Brisbane company takes orders for electric self-balancing skateboard to challenge the Segway

Like a Segway but one tenth the price, self-balancing electric skateboard are coming to footpaths, bike paths, and roads in Australia this year.

A BRISBANE company will launch an electric, self-balancing skateboard to challenge the Segway later this year, and it will speed on the scene at just one tenth of its big rival’s price.

3VOLV began accepting pre-orders for the ZoomR “electric transport device” this week, with delivery expected in mid-October.

The ZoomR, priced from $999, has motors built into its wheels and an exclusive 3Balance stability control that lets riders control its speed and direction simply by moving their weight forward, backwards or to either side.

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3VOLV founder Trent Fung said the ZoomR could reach a top speed of 10km an hour, perform 360-degree turns on the spot, and travel up to 20km on a single charge.

It fits into the same category as a bicycle in Australia, he said, allowing riders to take it wherever they could ride a bike.

Better than walking? ... Brisbane-based company 3volve will launch a self-balancing motorised skateboard called ZoomR later this year. The ZoomR Classic model is pictured.

“If there is a footpath, you can ride it on that,” Mr Fung said. “If there is a bike bath, you should use that.

“In Queensland, you can ride it just about anywhere except the Queen Street Mall.”

While the ZoomR is similar to electronic skateboards available overseas like the IO Hawk, Mr Fung said the company spent more than a year adding and refining its precise stability control, and ensuring the skateboard and its charger complied with Australian safety standards.

He has also been personally testing the skateboard in the wee hours of the morning in Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands, avoiding inquisitive looks.

Mr Fung said it usually took between 10 and 30 minutes of practice for a new rider to get used to riding the ZoomR and, in a test drive, it proved a highly sensitive but smooth ride.

Riders simply turn the device on, and place a foot on the skateboard to engage self-balancing mode.

Commute ... The 3VOLV electric skateboards come with a carry bag for easier commuting.

Once on board, the skateboard registers even the most subtle movement, using the information to steer and accelerate.

The skateboard glides back and forth quietly, though new riders should definitely spend time practising with a friend before taking to the streets, in our experience.

Mr Fung said two ZoomR models would arrive in October — the 10kg, $999 Classic and the more advanced 10.7kg, $1199 Sports that features alloy wheels, rubber underside and more padded foot pads.

Both come with carry bags and a charger that can power the device within two to three hours.

Originally published as Brisbane company takes orders for electric self-balancing skateboard to challenge the Segway