Motorized blades powered from waist
There's a certain kind of magic when childhood dreams collide with adult ambition. Imagine electric inline skates that don't just exist in anime fantasies but glide through the streets of your own city. That's the vision AtmosGear, a French company, has brought to life—a bold leap forward for skaters everywhere.
It all started back in 2009 when a 12-year-old named Mido became captivated by a Japanese anime where characters raced through Tokyo on electric rollerblades. Most kids might let such a dream fade, but Mido decided to chase it down. Fast forward to 2018, and he's not just dreaming anymore; he's engineering, prototyping, and even bringing on interns to help make it happen.
What sets AtmosGear's skates apart isn't just the electric propulsion—it's the thoughtful design that keeps the essence of skating intact. At a glance, they look like your everyday rollerblades, sleek and unpretentious. The secret lies in the hub motor tucked into the middle wheel of each skate, powered by a 280-Wh lithium-ion battery that's cleverly stashed in a 3-pound fanny pack around your waist. Sure, wearing a fanny pack might not be the height of fashion, but the trade-off is a lighter, more maneuverable skate that's less likely to suffer damage from the bumps and scrapes of the road.
Connecting the battery to the skates are two curly cords—perhaps a slight aesthetic compromise, but one that quickly fades from concern once you're cruising effortlessly. Control comes via a wireless remote with a thumb-switch throttle, putting speed and braking literally at your fingertips. Release the throttle, and you seamlessly switch back to unpowered mode, the skates responding just as any traditional pair would. It's this blend of familiarity and innovation that makes the experience so compelling.
Performance doesn't disappoint. With a top speed of 18 mph and a range of up to 16 miles on a single charge, the city becomes your playground. Hills up to a 15% grade become less daunting, and the skates are built to support riders up to 260 pounds. Rain in the forecast? The electronics are IP65 water-resistant, so a little drizzle won't dampen your ride.
AtmosGear isn't just selling a product; they're sharing a culmination of years of dedication, tested and refined with feedback from over 3,000 skaters worldwide. Currently available through a Kickstarter campaign, you can opt for just the frames to attach to your own boots or go for the complete package. Prices start around $700, which isn't exactly pocket change, but considering the tech and passion packed into these skates, it's an investment that could redefine your skating experience.
In an age where electric scooters and bikes are becoming commonplace, seeing innovation breathe new life into inline skating is both refreshing and inspiring. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about rediscovering the joy of movement, the thrill of speed, and the simple pleasure of a dream realized. If you've ever laced up a pair of skates and felt the world open up beneath your wheels, AtmosGear might just be the next adventure you've been waiting for.
Pros:
- Innovative Electric Propulsion: Brings electric power to inline skating, offering a new and exciting experience for skaters.
- Traditional Skate Design: Maintains the look and feel of regular inline skates, making them familiar and appealing to traditional skaters.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: With the battery worn on the waist, each skate frame weighs only about 1.5 lb (680 g) more than a normal one, enhancing agility.
- Removable Battery Pack: The battery can be disconnected, allowing the skates to function as standard unpowered rollerblades.
- Impressive Performance: Offers a top speed of 18 mph (29 km/h) and a range of up to 16 miles (26 km) on a single charge.
- Hill Climbing Ability: Capable of climbing inclines up to 15%, expanding the terrains you can explore.
- High Weight Capacity: Designed to support users weighing up to 260 lb (118 kg), accommodating a wide range of skaters.
- Water-Resistant Electronics: Features an IP65 rating, ensuring protection against low-pressure water jets from all directions.
- Wireless Remote Control: Includes a thumb-switch throttle for easy acceleration, braking, and even reverse movement.
- Passionate Development Story: Created by a dedicated founder who pursued his childhood dream, adding a personal touch to the product's narrative.
Cons:
- Battery Worn on Waist: Wearing a 3-lb (1.5-kg) fanny pack might be uncomfortable or unfashionable for some users.
- Connecting Cords: The two curly cords running from the battery to the skates could be seen as cumbersome or aesthetically unappealing.
- High Price Point: Starting at around $700 for just the frames and $860 for the complete set, it may be expensive for the average consumer.
- Potential Fiddliness: Managing the external battery and cords might require extra effort and could detract from the skating experience.
- Limited Immediate Availability: As part of a Kickstarter campaign, there may be a waiting period before the product is widely available.
- Safety Concerns at High Speeds: Reaching speeds up to 18 mph (29 km/h) may pose risks, especially for inexperienced skaters.
- Battery Management: Users need to monitor battery life and charging times, which adds an extra layer of maintenance.
- Aesthetic Compromises: The addition of external components like cords and a waist pack might detract from the sleek design of traditional skates.
- Potential Maintenance Issues: More mechanical and electronic parts could lead to increased likelihood of malfunctions or required repairs.
- Terrain Limitations: Best suited for smooth, paved surfaces and may not perform well on rough or uneven terrain.
Starting $700
