A small technology company from California, in the United States, created motorized skates to serve as an alternative means of transport.
The RocketSkates – “rocket skates”, so to speak – resemble the skates used by the character Coyote to chase his enemy, the Road Runner, in a famous cartoon.
The idea of developing electrically powered skates came from Peter Treadway, founder and technical director of Acton. He wanted to address the needs of those who need to cover distances that are too short to drive and too long to walk.
“In the late 1950s, a lot of people predicted a future with flying cars, rocket belts and rollerblades,” says Treadway.
“Well, we already have one of them. Now the other two are missing”, he jokes.
Cutting edge technology
The invention works on simple principles: to start the engine, you have to lean forward; when leaning back, the brakes are activated.
The two skates exchange messages to maintain the same speed. The “driver” can reach up to 19 km/h, but this varies according to his weight (which must be a maximum of 125 kg) and wind speed.
The super skates weigh 3kg each and are adjustable for any shoe size.
There are three battery-operated models available. The charge lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, allowing journeys between 9,6 and 16 kilometers, according to the model.
RocketSkates transmit data to a mobile application that shows how much battery charge is left, the distance traveled, suggested routes to reach the destination and the current speed.
Prices range from US$499 (R$1.130) to US$699 (R$1.580).
Mass production
Treadway created the skates seven years ago while working on his thesis at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., one of the premier hotbeds of talent for transportation design.
“I created between 50 and 60 prototypes,” he says.
The project was placed on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter, where in less than 24 hours it surpassed the goal of raising US$ 50. In the end, it raised $300.
Treadway hopes to mass-produce its skates in China from the end of September.
Source: BBC
By Ken Wysocky
