I really feel the urge to finally build myself an electric skateboard. I have already built drones – but to construct a vehicle you can actually ride is definitely new for me. So I need your help.
For a newcomer to this hobby, the marked is a bit overwhelming. I could find some components, but I am quite sure that they don’t all match together. Plus, the build like I “designed” it is still a bit too expensive for me. So please, let me know what you think and what I can improve.
The goal is to have an electric skateboard with hub motors (and replaceable wheels), capable of going at least 35 kmh (20 mah) and 30km (20m) of range. It should be able to drive uphill – let’s say 20°. This while I’m on it with my (drone-)backpack – total 90kg.
This is what I have come up by now. I don’t plan to build this – I only post this to give you an idea of my lack of knowledge in this hobby…
Hi @tipsy
Thanks - good to know I will have to invest more for a proper build.
I deleted that line. Priority at the moment is to find the right components for my build
That pack is good but is quite thick and hard to work with. Get a pack built for you.
Start with a deck + enclosure, and work from there. A lot easier to get internals that fit the enclosure and deck that you like than vice versa. @eBoosted and @BigBen make excellent enclosures.
Scrap those hubs. Any reason why you want hubs in particular? Hubs just aren’t good.
Thanks, I will check out @eBoosted and @BigBen as soon as possible.
I chose Hubs because they are more stealth, less prone to damage and give the ability to push the board if the battery dies one day.
Are belt drives so much better?
Hubs are more prone to damage. Thin layer of urethane between the magnets & stator where as belts are far off the ground with thick layer of urethane absorbing the vibrations.
Parts are also easier and cheaper to replace for a belt system whereas with a hub you’re fucked.
Can always take off the belt and then you’ll have no resistance to push :^)
I’ve now tried to find a “shop” for the hummie motors but all I can find is the kickstarter page and an almost empty webpage…
Is there something more to take a closer look at it?
I was wondering if the goal: 35 kmh; 35km range and 20° inclination is reachable with hubs or if I am required to go for a belt drive to reach the goal…?
You already gave me references for the enclosures. Do you know any awesome site for decks? I am looking for a pin tail deck - it should be a neutral, classy design but not boring… I struggle to find a deck that fits my taste online
yeah that kit comes with everything but the motors.
thats do-able with hubs, but they’ll heat up much quicker than belt counterparts.
i’m not a pin-tail guy myself… kick tail is small and i don’t like the shape so I can’t help you there. my choice is to look at the enclosures already made and pick a deck so they are a perfect fit for each other.
Unless you’re really comfortable doing modifications or full diy to make something fit I would highly suggest picking a deck and enclosure combination that are meant for each other.
I’ve lost count of how many builds I’ve seen come to a dead stop just trying to figure out an enclosure to fit a deck after all the other components have been purchased.
@BigBen makes affordable enclosures for a pretty wide range of boards, you should check out his Instagram for the different products he carries: https://www.instagram.com/bbenclosures/
An important thing to think about when choosing a deck / enclosure, is the battery. Will you have enough room for that Torqueboards battery? If not youve got to think about the size of the pack, the power you’ll need, and what range is acceptable to you.
Feel free to ask here about everything, but especially battery stuff. Its tricky for a beginner
@pundahh I did contact hummie. He currently does not sell any motors. Which leaves me with “bust”. But I could not find “bust” anywhere. Do you have a webpage or a contact?
Do you guys know a hub kit I could consider? I cannot find a proper hub kit including the cover like I do for belt drives.
Actually I think its the other way round, you don’t need to take care of the enclosure and assembly is usually a lot easier. But I’m a fan of integrated decks anyway
Maybe direct drives are an option? They are not as stealth as the hub motors but have less heat problems and you can use full urethane compared to those thin sleeves.
I’ve never seen those Hubs from Kais store used anywhere so I have no idea what they’re capable of. I got some hummie hubs fortunately and I love them. I had only one opportunity to ride a belt drive board but I preferred my hummies by far.
I’m currently waiting for the neoHubs which I’ll use for a lightweight street deck build, hopefully they’ll be good but noone had the opportunity to test them yet.
The Hubmotors you linked are similar to Maytech Hubmotors, those were my first motors to get me into DIY, I would not recommend them. The motors sold by Meepo are cheaper and better if you want to go the cheap Hubmotor route.
Hubmotors paired with Vesc based ESC’S will get you up a 20° hill, the biggest downside is comfort, with Hubmotors you feel all the vibrations of the road.
This are some vendors within EU who are selling parts and bits.
For batteries, I think @Acido is building custom batteries in the EU.
