12s is a very common setup to use. Most ESCs for esk8 can handle 12s, but mostly more expensive somewhat specialty ones are required for higher voltage. 8s could also work, but it will give you a lower top speed so probably just plan to go 12s.
As far as ESCs if you want to tinker any VESC based ESC allows you to tinker. There are a lot of companies, but makerx and stormcore (lacroix) seem to be some of the most commonly used. ESCs based on the VESC has a list of vesc based escs, but some of them are pretty rare or not made anymore.