Most people out there buy an electric skateboard from a shop or a website. However, some creative users want to build everything from scratch. The art of making your electric skateboard, fitting all the parts, and modifying it as you please isn’t easy. Still, with a guide available, anything can be done. People want to experiment with new ideas and go above the average level as time progresses.
This article will give you all the details and steps required to make your own electric skateboard from scratch.
Let’s start with the perfect DIY electric skateboard guide!
Kinds of electric skateboards you can build
Electric skateboards come in different types and features. It’s up to you to add or remove any feature you don’t like. You can have larger wheels or smaller wheels. The deck shape can vary, and selecting the type of battery comes under your choice.
Good average-sized electric skateboards with moderate acceleration and stability that cost less to make are preferred by most users as they are long-lasting and easy to carry.
Here are the types:
1. Urban Electric Skateboards
These electric skateboards have an old-school vibe. Shorter decks with large wheels are used to make it.
The motor used in these electric skateboards is a hub motor with single or dual belts connected to the wheels.
The smaller size makes it the first choice for college students as this is easy to carry and requires less space.
Having average speed with a long-range is also a plus for this electric skateboard.
2. Electric Street Skateboard
These electric skateboards have longer boards with wheels for a high speed. They have wider trucks for high stability.
Dual belt drives are used to make these electric skateboards. The main feature of these boards is the high speed that it provides.
Riding on this board can be tricky for beginners, so getting some experience before riding one is better.
3. All-terrain board
Designed for riding mountains or hilly areas, these electric skateboards have large inflatable tires with top-mounted battery packs and dual motors.
The torque of these motors is very high, and their power is sufficient enough to ride uphill.
Some of them have bindings so that your feet remain in place when traveling at high speed and that too on a hilly area.
4. Electric racer skateboards
Riders deciding to build this electric skateboard should always wear protective gear with a solid helmet like these fly.
With speeds more than 50-60 miles per hour, these are not your average motorized skateboards.
The board comprises the best batteries, motors, ESC, and wheels available in the electric skateboard market.
For safety, these must be driven by highly professional people and experienced in riding electric skateboards.
How to build your electric skateboard from scratch
Here are the parts needed to make your electric skateboard:
1. Deck
It would be best to get a more extended deck than regular skateboard ones as they provide more stability and a steadier ride. The deck should be flexible and spacious so that the rest of the components can be enclosed underneath.
Most people use a wooden deck, but if you want to experiment with something new, adding carbon fibers or glass can also be an option, as this makes your electric skateboard lighter. The only issue is that these skateboards are not that durable compared to wooden ones.
Choosing a deck with 31 wheelbases between the trunks is necessary for adding wheels.
2. Motor
A motor is an essential part of a motorized skateboard. You should select one that provides high torque and power. Motors with high KV should be preferred.
Should you use a single motor or a dual one? A single motor with high KV is sufficient to ride an electric skateboard uphill and is a cheaper option. A college student or commute worker should select a single motor.
Dual motors are better than a single motor, but the cost of getting them is too high. It is much more suitable for an average rider to have a single motor as it also saves up on expenses.
Whether you go for a hub or belt motor, it’s up to you. Belt motors are faster and have high torque, but if you’re one of those who crave smooth, quiet rides, a hub motor is the best choice for you.
4. Battery
The most important part of an electric skateboard is the battery. That means you should consider its selection very carefully.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common ones, and these are safe, have a longer life cycle, and come with a BMS or managing system for the cells. If you’re a beginner, these are the best for you as they are long-lasting and stable.
Lithium polymer batteries are another option. These are cheaper than the previous ones and have higher discharge rates. These batteries provide more significant acceleration, and you can fit them in places where the ionones won’t fit.
The arrangement of batteries should also be kept in mind. Batteries in parallel cells are better in providing a high range and more energy. However, if the cells are connected in series, there will be more power and speed.
High power 12S4P battery is recommended for use.
5. Electronic Speed Controller
Known as the brain of your electric skateboard, choosing the right ESC is necessary.
Get an ESC that has high amps. Having a built-in Bluetooth is also crucial for easy usage. If it’s not built-in, you must get a Bluetooth adapter to set up your board with a smartphone.
Getting a good quality ESC is more beneficial as the cheaper ones have a lesser life span and can burn out quickly.
6. Remote Control
There are many remote controls available in the market. There is a variety of remote controls out there as long as you have a receiver and ESC port.
Remote control is part of your electric skateboard. All the commands are transmitted, so getting a good quality one is better.
7. Enclosure
A strong enclosure is required to protect your batteries and other parts of your motorized skateboard. It should be built so that dirt and moisture should not enter and damage the batteries.
If your enclosure is stiff, this might affect your ride and even harm the electronics inside.
8. Wheels
The wheels of an electric skateboard come in different styles and types. The type of wheels you select also determines the type of electric skateboard you will build.
The most popular ones are urethane skate wheels that are in the market now for the longest time. These are durable and come in multiple forms and shapes.
Pneumatic tires and Honeycomb tires are other options as well. These are different from urethane ones as they have rubber outside and an air tube inside. The main advantage of these is that they absorb shocks better on difficult terrains.
However, the rubber and air tube inside them make them heavier, and that can, in turn, increase the weight of your electric skateboard.
9. Belts
Depending upon the motor and the size of your electric skateboard, belts may vary, and it’s your personal choice to get the best one in the market as there as so many available now.
10. Trucks
If you want to use a truck with your electric skateboard, it depends on your style and type of truck. The different types of trucks are:
- Reverse Kingpin Truck
- Double Kingpin Truck
- Traditional Kingpin Truck
- Special Truck
11. Ball bearings
To put inside the wheels, you need ball bearings. This small yet essential part of skateboarding is crucial for your ride, and selecting the best ones is easy as many choices.
Other parts needed for an electric skateboard
These are some other parts required to make a DIY electric skateboard:
- Motor mounting plates. These are great to help with pulley tension and have a mounting system that doesn’t slip.
- Mounting bolts. It will help if you use longer mounting bolts and those that don’t rust easily. If you want to modify them, painting them is also an option.
- Riser pads. These are used to lift the deck even higher, raising the deck.
- Battery meter. It is optional to use it as this shows the battery temperature.
- Connectors. Some ESCs are required to be connected with the motors.
- Griptape. This can be used on top of decks.
These are some add-ons necessary for building a DIY electric skateboard.
Final Words – Wrapping it Up
Making your electric skateboard is a fun experience. People who want to play with their imagination and creativity usually select this option.
The guide mentioned above has all the details necessary. However, you have complete freedom to choose the best parts for your electric skateboard. The tips and parts mentioned are available in the market. Selecting the best ones will give you a perfect DIY electric skateboard.
Whatever motorized skateboard you make, safety must be considered the priority. When you buy so many things altogether, never forget to buy protective gear and use it.
