasized direct rear-wheel propulsion via a flexible belt, distinguishing it from hub-motor alternatives by offering quieter operation, better torque, and reduced drag. Subsequent iterations evolved the lineup with dual-motor configurations for improved acceleration and hill-climbing capability. The second-generation Dual+ model incorporated two 1000-watt DC motors, regenerative braking to recapture energy during deceleration, and Bluetooth connectivity for ride mode adjustments via a remote or companion app, enabling customizable speed limits and sensitivity. Common across generations were features like precision-machined trucks, ergonomic controls, and flexible composite decks engineered for stability and responsiveness on urban terrain. The third-generation boards, announced on April 17, 2018, included the compact Boosted Mini for shorter commutes, the mid-tier Plus, and the flagship Stealth, all with upgraded lithium-ion batteries supporting ranges up to 14 miles and hill grades of 25%. The Stealth model stood out with 2100 watts of power, a top speed of 24 mph, five ride modes, and 85mm Stratus wheels for enhanced grip, priced at $1,599. In contrast, the Plus offered four modes and a 22 mph cap at a lower cost, both weighing 17 pounds with 105-minute charge times.
ModelTop SpeedRangePowerRide ModesWeight
Plus22 mph14 miles2000 W417 lbs
Stealth24 mph14 miles2100 W517 lbs
These skateboards prioritized urban mobility with anti-theft GPS tracking via the app and IP54-rated electronics for weather resistance, though users noted limitations in wet conditions due to belt exposure.

Electric Scooters

Boosted entered the electric scooter market with the launch of the Rev model on May 15, 2019. Designed as a premium, durable commuter vehicle, the Rev emphasized longevity and performance over the disposable nature of shared mobility scooters, with CEO Jeff Russakow stating, “We didn’t want to build a disposable scooter… we wanted to build something that would last for years.” The Rev utilized dual 750-watt continuous brushless DC hub motors for all-wheel drive, delivering 1.5 kW of total continuous power suitable for hill climbing and acceleration. Key specifications included:
FeatureSpecification
Top Speed24 mph (38 km/h)
Range22 miles (35 km)
Weight46 lb (20.8 kg)
Price$1,599
Braking SystemRegenerative, mechanical disc, and rear foot scrub
FrameForged aluminum with wide deck
TiresCustom oversized pneumatic
These attributes positioned the Rev for urban commuting with stability from wide handlebars and a scratch-resistant LED display for ride metrics. Reviews highlighted the Rev's robust construction, rapid acceleration, and safety features, with Popular Mechanics describing it as "super safe, remarkably sturdy, and a technical triumph." Users and testers noted its fun ride quality and superior build compared to competitors, earning a 4.4 out of 5 rating on Best Buy from 19 reviews praising its "unparalleled performance." However, its 46-pound weight drew criticism for portability, and the absence of suspension limited comfort on rough surfaces despite the large tires absorbing some vibrations. The scooter was manufactured in China, which later exposed it to supply chain vulnerabilities from U.S. tariffs. Production ceased following Boosted's operational wind-down in 2020, rendering the Rev a discontinued model.

Technology and Engineering

Core Innovations

Boosted's foundational innovation lay in miniaturizing electric vehicle propulsion for skateboards, employing twin brushless motors mounted to the rear truck and connected via lightweight carbon belts to drive the wheels without hub motors, which enabled a low deck profile, efficient power delivery, and top speeds reaching 24 mph in later models like the Stealth V3. This belt-drive configuration, distinct from direct-drive competitors, provided superior torque for ascending grades up to 25% while maintaining a total vehicle weight under 18 pounds, positioning the board as one of the lightest powered personal transport devices at launch. The company's control system represented another breakthrough, featuring a handheld wireless remote that communicated via proprietary low-latency protocols for real-time throttle modulation, regenerative braking, and telemetry feedback, achieving response times that mimicked analog riding inputs. This integration prioritized security against interference and firmware-over-the-air updates, with the remote's ergonomic design and variable sensitivity settings allowing precise speed control across five programmable ride modes, including a high-performance "Hyper" mode exclusive to advanced models. Battery integration further distinguished Boosted's engineering, utilizing custom lithium-ion packs encased in the deck for balanced weight distribution and swappability in select iterations, yielding ranges of 7 to 12 miles per charge depending on model and conditions, with recharge times reduced to 1.5 hours via efficient charging circuits. These systems, protected by multiple patents on motor-truck assemblies and transport mechanisms, emphasized durability through IP67-rated water resistance in second-generation boards and vibration-resistant components, though early prototypes required iterative refinements to motor mounts and controllers for reliability.

