Urban Transport

Rocketskates let you walk or "motor"

Rocketskates let you walk or "motor"
Rocketskates are worn over regular shoes
Rocketskates are worn over regular shoes
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Rocketskates are worn over regular shoes
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Rocketskates are worn over regular shoes
The user accelerates by tilting the lead skate forward, and decelerates by putting their heel down
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The user accelerates by tilting the lead skate forward, and decelerates by putting their heel down
Their maximum speed is 12 mph (19 km/h), and the range depends on the model chosen
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Their maximum speed is 12 mph (19 km/h), and the range depends on the model chosen
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Back in 2010, we first heard about inventor Peter Treadway's concept for powered wheeled footwear that also allowed the user to walk under their own power when desired. Two years later, the concept was the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, in the form of spnKiX motorized skates. Now, Treadway has returned to Kickstarter with an improved take on the original idea, known as Acton R Rocketskates.

Like spnKiX, Rocketskates are designed to be strapped on over regular footwear. When you want to let each skate's two hub motors do the work, you just tip your feet back so that only the rubber wheels make contact with the ground. Should you need to do something like climbing stairs, however, you tip forward and walk on the balls of your feet.

Unlike spnKiX, however, Rocketskates aren't controlled via a remote control unit. Instead users start by picking a "lead" foot (the one that goes in front), turning both skates on, then waiting for them to wirelessly sync up with one another. Once they're synced, the user accelerates by tilting the lead skate forward, and decelerates by putting their heel down. The motors of the non-lead skate simply copy whatever those in the lead one are doing.

The user accelerates by tilting the lead skate forward, and decelerates by putting their heel down
The user accelerates by tilting the lead skate forward, and decelerates by putting their heel down

Their maximum speed is 12 mph (19 km/h), and the range depends on the model chosen. The R6 will get you around 6 miles (9.7 km) or 45 minutes of use, the R8 is rated for 8 miles (12.9 km)/70 minutes, and the R10 is reportedly good for 10 miles (16 km) or 90 minutes. For all models, a full charge of the lithium-ion batteries takes 1.5 hours.

Users can also do things like monitoring battery life, tracking routes and checking total mileage via an accompanying app.

If they seem like your cup of tea, a pledge of US$249 will get a pair of R6s, with the R8s going for $499 and the R10s for $599 – when and if they reach production. Treadway's Acton company, incidentally, also brought us the collapsible electric M Scooter.

The Rocketskates can be seen in action, in the pitch video below.

Sources: Acton, Kickstarter

View gallery - 3 images
8 comments
8 comments
MadMaxx
Looks like a motorized version of a very old idea. If it works, great.
Facebook User
It's not the kind of motorization I am looking for. Skates/Blades with motor assist to climb a hill or more importantly help breaking on steep downhill slopes that'll be worth it to me.
Relying solely on the motor for propulsion doesn't sound like fun to me.
The Skud
I would hope that knee and elbow pads (plus helmet) come as non-optional extras! If the pair ever go out of sync it could be horrific - 'splits' anyone?
WillW2
As if rollerblading didn't look ridiculous enough... Great picture with that guy and his man purse.
Mel Tisdale
Skud's: 'splits anyone? immediately brought tears to my eyes at the very thought of it. So, sorry, but thanks for the offer.
weissjohn
Wow, I wasn't even interested in this until I saw the skirted model! Excellent marketing! I'll probably buy two
steveraxx
Some of you never have anything positive to post.
Oceane Jardon
When the rocket skates go out?I want to buy them.I'm impatient