Besides the deck, the motor is one of the most important parts when building an electric skateboard. Since the motor is responsible for propelling your board, it’s crucial to invest in the best quality you can afford.
When looking for a motor, be sure to check the torque and power. To discover what those are, you can look at the KV rating and wattage. The lower the rating, the higher the torque – and the more wattage, the better.
The Hobbysky Brushless Outrunner Motor comes in two sizes: 10 mm and 8 mm. It comes either with a sensor or without one, depending on your set-up. The 10 mm has 190kv, while the 8 mm has a 170 kv rating. Both are within the range you need when searching for a quality motor, as is the wattage at 3600 watts. It’s also easy to install, since it comes with holes already in place for the screws.
The Quickbuying Brushless Outrunner Motor has 270kv and 1665 watts of power. This is above the rating range you want, but still under 300 – so it should work just fine. The torque will not be as great as a lower KV rating, but it will do the job. It comes with everything you need to mount it, and it’s lightweight enough that it won’t weigh down your board.
When seeking a motor for your electric skateboard, you absolutely want a brushless outrunner motor. This is what’s used on electric bikes, many remote-controlled models, and scooters. Of course, it works best on electric skateboards as well. This motor provides the most power while being lightweight. You can find them at your local hobby shop or online.
You also need to decide whether you want a motor with or without a sensor. A sensor on the motor is what the ESC (electronic speed control) picks up information from. With this, it controls the speed, position of the board, and the brake. It’ll also tell the ESC where the motor is in rotation, making a smoother start for the board.
If you go with a sensored motor, you’ll need a sensored ESC. The same is necessary if you go with a sensorless too; you’ll want a sensorless ESC.
After you decide which you prefer, you can then evaluate the KV rating and the wattage of the motor. The first question you want to ask is, “How fast do I want to go?” The answer will help you determine the KV rating and wattage you need. Look for a KV rating between 170 and 245, and a wattage between 1500 and 3000. The lower the KV rating, the higher the torque; the more wattage, the faster and more powerful your skateboard will be.
In terms of price, you shouldn’t need to pay more than $100. It’s perfectly reasonable to find a quality motor for around $70-$80.