Abstract: A method of operating an electric skateboard includes manually moving the electric skateboard forward without engaging an electric motor, then engaging a pressure sensor on the electric skateboard to output a pressure signal to a controller on the electric skateboard. The controller then generates a control signal to the electric motor corresponding to a first cruising torque. The method further includes engaging the pressure sensor on the electric skateboard a second time, to output a second pressure signal to the controller, which in turn generates a second control signal corresponding to a second cruising torque.

Abstract: An electric skateboard includes a motor, a controller, and a pressure sensor located in a footboard. When a user of the skateboard places a foot on the pressure sensor, the controller measures an actual or estimated speed of the skateboard, and outputs a control signal to the motor to maintain the measured speed. When a user removes his foot from the pressure sensor, the controller sends a control signal to stop the motor.