Skwheel One: Road Test
They’re touted as the world’s first “electric skis” and they’ll hit 80km/h in Pro Rider mode. What could possibly go wrong?
WHAT IS IT? “The world’s first electric skis,” according to the nutty Frenchman who invented them. They’re just the thing for getting around town this summer!
I’M CONFUSED ALREADY. Sorry. Instead of skis, think of them as giant inline roller skates. You shift your weight to initiate fluid, carving turns – that’s the “skiing” bit – and control the speed and braking via a hand-held controller. You can hit up to 80km/h in “Pro Rider” mode!
CRIKEY. Yes. But remember, you’re strapped in up to your shins – and unlike skis, the Skwheels won’t pop off in the event of a fall. And they weigh 7.5kg each. So if you stack it, it will not be pretty.
WHAT’S THE RANGE? Up to 50km on a full charge, which takes a couple of hours. And the all-terrain tyres mean you aren’t just restricted to urban environments.
VERDICT: “Rediscover the pleasures of skiing without snow,” says the inventor, who’s taking orders now. Check the laws in your state, of course – but assuming it’s legal, what have you got to lose? I mean, apart from three grand and your front teeth.
$2954 plus shipping, skwheel.com
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