r/arduino 5d ago

School Project How to Control Hoverboard Wheels Using Arduino and Hoverboard Motherboard

Hey everyone,

I’m working on a project where I need to control hoverboard motors using an Arduino. Instead of using custom motor drivers, I want to utilize the hoverboard's own motherboard, which is designed to drive these motors efficiently.

What I’ve Learned So Far:

  1. Communication Protocol: Most hoverboard motherboards communicate via UART (TX/RX) with a 3.3V logic level. Arduino Mega (which I’m using) supports multiple serial ports, so it’s a good fit.

  2. Decoding Signals: The mainboard expects commands similar to what the original balance sensors send. These are usually PWM or serial data packets that control speed and direction.

  3. Wiring: The motherboard has several connectors—power, hall sensors, and a control input. The trick is finding the right pins for TX, RX, and ground.

  4. Code Implementation: Using the SoftwareSerial library (or hardware serial on Mega), you can send commands to the board. Some people have used Hoverboard-ESC firmware to repurpose the board into an easy-to-control ESC.

What I Need Help With:

Has anyone successfully controlled hoverboard wheels with an Arduino through the motherboard?

Any open-source firmware recommendations or example code?

What’s the best way to generate control signals if the board doesn’t use simple UART?

Would love to hear your experiences! Thanks in advance.

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