When is it time to replace a belt on an electric longboard?

Electric skateboards like our Lacroix model longboards all require rubber belts in order to connect the electric engine. The rubber belts will wear over time like tires, bushings and other components of a longboard. With regular replacement, you can make sure that your longboard keeps its optimal performance and that you will not damage engine systems on your longboard with the belt stripping away. Here are some of the top signs that you may need belt replacement.

You can feel vibrations in the longboard

When the belt begins slipping severely, you can start to experience some vibrations in the longboard. This can often be pieces of the belt stripping away and impacting the board or internal components to the board. When the teeth strip away from the belt it can often become more dangerous to run the longboard without any type of intervention. In order to make sure you are able to stay safe, it is usually best to check on the belt and order a replacement if you are experiencing any type of ongoing vibration in the belt system.

You don’t see the same acceleration

One of the earliest signs that you are in need of a new belt will come down to acceleration. Belts that have good contact with the engine and wheel deliver a great level of acceleration and all of the power from the engine will be going directly to the wheel. As the belt starts to lose grip, you may notice that acceleration may lag a bit or that you are experiencing a much slower acceleration process with your speed control. Swapping out the belt will ensure that you are able to get better acceleration and a better level of response when you activate the speed control.

You can’t reach the same top speeds

Most people go straight to the engine when they are unable to reach the same top speeds or cruising speeds that they are used to. When an electric longboard belt gets worn out, it often will start to slip even at higher speeds and not just throughout acceleration. When the belt continues to slide along the track, it can cause the top speed to suffer severely. You may even notice that its difficult to get the board up to any speed without pushing if you have worn the belt down severely.

You haven’t used your board in a long time

A belt needs regular use in order for it to maintain its shape and to ensure that it does not dry out. If it has been several years since you have used your board or it has been sitting exposed to dust and dry conditions for some time, you may want to do a quick inspection on the belt. Cracks dryness and more can change the way the belt performs. If the belt has been sitting in one position for a long period of time it can also shape to that position causing a chance that the belt may skip. If you are having difficulty with performance in your longboard after your belt has sat for a long period of time, it could be because you need to replace the belt system first.

You notice rubber on the underside of your board

This is a telltale sign that you need a belt replacement. If you see the underside of your board starting to collect rubber or you notice that there is a frayed rubber along the belt, this is a sign that you are missing teeth from the belt and that the belt is beginning to fray to the point it could break. Making an effort to replace your belt before it has the chance to snap or before it has the chance to become a problem will keep you up and running.

We would recommend changing out your belts at a minimum every year with regular use of your electric skateboard. This can ensure you are getting the most predictable performance from your board and the best contact with the engine components!

If you have noticed any of these top signs on your Lacroix board and you think it could be a good time for a belt replacement, be sure to check out some of the belts that we have in stock. We can help you outfit any of our boards with a brand-new belt to keep you on the road and keep you enjoying peak performance from your electric skateboard.