Trystan Casey
Electric skateboards are a fun and innovative way to get around, and building your own electric skateboard can be a rewarding experience. The process of creating your own electric board allows for customization to fit your needs, whether that's speed, torque, or battery life. Building your own board can be challenging, but with the right parts, knowledge, and resources available, it is certainly achievable. This introduction will cover the basics of building an electric skateboard, including the key components, considerations, and resources available to help you get started on your DIY electric board project.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To protect the electronics against water and getting crushed |
| Top Speed | 30+mph |
| Range | Depends on rider size, riding style, and terrain |
| Motor | Brushless DC motor |
| ESC | VESC (Ben Vedder's VESC is a popular option) |
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery |
| Case | To cover the battery, ESC, and wiring to keep dust and dirt out |
| Kit | Electric skateboard kits are available that include all the necessary parts except for the deck |
| Customization | You can customize the board according to your needs, such as choosing a bigger motor for more torque or a smaller motor for longer battery life |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing parts: motors, ESCs, batteries, mounts, etc
The electric skateboard consists of three main parts: the motor, the ESC (electronic speed control), and the battery. These three components will require the most research to ensure they work together seamlessly.
For the motor, a brushless DC motor is recommended due to its high power output in a small package. The KV-ratio is an important specification to consider when choosing a brushless DC motor. KV stands for rpm/Volt applied to the motor. For example, applying 10 volts to a 190KV motor will result in 1900 rounds per minute. The KV-ratio for electric skateboards typically falls between 100 and 300 KV. A single motor setup is generally sufficient for average commuting and is more affordable. However, a dual motor setup provides significantly more power and climbs hills effortlessly, albeit at a higher cost.
When selecting an ESC, ensure it is compatible with your chosen motor and battery. You may need to solder and use adaptor cables if they are not designed to work together.
For the battery, Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are a popular choice due to their high power-to-weight ratio. However, they require careful handling and charging to avoid fire risks and premature battery degradation. If you opt for LiPo batteries, invest in a good quality balance charger and always maintain proper charging practices.
Additionally, consider the motor mount, which can be designed to fit your chosen truck and motor. Richard from Aliendrivesystems offers an affordable and effective solution for mounting motors onto different trucks. The MBoards Matrix III Mounts are also renowned for their simplicity and ease of use.
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Buying parts: cost, compatibility, and quality
When buying parts for your electric skateboard, there are several factors to consider, including cost, compatibility, and quality.
Cost can vary depending on the type of parts you choose and where you buy them. Websites like Banggood and Aliexpress offer low prices, but shipping can take longer. The cost of parts can also depend on sales and local prices. Keep in mind that certain features, such as a dual setup, can significantly increase the cost but offer more power and better hill-climbing ability.
Compatibility is crucial when choosing parts. Ensure that the motor, ESC (speed controller), and battery you select are compatible with each other. The ESC should be able to support very high amps, typically identified by "HV" in the name. Consider the KV-ratio (rpm/Volt) of the motor, and choose a lower KV if you have a high-voltage battery.
Quality is essential for the performance and longevity of your electric skateboard. Opt for a good-quality ESC to avoid cheaper ones burning out. Thicker wires are necessary for electric skateboards to handle the high current, but they will take up more space. Consider using Loctite to secure bolts and prevent them from loosening due to vibrations.
It is important to do thorough research on the motor, ESC, and battery, as these are the three main parts of an electric skateboard. Customization options are also available, such as using a longboard deck for increased stability and space for your components.
By carefully considering cost, compatibility, and quality, you can make informed choices when buying parts to create your own electric skateboard.
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Building the board: assembling parts, soldering, and wiring
Building your own electric board is a rewarding project that can be accomplished with some patience and the right tools. This guide will take you through the process of assembling the parts, soldering, and wiring your board.
Building the Board: Assembling Parts
Firstly, you'll need to gather the necessary parts for your electric board. Here's a list of the components you'll require:
- Deck (longboards are recommended for DIY electric boards)
- Motor (consider the speed and power you desire)
- Connectors
- Remote control
- Trucks (with a D-shaped truck hanger profile to secure the motor mount)
- Mount
- ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
You can purchase these components individually or as part of a kit. Websites like eSkateBuddy offer a range of options for building your own electric skateboard.