Battery and Safety Systems

Boosted electric skateboards and scooters primarily employed removable lithium-ion battery packs, with configurations varying by model and generation. Early models, such as the first-generation Boosted Board, utilized 26650 cylindrical cells from A123 Systems, known for their robustness in high-discharge applications. Later iterations, including the V2 series introduced in 2016, shifted to swappable packs for improved usability, achieving ranges of up to 12 miles on standard batteries. The Stealth model featured a 13S2P arrangement of 18650 lithium-ion cells, delivering extended ranges of 14 miles under optimal conditions, supported by a nominal voltage around 48V. Battery management systems (BMS) were integrated into these packs to monitor cell voltage, temperature, and current, preventing overcharge, over-discharge, and thermal runaway through proprietary circuitry. In V1 boards, the BMS handled error states and balancing, though its closed-source design complicated repairs and diagnostics. Swappable designs in V2 and subsequent models allowed quick field replacement, reducing downtime, while fire-retardant enclosures encased the packs to contain potential smoke or heat events. Safety protocols extended to regenerative braking, which recaptured energy during deceleration to mitigate battery stress and extend range, alongside electronic speed limiters and remote-controlled throttle modulation. However, these systems proved insufficient in some cases; in November 2016, Boosted suspended V2 shipments after reports of battery packs emitting smoke during charging, attributed to internal faults despite no fires occurring due to the enclosures. This culminated in a January 2017 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall of approximately 26,000 second-generation Dual+ skateboards, where lithium-ion packs could overheat and pose fire hazards, affecting units sold since October 2015. Remediation involved free battery replacements with enhanced designs incorporating improved thermal management.

Business Operations

Funding and Investors

Boosted was founded in 2012 with initial seed funding from the Stanford-StartX Fund, an accelerator affiliated with Stanford University that provided early-stage support to the company's founders, Sanjay Dastoor, John Ulmen, and Matthew Tran. In October 2012, the company launched a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign for its flagship Boosted Board electric skateboard, exceeding its $100,000 goal by raising $467,167 from 1,110 backers, which enabled initial prototyping and production. The firm secured its Series A round in December 2015 through early-stage venture capital, with participation from the Stanford-StartX Fund and other undisclosed investors, though the exact amount remains unreported in public disclosures. This funding supported scaling manufacturing and product refinements following the Kickstarter success. Boosted reportedly raised an additional early-stage VC round in August 2013, contributing to pre-Series A development, but details on amounts and specific participants are limited. Boosted's most substantial capital infusion came via a $60 million Series B round announced on December 20, 2018, co-led by Khosla Ventures and iNovia Capital, with follow-on investments from prior backers including the Stanford-StartX Fund and Bay Meadows Capital. This round, aimed at expanding into new electric vehicle form factors like scooters, brought the company's total equity funding to approximately $70 million across multiple rounds. Additional investors associated with Boosted over its lifecycle included TriplePoint Capital and, per aggregated investor lists, Andreessen Horowitz, though their precise round involvement varies by source. A reported Series B extension or later-stage round followed in April 2019, but no public amount was disclosed amid growing operational challenges.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Boosted initially conducted final assembly of its electric skateboards in-house at its facilities in Mountain View, California, beginning with a small-scale operation producing approximately five boards per week in 2014 and scaling to thousands annually as demand grew. This local assembly allowed for tight quality control but contributed to elevated production costs compared to overseas manufacturing. The company's supply chain relied on a mix of off-the-shelf components, such as decks and wheels, which were modified for performance, alongside custom parts like drive belts and later in-house developed wheels for models including the Boosted Mini, Plus, and Stealth. As production scaled, Boosted shifted toward greater vertical integration, bringing more manufacturing processes in-house, particularly around 2019 with the addition of electric scooter production, while sourcing specialized components internationally, such as beams from Racer in Singapore. This evolution required larger minimum order quantities from suppliers and upfront financial commitments, straining capital resources. Supply chain challenges intensified during scaling, including disruptions that hindered large-volume production and persistent high costs without effective reductions, exacerbating cash flow issues and inventory mismanagement. Extensive in-house testing for battery safety and regulatory compliance, such as FCC certification, added to per-unit expenses, as the company prioritized vehicle-grade reliability over cost-cutting measures common in consumer electronics. These factors, combined with underestimation of battery complexity and regeneration braking demands, delayed timelines by about three months from initial projections and contributed to operational vulnerabilities.

