A 2019 maker project turned a Big New Bobby Car into a four-wheel electric vehicle using motors and drive hardware from two hoverboards. Its unusual controls repurpose two Xbox 360 controller potentiometers for throttle and braking, while buttons let the driver choose front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. The project is a documented fabrication and firmware build—not a certified or independently tested vehicle.
How the two-hoverboard conversion works
The project, attributed to ivc, keeps the plastic body of a Big New Bobby Car but replaces or reinforces key mechanical and electrical parts. Each wheel receives a hoverboard hub motor, for four motors total. The author’s overview describes two motor controllers that can be switched independently, enabling front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. It also identifies two Xbox 360 controller potentiometers as throttle and brake inputs. Project overview on Hackaday.io.
This is not simply a matter of attaching motors to the original wheels. The front steering assembly was substantially replaced with custom 3D-printed parts, and the rear wheel structure was rebuilt around a mounting plate and reinforcement. The conversion therefore combines salvaged electronics with purpose-made mechanical adaptation.
Specifications the project author reported
The detailed project wiki lists the following figures for this particular 2019 build. They are the author’s published specifications; the documentation does not provide independent test results or a measurement methodology. Project wiki and build documentation.
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- Wide Compatibility: VOYEE wired 360 controller compatible with Microsoft Xbox 360 & Slim/ PC (Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7). Just plug and play, not for FPS games
- Enhanced Game Controller: Upgraded PC 360 controller with new left and right trigger buttons and more sensitive joysticks and buttons - Respond quickly to player commands without delay
- Astonishing Gaming Experience: VOYEE wired pc controller provides rumble control and according to the game automatic vibration feedback to enhanced game experience and match your personal preference
- Ergonomic Design: Grips's contours have been designed to fit your hands more comfortably to hold for a long time and 7.2ft cord allows greater
- What You Get: VOYEE wired 360/PC Controller, 45 Days Money Back, 365 Days Guarantee Against quality defect and 24 Hours Friendly Customer Support
| Item | Author-reported specification |
|---|---|
| Motors | Four 350 W brushless permanent-magnet motors with hall sensors |
| Peak power | 800 W |
| Battery | 36 V, 10S2P lithium-ion pack, 4.4 Ah |
| Range | Approximately 10 km |
| Maximum speed | Up to 29 km/h with turbo |
| Vehicle mass | 17.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 394 mm wheelbase, 330 mm width, 575 mm length |
| Drive modes | Front-wheel, rear-wheel, all-wheel drive, and reverse |
These numbers describe the builder’s vehicle, not a general performance expectation for other conversions. A secondary Hackster.io article gives a headline speed of 18 mph, but the project wiki is the source for the detailed figures above. Hackster.io coverage.
What had to be fabricated
Front steering and wheel clearance
The author replaced much of the original front steering arrangement with custom 3D-printed ABS parts. Because the hoverboard wheels were larger, the wiki says the front wheel clearance was raised by 10 mm. The author also notes that metal parts or support inserts could be a future improvement; the documentation does not establish the printed components as a validated design for another vehicle.
Rank #2
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】Xbox 360 Controller - Perfectly compatible with Microsoft Xbox 360 & Slim, PC Windows 11/10/8/7. !!TIPS!! ::: This controller is【【 NOT COMPATIBLE with Xbox One/Series】】. The 2.4GHz wireless connection range is up to 30 feet, providing more freedom and comfort for gaming.
- 💯【Close to Original】The guide button in the middle of the wireless gamepad brings quick access to your game libraries, music, and digital movies. Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Upgraded controller's instruction and chip deliver high sensitivity and fast response overall performance.
- ✅【Upgraded Version】Xbox 360 Controller Wireless - Support Acceleration/Gravity Sensor, 2.5mm Audio Jack, Double Shock and Upgraded Joystick. Just the same as the joystick of the official wireless 360 controller. Spend less money to enjoy the same sensitivity.
- 🌌【2 Pack Xbox 360 Controller】Built-in dual vibration motors, which can provide different intensities of vibration feedback according to different collisions in the game. Equipped with new left and right trigger buttons and more sensitive joysticks and action buttons - Respond quickly to player commands without delay.
- 👍👍【What You Get】Gamrombo xbox 360 controller wireless 2 Pack, 45 Days Money Back, 365 Days Guarantee Against quality defect and 24 Hours Friendly Customer Support.
Rear mounting and reinforcement
At the rear, the build uses a 205 × 70 × 12 mm 6061 aluminum plate and a reinforced wood structure to support the wheel arrangement. A stainless-steel steering rod and PVC tube also appear in the bill of materials. These are build-specific construction details rather than general structural specifications.
Electronics, controller firmware, and calibration
The project retains hoverboard controllers identified in the wiki as STM32F103-based, with custom firmware derived from the hoverboard-firmware-hack project. The author describes setting battery cell count and voltage calibration, calibrating ADC input ranges for the controls, checking motor direction, compiling firmware, and flashing through the board’s SWD interface. An ST-Link V2-compatible programmer is listed for flashing, and a USB-to-TTL adapter is listed for serial debugging.
