Adapting Cordless Tool Batteries For A Skateboard

JRP3

1 kW
Joined
Jan 14, 2008
Messages
411
Location
Central NY State
The original lipo battery in my skateboard has been weak for a while and after limping along with it for another year I decided to try something. Found an adapter for Ryobi 40V packs, which I have for tools, mounted it to the back of the board with 2 of the truck mounting bolts, put an XT 60 connector on it and plugged it in. Works great other than the fact that the 3d printed adapter is a bit loose where it interfaces with the battery and the pack vibrates off so I’ll need to strap it down. I have two 2.5ah batteries and one new 4ah battery I can swap in and out as needed. Cheap fix for an old cheap board.

1729774215169.jpeg

1729774259385.jpeg
 
Apparently there may be an issue with using a tool battery pack, in some cases it may see regen as using an unauthorized "charger" and possibly disconnect the battery, which would leave me with no brakes. I've done some mild hill testing and no problems so far.
 
You’ve used female sprung clips on the battery mount. Is that right? The Ryobi battery has male terminals? Never seen that before. It’s less safe having exposed live terminals.
 
Fair enough.

I use adapters for my lawnmower and hedge trimmer. I made them out of kitchen cutting boards, which are HDPE as far as I know. It’s easy to machine. Tapping threads in it is acceptable too.

You mentioned vibrating loose … most tool batteries use sprung retention systems. Slide and click, squeeze to release. Again, it’s an unusual design if the Ryobi doesn’t employ one.
 
I see. Perhaps a layer of thin tape, even the sandpapery grip tape stuff.

Or else just reposition the cradle to vertical. I use them vertically in my lawnmower, which has vibration to contend with.

Also, decoupling the cradle from deck would help (a lot). I reuse the little rubber feet thingys for PC fans. They’re great.
 
I certainly should have done something more to support it. The printed adapter had hollow sections inside, snapped off while riding over a wooden bridge. Plus I see the print lines are across the adapter instead of lengthwise, I should have mounted it to something else for a base.

1730039355152.jpeg
 
Back
Top