Skateboarding, as a sport, has expanded in several ways. These improvements can be in new skills, skating places, or skateboard upgrades.
And like motorbikes, skateboards have begun adapting to using non-human energy to drive them. This development is possible because of the creation of electric skateboards.
So, what is an electric skateboard? Ideally, it comes with the usual deck, trucks, and wheels combination. But this time, it has a unique motor beneath the deck. Keep reading to know more about this skateboard.
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The Mechanics of an Electric Skateboard
What are the new skateboards called? Are these electric skateboards?
Electric skateboards are like your regular board at first glance. But once you flip them, you’ll see mechanical components connected to the trucks and wheels. And these are what sets an automatic skateboard apart from regular skateboards.
For now, you might be asking how electric skateboards work or what they bring to the table. Essentially, e-skateboards are a different level of convenience and thrill.
These boards are convenient because an electric skateboard with a remote reduces the constant need to push and brake using the feet. They also feel thrilling, especially for adults, because they impose a significant advantage in speed versus regular skateboards.
By using an electric skateboard, you free yourself from driving it. Turn the motors and remote on, place your feet in a skating position over the deck, and let the motors and controller do their job.
Components of an Electric Skateboard
After knowing how an E-skate can make our lives easier on the road, people started to spend their money on various types of electric skateboards. Let’s see what makes up this light human transport.
For better discussion, let’s explore common and exclusive parts for electric skateboards.
1. Deck
Electric skateboard decks come in three shapes: downhill, freeride, and cruiser. More often, this stepping platform uses maple wood as the primary material. And in a few instances, some brands also incorporate bamboo and fiberglass for a sturdier and lighter finish.
2. Wheels
Wheels for an esk8 may vary based on their motors. But generally, these rollers come with the famous PU material, which has various levels of hardness suited for different skating styles. PU wheels also come in sizes to suit the deck’s specifications.
3. Trucks
Trucks for electric skateboards vary on the same basis as the wheels. These are the parts responsible for your turns and managing weight from the deck down to the wheels. This skateboard component usually comes in aluminum because of the material’s strength and ability to withstand the rider’s weight.
Additional Parts of Electric Skateboard
1. Motors
The motor is the first mechanical component that sets E-skates apart from regular skateboards. It comes in two types: the belt and the hub.
Hub motors sit inside the wheels, giving electric skate wheels some variation. They operate with little to no noise at all. And I think this feature makes it an ideal choice for skating around quiet neighborhoods.
On the downside, this motor type has holes in its casing to help dissipate heat. So, it may not be a perfect type for skating under wet conditions.
- Belt motor
Belt motors for skateboards operate like the mechanism of a bicycle, but they come in a different configuration. These motors come with a belt that links the motor pulley to the wheels.
This motor has the upper hand in water resistance because of its enclosed style. However, it’s not as quiet as the hub motors.
2. Batteries
This Lithium-ion-packed component supplies the controlled skateboard with energy to travel fast and endure the weight and various road conditions. Batteries have different styles, and as a general concept, the bigger they are, the longer rides you get.
3. Electronic Speed Controller
The ESC is the heart of electric skateboarding. It enacts all the commands the receiver acquires. It’s like a computer that regulates the energy needed to perform certain acts, like speeding up or braking.
4. Remote controller
It’s not a component directly attached to any area on the deck, but the remote controller connects your desired movements to the skateboard. Using this device, you can accelerate or slow down. It comes with easy-to-calibrate controls, so there’s no need to navigate buttons and throttles every time.
Conclusion
Today, skateboarding is no longer a mere mode of relaxation or competition.
With several brands being creative about skateboards, the sport began to serve up convenience balanced with some excitement. All you need is to understand these innovations to know how to use them.
So the next time someone asks, “what is an electric skateboard?” tell them they’re like regular skateboards packed with motors and controlled by remote devices. They’re fast, quiet, and perfect for effortless skating around the town.
Got more questions about electric skateboards? Kindly leave them in the comments section.
Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!
I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.