What is an Electric Skateboard and How Does it Work?

November 3, 2022 by Brad Hanson

What is an Electric Skateboard?

An electric skateboard is a battery-powered, motorized skateboard that can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. They are ridden standing up and use a remote control to accelerate and brake. For turning you still have to lean side to side.

An electric skateboard is heavier and bulkier than a regular skateboard because of the battery and motor. Most electric skateboards have a max weight limit of 200-250 pounds.

Other Names for Electric Skateboard

There are a few other names that electric skateboards go by. These include:

• e-Skateboard
• e-Board
• Remote Control Skateboard
• Electric Longboard

Electric skateboards are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative mode of transportation, especially in urban areas.

Parts of an Electric Skateboard

Most electric skateboards will have a deck, which is the part you stand on, two trucks that support the deck, and four wheels.

The wheels are attached to the motors that drive the board. The battery and ESC which is the brain of the e-Board are usually located under the deck.

List of Basic Components:

• Deck
• Trucks
• Wheels
• Ball bearings
• Griptape

List of Electronic and Mechanical Components:

• Motor
• Battery
• Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
• Remote Control

Want to know more about e-skateboard parts? Here is a guide to DIY Electric Skateboards.

Two Main Types of Electric Skateboards:

Hub Driven Electric Skateboard

Hub-driven electric skateboards have a motor inside the wheel. This type of board is usually less expensive, but the wheels and motors are not as durable and can be difficult to replace if they break.

Belt Driven Electric Skateboard

Belt-driven electric skateboards have the motor located in the middle of the board, under the deck. This type of board is more expensive, but the wheels and motors are more durable and easier to replace if they break.

How Does an Electric Skateboard Work?

The motors on an electric skateboard are powered by a battery. Most electric skateboards will have a lithium-ion battery that can be recharged. The battery is connected to an ESC, which stands for electronic speed control.

The ESC is the brain of the operation and tells the motor how fast to spin. It also manages acceleration and braking. The ESC is usually controlled by a remote, which the rider uses to speed up, slow down, and stop.

To move forward, you simply press the throttle on the remote and lean slightly into your front foot. To apply brakes, you let off the throttle and lean back into your rear foot. For turning, you still have to lean side to side like you would on a regular skateboard.

Electric Skateboard Remote

Most electric skateboards will come with a remote. This is what you use to control the board. The remote usually has two buttons: one for acceleration and one for braking.

Some higher-end models may have an LCD screen that displays speed and battery life. Some remotes also have a feature that allows you to change the modes of the board. For example, you can put it in beginner mode which will limit the speed and make acceleration slower.

Modes on an Electric Skateboard

Most electric skateboards will have two modes: beginner and expert.

Beginner Mode: In beginner mode, the board will have a lower top speed and slower acceleration. This is perfect for those just starting out.

Expert Mode: The expert mode will have a higher top speed and faster acceleration. This is for those who are more experienced and comfortable riding at high speeds.

Each mode has its own advantages and it’s up to the rider to decide which one they want to use.

Other Things To Consider

Basic Features of an Electric Skateboard

When choosing an electric skateboard, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Range: First, consider the range. This is how far the board can go on a single charge. Most boards will have a range of around 15-20 miles. If you plan on using the board for commuting, make sure it has a good range.

Speed: Next, consider the top speed. Most boards will have a top speed of around 20 mph. However, some boards can go much faster than that. If you plan on using the board for commuting, make sure it has a good top speed.

Weight Capacity: Another thing to consider is the weight capacity. Most boards can support riders up to 250 lbs. However, some boards can support riders up to 300 lbs. If you plan on using the board for commuting, make sure it has a good weight capacity.

Price: Finally, consider the price. Electric skateboards can range in price from $500-$2000. If you plan on using the board for commuting, make sure it has a good price.

Read our article “Best Electric Skateboards” for a detailed buyer’s Guide.

Most Common Features of Electric Skateboards

Regenerative Braking System: Most electric skateboards will have a regenerative braking system. This means that when you brake, the motor acts as a generator and charges the battery. This extends the range of the electric skateboard.

Cruise Control: Some electric skateboards have a feature called cruise control. This lets you set a constant speed so that you don’t have to hold down the throttle the whole time.

Power Meter: Another common feature is a power meter. This tells you how much power is being used and how much battery life you have left.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an electric skateboard is a great way to get around. They are easy to ride and can be used for transportation or recreation. Electric skateboards have many benefits and are a lot of fun.

If you are looking for a new mode of transportation, an electric skateboard may be the perfect option for you. Also, if you want to learn more about Electric Skateboards, here are some more articles for you:

• Are Electric Skateboards Safe?
• Are Electric Skateboards Legal?
• How much do Electric Skateboards Cost?

Now that you know what electric skateboards are, get yourself the best electric skateboard!