The “iShoes” are electric roller skates with a 5-7 mile range over flat surfaces, controlled by a tethered, uh, control tether. They can reach speeds of up to 15MPH. They’re said to be in testing, with available and pricing data yet to be announced.
They look extremely unsuitable for wet-weather use.
Product Page [TheiShoes.com via Gizmodo]
“Whether you want to increase your productivity at work…”
Really? I want to talk to the first person who buys these to increase productivity at work.
i’ve dreamed to have such a machine ever since I saw AIR gear. but these look like made out of a grass mower ?? Just why wont someone invent it already.
5-7 miles at 15mph? Sheesh! I can go a whole lot longer at that speed (assuming flat straightaways, which I’m sure is where those numbers come from), and I know much better skaters who truly put those specs to shame. But still, very geektabuloriffic.
If only this were an inline configuration with regenerative braking…
And yes, you can skate in the rain with the right wheels (Matter Storm Surge, $14-$16 each), although rust-proof bearings are highly recommended as well.
Putting that drive train right out where it can eat everything will prove to be difficult maintenance in the future.
Jebus, I’m treating them like they’d be someone’s daily driver(s).
ROCKETS OF COURSE!!!
(sounds of scribbling)
Wow, I’ll be sure to wear those bad boys next time I’m graffiti battling on the streets of Toyko-to. JET SET RADIOOOOOOOO!
@PORK MUSKET:
1) Some of us don’t rely on our transportation for that
2) Of course chain drive. Chain drive is dominant on every small vehicle there is: motorcycle, bicycle, electric scooters and skateboards; all use chain drive. What would you expect and/or why isn’t chain drive great? (OK, I’d enclose it in this case, but then it wouldn’t look as cool)
If you want to criticize these, they’re not lacking in reasons to call them silly. Chiefly, as transportation, they compare unfavorably to unpowered inline speed skates. But really I think it misses the point to evaluate tham on any practical grounds, rather than their sheer geektacular awesomeness, which is considerable.
They should have a mode where users charge the batteries with their own power, on downhill, etc.
all skates are bad for wet-weather use. except for rocket skates, of course.
Two thoughts:
1) these will get you the opposite of laid
2) chain drive? boo.