Electric Beach Luge!
UK maker John Dingley, aka “XenonJohn” on YouTube, recently completed his Electric Beach Luge — a device inspired by downhill land luge boards, kite surfing rigs, and even Land Speeders from Star Wars. What he came up with is a frame made out of metal tubing that allows him to lie down, while being powered across the sand via a 500W, 24V golf cart motor. He uses his feet to control a single go-kart tire in the front, while two more tires in the back to propel it forward.

Speed control is via a handheld potentiometer wired into an Arduino Uno. In turn, the Uno is wired into a robot combat power controller, which can output an impressive 160 amps continuously. Naturally, ventilation holes and a cooling fan is needed for this massive power handling capability, however the enclosure was made in such a way as to also keep sand and water out of the electronics.

As seen in the video below, the beach cruiser looks like a lot of fun, and a special one-wheeled “guest” shows up to ride alongside this vehicle at around 1:30.
More info on the luge can be found on Dingley’s website, or check out his electric unicycle here!
[h/t: New Atlas]


