I guess we all remember Back To The Future and their incredible predictions for 2015. We’re still not able to enjoy those hoverboards featured in the second part of the series, although one firm says its single-wheeler feels as close as it gets. This Hoverboard was mounted atop a 10-in wheel powered by an electric motor, with users leaning forward to accelerate and backwards to decelerate or change direction.
Sure it’s nowhere close to hovering; I mean, what if you get a flat, or something? Not to mention you can’t humiliate anyone by riding it on water. However, Hoverboard Technologies is bragging about fast speeds, long range and quick charging time. The most impressive specs include sonar technology for stability, and API connectivity.
Weighing in at just 25 lb or 11 kg, the one wheel Hoverboard is powered by a 5,000 W motor that’s part of the drive-unit at the center of the wheel. To keep things safe, the top speed is limited at 16 mph (26 km/h), while the range stands at 12 miles (19 km).
I’m not sure about that speed limitation, but it’s worth mentioning that the board charges at a rate of 1.5 minutes per mile.
Now, for the more geeky and impressive facts about this project. The sonar detection informs the board’s self-balancing system to keep the board leveled, while regenerative braking handles its business and charges the board when going down hills or decelerating.
The board also features LED lighting, as well as built-in speakers for some extra fun while riding and according to the manufacturer, these features will consume only about 10 percent of your juice. There’s also an LCD screen which displays useful information for the rider.
The Hoverboard also comes with an associated mobile app for Android and iOS. The app uses Bluetooth connected smart devices to activate and lock their one-wheeler, check its charge level and battery health. You may also customize the lighting, play and customize audio and view ride data. But, where’s the fun in that?
Hoverboard Technologies also describes their creation as an easy-to-live-with product, with swappable components and options that could be upgraded in the future. The board will stop working after a few days without checking in via the user’s parameters, so stealing it won’t be of any use to you.
But what’s really cool is that the ongoing Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign closes on Oct. 21, 2015, the very same day Marty McFly traveled into the future to discover the hoverboard in Back to the Future II.
[Kickstarter]
