Beatrice Lang
Building an electric skateboard is a fun project that can be done cheaply and easily. There are two main types of electric skateboard conversion kits: simple and cheap, or flexible and customisable. The former is great for building a basic electric skateboard, while the latter gives you more flexibility and the ability to build a high-performance board with longer-lasting parts. You can also build your own electric skateboard from scratch, which will be the most cost-effective option and allow for the greatest customisation. You will need a motor, a speed controller, a remote, and a battery, all of which can be purchased cheaply online. You can also 3D print parts of the skateboard, further reducing costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Motor | 50mm diameter, KV rating under 300kv |
| Electronics | Motor, Electronic Speed Control (ESC), Remote/Transmitter, Battery |
| Remote | VX1, GT2B, Arduino and a wii nunchuck controller, Quanum |
| Battery | Hobbyking |
| Wheels | Longboard wheels |
| Pulleys | Drive wheel pulleys |
| Mount | Motor mount |
| Trucks | Longboard trucks |
| Price | $400 |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a conversion kit
There are a few things to consider when choosing a conversion kit for an electric skateboard. Firstly, it is important to assess your needs and requirements, such as how long you intend to use the skateboard for and the type of terrain you will be riding on. If you plan on riding for longer distances or on rough terrain, you will need a more durable and powerful kit.
The two main types of electric skateboard conversion kits are simple, cheaper kits and DIY kits. Simple conversion kits are great for building cheap electric skateboards, but a DIY kit will offer more flexibility in terms of performance customisation and the ability to use longer-lasting parts. For example, you can choose the size of the battery pack with a DIY kit.
When choosing a kit, it is important to consider the quality of the materials. Poor quality screws, cables, and other components can make assembly difficult and impact the final ride experience. Safety is paramount, so choosing quality parts is essential to protect yourself.
Some popular conversion kits include the Maxfind M5, which is praised for its performance, easy customisation, and smooth ride. It is also one of the easiest kits to install, only requiring a deck that is at least 6.3" wide and 18" long. The Mellow Drive is another option, known for being one of the pioneers of electric skateboard conversion kits, with an easy-swap battery system.
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Sourcing cheap parts
Building an electric skateboard can be an affordable project, with the option to source parts for around $400. The first step is to decide on the type of skateboard you want to build. You can either opt for a simple conversion kit to turn a regular skateboard or longboard into an electric one, or you can build a fully custom electric skateboard from scratch.
Conversion kits are a great option for those seeking a simple and cheap electric skateboard. These kits typically include the necessary parts such as trucks, wheels, and pulleys, and can be found on Amazon or specialist sites. While these kits are more affordable, they may not offer the same level of performance and durability as a custom build.
For those seeking higher performance and longer-lasting parts, building a custom electric skateboard from scratch is the way to go. This option provides more flexibility in terms of parts and performance customization. However, it requires more time and effort in sourcing individual components.
To source cheap parts for a custom build, you can consider the following options:
- HobbyKing: This website offers affordable electronics, including motors, speed controls, and remote controllers. The Quanum controller, for example, is a compact and inexpensive option at around $22.
- DIY forums and communities: Websites like Endless Sphere and Instructables provide valuable resources and insights from other DIY enthusiasts. These forums often share links to affordable parts and offer advice on building and modifying electric skateboards.
- Second-hand or repurposed parts: Consider joining online communities or forums where members might be selling or giving away used parts suitable for your build. Additionally, you can explore repurposing old devices or electronics to source certain components.
- Comparison shopping: Compare prices across different websites and stores to find the best deals on specific parts. While certain specialist sites may offer convenient bundles, you may find cheaper alternatives on Amazon or other online retailers.
- Email DIY electric skateboard companies: Companies that specialize in DIY electric skateboards may offer advice and suggestions on where to source affordable parts. They may also provide exclusive offers or discounts through their mailing lists.
When sourcing cheap parts, it is important to carefully consider the trade-offs between cost and quality. While it is possible to find affordable options, ensure that the parts are durable and suitable for your intended use.
