Control Hoverboard Motor With Arduino? (Read This First)

Hoverboard is a self-balancing device that controls the onboard motor with the rider’s weight and momentum. 

However, as technology advances, electronic enthusiasts develop various DIY hoverboard modifications. One of them is controlling a hoverboard motor with an Arduino. 

But the question is, how do you go on about this modification?

You can always control a hoverboard motor with an Arduino. However, working with high voltage and current poses a lot of danger. Therefore, taking necessary precautions while working on a hoverboard motor is very important.

This article will walk you through the step-by-step processes of controlling your hoverboard motor with an Arduino. 

You can also look forward to learning other hoverboard ideas you can try out. 

How Do You Control a Hoverboard Motor With an Arduino?

Controlling a hoverboard motor using an Arduino is a fun project you will enjoy carrying out. It familiarizes you with programming and electronics hacks. 

You can build your motorized projects with suitable materials, the right guide, and a little programming skill.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you control a hoverboard motor with an Arduino. 

#1. Check your Motor Specification

Check for the specification of your hoverboard motor, such as the voltage and current it’s using. This is very important to get your modification right. 

#2. Connect the Hoverboard Motor to the Arduino 

After ensuring the specification is correct, wire your hoverboard motor to the Arduino using a motor drive shield and H-bridge circuit. 

Motor driver shields are already-made circuits you can attach to your Arduino. In contrast, an H-bridge circuit is more complex, but you can make them using transistors. 

If the building takes time, you can use an H-bridge IC like the L293D or L298N. Once you attach your engine drive, you can connect the hoverboard motor cables to the motor drive. 

It’s best to read and follow the manufacturer’s guide for your motor drive. 

#3. Write the Program Code 

The next step is to write the program code controlling your connection. You can use a pulse width modulation signal (PWM) to regulate the motor. 

This PWM will regulate the motor velocity by switching it off and on when needed. It would help if you used an Arduino programming language such as C++.

#4. Test Your work 

When you are through with the program codes, you must test the system to know if you are on the right track. Well, this is the most straightforward part. 

All you need to do is to upload the program on the Arduino and power it up. The motor will rotate with full velocity for two seconds before stopping for one second. 

And rotate again at half speeds for two seconds before it stops for one second. However, if this is not your result, check through your wiring and ensure you input the correct program code. 

#5. Types of Hoverboard Motor

#1. Sensor-based Motors 

These motors are electric sensors inside the wheel of hoverboards. 

They detect speed and tilt angle by receiving data from sensors on the wheels and sending it to the logic board. The data depends on the rider’s position and weight. 

#2. Electric Direct Drive Motors 

Also known as gearless hub motors, this works by a direct drive which means the motor directly drives the back wheel. 

Electromagnets help the scooter move by directly turning the wheel. They receive direct current from batteries. 

#3. Brushless DC Motors 

You don’t need brushes to flip the electromagnetic field inside out. In this hoverboard, the permanent magnets are on the rotor, and the electromagnets are on the stator. 

It uses a direct current power supply. It’s quieter and more efficient and runs longer. It has better efficiency than the brushed overboard.

#4. Brushed DC Motors 

This motor gets its power from the direct current power source and uses an electric brush. It’s more tricky than a brushless motor and is comfortable and cheaper to design. 

Over time the brushes wear out, but they function better in extreme weather conditions.

What Do I Need to Control a Hoverboard Motor With an Arduino? 

Controlling a hoverboard motor with an Arduino is easy to carry out once you have everything handy. 

These are the materials you need; 

#1. Arduino Board:

Arduino boards are the primary device that controls the motor. You can choose from any Arduino boards that are suitable for what you want. 

#2. H-Bridge Module:

This device allows you to control the motor’s direction and speed. You can either build your own or use the already-built H-bridge module. 

#3. Power Supply:

The board motor will only operate at a high voltage; therefore, a power supply will be handy to give you the required current and voltage. 

You can use a battery or power supply module to produce the needed power. 

#4. Hoverboard Motor or Wheel:

This is a brushless DC motor found in the hoverboard wheel. You might be lucky to have someone with a faulty hoverboard you can take apart. 

You might also buy a new hoverboard and tear it apart. Either way is acceptable as far as you get your hoverboard wheel. 

#5. Jumper Wires:

You need a jumper wire to attach the Arduino board, H-bridge module, and the engine. 

#6. Optional Components:

Also, you can get extra components like resistors, diodes, capacitors, and switches. They come in handy when you want to improve the circuit’s functionality and safety.

What Are Other Interesting Hoverboard Hack Ideas?

There are various exciting hack ideas you can try out on your hoverboard. 

#1. Speed Hack 

The speed hack is a common hoverboard idea that increases your scooter to its maximum speed. One way to increase the speed is by modifying the firmware. 

But this hack idea is risky. Hence, it’s best to try this hack only if you have better programming and electronics knowledge. 

#2. LED Light Hack 

Attaching a LED light to your hoverboard is another popular hack you can try. It’s a straightforward DIY hack where you attach LED strips to your electric vehicle’s backside. 

Adding a controller to the light is a good idea. It will make your hoverboard light and colorful, making it stand out and look stylish. 

#3. Hoverboard Robot Hack 

You can turn your electric vehicle into a robot to take it to the next level. 

You can do this by connecting a robotic arm to the hoverboard and programming it to perform your desired task, such as carrying and moving objects around. Depends on what you want. 

However, it would help if you had ideas for robotics and programming before you could carry out this hack. 

#4. Bluetooth Speaker Hack 

Adding Bluetooth to your hoverboard is okay if you are a music lover. You can connect a Bluetooth speaker to the vehicle bottom or build a partition for the speaker. 

Doing so makes it easier to connect the speaker to your mobile device and vibe to any music of your choice. 

#5. Hoverboard Segway Hack 

Turning your hoverboard into a segway is another hack idea you can try. It involves fastening a handlebar to your board. 

Also, it would help if you connected a gyroscope and accelerometer to stabilize the board, making it conformable to ride. 

However, you can only hack your hoverboard with a good understanding of programming and electronics. 

Hoverboard hacks come with lots of benefits, but it’s potential risks. 

The table below explains the benefits and demerits of hoverboard hack ideas.

Advantages	Disadvantages
It allows you to customize your electric vehicle to your taste, making it unique.	It is dangerous, especially if you do not know electronics.
It improves your hoverboard performance.	Hacking your electric vehicle can nullify its warranty.
It’s cost-effective	Some hack ideas are illegal in some countries.
It enhances your hoverboard safety.	It can cause damage to your hoverboard.