electric skateboard
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Lime is buying Boosted's assets and IP
Electric scooter company Lime is buying the designs, software, parts and test equipment of Boosted, according to The Verge. Additionally, two former Boosted employees have also told The Verge that Lime has been working on buying Boosted’s IP since late last year.
Electric skateboard maker Boosted announces 'significant' layoffs
In 2012, Boosted came onto the scene with its crowdfunded Loaded Vanguard light electric skateboard and has since produced a string of personal vehicles including last year's Rev scooter. Unfortunately things may be nearing the end, as the company announced "the incredibly difficult decision to let a significant portion of the Boosted team go." It cited the "unplanned challenge "of the US-China tariff war as a factor in its struggle, despite the many riders putting in millions of miles of riding on its products. Since its launch, the "micromobility" field has become increasingly crowded, and there doesn't seem to be a sure winner at this point, but as its CTO and CEO noted in the post, the need to keep capital flowing to maintain production and maintenance of vehicles is tricky. Now the plan is to "pursue strategic options under new ownership," so we'll have to wait and see what that looks like in the future.
Riptide's latest electric skateboard carves like a surfboard
Electric skateboards are frequently fast, but nimble? Not so much -- even Boosted's Mini boards are meant more for cruising that bobbing and weaving. Riptide might have a solution. It just launched the R1 Black, a variant on the R1 meant to deliver surfboard-like carving. A Surf Adapter from Waterborne Skateboards gives it turning performance about three times better than standard R1 models, and shouldn't sacrifice stability in the process -- you shouldn't have trouble making an evasive maneuver at high speed.
Onewheel Pint is a more affordable, easier to ride electric board
Future Motion's Onewheel electric boards have added power and range over the years, but accessibility? Not so much. They've still been expensive and intimidating, not to mention clunky to carry around. That's where the just-unveiled Onewheel Pint might help. It's not only more affordable (relatively speaking) at $950, it's gentler on newcomers who'd otherwise worry about crashing out.
Big toys for the big kid in all of us
Some of the toys we played with as children have grown up along with us and now they pack adult-sized fun. Memorable designs have bubbled up into lifestyle products with smarts, but most offer what we always loved them for: an action-packed thrill. Sure, we can drive real cars now, but that doesn't diminish the urge to drift on a motorized Big Wheel. Skateboards and pogo sticks have powered up over the years, too, and hoverboards can now actually hover. This week we pay tribute to the big kid inside each of us with a lineup of reinvented, rebuilt and improved versions of playtime classics. [Image: Local Motors]
No car, no problem: 17 of the slickest electric rides
All kinds of personal-sized, eco-minded rides have been popping up on the market ready to propel us through the streets. Whether it's for a quick commute or a casual cruise, these electric rideables help save time and fossil fuels. Not only do they get you from point A to point B quickly, but they're also fun to ride... and you won't sweat up a storm along the way. But which one is right for you? Below, we take a look at all the bikes, scooters, skateboards and everything else in between to serve up some useful personal transport suggestions. You never know, there might be a pair of RocketSkates in your future.
IRL: A closer look at Boosted Boards' Dual+ electric skateboard
My younger, street-skating self would've scoffed at the idea of an electric skateboard, at least one that wasn't built for tricks while in transit. But having spent less time doing slappies and ollies in recent years, taking to the streets on an electric version finally seemed a viable alternative. For those who aren't planning stunts along the way, or perhaps have less experience skating, there's something to be said for an electric that focuses on cruising and getting you from A to B at a controllable pace. So when I was offered the chance to test one of Boosted Boards' Dual+ 38-inch setups, I decided it was time to take one for a spin. Starting at $999, they're clearly a luxury item, and it's not every day you get to take one for an extended test-drive. Sure, winter and its bone-chilling cold were rapidly descending on New York City when it arrived, but that never used to stop me back in the day. I did get to ride it in the warm Las Vegas sun during CES, but I never managed to use it as a commuting alternative with the weather in decline. The time I managed to spend on the board, though, was definitely worth it.
Make your commute an action sport with an electric longboard
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-400236").style.display="none";}catch(e){} A new breed of personal transportation has been bubbling up from the DIY underground over the last few years and it's called the electric skateboard. That's a bit of an umbrella term, actually, since devices range from your standard four wheels and a deck, a snowboard-focused freeboard and unique offerings like Onewheel's balancing act. We sat down with Sanjay Dastoor, the CEO and co-founder of San Francisco-based Boosted Boards to discuss its own electric longboard cruiser and the roller coaster ride from successful Kickstarter to real-world product. One that, in our estimation, is one of the smoothest and fastest rideables on the around, which is why I chose to showcase it as my editor's choice on the Engadget stage at CES this year. We dig into what makes the Boosted Board tick and chat about pricing, available models and the overall enjoyment potential of this economic and fun commuting alternative.
'Snowboard' through the city streets with LEIF's electric freeboard
Add two inline skate wheels with 360-degree rotatable casters to the base of a skateboard and you've got a Fast and Furious-style drifting device known as a freeboard. Developed in the '90s, these boards are an off-season way to enjoy the smooth carving and extended slides of snowboarding when all you have are city streets. But just like on the slopes, when the hills flatten out, so does a lot of the fun. That's what spurred snowboarder Aaron Aders into action in October 2013. He founded LEIF Technologies with the idea for an electric "snowboard for the streets" that could tackle downhill, flat ground and even uphill terrain with ease. While the technology is still in the prototype phase, the company has its eyes on the future and continues to fine-tune the device at its Brooklyn-based workshop. A Kickstarter campaign is currently underway and the final product is scheduled for a spring 2015 release. We caught up with Aders earlier this week to check out the LEIF in person and take it for a spin.
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.
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]
