The huge popularity of hoverboards has not gone unnoticed by skateboard companies. The electric skateboard combines the gritty, manual feel of a traditional skateboard while offering the modern convenience of electric wheels.
While an electric skateboard is not by any means new, the Inboard M1 does have new high tech features that the rest do not, such as full compatibility with iPhones and Apple Watches. The M1 got super rave reviews too and even won the Golden Computer for Innovation of the Year from Computerbild Awards in Berlin, Germany. See pic here.
Apple Insider, together with Inboard co-founder Ryan Evans, took the M1 for a spin ahead of its 2016 launch. The prototype's design has motors on the rear wheels and a sleek design that effectively and stealthily disguises the fact that it is an electric skateboard.
The wheel motors prevent drag when not being accelerated. This is significant progress as other electric skateboards suffer from resistance even when coasting. Neil Hughes of Apple Insider said, “We felt the difference immediately when riding the M1 this week — as soon as we let off the throttle, the board kept coasting with no noticeable resistance from the motors or wheels.” The board has a maximum speed of 24 mph.
The Inboard M1 has a discreet door on the deck which contains a swappable battery. When fully charged, it offers 10 miles of range with moderate riding. A spare battery will cost $249. The smart battery also has two USB ports for charging the hardware remote. It can also be used to charge devices like an iPhone and even a MacBook.
The app for iPhone and the Apple Watch, in particular, are quite handy. The app allows a quick battery check and will also display current speed and range left in the battery. The app can also be used to remotely control the M1. Options to accelerate and brake while riding the board are open to the rider in this way. Lastly, the app can also lock the Inboard M1's wheels when the iPhone is not in range for added security.
The M1 weighs 14 lbs and can support riders weighing up to 250 lbs. According to the review, it is easy to use as the prototype testers were not regular longboarders. In Ryan Evans' demonstration, he also performed power slides on the M1 with no problems.
The Inboard M1 goes for $1,399 on the company website. See the demo below:
