For people looking for the most convenient, compact, green vehicle around the electric skateboard just might be their solution. Weighing in at only 17 pounds, the new green-vehicle allows you to travel in style on any surface. If need be, it can be picked up and carried on trains, subways, or any public transportation where space is limited.
KEF Design, a Portland based company, first unveiled their electric skateboards called the metroboards at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The skateboard (in longboard styling) runs off a lithium ion battery attached to the bottom of the board and a 600 watt motor (36V) attached to the rear truck of the skateboard. Additionally, the skateboard also features a braking system that converts the kinetic energy into electric potential energy that can be stored back into the battery.
I would have lost my mind with desire as a kid over this motorized skateboard. I am sure the designers from KEF were reaching back into their youth for the initial inspiration.
The metroboard is propelled forward via a remote control stuffed with features. The remote allows you to apply the brakes, accelerate forward at a preset speed from 2 mph to 19 mph, also features a fuel gauge that will beep when the battery is running low. In addition, the skate deck has front and back LED lights and even a horn to get people out of your way, all controlled from the remote. The remote works by a bluetooth signal that communicates with the controls under the deck. If the skateboard gets separated by more than 10 feet from the remote, the brakes will automatically be applied to prevent any people to have to chase down runaway boards. If the user runs out of power, the classic skateboard locomotion, the rider, is free to push away.
(via KEF Designs)
Four new boards are available spanning sizes between Gravity Mini (27") and the Longboard (41").
These new boards have the ability to travel up to 15 miles on a single battery charge and can prove to be the most convenient green way of getting around a city or small town. (The equivalent cost per mile is around $0.0005. ) However, don't expect to see any kids doing kick flips on these anytime soon.
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