Controversies and Criticisms

Product Recalls and Safety Issues

In January 2017, Boosted issued a voluntary recall for approximately 3,300 units of its second-generation Dual+ electric skateboards equipped with standard lithium-ion battery packs, following reports of overheating and smoking that posed a fire hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) documented two incidents where the battery packs overheated and emitted smoke, with no reported injuries or fires; investigation attributed the failures to short-circuits in the battery electronics, potentially exacerbated by water ingress rather than inherent cell defects. Affected consumers were instructed to immediately cease use, remove and recycle the battery packs at designated centers, and contact Boosted for a free replacement battery, with serial numbers required for verification. This recall followed an earlier precautionary suspension of sales and shipping for second-generation boards in November 2016, after two similar lithium-ion cell venting events prompted Boosted to investigate and confirm short-circuit causes unrelated to battery venting or manufacturing flaws in the cells themselves. Post-recall, Boosted replaced batteries and lifted the advisory, asserting resolved risks for updated units, though some riders reported ongoing concerns about water exposure vulnerabilities in lithium-ion systems common to electric skateboards. For Boosted's electric scooters, such as the Rev model released in 2019, no formal CPSC recalls were issued, but user reports highlighted mechanical defects including sudden deck openings during operation, potentially leading to loss of control and injuries like broken fingers from structural failures. These issues, documented in consumer forums and reviews shortly before the company's shutdown, underscored broader quality control challenges amid rapid product iteration, though they lacked the systemic battery hazards seen in the skateboard recall.

Financial Mismanagement and Investor Disputes

Boosted faced significant financial challenges stemming from aggressive expansion and operational setbacks, which exacerbated cash flow issues despite substantial investor backing. By the end of 2018, the company had raised nearly $80 million in funding, primarily from Khosla Ventures, to fuel growth in electric skateboards and scooters. However, rapid scaling—including launching six product models in six years and global market entry—outpaced revenue generation, leading to high burn rates. In May 2019, Boosted secured an $18.5 million venture debt loan from Structural Capital, pledging all assets as collateral, which provided short-term liquidity but intensified repayment pressures amid slowing sales. Product development delays compounded these strains, particularly with the Boosted Rev electric scooter, priced at $1,600 and slated for 2019 release. Production halts due to quality control failures, including faulty latches and manufacturing defects in China, postponed shipments and incurred additional costs, further depleting reserves. U.S. tariffs on imported components, imposed under the Trump administration, added financial burdens by increasing costs without immediate relief, as tariff exclusion refunds remained pending at the time of shutdown. These factors contributed to a liquidity crisis, prompting mass layoffs of most staff in March 2020, as announced by CEO Jeff Russakow and CTO Garry Ulmen, who cited the capital-intensive nature of electric vehicle development. Investor disputes escalated during attempts to salvage the company. Khosla Ventures, having invested substantially, extended $2.4 million in bridge loans in February 2020 but halted further support by month's end amid deteriorating prospects. Negotiations for a bailout acquisition by Yamaha in late 2019 collapsed, allegedly due to interference from Lime, a scooter rental firm. Khosla filed lawsuits against Lime and Structural Capital, accusing Lime of sabotaging the Yamaha deal by poaching key employees and coordinating with the lender to freeze Boosted's accounts, thereby forcing asset foreclosure. In March 2020, Structural Capital proceeded with foreclosure and auctioned Boosted's intellectual property and assets, which Lime acquired for 62 million shares of its preferred stock valued at an undisclosed amount. Lime denied the sabotage claims, describing them as baseless in a failed negotiation. The disputes highlight tensions over asset control and recovery for investors like Khosla.

Shutdown and Legacy

Asset Acquisition and Dissolution

In early 2020, Boosted ceased operations amid severe financial distress, including missed vendor payments and outstanding debts totaling millions of dollars, prompting the liquidation of its assets rather than a traditional restructuring. The company's primary creditor, Structural Capital, which held an $18.5 million loan secured against all assets, foreclosed in March 2020 following Boosted's default, leading to an auction of intellectual property and other holdings. This process effectively dissolved Boosted's corporate structure, with co-founder Sanjay Dastoor noting the likelihood of entering bankruptcy protection to manage creditor claims, though no public Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 filing was formally documented beyond the asset foreclosure. Lime, a scooter-sharing company, acquired Boosted's core intellectual property and related assets on April 15, 2020, in exchange for 62 million shares of its stock, valued at an undisclosed amount but part of a broader $15 million stock offer focused on scooter-related IP. The purchased assets included at least five patents, design files, software code, diagnostic tools, spare parts, test equipment, and temporary access to Boosted's Mountain View headquarters, but excluded consumer products like finished skateboards. At least five senior Boosted employees transitioned to Lime as part of the deal, facilitating continuity for the acquired technology, while unresolved creditor lawsuits—such as claims for $55,000 and $80,000—persisted post-sale. Separate from Lime's purchase, remaining physical inventory and hard assets were liquidated through third-party sales, including a bulk purchase by an entity operating as Boosted USA, which acquired leftover stock for resale without affiliation to the original company. A $5 million tariff refund owed to Boosted was auctioned for just $400,000, highlighting the distressed nature of the dissolution. Investor Khosla Ventures later sued Lime in 2021, alleging the acquisition sabotaged a potential bailout from Yamaha Motor by coordinating with Structural Capital to freeze accounts and force the asset auction, though the litigation remained unresolved as of mid-2021 with a trial tentatively scheduled for May 2022.

