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ZBoard electric skateboard sneakers-on (video)
We spotted the dudes behind the ZBoard at TechCrunch Disrupt earlier this week, but we weren't content to just ride the electric skateboard up and down the halls of Pier 94. We asked them to take a walk with us to Washington Square Park so we could take the board for a spin in a more realistic setting -- also, any excuse to skip out of work a bit earlier to go skating in the park on a sunny Friday afternoon is hard to turn down. We initially asked them to meet us at one of New York City's many skate parks, but they balked at the suggestion -- after all, it's more of a commuting board than anything else. It's big and fairly heavy, so attempting to go vert with the thing is pretty much out -- grinding and kickflips are likely off the table, too. Co-creator Geoff Larson told us he managed to get the thing up on two wheels, but that's about the limit of trickery at the moment -- we're sure that'll change pretty quickly, as soon as more boards make their way into the hands of the public. In the meantime, the ZBoard is all about getting around, giving you about 10 miles on a single charge. Larson added that one skater said he planned to use his ZBoard to make the long trip to the skatepark and back, carrying his manual board along for the ride. Join us after the break for some sneakers-on impressions.%Gallery-156205%
Scarpar off-road powerboard coming December 2011, just in time to replace Santa's sleigh
It's been a little over two years since we first came across Scarpar's all-terrain powerboard, and now it's just about ready to hit the streets, or mountains, or whatever. The Australian startup is currently accepting reservations for its surprisingly powerful electric skateboards -- now in two flavors. Scarpar's Model X comes equipped with two 1.5-kilowatt DC Motors and tops out at 28MPH, while the Model S offers two 750-watt motors and hits 18MPH. You can reserve one now for $500 or $600, depending on how much power you want under your feet, but be prepared to shell out either $2,800 or $3,800 when it's finally time to buy. Scarpar expects the things to ship sometime in December, so don't go making any summer vacation plans for you and your new off-roader just yet. [Thanks, Alex]
Shibaura Institute of Technology shows off 'robo-skateboard'
Not satisfied with a simple electric skateboard? It seems like some researchers at Japan's Shibaura Institute of Technology weren't either, and have been busily working on this so-called "robo-skateboard" for the past little while. Like some DIY efforts we've seen, this one uses a Segway-like mechanism to let you ride it by simply pressing down on the front or back and turn by leaning left or right, although it apparently tops out at a mere six miles per hour. It also weighs a whopping 33 pounds, which explains the retractable luggage-like handle for carrying it around, and it's apparently been quite a significant investment for the institute -- considering that the researchers are hoping to get the price down to ¥100,000 (or just over $1,000) by 2013, which is when they hope to bring it to market.
Xero's eBoard Neo skateboard is battery-powered, gun-controlled
It may not be the first electric skateboard, or the fastest, or the least skateboard-like, but Xero's new eBoard Neo is controlled by a gun, and that's got to count for something. In addition to attracting attention from the law, this board will propel you along with ease at 14 miles per hour, hit 0 to 20 (kilometers, presumably) in just four seconds, and last for around 13.5 miles on a single charge -- a complete recharge will take three to four hours. At £220 (or just over $360), however, this one doesn't exactly come cheap, although you can also snag the slightly less speedy (and gun-less) eBoard Junior or eBoard Flow for £120 and £150, respectively, or step up to the heavy duty eBoard Pro for £250.
iShoes, Skatemaster skateboard offer remote-controlled laziness
Those looking to head outdoors with minimal exertion now have another pair of motorized options to accommodate their lazy ways, with the recently introduced iShoes and Skatemaster skateboard each promising to propel you along at the push of a button. Only the Skatemaster is actually available to order at the moment, however, with it promising a top speed of 11 mph and a range of 6-7 miles. It'll set you back £139.99 for the small model and £144.99 for a slightly larger version. The iShoes, on the other hand, boast a slightly risky top speed of 15 mph, and should carry your 5 to 7 miles before needing a recharge. While you can't get your hands on 'em just yet, the developer is apparently "getting them ready for sale," although there's no word on what they'll cost or exactly when they'll be available.Read - Skatemaster Electric Skateboard [Via Red Ferret]Read - iShoes [Via Green Daily]
Rok It Science intros improved Boom 2 Borda electric skateboard
While Rok It Science's original Boom Borda electric skateboard somehow slipped under our radar, the company follow-up Boom 2 Borda board has thankfully been brought to our attention, courtesy of the folks at T3. Among the improvements this time around is a new 600 watt motor and a beefier 36 volt battery, which ups the boards range to a full 30 miles on a single charge, not to mention a new interchangeable drive wheel that'll let you take the thing off-road (somewhat). The one thing not getting an upgrade, it seems, is the top speed, which stays at 25 mph, although that may well be for the best. If that's enough to tide you over until the hoverboards come along, you can order one now £449, or just over $900.[Via T3]
