Trystan Casey
Building your own electric skateboard at home can be a satisfying and cost-effective alternative to buying a commercial one. The process involves selecting the right parts, such as the deck, motor, battery, and wheels, and assembling them together. The deck is an important consideration, with longboard decks being popular for their stability, smooth ride, and space for electrical components. The motor should have high power and torque, and commonly used options include brushless out-runners for rc planes. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are a popular choice, while the ESC (speed controller) should support high amps to prevent burning out. The total cost of building an electric skateboard can be around \$400, but prices may vary depending on the choice of parts. Online resources, such as tutorials, videos, and forums, can provide valuable guidance and inspiration for building an electric skateboard at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Board | Any board should work. Pick your preference for flex and style. |
| Trucks | Pick any truck you want in cast aluminum. |
| Wheels | Urethane and pneumatic are two types of electric skateboard wheels. |
| Motor | Brushless out-runners for rc planes are commonly used. |
| ESC | A speed controller that can support very high amps. |
| Battery | Most people use Lithium Polymer (LiPo) in their builds. |
| Charger | Required for charging the battery. |
| Enclosure | Protects the components. |
| Total Cost | Around $400 for a cheap, powerful, DIY board. |
| Top Speed | 20-40 mph |
| Range | 6-20+ miles per charge |
| Hill Climbing | Can climb 20-30% hill inclines |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a deck
Firstly, the wheelbase, or the distance between the baseplates of each truck, is important as it limits where electronics can be mounted. Opting for a longer wheelbase, such as a longboard design of 100cm or more, will provide more space for mounting electronics and flexibility in component selection. Additionally, a longer wheelbase offers more stability and a smoother ride, making it a good choice for electric skateboards.
Secondly, consider the deck flex and style. The amount of flex, or bend, in a deck affects the ride quality and stability. More flex provides a smoother ride, while less flex gives a more responsive and agile feel. The style of the deck, such as a dropdown or drop-through, will also impact where electronics can be mounted, so choose a style that aligns with your component placement.
Thirdly, ensure you have adequate ground clearance. Most motors and under-deck components require at least 120mm of ground clearance to avoid obstacles and ensure a smooth ride.
Finally, consider the size and layout of your components when choosing a deck. Lay out your components on paper and sketch around them to visualise their placement on the deck. This will help you select a deck size that comfortably accommodates all the necessary electronics.
By considering these factors, you can choose a deck that provides a stable and smooth riding experience while also ensuring you have sufficient space to mount your electronics when building an electric skateboard.
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Selecting a motor
Type of Motor:
The two main types of electric skateboard motors are hub motors and belt-driven motors. Hub motors are attached directly to the wheel, eliminating the need for separate wheels during the building process. They tend to be more expensive but are a popular choice due to their simplicity and effectiveness. Belt-driven motors, on the other hand, use a pulley system with a motor gear to turn the wheel. They are usually more affordable but require additional components.
Power and Torque:
For an electric skateboard, it is essential to select a motor with high power and torque. Brushless out-runners, commonly used for rc planes, are a good option. Look for motors with a low kV value, such as the Turnigy SK3 213kV or the NTM Prop Drive 270kV.
Number of Motors:
Most electric skateboards use either a single motor or dual-motor setup. While single motors are simpler, dual motors provide better performance, especially on hills. Dual motors ensure a smoother ride and prevent one side from accelerating faster than the other, which can happen with single-motor setups.
Motor Size and Current:
The size of the motor will depend on the current it can handle. If you choose a very high-current motor, such as 95 amps, the motor size will be larger. Ensure that your battery can handle the required current and is compatible with the motor's rated voltage.
Motor Mounts:
Motor mounts are essential for securing the motor to the skateboard. Look for durable and reliable motor mounts made from high-quality materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum. Some companies offer bolt-on motor mounts that are easy to install and compatible with various skateboard decks.
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller):
The ESC is another critical component that works in conjunction with the motor. Choose an ESC that can support very high amps, typically identified by "HV" in the name. Ensure it is compatible with your chosen motor and battery. You may need to solder and use adapter cables if they are not directly compatible.
When selecting a motor for your electric skateboard, consider the type of motor, power requirements, number of motors, motor size, current handling, and compatibility with motor mounts and ESC. These factors will ensure a safe and efficient electric skateboard.