Market Impact and Successor Landscape

Boosted's innovations in electric skateboards established it as the market leader during the mid-2010s, defining the category through high-quality builds characterized by low failure rates, intuitive controls, and premium finishing that set industry benchmarks for reliability and user experience. The company's products, propelled by viral marketing including endorsements from influencers like Casey Neistat, popularized electric skateboards among urban millennials and contributed to the broader micro-mobility trend by demonstrating viable personal electric vehicles for short commutes. This surge in visibility helped legitimize electric skateboards beyond niche hobbyists, fostering a dedicated community with global riding groups and online forums that amplified adoption. The abrupt shutdown in March 2020, amid financial strains from U.S.-China tariffs, production delays, and venture debt obligations, created a temporary vacuum in the premium segment, prompting customers to organize self-reliant repair networks via platforms like Reddit to maintain existing boards without manufacturer support. Boosted's exit underscored the capital-intensive challenges of scaling hardware in the electric vehicle space, including dependency on overseas manufacturing and vulnerability to trade disruptions, which deterred similar high-end entrants and shifted emphasis toward cost-competitive alternatives. Despite this, the overall electric skateboard market expanded post-2020, driven by declining component costs and growing demand for affordable urban transport, with projections estimating growth from approximately USD 3.1 billion in 2025 to USD 4.5 billion by 2035 at a 6.8% CAGR. In the successor landscape, no single entity fully replicated Boosted's integrated ecosystem, but its remaining U.S. inventory—including skateboards, scooters, and parts—was acquired by Boosted USA in 2020 to provide ongoing service and sales of legacy stock, preserving access for owners without official warranties. Boosted's intellectual property was transferred to Lime in exchange for 62 million shares, though this transaction fueled litigation from investors like Khosla Ventures over alleged interference with alternative deals, highlighting post-mortem asset fragmentation rather than seamless continuity. Emerging competitors, primarily from Asia, filled the gap with boards offering enhanced performance—such as higher speeds, greater range, and robust builds—at lower price points, exemplified by models from brands like Meepo, Backfire, and Ownboard, which prioritize affordability and customization over Boosted's former emphasis on seamless premium integration. This evolution has democratized access but often at the expense of matching Boosted's reputed durability, as cheaper manufacturing introduces variability in quality control. The industry's trajectory reflects Boosted's foundational role in proving market viability, yet its collapse accelerated a pivot toward commoditized, spec-driven products amid intensifying competition.

References

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  2. https://app.dealroom.co/companies/boosted
  3. https://www.vcnewsdaily.com/Boosted/venture-funding.php
  4. https://slidebean.com/story/boosted-board-out-of-business
  5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/boosted-boards
  6. https://www.atomsandbits.io/p/interview-with-sanjay-dastoor-founder
  7. https://tristanxu.medium.com/what-happened-to-boosted-24dc3c5ca89e
  8. https://electrek.co/2020/03/04/boosted-lays-off-majority-of-staff-could-this-be-the-e-skateboard-kings-end/
  9. https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/19/22575594/boosted-electric-skateboard-khosla-lime-lawsuit
  10. https://harford-law.com/blog/harford-p-c-files-case-boosted-skateboards/
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  18. https://techcrunch.com/2014/11/06/electric-skateboards/
  19. https://techcrunch.com/2016/05/19/boosteds-v2-electric-skateboards-go-12-miles-with-swappable-batteries/
  20. https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/12/14255608/boosted-board-recall-dual-plus-battery-issues-cpsc
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  23. https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/4/17/17246404/boosted-mini-electric-skateboard-plus-stealth-specs-price
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  25. https://eboards.info/article/01-30-23-why-boosted-boards-failed
  26. https://venturebeat.com/entrepreneur/boosted-raises-60-million-to-expand-beyond-electric-skateboards
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  31. https://boostedusa.com/pages/boosted-stealth-overview-and-specs
  32. https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/04/new-boosted-boards-have-more-affordable-shortboard-and-better-batteries/
  33. https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/10/17532568/boosted-board-stealth-electric-skateboard-review-price-specs
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  65. https://www.techgearlab.com/topics/cool-gadgets/best-electric-skateboard
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