Riding a hoverboard is a fun and exciting venture to spend your leisure time. And buying one can be a bit overwhelming, given the prices. This is why most people are turning towards DIY projects to create their own customized hoverboard prototypes.
And the best part is that you can always change the equipment for this project to adjust to your budget. This is because manufacturers use different sorts of materials to create the upper surface. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the motor being too noisy while building a prototype.
Have you seen those people on youtube DIYing their own hoverboards? Wondering how to make a hoverboard that you can ride on without spending too much money? Here is your quick, one-stop guide for these scooters. So, dive right in for more.
Making a Hoverboard That You Can Ride On
You can make a hoverboard that you can ride on easily using some daily use tools and in following the below mentioned steps. Let’s get started.
Materials You Need
Here are the materials you will need to facilitate this DIY project;
- Two 24-volt scooter motors (each must operate on 120 watts for stable and safe electricity)
- 2×2 inches piece of wood (at least two)
- ¼ inches of the thin plywood sheet
- ½ inches of thick plywood sheet
- A 12-volt and 12-amp battery (you can also pair the battery with 7 amp current to save money)
- Wood glue
- Epoxy (not from a dollar store; invest in a quality epoxy formula)
- A children’s bike for the wheels (should have 12 inches of wheels)
- Small rubber wheels with a 1-inch diameter
Start with the Wheels
The first step is always to get your hands on the wheels. If you are someone who aims to DIY this process, get a children’s bicycle lying around your house, as most of us have these at our homes. Remove the bolts from the axles. Make sure not to touch the ones responsible for holding the bearings.
Cut the Frame
Now that you have sorted out the wheels, it is time to create a frame. Take a big piece of plywood and cut it in half. You need to make sure that it is thicker. At this stage, the frame shape doesn’t matter but do make them wide enough so that they can cover both your feet and the battery.
It is Time to Make a Battery Slot
Now, take one piece and make a battery slot. You can do this by cutting a square through the piece. Make sure the square is enough to accommodate the battery you will be using later on.
Make Holes for the Wheels
After this, take a 2×2 inches wood piece (any wood) but make them the same length. Drill holes in both these pieces. And make sure the holes are a little bigger than the axle of the wheels. Doing this will also keep the frame wide enough for your feet.
Let’s Attach the Wheels
Now that you have made the space for the wheels, it is time to attach them. And for this step, you will need epoxy. Fill each hole you made earlier with the epoxy and let it sit for a minute. You can also mix it while it is in the holes. Use a quality epoxy formula, or else all your struggle will go in vain.
The next step is to insert the axle and screw it to the wheels. Do it extra carefully to make sure they don’t loosen up when you are riding it later on. And once done, let it harden for at least 24 hours. It is always ideal to put extra pressure on each side with weights.
Assemble the Frame
It has been one day, and your time to resume. Take these wheels and attach them over a thin piece of the plywood from which you earlier cut a square. After this, take two more 2×2 inches of wood pieces and connect them perpendicularly to the wood using epoxy and screws.
After this, it is time to make a bottom slot for the battery. Use the upper part of the frame you made with the battery and connect it with another thin piece of plywood. Make sure the battery is in one place and doesn’t wobble. Now, give it proper support and use the glue and screws to assemble everything together. Finally, the frame is ready.
- Note: Make sure to dry it for at least six to eight hours after you have assembled the frame together.
Attach the Balancing Wheels
To balance the wheels, you need to use another 2×2 inches piece off the back. This will keep the rotating wheel in one place so that it doesn’t move.
Let’s Work on the Motor
Everything else is done, and it is your call to work on the motor. You will need a friction drive for this. It simply means that the motor will spin against the wheels. You can always use a rubber wheel and attach it with a motor axle and a belt gear through the wheel. After this, apply the epoxy to the wheel to secure it.
- A Pro Tip: You can use electric tape to keep the motor and its drive system together. Do it for each motor.
Motor Brackets
After this, create the brackets for your motor to hold it in one place against the wheels. You need to build it in a way that uses the back end as a pivot point. This will help the motor hold the axle for a long time. You also need to attach a wood piece at the end of the dowel.
Mount the Brackets
And it is time to mount these brackets. Before this, you need to add two pieces to the back and then proceed toward attaching the motor brackets. Make sure to attach them with one bolt so that the motor axle is all free to move and rotate. This will help you ride without any limitations.
Attach the Motor and Wiring
Now, to keep the motor and wiring in place, use duct tape. Though using epoxy may be tempting, it is not going to work well. While doing so, make sure the wheels at each end of the motor are aligned with the other wheels.
Assemble Everything Together
Next, wire the battery and motor together within a housing. Also, insert a switch to control the motor. And finally, it is time to cover the hoverboard. And you will be using a thick piece of plywood for this. Make sure to use no glue, or else it will look tacky. Likewise, use the elastic bands to connect the wheels’ axle and the brackets so that they are pressed together.
It’s Time for Action
Voila, you are mostly done, and all this effort was worth it. It is time to take it out and enjoy the ride. I hope you have found this guide useful for you to start with your own DIY hoverboard project.
FAQs
Q: Can a 12-year-old use a hoverboard?
Yes, hoverboards are perfectly safe to be used for riders. This is because they are known as self-balancing scooters, which means they are easy to balance and don’t require any expertise for control. However, it is still ideal for you to pick a kid’s hoverboard for your little one to enjoy the experience.
Q: Is it possible to make a hoverboard?
Yes, it is definitely possible to make a hoverboard from scratch. And you don’t have to think of getting everything perfect. You can create a hoverboard prototype at your home without thinking too much about its motor sound and the surface. The best part is that you can adjust the budget by changing the equipment.
Q: How much does a hoverboard cost?
Well, the prices of hoverboards vary based on their size, equipment, and construction quality. Moreover, you also need to consider their purpose, whether they are for short-distance or off-road adventures. That being said, an average safe hoverboard would cost you anywhere between $300 and $700.
Q: Are hoverboards worth it?
Yes, hoverboards are really fun and easy to ride. This is all thanks to their powerful battery setups and sensors. They are also known as self-balancing scooters, so if you want to enjoy them on flat surfaces or rugged terrains, they are definitely a great investment.
Final Thoughts
Have you been watching celebrities riding on hoverboards? Well, it can be pretty tempting, but the prices can make you think twice, even thrice, before buying one. And this may be your call to create your own hoverboard while being on a decided budget. It is not as challenging as it may seem.
All you need to do is follow these steps carefully and create a fully-fledged prototype. I hope this step-by-step for creating a hoverboard has guided you properly in making one for yourself.