Speed and Direction Sensors for Electric Skateboards
19 patents in this list
Updated:
Modern skateboarding has evolved beyond mechanical systems, with riders now generating between 2-5 GB of sensor data per hour of use. Current sensor arrays capture weight distribution, acceleration vectors, and rotational forces at sampling rates up to 1000 Hz, creating precise digital signatures of riding patterns and board response.
The core engineering challenge lies in integrating sensor systems and control mechanisms while maintaining the board's fundamental riding dynamics and structural integrity.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including weight-sensing trucks for intuitive control, strain gauge systems for improved stability, modular sensor architectures, and dynamic response systems. These and other approaches focus on enhancing the riding experience while preserving the natural feel of traditional skateboarding.
1. Modular Electric Skateboard with Interchangeable Components and Integrated Performance Monitoring System
Evolve Skateboards Pty Ltd, 2021
An electric skateboard that can be easily customized and adapted for different riding styles and terrain. The skateboard has a modular design that allows users to interchange components like the deck, wheels, and trucks to create different configurations. The modular design enables users to convert the skateboard between street, off-road, and carving setups depending on their needs. The electric skateboard also includes sensors and an electronic control system to monitor performance metrics like speed and distance.
2. Hydrofoil Skateboard with Embedded Rider Detection Sensors and Wireless Feedback System
ZHEJIANG UNITE MOTOR CO LTD, 2021
A hydrofoil skateboard that can detect the rider's body using sensors embedded in the board. The skateboard has a hydrofoil assembly, a propeller, and a connecting rod connecting the foil to the deck. The sensors are mounted on the top of the deck and are electrically connected to the battery, propeller, and wireless module. This allows the skateboard to detect the rider's position and provide feedback to the rider via the wireless module. It also enables features like auto-leveling the foil based on rider weight distribution.
3. Skateboard with Gravity-Sensing Control and Pressure Sensor-Integrated Motored Hubs
HEFEI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, UNIV HEFEI TECHNOLOGY, 2020
Skateboard with gravity-sensing control that replaces some wheels with motored hubs and adds pressure sensors to the deck. The sensors detect rider input for steering and braking without needing a separate remote control. The skateboard has a compact control box under the deck containing electronics like an Arduino, Bluetooth module, battery, and motor drivers. This allows converting an existing skateboard into a motorized version that can be controlled by sensing the rider's weight shifts on the deck.
4. Electric Skateboard with Deformation Sensor-Based Motion Control System
SHENZHEN TALUER TECH CO LTD, SHENZHEN TALUER TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020
Electric body-sensing skateboard with motion control using deformation sensors. The skateboard has a pedal, battery, motor, and sensor components. The sensor components are placed below the pedal to detect deformation when pressed. This deformation is sent to a microcontroller which converts it into control signals for the motor. This allows the skateboard motion to be controlled directly based on pedal pressure instead of relying on remote controls or foot sensor pressure.
5. Skateboard with Axle-Fixed Deck and Pressure Sensor-Based Control System
Beijing Xiaomi Mobile Software Co., Ltd., 2019
Skateboard control method that allows intuitive turning and sliding without leaning by fixing the deck to the axle and using sensors. The method involves sequentially placing pressure sensors on the skateboard deck in the width direction. The skateboard turns based on the pressure difference between the left and right sensor groups. If the left sensor pressure exceeds the right by a threshold, it turns left. If the right exceeds left, it turns right. This allows turning without leaning. Other functions like speed and braking are based on sensor pressure differences. The fixed deck prevents sliding when sensors have low pressure.
6. Electric Skateboard with Weight-Sensing Speed and Acceleration Control System
Daniel James WOOD, 2019
An electric skateboard that uses weight sensing to control speed and acceleration/deceleration without requiring a handheld remote control. The skateboard has strain gauges or other sensors to detect the rider's center of gravity position on the board. When the rider leans forward, the speed increases, and when they lean back, it decreases. This allows intuitive control and eliminates the need for a handheld remote.
7. Electric Skateboard with Weight-Sensing Center of Gravity Speed Control
Daniel James Wood, 2019
An electric skateboard that uses weight sensing to intuitively control speed without a handheld remote. The skateboard has sensors that detect the rider's center of gravity (CG). When the CG is forward, it increases the setpoint speed of the skateboard. When the CG is back, it decreases the setpoint speed. The further the CG is from center, the faster the increase or decrease. This allows the rider to simply lean forward to accelerate and lean back to slow down, without needing a handheld remote.
8. Powered Skateboard with Wireless-Controlled Inner Motorized Trucks and Integrated Control Compartment
Carla R. Gillett, 2019
A powered skateboard with inner motorized trucks that can be controlled wirelessly using a handheld remote or smartphone. The skateboard has a compartment in the deck to house the control system, batteries, and wiring. The inner motorized trucks have hub motors controlled by sensors and a central system. The wireless remote/phone lets the rider adjust power levels and braking for each truck. This allows all-wheel drive and control over steep hills without a tethered power cord.
9. Electric Skateboard with Motion Sensor-Controlled Strain Gauge System
Hui Zheng, Deyi Pi, Bingqiang Zhu, 2018
Electric skateboard that allows hands-free control using motion sensors in the wheels. The skateboard has strain gauge sensors on the suspension trucks to detect weight and angle. The sensors generate signals representing board tilt and rider weight. A control logic processes these signals to determine the skateboard's intended motion, like accelerating or turning. This allows riders to control the skateboard without a separate remote, as the board's motion itself provides input.
