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ESkate consists of a motorized wheel with a solid rubber tread, which a foot platform folds down from the inside of – that platform has three smaller unpowered stability wheels of its own. Users strap their feet in, wearing pretty much any type of shoe, then go.
There are actually three models to choose from, which have different battery capacities and motor sizes. The top-of-the-line Blizwheel Pro can go up to 15 mph (24 km/h) and has a maximum range of 15 miles per charge. It weighs 13 lb (6 kg) a pair.
Depending on the model, speed is wirelessly controlled via either a Bluetooth handheld remote, or a finger control in which bending the finger causes the rider to accelerate, and straightening it causes them to slow down. There's also a bracelet-style "dashboard" device that displays data such as current speed, mileage and remaining battery life.
Two words: electric disco.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by bob_super on Friday September 29 2017, @06:38PM
The ground clearance of those tiny wheels is dreadful. US sidewalks are not good enough.
The strapping mechanism doesn't protect the ankle, someone's already buying a pair so they can sue.
The weight is too much (try carrying 13lbs for more than 5 minutes, if you're not a gym rat).
This dream-of-me-model guy gets to work and he doesn't have a computer (not on the desk either) or a bag. Most people travel with things, on top of their 13lbs skates.
Ultimate reason to fail: the controller uses a finger. Can you txt/selfie/FB while traveling?
But hey, it's got an app to track your every movement, so the company's databases will be worth a lot.