Hello All,
My name is Josh and I'm a college student trying to validate a folding electric bike. Basically I want to develop either an electric long board or scooter that folds up or compacts small enough to fit in everyday carrying cases such as backpacks. I'm sure the Sea Breeze community has a lot of insight on these type of topics so I thought why not learn here. Before I even talk about developing this concept or anything, I want to know if this is something that people actually want. Assume I have the resources to work on design and research and development is not a problem. Also assume that it is possible to fit a motor into these types of electric vehicles and then fold them without damaging the integrity, feel, or riding ability of the board.
With this in mind, this link is where I got inspiration for this concept:
expandedconsciousness.com/2014/11/25/worlds-smallest-electric-folding-bike-fits-in-your-backpack/
I want this concept to bring convenience to people's commutes. I want people to be able to ride up hills. Also, I want to bring the peace of mind of that comes with not having to worry about locking a bike or scooter up with the fear of it being stolen. I look forward to hearing any and all feedback from the Endless-Sphere community. I realize this is mainly a surfing forum, but this may or may not be able to apply to surfing to. If this is a concept that you simply wouldn't want or like, I understand. However, if it is a concept that can be improved or you have something to add (even if it is completely different from the topic) for constructive criticism, I'd love to hear it. Thank you all!
Hi Josh,
I ride an electric skateboard to work everyday (approx 1km, i know , i know why don't you just walk you lazy %@%@^$) and although being compact isn't a priority for me i may be able to offer some points for your consideration.
A 'long board' will require significant rigidity longitudinally in order to support the rider + backpack e.t.c but also must flex along the same plane.
The challenge you may face here is;
In order to fold the board you will almost certainly compromise the above.
The battery, in order to perform the way you have described and also be practical in terms of battery life will take up the entire usable space between the trucks, this means
a folding connection between two banks of batteries, a possible weak point?
The skateboard i am using is made entirely of carbon fibre, it has a 10ah battery and a 300 watt motor with a wireless controller.
This set up with my 90 kg and a backpack full of work stuff will run for the 2 km round trip for 10 days without recharging, no hills.
Im sure it will go even longer but thats as far as I've pushed it so far.
It cruises at approx 30 km/h and in high mode up to 45 km/h 
Once at work i simply put two straps around the trucks and carry it on my back like a normal backpack.
If you could somehow incorporate the backpack into the board it may negate the need to fold it?
In terms of demand for your idea, the mainstream commute is driving people crazy in every capital city in australia, the demand might not be for a particular product such as yours but for the need to get from a to b practically and efficiently with a smile on your face!
I would easily commute up to 10 km each way on my board if there were no obvious hazards (freeways/humungus hills)
I say go for it, how much would you pay to be happy BEFORE you start work on a ****ty winter day?
Stump that was very helpful,
So why the carbon fibre material?
Also let's say I found a way to fit the motor inside the wheels, leaving the same amount of space as a normal long board. It is control with a remote control. Whether I want to make it compact or not, I do see this as being part of the design. Sensor and the motor are included as well.
Do you think your board does well up big hills or are the hills just really not able to be scaled at all?
Select to expand quote
It is becoming harder and harder to come up with a unique idea.. Dont give up in light of the above link.. Instead have a look at a way you can improve on an existing idea.
Select to expand quoteToph said...
It is becoming harder and harder to come up with a unique idea.. Dont give up in light of the above link.. Instead have a look at a way you can improve on an existing idea.
Definitely. I haven't tried it but looks like the board on that link has a poor, i.e. large, turning circle.
Josh, the advantage of the carbon fibre over conventional decks i.e canadian maple/bamboo besides the obvious weight reduction is that the battery can be recessed into the deck giving a thinner profile, better ground clearance and generally a much more aesthetic looking board.
The carbon deck has a good rigidity v flex ratio ( i,m sure thats called a coefficient of something, something, something!) over its length so the deck itself is only @ 8mm thick.
There is obviously a price point you will need to consider that may rule out the use of carbon fibre but similar characteristics could no doubt be found in other composite materials.
Re hill climbing, there is just not enough torque available to push the board up anything other than a slight incline for any length of time, most of the time its not a problem because the momentum going into a hill plus the available power will propel you over most suburban inclines.
Not that i have tried but i think the current draw from the battery bogging up a hill would not do your board any favours.
See www.evolveskateboards.com.au/ for more info, a great Aussie designed product from qld.
If you're worried about battery space why not put motor and control electronics on the board and the battery in your backpack with a quick release connector in case you and board go different directions?
Thank you all for the encouragement,
I read about the foldable caseboard before. I realized that someone would come up with a concept like this before me. There is definitely a lot I can learn from it.
Stump, thanks again for the insight. Evolve looks like a product line I can learn a lot from.
Test pilot, Are you saying the battery is separate and when you need to roll you just attach it so it can power everything? That way if it folds, you can disassemble and make more room? If so, that is a great idea and point I will be incorporating into it.
Hopefully, I can do what caseboard does, except incorporate the ride and feel of your ideal long board. You guys have given some good ideas and insight and I really appreciate it.
Have a look at Gbomb boards, just put the aluminium arms on a quick release fold back and sling the electrics underneath as below.
www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/Street-SUP/Ditch-the-Paddle-DIY-electric-skateboard/
