Skateboards have undergone numerous technical developments since the 1950s. From simple wooden boards with axles to electrically powered boards. Spanish YouTuber and maker Ivan Miranda has now presented an unusual concept that aims to create a completely new riding experience with the help of 3D-printed parts and electronic components. His goal was to transfer the control of a unicycle to a more stable two-wheel system.
The homemade board combines 3D-printed brackets with aluminum profiles as its basic structure. The standing surface is mounted on movable bearings and allows for sideways tilting, which serves as a steering impulse. This movement is detected by an Arduino Due in conjunction with an MPU6050 gyro sensor. The system analyzes the angle of tilt and uses an electronic control system to drive the brushless DC motor, which drives one of the two wheels via a toothed belt. Power is supplied by three standard battery packs from power tools.
In initial tests, however, the concept proved difficult to control. The board reacted unpredictably to weight shifts, resulting in a high risk of falling. Miranda then optimized the software, in particular the balance control and motor control. With adapted programming and a more stable power supply, the handling was improved somewhat, but the device remains experimental.
Miranda emphasizes that his goal is not to build a market-ready product, but to explore the technical possibilities of 3D printing and sensor control in the field of personal mobility. The maker is known for his large-format 3D printing projects and often uses the printing of functional parts to quickly implement mechanical concepts.
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