14 DAY TRIAL // This is definitely part of the hard core urban transport! Electric skateboards are both awkward and cool, and some might say they're even "a bit of an oddity ". I just say they're cool enough to make me want one of them. But, if you think about it, you'll see that all of them have developed in practical and ecological ways. Since they are also a high-efficiency mode of transport, useful for commutes, quiet, light, foldable and, probably, a hell lot more fun than a dull car.
Metroboard is the latest gizmo in this area! Yes, it does look cool, but what is more important is its capability of rolling with about 15mph (26kmh). Not to mention it can be easily handled by a nifty infra-red handheld remote control. What's even cooler is the fact that it's probably the latest device of this kind to enter the market, and with so many eco items hitting the market, it will definitely be a successful one.
The brain behind the Metroboard is a designer named Ilan Sabar. The Board is nothing to drool for. In fact, it looks pretty much like a regular skateboard with a brick bolted underneath it. However, the brick is a cool 450 Watt (0.6 horsepower) electric motor, which can wizz the board along at up to 15mph. And that's big.
How you get to control your Metroboard? You do that via a 6-button infra-red remote. Gizmag reports that there are "three buttons on the left set your speed/power level - slow, medium and top speed - two on the right are held down to activate soft or hard regenerative braking back through the engine".
Sabar advises "extreme caution" when using top speed or heavy breaking, as it's probably not difficult to fall off. The final black button activates a beeping bell to part the red sea of pedestrians, and combinations of buttons can be used to check the remaining battery life." Moreover, there are different battery pack options on the short and long deck versions of the Metroboard. It means you will be given different range capabilities between 4 miles and about 10 miles under optimal conditions.
A full recharge takes around 4 hours, but if the board runs out of juice while being in use, its system won't shut down, as it will still have enough to be able to survive a little more. To get the picture of just how light this electric boards is, you should know it weighs about 8kg for the lightest version and 14kg for the heaviest version of the device.
As Gizmag says, Metroboard's is selling it as a "fun toy and alternative commuter option", but its place on the market is currently unknown. But, if you do know some skating, you'll probably want a board that requires no kicking, can't be easily flipped around as you cruise, and can't be used for tricks or grinds due to the battery pack, thus robbing it both of its exercise potential and hooligan fun. As for the pricing details, Metroboard retails for about $399, but can reach up to $575, which is a fair price for such a high tech piece of skateboard. I guess nothing is too expensive for Skater Freaks!
