Wiktor Wise
Building a DIY electric longboard can be an exciting project, but it requires careful planning and execution. The process involves selecting the right longboard deck, motors, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), batteries, and other components. The longboard deck, which serves as the base, should be wide and long to accommodate the electronics and provide a stable ride. Motors with a kv rating between 170 and 300 and power ranging from 1500 to 3000 Watts are typically recommended. ESCs, often referred to as the 'brain' of the build, control the motor's speed by regulating the energy flow from the batteries. When choosing batteries, consider options such as Li-Po 6S battery packs or higher-capacity options like 10s2p or 12s2p for increased speed and performance. Additionally, motor mounts, pulleys, and belts play a crucial role in the drive train assembly. It's important to invest in quality parts, especially for key components like the ESC, to ensure safety and optimal performance. With careful selection of parts, dedication to the process, and some creativity, building a DIY electric longboard can be a rewarding experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Speed | 20-40+ mph |
| Range | 6-35 miles per charge |
| Hill Climbing Ability | 20-30% incline |
| Braking | Wireless handheld remote controller |
| Motor | Brushless (BLDC) outrunner motor with a kv rating from 170 to 300 and Power between 1500 to 3000 Watts |
| Pulley and Belt | The gear reduction ratio should be around 2.5 but can go as low as 1.5 or as high as 3 |
| Motor Mount | Can be purchased or custom-made with a clamping technique for mounting to the trucks of a longboard |
| Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) | Rated for 24 Volts and 120 Ampers; connects the batteries and motor, and links to the receiver that goes to the remote control |
| Battery | Li-Po 6S battery pack; greater than 8s2p, such as 10s2p or 12s2p, for faster speeds |
| Deck | Wider and longer longboard decks are easier to ride and provide more room for electronics |
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Choosing a deck
Secondly, consider the battery you intend to use. If you opt for a long-distance capacity battery pack, ensure that your deck has sufficient space to accommodate it. You may also need to drill a path for the wiring between the battery and the ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) to prevent unprotected wiring under the board.
Thirdly, decide whether you want a kicktail. Kicktails allow you to lift one end of the board off the ground, making it easier to hop curbs, make quick turns, tail brake, and perform tricks. If you plan to use your electric longboard for commuting, a kicktail may be beneficial.
When choosing a deck, you'll also want to consider the length and wheelbase. Longboards typically range from 33" to 60" in length, while traditional skateboards are usually between 27" and 32". A longer deck may provide more room for electronics and a more stable ride, especially for beginners. The wheelbase, or the distance between the inner mounting holes, determines the spacing between your front and back wheels. A wider wheelbase will provide a more stable feel.
Lastly, consider the ply and flex of the deck. The ply refers to the number of thin layers of wood used to make the deck, with most longboards ranging from 7-ply to 9-ply. A higher ply count will result in a stiffer deck. Additionally, the flex profile of the deck can be affected by the curve running along its length, with camber longboards having a raised middle and rocker longboards having a dropped middle.
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Selecting a motor
Motor Type
The three most common types of motors for electric skateboards are hub motors, belt drives, and direct drives. Hub motors are popular due to their relatively inexpensive parts, quiet operation, and simple installation. They are also widely available and can be found in various power ranges, from 250W to 350W for simple hub motors and up to 1680W for more powerful options like the Enertion's R-Spec Ghost. Belt drives offer high customizability as they are not restricted by wheel options, allowing you to use any type of longboard wheel. Direct drives are also highly customizable and are known for being quiet, but they are less common in the market.
KV Rating and Torque
KV refers to the number of revolutions per minute (rpm) that a motor completes when 1 volt is applied without any load. In electric skateboards, outrunner motors typically have KV ratings ranging from 140KV to 220KV, while hub motors have lower KV ratings of 80-100KV due to their lack of pulleys and gear reductions. A lower KV rating will result in higher torque output, so consider your desired torque when choosing a motor.
Wattage
The wattage of a motor indicates its power. Motors with higher wattage can handle more voltage and ampere, resulting in higher speeds or torque. For DIY electric longboards, you can typically find motors ranging from 1000W to 4000W.
Single vs. Dual Motor Setup
Another consideration is whether to use a single or dual motor setup. Dual motor setups are more common among brand-name electric longboards, but a single motor setup can work well, too. Keep in mind that a single motor may feel odd when riding and may struggle more on hills.
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
The ESC is the 'brain' of your electric longboard, controlling the amount of energy that passes from the battery to the motor. It's essential to choose a suitable ESC for your setup, as a cheaper option may not be able to handle the power draw of your motor and could potentially catch fire.