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Building the drive kit
The first step is to set up your trucks. Trucks can be purchased for around $50. The truck is the part of the skateboard that connects the wheels to the deck. It is a T-shaped piece of metal with two axles, one on each side, that the wheels attach to. The truck allows the rider to steer the skateboard by tilting the deck from side to side.
Next, you will install the motor mount. The motor mount connects to the trucks and allows you to fit a common Remote Control (RC) Motor onto your skateboard. You can purchase a bolt-on motor mount, which is the toughest and strongest option, made from 7075 Mil Spec Aircraft Grade Aluminum. The motor should be a large motor, around 50mm in diameter, with a KV rating of under 300kv. A lower KV motor will provide more torque for the same voltage, but these motors can become very expensive.
Finally, you will set up your drive wheel pulleys. Pulleys can be purchased for around $50. The pulleys are connected to the motor by a belt and transfer the power from the motor to the wheel, driving the skateboard forward.
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Installing the motors
Once you've selected the type of motor, it's time to install the motor mount. This involves placing the locking ring, a small thicker piece with a D-shaped hole, onto the truck as far inward as possible. Then, you'll slide in the mounting plate, a longer piece with unique holes, at a suitable angle. Ensure the mounting plate can freely rotate and is angled towards the deck to prevent the motor from scraping against the pavement. It's crucial to consider the size of the motor and leave some space between the motor and the deck to avoid friction burn on the wood.
With the mounting plate in place, use the supplied hardware to fix the mounting plate to the locking ring. You can use Loctite 242 Blue to prevent the hardware from getting loose. Additionally, fix the locking ring to the truck by tightening the hardware. If you have welding skills, consider welding the mounting plate to the truck for a more secure fit.
Now, it's time to attach the motor to the motor mount. Align the holes of the motor with the slots on the mounting plate and screw them in partially. Ensure you don't tighten the screws all the way, as you'll need to slide the motor back and forth along the slots. You can use Loctite 680 or a similar product to create a strong bond between the press-fit surfaces.
Lastly, don't forget to protect the motor wires. Ensure they are not stressed or near the motor, as they can get damaged. Consider using heat shrink tubing to prevent electrical shorts and provide a second layer of protection.
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Electronics and controllers
For the motor, look for a big motor with a diameter of around 50 mm. The KV rating should be under 300kv, as lower KV ratings mean more torque for the same voltage. If you want a cheap motor, consider using timing belts to step down the motor revolutions. However, keep in mind that motors with lower KV ratings can get expensive quickly.
The electronic speed controller (ESC) is what tells the motor how fast to go. You can use the ESC for electronic braking as well.
For the remote/transmitter, there are a few options available. HobbyKing offers the Quanum controller for $22, which is the smallest option currently available. Another option is to use an Arduino and a Wii Nunchuck controller. If you have an extra phone or iPod Touch, you can use a $30 app to control your motor speed via Wi-Fi.
The battery is another essential component. HobbyKing is suggested to be the cheapest place to get your electronics.
You can also add extra features to your electronics, such as an LED bar graph to display speed and voltage readings, or headlights. These additions can be controlled by an Arduino.
When building your electric skateboard, it is recommended to use a longboard rather than a standard skateboard, as it provides a more comfortable riding stance and a bigger standing platform.
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Frequently asked questions
A basic electric skateboard can be built for around \$400. The cost of parts is as follows:
- Board — \$50
- Trucks — \$50
- Wheels — \$35
- Pulley/Belts — \$50
- Mount — \$30
- Tx/RX — \$20
- Battery — \$40
- Motor — \$40
- ESC — \$30
- Charger — \$40
- Enclosure — \$10
Building a DIY electric skateboard is the best way to build a skateboard that is customised to your needs. You can choose the performance and battery pack size. You can also choose to build a longboard, which is more comfortable to ride.
Parts can be purchased from online retailers such as Amazon, HobbyKing, and DIYElectricSkateboard.com.
