Teardown: 2 wheeled mini segway (IO HAWK, PhunkeeDuck, etc.)

[bdonkey]

I purchased one of those two-wheeled stand-up scooters that are all over YouTube and Instagram these days. Instead of paying $1500 or whatever ridiculous amount resellers like IO Hawk and PhunkeeDuck are charging, I bought it directly from China via AliExpress for about $350 including shipping.

As I understand it, there are several variants of this device that look similar on the outside, but have some variations in the internal components, circuits, and batteries (with probably some variation in quality).

Of course, the first thing I did was take mine apart and make some notes Pictures here:

https://imgur.com/a/lZUvM

I've love to know if anyone else has taken theirs apart or done an analysis on the components, too!



Motors
2x Hanghong brushless hub motor + wheel assemblies, I'm almost certain they're from here:
http://czhhem.en.alibaba.com/product/60247378972-801269569/Two_wheels_smart_self_balancing_scooter_brushless_dc_hub_motor.html

PCB 1 - Motor controller
datecode 20141028 on silkscreen
STM32F103 ARM Cortex-M3 (running the BLDC control)
sensorless 3-phase BLDC for each hub motor
thermal interface material between MOSFETS and frame / heatsink
connected to each PCB 2

PCB 2 - IMU on each side of the board
datecode 2015-7-4 on silkscreen
one on each side of the vehicle
connected to headlights, pressure sensors, and to each other
GD32F130 ARM Cortex-M3 http://www.gigadevice.com/product-category/15.html
Invensense MPU-6052C
- Chinese market version of the MPU-6050
- Shows up in Chinese quadrotor toys, too
- 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer

Battery
Brand: Jingnoo
Model: 10S2PSTACK22P
Samsung 18650 cells
XT60 connector
http://jingnoo.com/offer/42219716062.html

 

[777arc]

Awesome! I grabbed the 1 wheeled version off Aliexpress recently (aka solowheel or airwheel). It is much much harder to ride (like 10x the learning curve) than the 2 wheeled one, but it can be used in the grass so it's great for riding around the yard. Also the 1 wheeled version is about $90 cheaper.

 

[bdonkey]

I have an electric unicycle as well (an AirWheel X8) which I use to commute. Compared to these 2-wheeled scooters, my AirWheel is a lot more versatile:

AirWheel:
- it can cover bumpier terrain due to its larger and inflated tires
- you can ride across sloped ground without falling off because of its single wheel
- learning curve is indeed 10x higher,
- better handling / steering because you can lean and twist your whole body to turn

2-wheeled balancing scooter:
- 5-minute learning curve (AirWheel took me 10 hours to get to the point of riding comfortably and far)
- can stand still with ease
- "twitchier steering" than the AirWheel because steering is done by tilting your feet to different angles

The 2-wheeled scooter is a lot more fun for when friends are around since everyone can jump on it and have a try.

 

[kimboviper]

what kind of range are you guys getting?

damn they using samsung cells!

I might buy one for overseas travel

 

[torqueboards]

Sweet write up bdonkey. Can't wait to learn more about it.

I actually purchased an airwheel or something similar on eBay but for the life of me I can't ride it without the training wheels. I have a feeling it's a weak clone one though and it's not as good as the actual air wheel. Paid about $350 for it but a complete waste of money, lol.

I've wanted one of those 2 wheel mini segway's too.

 

[sk8norcal]

https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=49937&p=1085131#p981993


Tag. Hovertrax

 

[JayBles]

So I recently purchased the new S.U.V. hoverboard with 8 inch wheels, and since I already had the original 6.5 inch board I figure I would be the best person to review it. I found that the SUV was much more capable, smooth, and easier over bumps and cracks. As well as being much better on gravel, grass, and other off rad applications. However, the suv rides much higher and feels more awkward to ride. All in all I do prefer the SUV model, however I over paid. I think it is only worth about 60-100$ more. I also made a video for comparison, feel free to check it out through the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B612getXadk

 

[LEVer]

OP, thanks for the writeup and the photos. I've been thinking of buying one of these guys, opening up and adopting it to my SkatE-Pods.

https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=49937&p=1085131#p981993


Tag. Hovertrax

It's sad how the inventor lost control of his IP: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-china-counterfeit-20150531-story.html