Soldering and Wiring
Soldering is a crucial step in creating your electric board as it joins the metallic surfaces and creates electrical connections. Here are the tools you'll need for soldering:
- Soldering iron with an adjustable temperature between 300-400°C and a fine tip for wires (0.5mm to 2mm)
- Solder wire (rosin-core solder with a diameter of 0.5mm to 1mm is ideal)
- Soldering iron stand
- Sponge for cleaning the iron tip
- Flux to remove surface oxides and improve solder flow
- Isopropyl alcohol to clean flux residues
- Safety glasses to protect your eyes
Once you have your tools and a well-ventilated workspace, follow these steps:
- Practice on scrap materials to get a feel for soldering.
- Tin the strands of stranded wires together before soldering to the board pad as a single strand.
- Heat the pads for 1-3 seconds before applying solder for small joints. Preheat for 4-5 seconds for larger pads.
- Push the leads of components through the holes in the circuit board.
- Solder the leads onto the bottom of the circuit board, creating a solid conductive joint.
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Enclosures: protecting electronics from water and damage
When creating your own electric boards, it is important to consider how to protect the electronics from water and other types of damage. Waterproof enclosures are a necessity to safeguard electronics from water damage, which can occur due to rain, humidity, or accidental submersion. These enclosures are designed to keep water out and prevent internal damage.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a waterproof enclosure. Firstly, the level of protection required is crucial. Different enclosures offer varying degrees of protection, with some providing all-round protection from all angles, including the top, bottom, and sides. This type of enclosure is ideal for applications where electronics are exposed to wet or humid environments, such as marine, outdoor, or industrial settings.
Secondly, the size and shape of the enclosure should be considered. Waterproof enclosures come in a range of sizes and shapes to meet the specific requirements of the application. It is important to choose an enclosure that is manufactured to high standards of quality.
Thirdly, the material of the enclosure is essential to ensuring its effectiveness and longevity. Common materials used for waterproof enclosures include polycarbonate plastic, aluminium, stainless steel, and fiberglass. The choice of material depends on the environment the enclosure will be exposed to. For example, aluminium is suitable for outdoor use, while stainless steel or fiberglass is recommended for harsh marine environments.
Additionally, the sealing method plays a crucial role in keeping water out. O-rings and gaskets are commonly used seals. Static O-rings are used in static parts, while dynamic O-rings are lubricated to maintain a tight seal in moving parts. Gaskets are flexible seals made from materials like nitrile, neoprene, or silicone, each offering benefits such as oil resistance, weather resistance, or high-temperature tolerance.
It is also important to keep the design simple, with fewer seams and openings, as this reduces the chances of water ingress. Testing and regular maintenance of the enclosure are crucial to ensuring its effectiveness in protecting electronics from water damage.
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Customisation: speed, torque, range, and design
When creating your own electric board, there are several customisation options available to tailor it to your preferences in terms of speed, torque, range, and design.
Firstly, let's discuss speed and torque. The speed of your electric board will depend on the power rating of the motor, and the torque-speed relationship is inversely proportional. This means that as output speed increases, torque decreases, and vice versa. If you desire higher speeds, you may need to compromise on torque, and vice versa. To achieve a balance, consider the dynamic requirements of your intended use. For example, a racing motorcycle is designed for high speeds but lacks the torque required to haul an RV. On the other hand, a semi-truck is optimised for high torque but cannot reach high speeds. To enhance torque without compromising speed, consider incorporating a mechanical gearbox, which increases output torque or changes the speed of a motor using gear ratios.
The range of your electric board will depend on various factors such as rider size, riding style, and terrain. To maximise range, consider using high-power lithium-ion batteries, which can provide sufficient fuel for rides of up to 20 miles on a single charge.
When it comes to design, you have the freedom to choose the deck design and size. You can print out a template guide on A4 paper sheets and use it to cut your desired deck design on a bandsaw. Additionally, consider adding stiff springs to help the board return to its normal horizontal position when you lean to turn. For a more comfortable ride, you can also incorporate suspensions to smooth out bumps.
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Frequently asked questions
An electric skateboard consists of three main parts: the motor, the ESC (electronic speed controller), and the battery.
The remote, usually a Bluetooth device, tells the ESC to start the motor and how quickly you want to go. The motor then turns the wheels.
Most ESCs on the market are designed for RC cars and other toys, not skateboards. Be sure to buy a quality ESC that's made for skateboarding. Ben Vedder's VESC is a popular option for DIYers.
A bigger motor will deplete your battery faster, but it also provides more torque, which is helpful for climbing hills. Torque also affects speed, so if you want a faster board, you may want a bigger motor.
An enclosure protects the electronics of your electric skateboard from water and damage. You can make it out of wood or metal, 3D print it, or vacuum form your own plastic case.
