DIY Electric Skateboard – Step by Step Components Guide
If you are looking to build your own DIY Electric Skateboard, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many parts and components that go into the DIY Electric Skateboard. That’s what this component guide is for!
The DIY Guide includes all the necessary components that go into building one of these boards, including battery, motor, wheels, trucks, decks, and other accessories like bearings. These parts can be mixed and matched in various ways depending on your skill level or desired power output.
Choosing the Components for DIY Electric Skateboard
Many components go into electric skateboards. Choosing the right ones can be confusing for beginners, so we will try to break it down as simply as possible!
Basic Components
Step 1: The Deck
The deck of your DIY electric skateboard will be the platform you stand on and ride. It comes in many different shapes, sizes, colors, to be lighter than Composite Boards, but are generally not as durable.
Composite Decks
These decks are usually made from a fiberglass or carbon-fiber composite that is durable but heavy. While typically more expensive than other types of boards, they offer great durability with minimal flexing when riding over cracks and bumps at high speeds!
This makes them perfect for commuting to work or school every day since there won’t be any issues with rough roads ruining the ride quality.
Wooden Decks
Similar to Composite Boards, these decks also come in various shapes and sizes on preference. Wooden boards tend to be lighter than Composite Boards, but are not as durable.
However, wooden decks offer great shock absorption which makes them perfect for off-road boarding since there won’t be any issues with rough roads ruining the ride quality due to their flexibility.
Plastic Decks
These boards are typically made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastic and come in many shapes and sizes! They tend to flex quite a bit at higher speeds, so they may cause some instability when riding over larger cracks or bumps on the road.
However, these decks provide great shock absorption which makes them perfect for off-road boarding since there won’t be any issues with rough roads ruining the ride quality due to their flexibility.
Step 2: Trucks
The trucks of your DIY Electric Skateboard attach directly onto the axles and connect your wheels to the deck itself! These can come in many different shapes and sizes depending on preference or desired riding style. In general, larger trucks will provide a more stable ride while smaller ones tend to have a better grip when turning at high speeds.
Keep in mind that most decks only work with standard longboard truck sizing, so you will need to ensure that your trucks are compatible with the Electric Skateboard deck before purchasing them.
Step 3: Wheels
The wheels of electric skateboards can come in various shapes, sizes, and materials! Sizes will generally range anywhere from 60mm-110mm when it comes to size while different wheel types provide varying degrees of grip and speed.
Off-Road Electric Skateboard Wheels
These wheels are meant for off-road boarding since they provide great traction when riding over rough terrain at high speeds! Some e-skateboards only work with these types of wheels due to their larger size, so make sure you purchase the right type if your electric skateboard only works with off-road wheels.
On-Road Electric Skateboard Wheels
These are the most common types of e-skateboard wheels due to their smaller size, which allows for more stability at higher speeds! They also provide great grip when turning on flat surfaces while riding over small cracks and bumps won’t be a problem.
Step 4: Bearings
The bearings of electric skateboard decks will determine the speed, stability, and power that your DIY board can provide! They do not affect how fast you go with your board, but they play a role in determining its quality.
Standard ABEC
These types of bearings are very cheap and common among most brands since there isn’t much to them aside from their outer ring which is made out of steel or brass. This makes it harder for the skateboard to maintain consistent speeds without losing too much energy as well as providing weaker acceleration abilities when riding uphill.
If you want more control over your Electric Skateboard at lower speeds then we suggest going with one that features ABEC bearings.
ABEC-X
These bearings are better than the standard ABEC types since they contain ceramic balls instead of steel or brass ones! This allows your board to maintain consistent speeds without losing too much energy as well as providing stronger acceleration abilities when riding uphill.
However, if you plan on using your Electric Skateboard for downhill boarding then we suggest going with one that features ABEC-X bearings since their smoothness will provide a more solid ride over rough surfaces at high speeds.
Electronic Components
Step 5: Motor
The Electric Skateboard Motor is what determines the acceleration and top speed of your board! There are two types of motors that most e-boards use:
Brushless DC Motors
These types of motors feature a highly durable design with long-lasting bearings as well as upgraded electrical wiring. They provide great acceleration abilities but lack hill climbing performance which can be an issue for those looking to ride on steep hills.
If you only plan on riding downhill then we suggest going with one that features brushless DC motors. However, if you want something more versatile then go with one that has a combination of brushed and brushless motor systems instead.
Brushed DC Motors
Are much cheaper than brushless DC motors since they are less complex. However, Electric Skateboards that feature brushed motor systems tend to lose energy quickly when going uphill which can be an issue for those who want to ride their e-board on hilly terrain.
If you’re looking for something with great hill climbing abilities then go with one that features brushless DC motors.
Step 6: Battery
The electric skateboard battery is what provides your e-board with its power! There are two types of batteries that most boards use.
Lithium Polymer Battery
Features a lightweight, sleek design which makes it easier to carry around. However, these batteries tend to cost more and have higher chances of deteriorating or exploding compared to other battery types. If safety isn’t an issue then we suggest going with one that features lithium polymer batteries.
Lead Acid Battery
These batteries feature larger topsides, as well as thicker sides due to their increased weight but they, provide much longer run times than Lithium Polymer Batteries do!
Step 7: ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
The ESC is what determines how responsive your Electric Skateboard is when you push on the throttle! There are two types of ESCs that are mostly used.
Brushless Electronic Speed Controller
They are much more expensive than brushed electronic speed controllers since they feature increased electrical properties. Electric Skateboards that feature brushless ESCs are more responsive when the throttle is applied which makes them great for those who want something with a fast acceleration.
However, if you’re looking for a board that provides smooth stopping power then go with one that has brushed electronic speed controllers instead!
Brushed Electronic Speed Controller
They are much cheaper than brushless ESCs since they do not contain as many electrical components and are less complex overall. Electric Skateboards featuring brushed BESCs have weaker accelerations but provide better braking abilities compared to their counterparts so they are perfect for people who want an easier time controlling their boards at low speeds.
Step 8: Remote
The Remote is what allows you to control the throttle on your Electric Skateboard! There are many different types of remotes that electric skateboards use but there are two that are most common.
Thumb Controller Remote
This type of controller requires you to push up or down depending on how fast you want your Electric Skateskate board to go which makes it easier for those who have never ridden an eBoard before.
Finger-Operated Remote
Require a simple twist motion to change speeds instead of making them more suitable for experienced riders. We suggest going with one of these if this will be your first time riding an electric skateboard they provide greater levels of stability when riding at high speeds.
Step 9: Battery Enclosure
The Battery Enclosure is what covers the battery and ESC system! There are two types of battery enclosures that are mostly used.
Plastic Enclosures
Are much cheaper than fiberglass enclosures since they do not feature any electrical properties. Boards that feature plastic battery enclosures are lighter in weight which can be great if you plan on carrying your Electric Skateboard around a lot.
However, they also tend to heat up more easily so this may not be the best choice for those who want something with increased durability!
Fiberglass Enclosures
Are much more expensive than plastic enclosures since they are made out of high-quality materials that provide great electrical insulation. Electric Skateboards featuring fiberglass battery enclosures don’t heat up as easily so this is perfect for those who plan on riding their e-boards in extreme conditions!
Assembling the Electric Skateboard
Conclusion
There are the key DIY Electric Skateboard components that you will need to consider when building your electric skateboard.
Hopefully, this DIY Electric Skateboard Components Guide has provided you with a better idea of what to look for when purchasing yours! If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
If this process looks time taking you can check out the best pre-assembled electric skateboards here.
