DIY $150 Electric Longboard
π Overview
Build an electric longboard for about $150: a brushless motor drives the rear wheel through a belt, a lithium battery supplies the power, a wireless remote controls throttle and brake, and the motor mount and battery enclosure are 3D printed.
The charm of this project is that it makes a reliable board out of the most ordinary parts - a printed motor mount, a longboard, and an ESC are enough for commuting and cruising.
π§° What you need
- A longboard (with wheels and trucks)
- Brushless motor (RC outrunner) + ESC
- Belt + pulleys (small one on the motor, large one on the wheel)
- Transmitter + receiver (any RC set works)
- LiPo pack, or a DIY 18650 pack with a BMS
- 3D-printed motor mount and battery enclosure (STLs provided by the author)
- Hardware: screws, washers, zip ties, heat-shrink
π§ Step by step
Gather the parts
Aim for a 300-600W motor paired with a 3S-6S battery
The belt ratio sets torque and top speed; beginners should copy the author's setup first
Make the motor mount
The mount takes the load, so print it with high infill
Bolt it to the truck using the existing holes and align the pulleys before tightening
Fit the wheel pulley
Fix the large pulley to the driven wheel and keep it concentric
Poor concentricity makes the belt wobble or even jump off
Assemble the board
Mount the motor bracket on the rear truck and set the belt tension
Check that the motor and wiring do not interfere with steering
Wire the electronics
Battery to ESC to motor, and the ESC signal lead to the receiver
Put a fuse or an RC switch between the battery and the ESC
Print the enclosure
Print the battery box and strap it to the deck
Leave room for the battery to breathe and don't crush the controller
First ride
Test acceleration, braking, and steering at low speed on open ground
Ease into the throttle; slipping belts will skip teeth
Build a DIY 18650 pack
The author also shows how to build a pack from 18650 cells with a BMS
Spot-weld nickel strips and use BMS balancing - safety first
π‘ Tips
- Never skip protective gear: a helmet and knee pads are essential; a fall at 30km/h hurts
- Pulley concentricity and belt tension decide how long the drive lasts - check them regularly
- A DIY pack must have a BMS; never discharge bare cells at high current