Old-school personal mobility devices like skateboards and inline skates have remained relevant through motorization, specifically electrification. But roller skates? Not so much. There are no “self-propelled” roller skates. However, some e-skates will turn your shoes into powered roller skates, and Airtrick is one such modern PMD for your existing kicks.
While it is not the first, it is the first to actually look like proper roller skates, unlike Rocketskates and Spnkix, which took a more futuristic approach with large rear wheels and a tiny front wheel. Airtrick is like a pair of sandals with motorized wheels—four on each, just the good’ol roller skates.
The latest to join the Airtrick garage is the Airtrick A1-Ultra, a performance model that benefits from more powerful motors and a larger-capacity battery. The dual motor setup puts out 360 W and 4.2 Nm of torque, enabling a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). Meanwhile, its 100 Wh battery on each skate offers an increased range of 15.5 miles (25 km).
In addition, the Ultra model also rocks a super charger that reduces charging time to 1.5 hours. The Ultra is fully capable of tackling a 22% slope, while the Pro handles up to 16%. The skates are IPX6 rated and support a payload of up to 330 lbs (150 kg).
Operation is via the included remote with a small digital display for stats. The remote lets you start the skates, change between the four speeds, accelerate, and brake. Speaking of braking, you know how old school skates have a brake stopper up front?
This one also has a brake stopper, but it is at the rear of each device. This offers a double brake setup for added safety. Holding the brake also lets you do something many skates, including the Segway Drift and Free Skate, cannot do: walk up curbs and steps.
Other notables of the A1-Ultra include new upgraded nylon straps and a carbon fiber composite frame. The Airtrick A1-Ultra e-skates sound cool and all, but before you go ga-ga over them, you ought to know they are pricey. You’re looking at a US$649 investment. That’s e-scooter kind of pricing. Just saying…
Images: Airtrick.
