Self-Stabilizing Systems for Skateboard Balance
Traditional skateboards face inherent stability challenges, with rider falls commonly occurring from speed wobble above 20 mph, sudden surface changes, or improper weight distribution. These instability modes stem from the complex interplay between the deck's torsional properties, truck geometry, and the dynamic forces during riding.
The fundamental challenge lies in maintaining board stability across varying speeds and rider positions while preserving the responsiveness needed for controlled turning and carving.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including adaptive deck materials with engineered flex patterns, sensor-based stabilization systems, optimized wheel configurations, and suspension systems that absorb terrain impacts. These and other approaches aim to enhance rider safety while maintaining the natural feel of skateboarding.
1. Electric Skateboard with Tilting Deck, Motorized Wheel, and Orientation Sensors
Future Motion, Inc., 2023
Self-stabilizing electric skateboard with a tilting deck, motorized wheel, and sensors to receive board orientation information and keep the board balanced. The skateboard has a deck with footpads that are concave in the direction of travel to conform to the rider's feet.
2. One-Wheeled Electric Skateboard with Side Rails and Tilted Gyroscope Configuration
Float Supply LLC, 2022
Self-stabilizing, one-wheeled electric skateboard that reduces the center of gravity and grips the wobble cushion better. The skateboard includes a pair of side rails which lower the center of gravity at the contact points, then tilt the gyroscope to change the zero-degree level default position to five degrees.
3. Self-Balancing Skateboard with Dual Parallel Wheel Configuration and Elastic Pedal Reset Mechanism
Shenzhen LeEco Technology Co., Ltd., SHENZHEN INMOTION TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
Self-balancing skateboard with improved balance and maneuverability compared to traditional single-wheel boards. The skateboard has two parallel wheels on each side of the chassis instead of a single center wheel. This provides four contact points with the ground for better stability and allows the rider to control left/right balance separately from forward/backward balance. An elastic reset device keeps the pedals parallel to the chassis when not in use. An angle sensor detects pedal rotation. A controller uses this data to balance the skateboard and enable features like hovering in place and turning without moving forward.
4. Self-Balancing Electric Skateboard with Single-Wheel Vertical Linkage and Shock Absorber System
Future Motion, Inc., 2019
A self-balancing electric skateboard with a resilient suspension system to absorb shocks from uneven terrain. The skateboard has one wheel, sensors to detect board orientation, and a motor to propel it. The wheel is connected to the board through a linkage assembly and a shock absorber. The linkage allows the wheel to move vertically relative to the board. This isolates the board from bumps, providing a smoother ride while maintaining stability
5. Self-Balancing Electric Vehicle with Pressure and Orientation Sensor-Based Rider Detection System
Future Motion, Inc., 2019
Rider detection systems for self-balancing electric vehicles like skateboards. The systems detect rider presence and orientation on the vehicle using pressure sensors on the foot pads and orientation sensors. This allows the vehicle to know when a rider is on board and their weight distribution. The vehicle can then use this information to properly balance and move.
6. Self-Balancing Rideable Device with Independently Driven Wheels and Sensor-Based Steering Control
TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, 2018
A self-balancing rideable device with independently driven wheels to stabilize rider posture. The device has a board, wheels, sensors, a steering board, and control unit. The board has independently driven wheels on each side, a center-of-gravity sensor, and a rotation sensor for the steering board. The control unit uses the sensors to independently control wheel speeds for straight travel and turning based on rider input from the rotating steering board without mechanically linking the steering to the wheels. This allows the board to turn without transmitting road bumps to the rider's feet.
Self-balancing skateboards represent a significant leap forward in skateboarding technology. By enhancing stability, accessibility, and the overall riding experience, these innovative boards are opening up the world of skateboarding to a wider audience. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the future, further pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a skateboard.
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