We were promised hoverboards by 2013 by popular sci-fi movie “Back to the Future” back in the 80s. Well that didn’t quite turn out as expected did it? Now don’t be discouraged, a Silicon Valley firm has created the next best thing – a self balancing, one wheeled skateboard that makes you FEEL like you are flying!
Riders can accelerate up to 12mph simply by leaning forward on the majestic and aptly-named OneWheel, and even turn 360 degrees on itself, all by using a simple motion sensitive technology found in smart phones. Leaning back slows down, or even reverses, and regenerative braking recharges the battery during deceleration. However, the firm says the real trick to riding is to master the ‘carve’ turn rather like a snowboard. ‘The real fun of riding Onewheel is carving on pavement.
‘It’s like snowboarding on powder or surfing a wave, but no mountain or ocean is required. Just a flat paved surface.”
They claim that people with little or even no experience of board sports can learn to ride the OneWheel within a couple of minutes! The board is filled with cheap, off-the-shelf sensors more usually found in a mobile phone, which allow it to balance simply.
Right now these coveted boards are available in North America and have been tested successfully in California, USA. Though I won’t be completely happy until the hoverboard promised by “Back to the Future” is out, I am still willing to give this a try as soon as it is out in a vendor near me.