Urban Transport

spnKiX motorized skates now available to buy

spnKiX motorized skates now available to buy
spnKiX - motorized skates capable of speeds up to 8 mph
spnKiX - motorized skates capable of speeds up to 8 mph
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spnKiX - motorized skates capable of speeds up to 8 mph - are now available to order
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spnKiX - motorized skates capable of speeds up to 8 mph - are now available to order
spnKiX as seen from the back, complete with training wheels
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spnKiX as seen from the back, complete with training wheels
spnKiX - motorized skates capable of speeds up to 8 mph
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spnKiX - motorized skates capable of speeds up to 8 mph
spnKiX come with a wireless handheld remote control
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spnKiX come with a wireless handheld remote control
spnKiX promotional shot
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spnKiX promotional shot
spnKiX can still be worn when not traveling
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spnKiX can still be worn when not traveling
View gallery - 6 images

We've been tracking spnKiX motorized skates here at Gizmag since 2010 when they existed as nothing but a concept. Then in 2011, after more than thirty prototypes were rejected, a final version made it onto Kickstarter and the product was successfully funded to the tune of US$120,000. Now spnKiX are available for anyone to buy ... but they're not cheap.

spnKiX strap on skates feature an 85 W wheel motor, are capable of speeds up to 8-mph and have a range of around 6 miles. The onboard Lithium-ion battery takes five hours to charge and lasts for up to 500 cycles. Control is via a handheld wireless remote controller and the skates are listed as being suitable for anyone weighing 180lbs-or-less who wants to take the effort out of very short trips.

Getting in early on Kickstarter would have netted a pair of the skates for spnKiX for US$375, but as predicted, the actual retail price has now been set much higher - $699. While this does seem expensive for a mode of transport that may get you from A to B but might run out of juice before you reach C, a set of spnKiX could definitely provide an entertaining interlude each day (as seen in the video below).

Sources: spnKiX

View gallery - 6 images
8 comments
8 comments
JPAR
Is it just me, or is that video the worst example ever of trying to project an image/lifestyle onto a product?
duh3000
JPAR - It's not just you. It's them. Shameless.
kellory
So, let me get this straight,....very slow, only good for 500 charge cycles, and cost more than my first car? Add to that, I am a skater, These things would get me hurt if i tried to do any stunts, spins, jumps, anything really but maybe a parade, or maybe shopping. I think I will pass.
Bill Bennett
Gotta agree with JPAR, duh3000 and kellory, and yes I am a skater too. 500 charge cycles, it would last a year? PASS
Gregg Eshelman
All that and a name nobody can pronounce.
Micah Houchin
Well doesn't that video scream "dating ad".. Kind of a random way to advertise a moderately iffy realization of an idea. "Buy our product, we'll boost your love life!" If you want products that will make you appear more attractive, grab a musical instrument/mic, and a Ducati Superbike. ;)
The Hoff
c'mon man, Spin Kicks not too hard. But a pretty goofy video and they are so slow I don't know what the point is. Don't sell em cause those batteries will be in a landfill within 2 years.
Tammy Lai
i guess u cant use price to measure fun. seems a fun gadget to have. saw this video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2lAiMRgwBo
pretty damn cool.