10. Electric Skateboard with Weight Sensing Trucks and Integrated Motor Control System
Grin Technologies Ltd., 2018
Electric skateboard with weight sensing trucks that allow control of the board without needing a separate remote. The trucks have sensors in the base plates that measure the force applied by the deck. This force data is used to determine weight distribution and control the motorized wheels. When the rider leans forward, the motor accelerates. Leaning back decelerates. Kick events (lifts) are detected and acceleration is limited during and after. This allows foot-based steering and propulsion without a separate handheld remote.
11. Electric Skateboard Trucks with Integrated Weight Sensors and Motorized Wheel Control
Grin Technologies Ltd., 2018
Weight sensing electric skateboard trucks that replace the traditional trucks to provide a more natural and intuitive way to control the skateboard without needing a handheld remote. The trucks have weight sensors in the base plates that measure the force exerted by the deck. Controllers read the sensor signals to determine weight distribution and accelerate/decelerate the skateboard accordingly. The trucks also have motors to drive the wheels. This allows the skateboard to be controlled by shifting weight instead of holding a remote.
12. Electric Skateboard with Strain Gauge-Based Wheel Control and Integrated Suspension System
Future Motion, Inc., 2018
Self-balancing electric skateboard that uses strain gauges to improve stability, traction, and turning. The skateboard has strain gauges on the platform between the foot sections to detect twisting forces from unbalanced weight distribution. This allows the motors to independently turn the wheels differently based on the strain, providing steering without a steering mechanism. The skateboard also has suspension between the wheels and board to maintain traction when leaning. The strain gauges and suspension replace traditional steering and improve stability compared to other self-balancing skateboards.
13. Electric Skateboard Motor Control System with Integrated Sensor-Based Dynamic Stability Regulation
Juergen Ruschkowski, 2018
Motor control system for electric skateboards that provides stability and safety while allowing freedom of movement for the rider. It uses sensors to detect sideways forces, board angle, rider weight, wheel rotation, etc. to automatically control the motor speed, direction, and braking. Targeted for electric skateboards, the system uses an integrated controller and sensors to detect forces acting on the skateboard. The sensor data is processed to dynamically regulate the motor speed, direction, and braking to provide stability, prevent skidding, and avoid falls while allowing natural rider movements.
14. Electric Skateboard Control System Using Strain Gauges, Inertial Sensor, and Wheel Speed Sensors for Automated Throttle and Braking Adjustment
Daniel James Wood, 2018
Electric skateboard with intuitive, reliable, and safer control system that uses strain gauges on the trucks, an inertial sensor, and wheel speed sensors to automatically adjust the throttle and braking based on rider input and balance without requiring a handheld remote. It can also detect when the rider is pushing manually and reduce drivetrain drag. This improves safety, reliability, and convenience compared to traditional handheld remote control skateboards.
15. Skateboard Deck with Conductive Film-Based Pressure Sensing and Data Transmission System
한국과학기술원, 2018
Pressure-sensitive skateboard with a deck that collects pressure data from the user's feet and transmits it to a connected device. The skateboard has a pressure sensing structure with conductive films and tapes that generate resistance values when pressed. A motion collecting device reads these values and sends foot pressure data to a connected device like a phone. The device uses this data to generate visual foot movement information that can be overlaid on video to show the user's pressure distribution. It allows analyzing and visualizing foot movement during skateboarding, providing feedback to improve technique.
16. Self-Balancing Electric Skateboard with Integrated Pressure and Orientation Sensors
Future Motion, Inc., 2018
Self-balancing electric vehicles like skateboards can detect if a rider is on the board using pressure sensors in the foot areas. The sensors measure the force applied to the deck to determine if the rider is present. The vehicle's motor and speed control then use this rider detection in addition to orientation sensors to balance and propel the board. This allows features like automatic stopping when the rider steps off. The single-wheel skateboard has a motor, orientation sensors, and pressure sensors in the foot areas.
17. Skateboard with Integrated Motion Sensors and Cloud-Linked Data Processing System
WANG YIPENG, 王鹏, 2017
Smart skateboard with cloud-based analytics to provide real-time feedback and analysis of skateboarding performance. The skateboard has a fitting with sensors to detect motion and environment data. A connected terminal generates a trigger signal. When pressure exceeds a threshold, it starts collecting data. When pressure drops, it stops. Cloud servers receive the data, process statistics, and send results to the terminal. This allows skaters to see metrics like speed, jumps, distance, etc. in real-time as they skate.
18. Electric Skateboard with Dual Force-Sensing Footpads for Weight-Shift Motor Control
Intuitive Motion, Inc., 2015
Electric motorized skateboard with footpad sensors for intuitive acceleration and deceleration control. The skateboard has two force-sensing footpads on the deck, one at the front and one at the rear. When the rider shifts their weight forward on the front pad, it generates a signal to accelerate. Shifting weight back on the rear pad generates a deceleration signal. This allows intuitive control by mimicking natural body movements for acceleration and deceleration rather than a separate handheld accelerator. The footpad forces are sensed and converted to motor input signals to accelerate/decelerate the skateboard electric motor.
19. Electric Skateboard with Frame Pivoting Mechanism for Load and Weight Transfer Detection
Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha, 2007
Electric skateboard that accurately detects rider load and weight transfer using a unique frame pivoting mechanism. The skateboard has a load receiver with sensors sandwiched between two frames that pivot relative to each other. When the rider applies force or shifts weight, the frames slightly pivot around shafts, transferring the load to the sensors. This allows accurate detection of rider inputs without escaping to other areas. It improves steering control and responsiveness compared to boards with fixed frames.
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To sum it up, integrating speed and direction sensors into skateboards has revolutionized the way riders track and enhance their performance. These innovations not only improve safety and control but also push the boundaries of skateboarding, offering new possibilities for both casual riders and professionals alike. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more advanced features that will elevate the skateboarding experience to new heights.