Electric Downhill Board?

**LostinLA** · 09-20-2009 05:16 PM

What do you guys think of a board that was electric to get around and would cruise downhill freely? I'm building one right now and looking for input.

**Cann0n** · 09-20-2009 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by LostinLA

What do you guys think of a board that was electric to get around and would cruise downhill freely? I'm building one right now and looking for input.

EXKATE Skateboards Longboards, ALTERED Electric Skateboards, Torsion Trucks, RETRO Wheels, BERN PROTEC Helmets

I personally wouldn't be interested. I don't think you'd need an electric motor to go down a hill...

**LostinLA** · 09-20-2009 06:08 PM

so you don't find the idea of having a little extra push to get you going faster as an asset?

Originally Posted by Cann0n

EXKATE Skateboards Longboards, ALTERED Electric Skateboards, Torsion Trucks, RETRO Wheels, BERN PROTEC Helmets

I personally wouldn't be interested. I don't think you'd need an electric motor to go down a hill...

**Wolfin** · 09-20-2009 06:20 PM

Any electric motor will work against you after you exceed the speed at which it will bring you to on flat land (max RPM) (unless it has a flywheel system).. I think it'll work as a generator and send current back through the battery.

**Cann0n** · 09-20-2009 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by LostinLA

so you don't find the idea of having a little extra push to get you going faster as an asset?

No. Gravity seems to do a good job.

What kind of batteries are you using?

**mikenike605** · 09-21-2009 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Cann0n

EXKATE Skateboards Longboards, ALTERED Electric Skateboards, Torsion Trucks, RETRO Wheels, BERN PROTEC Helmets

I personally wouldn't be interested. I don't think you'd need an electric motor to go down a hill...

I like the idea of that just not the bulk. also not a big fan of batteries when they die, it pisses me off when R/C cars do it I'm thinking a dead electric skateboard is worse.

**miSSionary** · 09-21-2009 12:29 PM

I like to be the power behind my board on the ups (earn your turns)...On the down, I agree with Wolfin, you'd exceed the ability of the motor.

I skate because it is simple and basic, sorry, just how it is in my world.

Edit; After hitting the link from cann0n I really don't need one at 600 bucks...seriously, walk...you'll just get in shape. Thinking the OP's market would be college or inner city, not DH.

**Ogre** · 09-21-2009 01:05 PM

I agree.. electric/powered are fun at time, but the weight is crazy and part of boarding is the "gravity" aspect..

**chandler95** · 09-22-2009 05:48 PM

That would take all physical activity out of skateboarding. No thanks.

**lizardbowl12** · 09-22-2009 06:06 PM

i think i'd get angry with it. i'd end up falling off at some point and i'd be very mad at chasing after my motorized board....

on the otehr hand it sounds like it would be a good something to do (build one). go for it, if you dont like it, you can always just tek out the motor and still have a board to ride.

**devontecalvin** · 09-22-2009 06:11 PM

it just sounds like it would weigh down the board a lot and would make it hard to push if you forgot to charge it and like the other dude said you would eventually you would reach a speed where the motor wouldn't let you go any faster and that's just no fun

**flannelman** · 09-22-2009 06:19 PM

what about gas powered?

**lizardbowl12** · 09-23-2009 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by flannelman

what about gas powered?

...i'm terrified.

**wardlarson** · 09-23-2009 04:07 PM

burn baby burn!

**Cann0n** · 09-23-2009 04:11 PM

I like traditional man-powered skateboards.

You could get a dog, a leash vest, and a 15 foot leash.

**mikenike605** · 09-23-2009 04:51 PM

I would be up for a gas powered. I would only use it if it was flat land. I want to try sliding those wheels more than anything though.

**devontecalvin** · 09-23-2009 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by flannelman

what about gas powered?

holy sh1t! that would be horrifying.

i dare not stand over a motor

**craker** · 09-27-2009 10:49 PM

How about electric motorboarding on a track?

YouTube

**sk8norcal** · 09-28-2009 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by craker

How about electric motorboarding on a track?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0S2lF026Ek

good find!
but the video is set to private...

**wiesel123** · 09-30-2009 03:31 AM

Originally Posted by Wolfin

Any electric motor will work against you after you exceed the speed at which it will bring you to on flat land (max RPM) (unless it has a flywheel system).. I think it'll work as a generator and send current back through the battery.

Excellent point.

You need to use a flywheel /centrifugal clutch system to disengage the drive so that overspin (aka 'free wheel' ) can exceed the engine RPM, otherwise you will be limited to the engines output down a hill, which will act as a break. If you are unsure about this, look at the centrifugal clutch on a common chain-saw. If you wish for the drive to be direct always and not use a centrifugal clutch, you can mount the wheels on special ‘over run’ bearings commonly called a ‘Sprag Clutch’. This will enable the wheels to travel faster that the engine speed. – Note* ‘Reynold’ make sprag clutches.

Secondly, use a gyro as previously stated so that the electricity generated can be stored into a battery cell and help increase time between recharges.

You must also determine how the final drive will work. i.e. a solid (aka 'live') axle driving both wheels on the rear (can affect the turning radius) or single wheel drive. This will then impact your drive shaft type. You can have a spindle arrangement where the spindle from the engine will rest on the wheel and provide final drive or for a solid axle; you use a small linked chain (e.g a pocket bike chain) to drive a sprocket attached to the axle. In this instance you would need the axle inside the rear truck hanger to free spin. This would require re-engineering a new hanger to incorporate a similar axle design as a car or go-kart.

You also must develop a breaking system if you are going to be travelling at a fast speed as the electric engine may not produce enough 'enigne breaking power' to act as a break when you decelerate. A bicycle break system will work.

Also consider where the engine will be mounted. If the engine is providing direct drive to the wheel then the engine must use mounting brackets directly connected to the hanger, so when you turn the deck, the drive shaft will stay connected to the wheel or sprocket (depending on your final drive setup). You could also look at hydraulic or cable drive, but this would require significant engineering efforts and money.

Also consider the distribution of weight on the board. I would suspect that a mid-mounted engine would provide better symmetry, balance and centre of gravity.

I hope this helps & good luck. I would like to see the final outcome.

Cheers