When selecting a motor, consider the factors above, and remember that the performance of your electric longboard will depend on how well all the components work together.
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Picking a battery
Picking the right battery for your electric longboard is a crucial step in the DIY process. The battery you choose will determine the speed, range, weight, charging time, and safety of your longboard. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a battery:
Battery Capacity and Performance
The speed and range of your electric longboard are directly influenced by the capacity of the battery. If you're looking for higher speeds and a longer range, opt for a battery with a larger capacity. Keep in mind that larger batteries tend to be heavier, which can affect the overall weight of your longboard. Additionally, pay attention to the quality of the battery; some high-performance batteries can provide ample power without being bulky. However, these efficient batteries tend to be more expensive.
Battery Safety
When choosing a battery, always prioritize safety. Opt for batteries made with high-quality materials to avoid safety hazards. Poor-quality batteries may overheat during charging, increasing the risk of the longboard catching fire. Ensure that the battery you select meets safety standards and has safety features to prevent overheating and other potential issues.
Battery Voltage and Compatibility
Consider the voltage requirements of your electric longboard. A standard voltage for DIY electric longboards is 36V, but you can also explore options with higher voltages for more advanced setups. Ensure that the battery you choose is compatible with your motor and other electronic components. Check the voltage ratings of the motor and Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) to ensure they match the battery's voltage.
Budget Constraints
Batteries can vary significantly in price. If you're working with a limited budget, strike a balance between performance and cost. Highlight the essential features you want in your battery, and then look for options that closely match your criteria within your price range. You can also explore second-hand batteries or consider learning how to spot weld and build your own battery pack to save costs.
Battery Recommendations
Based on the recommendations from various sources, a 10S battery setup is suggested for better performance. A 6S battery will work, but it may result in slower speeds and reduced range. If you're aiming for higher speeds, consider a 10S2P or 12S2P battery configuration, especially if you're pairing it with a 190kV motor or higher. Additionally, the LG 10S8P battery is praised for its high capacity, providing approximately 900Wh of power.
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Using an ESC
ESC stands for Electronic Speed Controller, and it is the 'brain' of the DIY electric longboard. It is the link between the battery and the motor, and it controls the amount of energy that passes from the battery to the motor, thus controlling the motor's speed. The ESC also connects to the receiver that goes to your remote control.
When choosing an ESC, it is important to note that this is not the component to cheap out on. A cheaper speed controller can catch fire. A decent VESC-based ESC starts at around $200. The MBoards store offers a range of options, from simple plug-and-play to powerful, totally customizable VESCs.
When installing the ESC, you must first attach the receiver and then test if the motor is spinning in the right direction. If it is not, simply swap any two wires from the motor to the ESC, and the motor will spin in another direction.
The ESC gets the 'commands' (PWM Signal) from the receiver that tell it how much the remote's throttle is pushed. This is also known as the Duty Cycle. The power of the ESC can be calculated by multiplying the voltage by the current. For example, an ESC rated for 24 Volts and 120 Amps would be calculated as 24 x 120 = 2880 Watts.
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Motor mounts
Welded motor mounts are considered the most durable and reliable method of attaching a motor to your longboard trucks. This type of mount is welded directly onto the trucks. If you choose to weld your own motor mounts, make sure you account for the drop-through of your longboard.
Bolt-on motor mounts, on the other hand, can be bolted onto the longboard trucks. They are often compatible with specific types of trucks, such as Caliber Trucks or Holey Trucks. One example of a bolt-on motor mount is the V7 Motor Mount Set, which is made from 6061-T6 Aircraft Grade Aluminum. This type of mount is adjustable, allowing you to prevent the motors from hitting the deck.
When designing your motor mount, you can use software like Autodesk Fusion 360 to create a custom design. You can then manufacture the mount using CNC, a subtractive manufacturing process that employs computerized controls to produce custom-designed parts.
Additionally, consider the type of longboard deck you have. If you choose a board with a deep concave underneath, it may be more challenging to mount the electronics.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to choose a longboard deck. You can visit your local longboard shop to see the decks they have in stock or browse online. It's important to keep in mind that you will need to drill a path for the wiring between the battery and ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) to avoid unprotected wiring under the board.
You should look for a brushless (BLDC) outrunner motor with a kv rating from 170 to 300 and power between 1500 to 3000 Watts. A lower kv rating will result in higher torque, so keep that in mind when choosing your motor.
The easiest way to build a DIY electric longboard is to purchase a kit that includes all the necessary parts and tools. These kits can be customized to your preferences and make the building process much simpler. You can also reach out for help via email or social media to companies that sell these kits, as they are usually very familiar with the building process and can provide guidance.