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Rank #3
- 【Wide Compatibility】Compatible with Microsoft Xbox 360/360 S/360 E and PC Windows 11/10/8/7. (Not for Xbox One，Xbox S or Xbox x) The wired connection enables latency - free operation.
- 【Upgraded Version】A 2.5mm audio jack, dual vibration, and an upgraded joystick identical Get the same sensitivity at a lower cost. Not suitable for games that require precise joystick operation
- 【Astonishing Gaming Experience】 Provides rumble control and automatic vibration feedback according to gameplay. This not only boosts the gaming experience but also caters to your personal preferences.
- 【Ergonomic Design】Designed to perfectly match the natural arc of your palm, it effectively prevents sweating and minimizes arm strain during long - term use. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the game and enjoy the most pleasant gaming experience.
- 【Come with Two Packs】You can share the joy of playing games with friends
Controller compatibility is a significant constraint: the author documents differences between the two controllers and the need for controller-specific configuration. The wiki’s process should not be treated as a universal firmware recipe. Hardware revisions, pin assignments, firmware compatibility, and calibration need to be verified for the actual boards before adapting the build.
Parts documented in the build
The wiki’s bill of materials names a Big New Bobby Car base, two hoverboards, two Xbox 360 controllers, XT60 60 A connectors, 14 AWG silicone power wire, 608ZZ bearings, 10 mm motor-grade bearings, JST SM hall-sensor extension connectors, wood pieces, the aluminum plate, a stainless steering rod, and a PVC tube. It also lists the ST-Link-compatible programmer and USB-to-TTL adapter used in the electronics work. These component names document what the author used; they do not establish that any currently sold item is compatible with a different hoverboard or controller.
Rank #4
![Gamrombo 2 Pack Replacement for Xbox 360 Controller, Wireless Controllers Gamepad Upgraded Joystick Compatible with 360 & Slim, Windows 11/10/8/7 PC Controller with Dual Shock (Black+Pink) [microsoft_xbox_360]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41BBW6XlmNL._SL160_.jpg)
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】Xbox 360 Controller - Perfectly compatible with Microsoft Xbox 360 & Slim, PC Windows 11/10/8/7. (Note!! This controller is not compatible Xbox One). The 2.4GHz wireless connection range is up to 30 feet, providing more freedom and comfort for gaming.
- 💯【Close to Original】The guide button in the middle of the wireless gamepad brings quick access to your game libraries, music, and digital movies. Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Upgraded controller's instruction and chip deliver high sensitivity and fast response overall performance.
- ✅【Upgraded Version】Xbox 360 Controller Wireless - Support Acceleration/Gravity Sensor, 2.5mm Audio Jack, Double Shock and Upgraded Joystick. Just the same as the joystick of the official wireless 360 controller. Spend less money to enjoy the same sensitivity.
- 🌌【2 Pack Xbox 360 Controller】Built-in dual vibration motors, which can provide different intensities of vibration feedback according to different collisions in the game. Equipped with new left and right trigger buttons and more sensitive joysticks and action buttons - Respond quickly to player commands without delay.
- 👍👍【What You Get】Gamrombo xbox 360 controller wireless 2 Pack, 45 Days Money Back, 365 Days Guarantee Against quality defect and 24 Hours Friendly Customer Support.
What the documentation does—and does not—establish
The project pages record a distinctive conversion, its design choices, and the builder’s claimed specifications. They do not establish independent safety testing, certification, stopping distance, validated operating limits, or road legality. Treat the vehicle as a custom project, not as a proven design to reproduce unchanged or as a road-approved car. The build dates to 2019, so current component availability and firmware compatibility may differ from what the documentation describes.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Wide Compatibility & Plug & Play】Designed for Xbox 360 / 360 S / 360 E and PC (Windows 11/10/8/7). Simply connect the 6ft USB cable to start playing—no driver or software required. Wired connection ensures zero-latency operation for instant response. (Note: Not compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.)
- 【Upgraded Components for Precise Control】Features an upgraded joystick that delivers the same sensitivity as the official 360 controller at a more affordable price. Built-in 2.5mm audio jack allows you to plug in your headset for immersive sound. Acceleration/gravity sensors (where applicable) provide an extra dimension of control for compatible games.
- 【Immersive Dual-Vibration Feedback】Equipped with dual vibration motors that deliver real-time, game-responsive rumble effects—from collisions and gunfire to engine roars. This tactile feedback deepens immersion and puts you right in the middle of the action.
- 【Ergonomic Design for Marathon Gaming】The contoured shape follows the natural curve of your palm, reducing hand fatigue and sweat during extended play. Optimized shoulder buttons and streamlined grips ensure a comfortable, secure hold, so you can stay focused on the game for hours.
- 【Multiplayer Ready & Reliable Support】Supports up to 4 controllers on a single console—perfect for local multiplayer fun with friends and family. Backed by 45-day money-back guarantee, 365-day quality defect warranty, and 24/7 friendly customer support for complete peace of mind.
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