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Picking a battery
Picking the right battery is a crucial step in building your own electric skateboard. The battery you choose will determine the output power of your skateboard, so it's important to select one that is compatible with your motor and ESC (Electronic Speed Controller). Most people use Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries in their builds. When choosing a LiPo battery, consider the voltage and amp rating. For example, a 10S battery with a voltage of 37V and a 30C discharge rate can provide a continuous current of 90A and a burst current of 180A.
To ensure your battery fits securely, measure the space available on your deck and choose a battery that will fit comfortably. You may need to drill holes in your deck to accommodate the battery and secure it in place. Additionally, consider the range you want your skateboard to achieve on a single charge. The battery voltage and capacity will impact how far you can travel before needing to recharge.
It's also important to think about the placement of your battery. The battery should be easily accessible for charging and maintenance, and you should ensure that the wiring between the battery and ESC is protected. One option is to use a project box or enclosure to house the battery and other electrical components, which can be secured to the deck with screws or double-sided foam.
Lastly, consider the cost of the battery. Batteries for electric skateboards can range from as low as $40 to over $250 or more, depending on the quality and specifications. Choose a battery that fits within your budget while still meeting your performance requirements.
Overall, picking the right battery for your electric skateboard involves considering factors such as voltage, amp rating, size, range, placement, and cost to ensure optimal performance and safety.
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Installing the ESC
Firstly, you need to decide on the placement of the ESC. The ESC will need to be placed near the battery and motor, so plan out the wiring path between these components. The ESC, receiver, and receiver pack can be secured using double-sided foam, but the main body of the case might need to be screwed directly into the deck.
Next, you will need to connect the ESC to the motor and battery. The easiest way to do this is to choose an ESC that your chosen motor and batteries can plug directly into. However, if you are using a different motor and battery, you might need to solder and use adaptor cables.
When connecting the ESC, pay attention to the motor power. There is a possibility that your skateboard will rotate in place when incorrect loading occurs, so always be cautious when road testing. It is also important to ensure that the V & AMP will determine the output power. A single motor with a very high current will result in a very large motor size.
Finally, if you are using a remote to control your electric skateboard, you will need to ensure that the ESC is compatible. Making the ESC work with remotes that use UART or PWM is usually very easy, as the software to program the ESC will have a setup wizard that does most of the work.
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Adding wheels and trucks
When it comes to adding wheels and trucks to your electric skateboard, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want to use a belt motor or a hub drive motor. Belt motors used to be the only option for home-built electric skateboards, but hub drive motors have become an increasingly popular alternative. With a belt motor, you'll need to choose between urethane and pneumatic wheels. Urethane wheels are solid and durable, while pneumatic tires offer better shock absorption and grip but may not last as long. If you opt for a hub drive motor, the motor is attached directly to the wheel, so you don't need to purchase separate wheels.
Next, choose the right truck for your setup. You can pick any truck you want in cast aluminium and have an aluminium bracket welded onto the truck hanger at a machine shop. This should cost around $50. Alternatively, you can buy the aluminium yourself and cut your own bracket with a saw. Make sure you verify the correct angle before welding, and remember to remove the truck hanger to prevent the bushings from melting.
When selecting a deck, consider the wheelbase, deck flex, and shape. Opt for a longboard design to provide more room for electrical components and improve rider maneuverability. Ensure you have enough space for your battery, motor, controllers, and other components. Keep in mind that you'll need at least 120mm of ground clearance for the motor and any other components under the deck.
Finally, assemble your components by following instructions from a reliable source or seeking guidance from experienced builders. Remember to wear a helmet and exercise caution when riding your electric skateboard, as these can be dangerous.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of deck, but a longboard is recommended as it offers more room for electrical components and rider maneuverability. It also provides more stability, a smoother ride, and more space.
Brushless out-runners for rc planes are commonly used. You need one with a low kv. The Turnigy sk3 213kv and the smaller NTM prop drive 270kv are both good options.
Most people use Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries. You will need at least a 10s battery, and it is recommended to have two motors.
An ESC is a speed controller that can support very high amps. You need to get one that your chosen motor and batteries can plug straight into.
There are two main types of electric skateboard wheels: urethane and pneumatic. Urethane wheels are solid and hard to break, while pneumatic tires offer great shock absorption and grip but are less durable.
