Urban Transport

Boosted Boards skateboard claimed to be world's lightest electric vehicle

Boosted Boards skateboard claimed to be world's lightest electric vehicle
Boosted Boards markets its longboard as a “last mile” transport system
Boosted Boards markets its longboard as a “last mile” transport system
View 14 Images
An on-board lithium battery charges from empty to full in under two hours
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An on-board lithium battery charges from empty to full in under two hours
Twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph
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Twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph
Boosted Boards markets its longboard as a “last mile” transport system
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Boosted Boards markets its longboard as a “last mile” transport system
The Boosted Boards prototype currently weighs 12 – 15 lb (5.5 – 6.8 kg)
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The Boosted Boards prototype currently weighs 12 – 15 lb (5.5 – 6.8 kg)
The twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph
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The twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph
If the battery runs out, the Boosted Boards skateboard can still be pushed like a normal skateboard
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If the battery runs out, the Boosted Boards skateboard can still be pushed like a normal skateboard
The Boosted Boards prototype currently weighs between 12 - 15 lb (5.5 - 6.8 kg)
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The Boosted Boards prototype currently weighs between 12 - 15 lb (5.5 - 6.8 kg)
The on-board lithium battery will charge from empty to full in under two hours
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The on-board lithium battery will charge from empty to full in under two hours
The twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph
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The twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph
The skateboard is controlled via a handheld remote with throttle and braking controls
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The skateboard is controlled via a handheld remote with throttle and braking controls
If the battery runs out, the Boosted Boards skateboard can still be pushed like a normal skateboard
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If the battery runs out, the Boosted Boards skateboard can still be pushed like a normal skateboard
Boosted Boards markets its longboard as a “last mile” transport solution
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Boosted Boards markets its longboard as a “last mile” transport solution
The Boosted Boards prototype currently weighs 12 – 15 lbs (5.5 – 6.8 kg)
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The Boosted Boards prototype currently weighs 12 – 15 lbs (5.5 – 6.8 kg)
The compact remote and battery indicator
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The compact remote and battery indicator
View gallery - 14 images

San Francisco-based startup Boosted Boards has produced an eponymous electric skateboard prototype capable of providing a push-free ride for up to 6 miles. While an electric skateboard isn't anything new in itself, this particular longboard is declared by its makers to be the world's lightest electric vehicle.

Boosted Boards markets the longboard as a “last mile” mode of transport; that is, a vehicle intended to complement existing public transportation infrastructure for the final leg of the journey home. The board consists of components which will be familiar to skaters and which sound suitably impressive to the rest of us: Loaded Vanguard, Bear Grizzly 852s, Otang 80A In Heats, and Jehu bearings. Weight is kept down to a transportable 12 – 15 lb (5.5 – 6.8 kg).

The twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph
The twin brushless motors lend an electronically-limited top speed of 20 mph

Top speed is electronically limited to 20 mph and the board should climb hills up to a 15 percent grade without issue. The rider is given a handheld remote with throttle and braking controls, as well as a battery gauge. Charging is accomplished with a laptop-like charger and the lithium battery pack goes from empty to full in less than two hours.

The longboard's twin brushless motors feature regenerative braking to give the battery a top-up when coming to a stop and, should you run out of juice, or just feel like the exercise, it can still be pushed along like a regular longboard, but with “a bit” more drag (the example given is like a board with a bad set of bearings).

The technical specifications of the Boosted Boards longboard are as follows, though be aware that they may be subject to change as the prototype matures into a final product:

  • Motor power: 2000 W
  • Top speed: approx 20 mph
  • Range: approximately 6 miles
  • Maximum grade: 15 percent
  • Charge time: 2 hours
  • Battery: Lithium
  • Weight: between 12 – 15 lb (5.5 – 6.8 kg)

Now, about those boasts of “world’s lightest electric vehicle.” While we’re wary of repeating such a bold claim, we haven't found anything to discredit, with only the Metroboard coming close, at 18 lb (8 kg). So, for now at least, this particular longboard prototype does appear to be the lightest electric vehicle, and we'll be keen to see if this is still the case when production models become available.

Boosted Boards is currently running a Kickstarter to raise funds for production costs and the lowest available price point at time of writing is US$1,199. The project is set to run until October 11 and the company promises a transparent production schedule, with the earliest beta units due to arrive in March.

The video below shows the Boosted Board in action.

Source: Kickstarter

View gallery - 14 images
7 comments
7 comments
Alan Belardinelli
Looks like a nice piece of kit!
Roger W.
Their "2000W" power claim seems outlandish! My Trikke Tribred Electric 48V Pon-e has a 350W front hub motor, and is much larger. Don't see how such a small motor can have that 'power' and get that range/speed on such small batteries! Even my full size Electric Motor Scooter with (6) SLA batteries (72V) only has a 1500W hub motor!
jonoxn
"The last mile of transportation is this huge problem that hasn't been solved yet". Legs tend to work pretty well. But the thing looks well engineered and I would love to ride it.
WhyEyeWine
Now if just had a comfortable seat and a luggage rack...
HighPockets
Neat concept and surprising endurance. Better still, in the future, if the battery could be recharged while skating down hill. I understand there are a few of those in SF.
Adam Bradley
Want one, but as a scooter!
Alyosha Shepherd
The price point of around a grand is GREAT. Badly want one of these.