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Boosted's new electric skateboards go further, ride smoother
Many a short journey has been livened up with one of Boosted's electric skateboards underfoot, but after selling the same line-up for a few years now, it's time to pimp that ride. The second-generation Boosted boards unveiled today keep the same, classic longboard styling and bamboo deck, but are otherwise different beasts. For starters, the boards will now take you a lot further thanks to swappable batteries and an extended-range option that increases average distance from 6-7 miles to 12-14 miles. Bigger 80mm wheels, custom-built trucks and various improvements to the motors and transmission should make those longer trips that much smoother, too.
Yuneec's E-Go Cruiser electric skateboard is a 'light' 13.9-pounds
Sure, we've seen a number of electric skateboards out there, but we certainly won't be turning down the chance to check out one more anytime soon. According to its creators, the E-Go Cruiser is the "lightest" electric longboard out there, and while 13.9 pounds is hardly featherweight, compared to manual longboards we've used in the past, it's definitely a fair bit lighter than other electric ones we've tried. We would, however, have preferred some kind of handle we could use to carry it around. The bottom of the desk is covered in carbon fiber and a battery that's surprisingly slim, as it's built into the bottom of the board. After hopping on it for a bit, we have to say, we prefer the Zboards' pad-based control system as opposed to the handheld remote - particularly since backing up requires you to fully stop, flip a switch and then hit the forward button. According to the rep we spoke with, the company is considering getting rid of reverse altogether. The E-Go can manage hills and should give you up to 18 miles on a charge. The company's asking $700 for the longboard. Terrence O'Brien contributed to this report.
Boosted Board electric longboard is lightweight enough to carry, powerful enough to haul riders uphill
Boosted Board isn't the first powered skateboard to grace these pages, but it is the lightest. In its current prototype form, it weighs just 12 pounds, thanks to a high-end Loaded Vanguard longboard, 2,000W brushless electric motor, 100W/h Lithium polymer battery pack and regenerative braking and drivetrain bits. That hardware will move you along at up to 20mph, provide about six miles of range and tackle up to a 15 percent grade. The company is also evaluating different battery chemistries and cell sizes for folks looking for longer range. We were told that the board is capable of much higher speeds, but it's been limited for safety reasons. However, that reservoir of power is put to good use when rolling uphill, as the Boosted Board's got some custom firmware that aims to make cruising up inclines feel the same as riding on flats. Adjusting the speed is accomplished through a custom handheld, thumb-operated throttle that's still in development.%Gallery-165177% We got to lay our hands (and feet) on one today in San Francisco, and we spoke with Boosted Board's builders, too. The board's lightweight design, with the battery pack and motor components nestled at either end, is quite different from other electric decks we've seen with a massive power pack centered underneath. This design is made possible by that power-dense brushless motor, and it allows the Boosted Board to maintain the flexible feel that regular longboarders know and love. For now, the drivetrain and components are left exposed (as you can see in our gallery) but a more integrated design will go to the Kickstarters who pledged the $1,200 needed to get one when they start shipping next May. Folks looking for more info can find it in the source below and the video after the break.
