Electric skateboards could also be getting quicker and lighter, however that does not imply they've been getting an awesome deal cheaper. And what better approach to repair that than to add slightly 3D printing to the combo? The Bubblegum board is an electric skateboard with 3D-printable components, which means not only is it initially cheaper to provide, but users can keep their experience in working order by printing out new parts as required.
Weighing 12.1 lb (5.5 kg), the 27-inch (69 cm) Bubblegum board is on the lighter end of the electric skateboard spectrum, on par with the Boosted Board and a little bit heavier than the lightweight Marbel Board. It's no slouch both, with the corporate claiming a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) to put it neck and neck with those aforementioned opponents, while range extends to 10 miles (16 km) on a single cost.
These performance specs might be enough to pique the curiosity of those searching for a final-mile transport answer. But the real energy of the Bubblegum board lies in its method of production. The printable ABS elements embrace casing and pulleys, with all information needed to 3D-print replacements or new color combinations shipped out to customers on a USB stick.
This does convey into query the skateboard's sturdiness, though the team claims to have undertaken rigorous testing over around one hundred twenty miles (193 km) of riding. The staff says the board, printed elements and electronics are "really holding up effectively," and that the electronic components are well protected from puddles and splashes of water.
Throttle, braking and cruise control are pushed by a trusty outdated Wii Nunchuck distant, which wirelessly communicates with the Arduino board built into the underside of the deck. This plastic casing also houses a LiFePO4 battery pack, with cost time taking around 2 hours and [Redirect Only] 15 minutes.
The following step for electric bike motor the team is to boost funds for production on Kickstarter. With pledges set at US$550 for a whole board, the marketing campaign is trying to attract one hundred backers to meet its lofty objective of $55,000, just under $10,000 of which has been raised on the time of writing. If you have any type of questions relating to where and ways to make use of esk8 vesc (repo.getmonero.org), you could contact us at our website. Boards are set to ship in March 2015 if all the things goes to plan. Beefed up models with dual electric motor, higher top speed and range of 15 miles (25 km) are also out there, with pledges set at $1,300.
There remains to be a ways to go earlier than the Bubblegum board hits the streets, but this proposed value tag makes it one of the cheaper electric skateboards now we have come across, without compromising on key specs reminiscent of speed and range (the Marbel Board might be pre-ordered for $1,299, whereas the Boosted Board is out there for $1,995). At the very least, the Bubblegum board concept serves as a glimpse into the potential of 3D printing, as widespread access to cheap manufacturing guarantees to cut back costs in all types of new locations.