Help needed for Noob on a first build

ESK8 Builds
#1

I’d like to build an electric longboard for my college kid to move about campus. I’ve been reading lots of threads and found myself getting overwhelmed with data. I’m thinking that the best approach is to start a build thread, ask a few basic questions and then build/get advice on my parts list.

I’d like to build a board that will carry a 175 lb person 15 to 20 mph for a range of 10-15 miles. I’m struggling to find a calculator that will help me understand what size battery and motors I need to accomplish this. Note that my current plan is to build a two hub motor board to keep things simple.

CheapDad

1 Like
#2

If you’re going hub motors, I would recommend these:

But you can go with something different.

I believe they are around 60kv.

A 10s3p battery would be your best battery for this build. And the esc to run it would be this:

Remote would be your choice.

You can send a link to ask if its good or not.

1 Like
#3

Leon, thank you so much! Since I am trying to learn, how do you know that this is correct battery/motor combination/ Experience, or is there something I should be doing to ensure I’m not buying over-or underpowered parts?

1 Like
#4

20220605_165759
20220605_1657591920×2560 1.43 MB

20220605_165806
20220605_1658061920×2560 1.29 MB

Yep. This was my first board i made and tested range on my 10s3p battery with a similar motor style. It originally had a 10s5p battery and the range was more around 25miles. My 10s3p is 10-15 miles at 20mph.

2 Likes
#5

You actually want to do the opposite of this if you’re not doing hub motors. My mountain board uses real motors on the back and takes a lot more power. So in reality, you want more power, not less. If you get a dv6 and a 12s4p p42a battery, you can run any hubs/belts with no fear of lack of power.

All you need to do is reprogram the esc.

1 Like
#6

Thank you!

Here’s the start of my parts list:

Deck - I’d like to use a dolphin nose or drop deck. Something like the DN42 from Skateshred, but I’m not sure that deck is appropriate for electric. Thoughts on a good beginner deck? Riding would be largely flat (FL) with the occasional small hill.

Trucks - In my reading, I think I read that 10mm trucks were ideal because I wouldn’t have to dremel the shafts to accept the hub motors. (Leon, I see that you linked wheels, trucks and motors that appear to be for offroad use; I’m building a street board. Not sure if that makes a difference.)

Wheels - open to suggestions but realize they must match the trucks.

Motors - 60kv as Leon recommends?

ESC - Go-FOC DV4, but open to other suggestions.

Battery - 10s3p

Enclosure - obviously needs to be large enough to fit the battery. I wouldn’t mind one that I can open and put the remote when not in use.

Remote - I’d like to use a small pistol grip one. (The one that looks like an old Wii controller, not the big RC car controller.)

Open to any and all suggestions! And thank you!

#7

I think my board is a drop down deck. So it works if you’re going with hubs.

Hub motors comes with their own trucks and wheels. You basically just put them on.

It doesn’t. I use mine on streets, and slightly offroad (they’re not entirely for that). But they have better grip on roads.

60kv is the hub motor’s spec. Belt motors are actually different. They’re a bit larger and are these:

I make my own. But you can find some that can fit the battery and esc.

vanpro Electric Skateboard Hunter Remote Control Receiver RC Car 1:35 Truck 2.4G Mini Remote Control Receiver Transmit 80 Meters Away https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMXKQ4C/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_KQ9HS6W15VF1HMZY04R6

My suggestion and many people vouches for that remote.

#8

Thanks so much. This is a good start. I’ll start researching enclosures. Any other sleeve options for those hubs?

#9

Not that I know of. Most hub motors are made specifically to their own sleeves. The one I sent has replacement sleeves.

#10

Hub motors are generally a really bad idea.

1 Like
#11

Since this is my first build, I was looking to keep things simple. Why are hub motors a bad idea? What’s a better solution that also keeps things simple?

#12

Additionally, let’s talk batteries for a sec. I’ve read enough about Li-Po batteries that I’m concerned about safety. I don’t want to have to store the board in a firesafe bag. Should I shift to Li-Ion? If so, what’s the downside to doing so?

#13

Hubs are generally bad since you:

A) can’t Customize the wheels to your liking (limitations)

B) feel a lot more vibrations from riding (that’s if you live in an area with no smooth roads)

Edit: C has been denounced. But it does depend on who you buy from.

There’s more, but i think these were generally why. Switching to wheel pulleys and a small 5055 motors (or single 6374 for cheaper option) is a better pick since you have more options.

90655588ebe4ef087f98e0ac484e672f
90655588ebe4ef087f98e0ac484e672f1296×972 304 KB

Only downside is that it doesn’t look as sleek as hubs, but the customization beats it.

Yes. I use li-ion batteries. Lipos are not bad, but you do need to take great care of them. But many have changed from lipos to li-ion.

Depends on the builder. If its made cheap or not constructed to handle vibrations from riding, you’re basically on a ticking time bomb waiting to happen.

That’s why we have battery builders.

Bigredsboards.com Skyartpower.com

These two are my go to. There are more, but I’ve checked their websites and they don’t have the option to ask for battery builds.

#14

This is not correct in 98% of current Hub motors that are available to purchase.

Even the ones you’ve sent have replaceable trucks

Most shaft-based Hub motors also have replaceable trucks.

1 Like
#15

I meant like if the stator of the hubs broke. I was told you had to get a new one if mine ever broke (different hub and company I guess). I’m actually glad there are replacement for the hubs now. Thank goodness.

…excuse me while i check to see if mine are replacable.

Edit: mine aren’t.

#16

i’m not aware of any broken hub motor stators. And if one were to break you usually can buy a single motor (just like with normal outrunners) to replace it.

1 Like
#17

Thank you for this wonderful information. I was living in a lie.

20220606_101418
20220606_1014181920×1440 144 KB

Im not sure these are replacable. But at least the one i sent is.