How Does An Electric Skateboard Work: The Full Anatomy
Posted by Francisco Suarez on
A lot of people wonder about the technology that made electric skateboards a thing nowadays and what's inside each motorized skateboard that lets you move, ride and enjoy the no-pushing experience with both of your legs on the board.
If you are one of them and are wondering about how electric skateboards work, you should know that they are both simple and complicated, to begin with. Obviously, there are different motorized skateboard models and different places you can buy them from. There are DIY electric skateboard concepts you can also follow and design one on your own - or complete solutions that come as branded products and even offer a year warranty for your satisfaction.
Still, both DIY electric skateboards and motorized eboards for sale have one thing in common....
The electrical motor that makes them move without any force from the skater.
Which according to many, is a mystery. Today, we are unveiling the anatomy of an electric skateboard and showing you how motorized skateboards work in practice.
The Anatomy Of An Electric Skateboard
In order for you to understand how electric skateboards work, it is essential to list all the parts found in one. Generally, every electric motorized skateboard consists of:
- two pairs of rubber tires, that prevent it from slipping on any terrain
- high and elastic dampening for a smoother ride
- dampening blocks on the front and rear wheels that ensure a softer impact on rougher parts
- a handcrafter board design that is curvy and resembles the look of a longboard (for the best aerodynamics)
- a lithium battery that is located right next to the rear wheels (facing the front ones)
- a motor of at least 300watts (for a top speed of around 7mph)
- sensors that detect weight and prevent the motorized skateboard from running while you are not standing on it
- a non-slip surface on the board, preventing you from slipping and ensuring a solid grip
- a charger
Obviously, there are motors that are more powerful and ones that are less powerful in terms of wattage. There is also a charger that usually comes along with the skateboard that is connected to the battery for a full charge.
Moving on, we are talking more about electric skateboards and their actual force provided by the battery and motor in combination.
How Do Electric Skateboards Work, From Battery To Wheels
The first electric skateboard concepts had wires that were spread at the bottom of the board, all leading to a motor that connects to every wheel. Obviously, this was very inconvenient at the time and definitely dangerous for many riders.
Fast forward to today, electric skateboards are designed to be wireless - with an electric motor that is driven by a lithium battery. Just like the power that goes into your phone and lets it be active for a day, a motorized or electric skateboard is driven by the same lithium battery that lets it run a few miles in range on one charge.
Lithium Batteries As The Main Source Of Power
Now, there are different types of electric skateboard models and therefore, different types of lithium batteries. Some are more powerful and have greater mileage on one charge, while others are short-powered and therefore slower as well. The point is, electric skateboards are wireless and are powered by a battery - which lets you move around the city in an experience that is unlike ever before.
Size also matters when it comes to lithium batteries in electric skateboards. Typically, the larger the battery is - the greater the range for the eboard is on one charge. For example, a large lithium ion battery can get you 20 miles on a single charge - while a standard one may leave you with only 5 to 6 miles with a full 100% charge.
The Function Of The Motor And Sensors
The main function of the electric skateboard is driven from the frames that pivot in the center of it and the sensors that detect weight - included in the wheels. There are also tilt angles, as well as gyroscopes and other sensors that ensure the hoverboard is upright and won't get you falling down at all.
As long as the feet are flat, the sensors detect their movement and send signals directly to the motor. As you lean forward, the motors receive the signal that you want to move and the motherboard immediately turns on the motors, initiating the movement.
The Quality Of Elements Always Matters
If you are wondering whether there is a standard set of elements used in every electronic skateboard, the answer is no. Just like smartphones, computers and even vehicles, there are different technologies and different elements that have better or worse quality. Usually, the price is a differentiator and the common rule 'you get what you pay for' sticks when it comes to finding a good quality electric skateboard.
The main reason for this is simple - reputable brands invest in high-quality batteries from reliable manufacturers that are safe to use and don't hold a chance of exploding unless there is some major internal or external damage. Plus, the chargers that come into these sets are designed to be charging the electric skateboards only, making them stand out from any other cheap variants.
A Final Word
The bottom line is that nowadays, a great quality electric skateboard is one that comes from a reliable brand and one that uses high quality elements. That being said, any attempt to design your own DIY electric skateboard may result in a failure and loss of time and money.
Even though the electric skateboards today are very futuristic, we expect a lot of novelties in this technology - with even more sensors, features and options allowing for a better movement and a more comfortable ride.