Understanding Electric Skateboard Motors – Every Thing You Need Know
The first thing to understand about electric skateboard motors is what type of motor they are. Generally speaking, there are two types of motors used: hub motors and belt motors.
Hub motors are usually found on lower-end boards, while belt drives are more commonly found on higher-end boards.
Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before deciding which is best for you.
Once you’ve decided which type of motor works best for your needs, it’s time to consider the practical aspects of using an electric skateboard motor.
Factors like speed and torque must be taken into account when choosing a motor; after all, what good is a powerful motor if it doesn’t go fast enough?
In this article, we’ll discuss all these topics in detail so that you can make an informed decision when buying or upgrading your electric skateboard motor.
How Many Types Of Electric Skateboard Motors
There are two main types of electric skateboard motors: hub motors and belt motors. Hub motors are located inside the skateboard wheel and provide a more streamlined appearance, while belt motors are located outside the wheel and use a belt to drive the wheel.
Both types of motors can provide different levels of torque and speed depending on their design and specifications.
In addition to the hub motor and belt motors, there are also direct drive motors that are similar to hub motors but have a larger stator and a more powerful motor.
Direct drive motors are also located inside the wheel, but they provide more torque and are typically used for off-road or high-performance electric skateboards.
How Does Electric Skateboard Motors Work?
Electric skateboard motors work by converting electrical energy from the battery into rotational motion that turns the skateboard wheels. There are two main types of electric skateboard motors: hub motors and belt motors.
Hub motors are located inside the skateboard wheel and consist of a stator (stationary part) and a rotor (rotating part) that is attached to the wheel.
When the electric current flows through the stator, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnets on the rotor, causing it to rotate and turn the wheel. Hub motors are simple and easy to maintain, but they may not provide as much torque as belt motors.
Belt motors, on the other hand, are located outside the wheel and use a belt to transfer power from the motor to the wheel. The belt is wrapped around a pulley attached to the motor and another in diameter pulley attached to the wheel.
When the motor spins, it turns the pulley, which in turn rotates the belt and turns the wheel. Belt motors are more powerful and provide more torque than hub motors, but they are also more complex and require more maintenance.
Both types of electric skateboard motors are powered by a battery, which provides the electrical energy needed to drive the motor. The battery is typically a lithium-ion battery that is housed inside the skateboard deck.
The motor is controlled by an electronic speed controller (ESC) that regulates the amount of power delivered to the motor based on the rider’s input from a handheld remote control.
When the rider presses the throttle on the remote control, the ESC sends a signal to the motor to increase the power output, which causes the skateboard to accelerate. When the rider releases the throttle, the ESC sends a signal to the motor to decrease the ride and power output or apply regenerative braking, which slows down the skateboard and recharges the battery.
Hub Motors
Hub motors are a popular choice for electric skateboards because of their simplicity and efficiency. Much like the name implies, hub motors are motors that are attached directly to the hub of the wheel, meaning the motor spins along with the wheel.
This makes it easy to control how much power is sent to the e-board’s motor, as well as allowing for more precise acceleration and braking. The downside to hub motors is that they can be quite difficult to replace if something goes wrong.!
Belt motor
Belt motor is a type of electric skateboard motor that uses a belt to transfer power from the motor to the wheels.
The belt is typically made of reinforced rubber and is wrapped around a pulley attached to the motor and another pulley attached to the wheel. When the motor spins, it turns the pulley, which in turn rotates the belt and turns the wheel.
Belt motors are more powerful than hub motors and provide more torque, which allows the rider to accelerate quickly and climb hills with ease.
They are also more efficient than hub motors, as they can operate at a higher RPM (revolutions per minute) and can generate more power.
However, belt motors are also more complex and require more maintenance than hub motors, for example, as the belt can stretch over time and may need to be replaced.
One advantage of belt motors is that they are more customizable than hub motors. The size and length of the pulleys can be adjusted to change the gear ratio, which can affect the top speed and acceleration of the skateboard.
The motor can also be mounted in different positions on the skateboard, which can affect the weight distribution and handling of the board.
What Voltage Are Skateboard Motors?
Skateboard motors come in many different voltages, ranging from 12 volts to 60 volts. The type of motor you choose will depend on the speed and power you need for your board.
Generally, lower-voltage motors are more affordable and can provide enough torque for beginner riders. However, higher-voltage motors offer more power and can reach higher speeds without riding more.
Conclusion
Electric skateboard motors are an integral part of the electric skateboard. Without them, it wouldn’t be able to move. Knowing how they work and the differences between hub motors and belt motors can help you decide which type is best for you.
Hub motors are typically more powerful and reliable than belt motors. They’re also easier to install and maintain since there’s no need for a drive belt.
However, they tend to be heavier and not as efficient when it comes to energy use. Belt-drive motors, on the other hand, are lighter and more efficient than hub motors.
They also require less maintenance since there’s no need for belts or pulleys that need to be replaced over time.
