Best 3D Printed Functional Parts for Electric Skateboards

Electric skateboards combine speed, engineering, and freedom into one thrilling experience.
Whether you’re commuting, carving, or racing, upgrading or customizing your board with 3D printed parts can dramatically improve performance, comfort, and style.

While many think of 3D printing for cosmetic add-ons, it’s entirely possible to produce real functional parts that can withstand the mechanical stresses of electric skateboarding—if you design smartly, print properly, and choose the right materials.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the best functional parts you can 3D print for electric skateboards, including design considerations, material recommendations, and pro tips for durable, safe results.

Why 3D Print Electric Skateboard Parts?

3D printing allows DIY e-skate builders and enthusiasts to solve problems creatively—without relying on expensive commercial parts.

10 Best 3D Printed Functional Parts for Electric Skateboards

Let’s break down the parts you can successfully create with 3D printing, based on real-world applications.

1. Motor Mounts (Support Structures)

Why Print It:
Motor mounts secure your motors to the trucks, dictating stability and drive alignment.

Considerations:

• Use high-strength filaments like Carbon Fiber Nylon, PETG, or Polycarbonate.
• Reinforce design with extra thick walls and gussets.
• Always test slowly—critical parts must be validated before high-speed use.

Design Tips:

• Include metal inserts (like threaded heat inserts) if needed.
• Print with 100% infill and multiple perimeter walls (4–5).

Pro Tip:
If possible, print prototype mounts for fitment tests, but use metal for final versions for maximum safety.

2. Belt Guards and Motor Covers

Why Print It:
Protect your motor pulleys, belts, and wiring from dirt, debris, and water splashes.

Considerations:

• Impact-resistant materials like PETG or flexible TPU work well.
• Lightweight but durable design is key.
• Ensure clearance around moving belts and pulleys.

Design Tips:

• Add ventilation holes to prevent motor overheating.
• Use multiple mounting points for better stability.

Pro Tip:
Flexible TPU belt guards offer impact resistance without cracking under vibrations.

3. Battery and Electronics Enclosures

Why Print It:
Safely house your battery packs, ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers), and wiring under the deck.

Considerations:

• Print strong, impact-resistant cases with sealing capability.
• Add lip flanges to attach rubber gaskets for water-resistance.
• High-quality PETG, ABS, or ASA recommended (heat resistance required).

Design Tips:

• Reinforce screw mounting points with heat-set inserts.
• Include drainage holes or vent ports for battery safety.

Pro Tip:
Split large enclosures into smaller sections to reduce flex and print easier.

4. Pulley Systems (Wheel and Motor Pulleys)

Why Print It:
3D printed pulleys allow you to customize gear ratios for acceleration or top speed.

Considerations:

• Use tough filaments (Nylon or PETG).
• For final-use parts, heavily test durability—consider hybrid designs (printed pulley + metal core).
• Fit carefully onto wheel cores and shafts.

Design Tips:

• Add extra teeth reinforcement at the load-bearing areas.
• Use steel pins or bolts to help transfer torque if needed.

Pro Tip:
3D printed pulleys are excellent for experimentation before investing in expensive CNC metal ones.

5. Remote Controller Casings

Why Print It:
Create ergonomic, stylish, or rugged cases for DIY e-skate remotes.

Considerations:

• Print lightweight shells in tough but easy-to-sand materials (PLA+, PETG).
• Design battery compartments and button mounts carefully.

Design Tips:

• Print face and body separately for easy wiring.
• Allow room for tolerances around screen mounts or joysticks.

Pro Tip:
Use filament colors matching your board’s theme for a full custom look.

6. Lights and Mounting Brackets

Why Print It:
Adding lights boosts night-time safety dramatically.

Considerations:

• Mount LED strips, headlights, brake lights securely.
• PETG or ASA preferred for outdoor durability.

Design Tips:

• Snap-fit designs allow easy installation and maintenance.
• Include wire guides to route cabling cleanly under the board.

Pro Tip:
Use translucent PETG or frosted filaments for diffused lighting effects.

7. Cable Management Clips and Channels

Why Print It:
Neat wiring reduces risk of cable snags and improves aesthetics.

Considerations:

• Small clips can be printed fast with basic PLA or PETG.
• Mount with screws, zip ties, or adhesives.

Design Tips:

• Design rounded edges to minimize cable abrasion.
• Allow slight flex for easy cable insertion and removal.

Pro Tip:
Use color-coded clips to easily identify motor phase wires vs sensor wires.

8. Bash Guards and Nose Protectors

Why Print It:
Boards take heavy front-end abuse—bash guards protect expensive decks from splintering or delamination.

Considerations:

• Use TPU for flexible impact absorption.
• PETG or Nylon for rigid protection.

Design Tips:

• Reinforce mounting points.
• Curve bash guards to fit deck shapes closely.

Pro Tip:
Print with 4+ walls and 100% infill for maximum impact resistance.

9. Footstops and Grip Enhancers

Why Print It:
Footstops help riders lock their front foot in place, improving control during hard carving or braking.

Considerations:

• Must withstand rider weight and torsional forces.
• Print in solid PETG or TPU depending on desired firmness.

Design Tips:

• Adjustable or modular designs let you fine-tune foot positioning.
• Texture surfaces for additional grip.

Pro Tip:
Printing a slightly flexible TPU footstop can improve comfort without sacrificing hold.

10. Spacer Blocks and Shock Pads

Why Print It:
Adjust ride height, dampen vibrations, or fit new wheels/motor setups without major deck mods.

Considerations:

• Simple block designs printed solidly.
• TPU is excellent for shock pads (flexible), PETG/PLA for rigid spacers.

Design Tips:

• Match bolt hole patterns exactly to standard skate hardware (M5 or M6 bolts).
• Layer orientation matters: align to resist compression.

Pro Tip:
Print custom-angled risers to create tail drop or wedge steering effects.

Best Filaments for Electric Skateboard Parts

Choosing the right material is essential for performance and safety.

Important:
Standard PLA is generally not recommended for critical parts exposed to vibration, heat, or impact stress.

Best Printing Settings for Functional E-Skate Parts

Use 100% infill for motor mounts, pulleys, and high-load areas.
50% infill is sufficient for covers, belt guards, and cable management parts.

Pro Tips for Durable 3D Printed E-Skate Parts

✅ Always dry filament, especially PETG and Nylon, before printing.
✅ Use heat-set inserts for strong threaded connections.
✅ Design stress paths intelligently—round corners, avoid sharp stress risers.
✅ Orient prints to maximize strength along load-bearing axes.
✅ Inspect critical parts regularly for wear, cracks, or fatigue.
✅ Test parts thoroughly before riding at speed.

Remember: Safety first—especially for critical load-bearing components.

Conclusion

With the right designs, materials, and print settings, 3D printing functional parts for your electric skateboard is not only possible but powerful.
From motor covers and belt guards to full battery enclosures and bash guards, the possibilities for customization, performance enhancement, and creative problem solving are endless.

Start by printing non-critical accessories first. Build your experience.
Then move into structural parts carefully, test thoroughly, and refine your designs based on real-world feedback.