Transportation is now facing a new up-and-comer, with future customers prompted to kickstart WalkCar, the pocket-sized skateboard that can easily be carried anywhere. It’s light, small and incredibly easy to use by the looks of the presentation posted online.
It’s like a skateboard without the actual use of pushing yourself along the sidewalk, because the battery will take care of it for you all by itself. The young Japanese engineer responsible for the invention, Kuniako Saito, has admitted to making the transportation device at the request of a friend and it’s now gaining lots of attention.
WalkCar is as big as the average laptop, which means it can fit comfortably into any backpack or bag. It’s a definite advantage against other competitors. It requires both feet to be placed upon the surface in order for the tiny skateboard-like plaque to start moving. And it might also give the illusion of people floating around on weight scales.
It weights between 4.4 and 6.6 pounds, depending on whether the customer will go for the indoor or outdoor version of the device, and it will be able to carry an astounding total of 265 pounds on board. The feat in itself is impressive for such a light gadget, especially since it can go from 6.2 to 7.4 miles per hour.
That means that there likely won’t be any exciting WalkCar races, but it’s about the average speed of a leisure skateboard session or normal walk. The battery requires three hours to charge, and the only alarm flag so far waved around is that no information has been given about how much it will last.
The presentation video has shown some very remarkable achievements, by demonstrating its ability to comfortably move at upward angles and even hold enough force to push a disabled person in a wheelchair. It won’t be just for cruising from one point to another.
The WalkCar is apparently very easy to use by simply shifting your weight from one direction to another and the sensors will know where you want to go. It starts as soon as the traveler is on with both feet and stops instantly when all weight falls off it, to prevent accidents or continuous independent wandering while the ‘driver’ will be left behind on their back.
However, balance does not seem to be a grave concern, considering it’s as easy as standing on your own two feet.
Kuniako Saito already has great confidence in his project, aspiring to overtaking the market and over-passing contenders such as Segway or Winglet. Given its compact size and light weight, it may just be possible.
Interested customers can now donate and reserve a WalkCar for themselves on famous crowdfunding website Kickstarter, to officially be out for public in 2016 at the approximated price of $800. And should they not be mislead by its comparison to skateboarding. It’s appropriate for all ages.
Image source: ytimg.com
Gregg Burks says
It’s like the size of folder or a large envelope! Awesome. Bringing this to work instead of a car is definitely convenient. Although I’d have to worry about a bulky backpack. lol Blogging from: Slalomskateboarding.weebly.com