How to Choose a Motor

There are a ton of components and parts that go into an Electric Skateboard. One of the most exciting parts to talk about is the Motor. How fast they go, how big they are, etc. Choosing a motor is a very important part to any build. Many times which motor and how many motors you decide on will dictate much of the rest of the build when it comes to which parts you end up with.

 

For all of you who hate reading, we've made a video all about choosing a motor for your electric skateboard build. After you watch it, consider subscribing to the MBoards channel for more DIY Electric Skateboard videos. 

 

 

Motor Recommendations 

MBoards 6355 Motor
MBoards 6374 Motor
70mm Hub Motors
90mm Hub Motors
105mm All Terrain Hub Motors
Direct Drives

Types of Motors

Belt Driven Motors
Hub Motors
Direct Drive Motors (New)

Belt Driven Motors

Belt driven motors are motors that are mounted to a skateboard that runs a belt between two pulleys. (One on the motor and one on the wheel)
- Able to customize your wheels
- Able to customize your gearing ratio
- Must purchase motor mount and pulley system
- Superior torque

Hub Motors

Hub motors have motors built right into the wheels. No belts, no pulleys, just hidden motors inside the wheels. 
- Locked into wheel selection
- Very easy to install
- Quiet, low profile motors
- Less torque than belt driven motors

 

Direct Drives (*NEW*)

With Direct Drives you get the best qualities of Belt Driven and Hub Motors in one unit. 
- Higher torque than Hub Motors
- Custom wheel selection
- Very easy to install
- More expensive than most options
- Low profile and quiet 

What Do The Numbers Mean? 

There are a few numbers associated with electric skateboard motors. The size and speed rating of the motors might seem like some kind of code if you are new to DIY boards. 
The size of the motor is dictated by two numbers. For Example: If you look through our motor selection, you'll see the MBoards 6355 180KV Motor. Let's break all of those numbers down.
"6355" is what dictates the size of the motor. You can split those four digits into two groups: 63 and 55. "63" indicates the width of the motor, while "55" indicates the length of the motor. 
Just remember that the larger the number, the more torque the motor is going to have. So the 6355 is going to out perform the 5055. The 6374 is going to going to out perform the 6355 and the 5055. 

Okay But What Does KV Mean? 

The KV Rating is actually quite simple: It is RPM per Volt. For example: If the KV rating is 180 and you are using a battery that has a 36V nominal voltage, to find the RPM of the motor you just multiply the two numbers. 180 x 36 = 6,480rpm.
Don't worry, you don't need to be stressing over the RPM of your motor too much. When looking at motors simply find a motor near 200KV.  For instance, the MBoards motors have a KV Rating of 180. Perfect for electric skateboards. Here is the general rule of thumb: The lower the KV rating , the more torque you'll have; the higher the KV rating, the higher top speed you'll have. We find that anything between 180 and 270 is perfect. 
Here is a basic chart we made to help visualize KV Ratings and the effects of the numbers. 

There is a little more to KV Ratings than just that but for this application you'll be good to go with that information. 
So we just discussed a recommended KV Rating of 200, but that was in reference to Belt Driven Motors. Not Hub Motors. Hub motors work a bit differently. Since there is no gearing, the ideal KV rating is much lower than 200. We find that anything around 75KV pretty good.  

Single Or Dual? 

Many riders start out on a single 6355 motor. Most of the time that is plenty of power. But as time goes on many people do end up upgrading to a second motor. But Why? 
Things to think about with single set ups: 
Cheaper
100% range
Less torque, acceleration, and hill climbing ability
Things to think about with dual set ups:
More expensive (two ESCs, motor mounts, pulley systems)
70% range
More torque, acceleration, and hill climbing ability
More traction

Still Not Sure?

Here is a chart we put together to help you make a decision on Belt or Hub Motors: