The brake systems of electric skateboards are highly dependent on specific components that are much different from what conventional skateboards, bikes, and other portable vehicles use. They also use the energy from the brake to provide other helpful features. Almost every function of an e-skate gives another different advantage once activated, which is crucial for long commutes.
Types of Electric Skateboard Brakes
Regenerative
Unlike typical brake systems in cars, bikes, and other wheeled vehicles, electric skateboards lack brake discs. The best e-skateboard reviews usually feature regenerative brakes that come with a magnetic wheel installed close to some sort of wiring.
The placement of the wheel near the wiring leads to the efficiency of the magnets and the wires to produce electricity. Then, the energy is transmitted into the battery to recharge it during the ride. This is convenient for skaters who use electric skateboards with charge times[Charge Time for Electric Skateboards Comparison] that can reach several hours.
Dynamic
It’s not a good idea to force skaters to use regenerative brakes. That type of system can be extremely difficult to handle if the battery is full.
Recharging a full electric skateboard battery can cause serious consequences of overheating. Some manufacturers have solved that by making the system automatically stop the brake from happening.
However, if the skater accidentally goes downhill, the absence of the brake can be a fatal problem. That’s why another option should be available.
Dynamic brakes are the perfect alternative to regenerative systems. The electricity from the magnetic wheel and wiring isn’t transmitted to the battery; it’s directed to the resistor.
Resistors can store heat without causing further issues. They do have a limit, but they’re very important in unforeseen circumstances.
Hybrid
Although rare, some electric skateboards can function with regenerative and dynamic brakes installed in the same unit. They will let skaters either recharge the battery or use the resistor depending on the situation. They can be inconsistent, though, so only advanced skaters who know how to brake with their feet are recommended to use them.
How to Activate Electric Skateboard Brakes
Most of the time, electric skateboard users don’t need to use their feet at all when braking. Only emergencies require that.
Before braking, skaters need to make sure that their legs and feet are stable on the deck just in case the process isn’t gradual or smooth enough. Once everything’s ready, the rider simple needs to use the remote control.
The brake command from a standard wireless control is usually in the form of a lever or switch that can be moved up or down with just the thumb. The downward motion of the thumb must be slow and steady to prevent abrupt stops that can cause serious harm to the rider.
To prevent accidents while braking, skaters need to test electric skateboards[How to Test An Electric Skateboard] before every use. They should start on flat surfaces or subtle slopes and press the switch multiple times to know whether the brake works fine or not.