Does Weight Affect Skateboard Speed ?
Do you think skateboarding is a sport, a hobby, a job, an art form or a mode of transportation? It can be all of these! However, a growing number of people use skateboards for a more utilitarian purpose: travel. Skateboards are part of the suite of human-powered sustainable travel modes and a relatively popular form of mobility for younger people. You can travel short distances on them, but most skateboards are used to perform stunts.
Let's take a closer look at the skateboard. Every skateboard consists of three parts: the deck, the truck and the wheels. The deck is the actual board you ride on. It is about 32 inches long, 8 inches wide and less than one-half inch thick. The deck has a defined nose and tail with a concave middle. The metal truck holds the deck to the wheels. Skateboard wheels are about 1.25 to 1.75 inches in diameter. Early skateboards were made with scraps of wood. Four metal wheels were taken from a scooter or roller-skate and attached to the bottom. Recognizable skateboards were first manufactured in the late 1950s.
Arizona is a great place for skateboarding enthusiasts. Here, you can find the best skateparks in Arizona and it should be on your list of must-visit spots. With its wide variety of terrain and perfect weather, it’s the perfect spot to get your skateboard out and practice some tricks.
What is an Electric Skateboard?
An electric skateboard is a skateboard or longboard modified with additional mechanical and electrical components to make it ride able without having to manually push the board. Electric skateboards have recently evolved into a sustainable form of transportation since startup companies began selling complete boards. Electric skateboards can reach speeds over 25 MPH and are suitable for local commutes less than twenty miles especially in congested cities where car traffic is an issue.
Components of an Electric Skateboard
The skateboard has been used for decades as a form of transportation, however, in the last decade skateboards have been modified to eliminate the need for pushing. The few basic components of a skateboard are: Deck, Wheels, Trucks, Hardware and Grip-tape.
Electric skateboards have additional components placed on the underside of the deck that include: Motor, Motor Mount, Wheel Pulley, Motor Pulley, Timing Belt, Electronic Speed Controller, Battery, Bluetooth receiver/controller, Bluetooth transmitter, Enclosure and additional hardware and wire.
Does Weight Affect Skateboard Speed ?
The heavier the weight on the skateboard will cause it to go faster because of the natural force of gravity is not very precise. The general physics states that by increasing weight, increases gravity on a skateboard. Hence, a heavy person generates more momentum, allowing one to produce higher speeds quicker.
The weight of a skateboarder does matter when skateboarding. Weight plays a vital role in riding and landing on the board. Your weight will affect how you perform and land various flip tricks. The difference in weight affects the speed of the descents, the performance of tricks, and many other factors. It also affects the speed of the board on slopes and declines. A heavier skaters will roll down hills at higher speeds. This isn't a major concern but it can lead to more falls and injuries if you're not safe.
Skating and Skateboarding Safety Tips
Prevent skateboarding injuries by following these guidelines:
Select and use a high-quality skateboard
Shorter decks are best for beginners because they are easier to balance and handle. Skateboards have various characteristics for all types of riding including slalom, freestyle and speed. Some are rated for the user's weight.
Keep your skateboard in working order
Inspect your skateboard before every ride. Look for problems that need repair. These can include loose, broken or cracked parts; sharp edges on metal boards; a slippery top surface; wheels with nicks and cracks, etc. Get professional help to repair serious defects.
Learn basic skateboarding skills
Learn slowing and turning techniques, and how to fall safely! If you are losing your balance, crouch down on the skateboard so you won't have as far to fall. Try to land on the fleshy parts of your body rather than on your arms. Relax and roll.
Always wear proper protective equipment
Before getting on your skateboard, empty your pockets of all hard and sharp objects and put on your protective gear: a helmet, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads, and closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes. Always wear a properly fitting helmet to protect your head from injury! It doesn't matter what age you are, how much experience you have or where you are skateboarding: Use a high-quality bicycle or multi-sport helmet. Make sure the helmet you use meets or exceeds safety standards. Wrist guards support the wrist and reduce the chances of breaking a bone if you fall. Knee and elbow pads reduce the severity of cuts and scrapes, and prevent gravel burns. Always wear closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes. Never wear flip-flops or sandals.
Skate at safe place
Make a list of safe places to skate. Skate on smooth surfaces and keep to footpaths and skate parks. Always skate to your ability level.
Conclusion
The electric skateboard is a new innovative way to provide local transportation without polluting the environment such as with gas powered forms of transport. Due to advances in technology, many of the additional components needed to build an electric skateboard are dropping in price. The lowering of costs associated with electric skateboards are making them increasingly popular.