While we’ve recently seen a number of electric four-wheeled roller skates, two-wheeled inline skates have largely avoided electrification. An exception has just launched on Kickstarter, however, in the form of Escend Blades.
Developed by a team of British engineers, designers and “avid mobility users,” the Blades are basically motorized wheeled platforms which third-party skate boots can be mounted onto. Optional adapters allow for the use of boots with either UFS or Trinity mounting systems.
Each of the aerospace-aluminum-bodied, 3.75-kg (8.3-lb) platforms features two 105-mm aluminum-rim/silicone-tire wheels, a quick-swappable lithium battery, and a 400W rear hub motor.
Both of the platforms are simultaneously controlled by a single handheld wireless remote, which riders use to accelerate, stop, and choose between Eco, Commute and Turbo riding modes – there’s also a reverse gear. A backlit display on the remote relays information such as distance travelled and battery level.
Speaking of which, one four-hour charge should reportedly be good for a range of approximately 15 km (9 miles). A regenerative braking system contributes to that range. The Blades have a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), and are capable of climbing inclines with a gradient of up to 20 degrees.
Although buyers are free to supply their own boots, they can also choose a package that includes Powerslide’s step-in Doop Boots, which snugly fasten around the user’s existing everyday footwear. Another package includes a pair of hard shell Powerslide Metro Boots.
Should you be interested in getting a set of Escend Blades for yourself, pledges start at £640 (about US$756), which is 25 percent off the planned retail price. Assuming everything goes according to plan, they should ship in October.
Escend Blades bring electrification to the world of inline skating [New Atlas]