Urban Transport

Production begins on a REAL hoverboard

Production begins on a REAL hoverboard
ARCA Space CEO Dumitru Popescu rides the ArcaBoard in Monte Carlo earlier this month
ARCA Space CEO Dumitru Popescu rides the ArcaBoard in Monte Carlo earlier this month
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ARCA Space CEO Dumitru Popescu rides the ArcaBoard in Monte Carlo earlier this month
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ARCA Space CEO Dumitru Popescu rides the ArcaBoard in Monte Carlo earlier this month
The ArcaBoard has entered production at parent company ARCA Space Corporation's factory in New Mexico
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The ArcaBoard has entered production at parent company ARCA Space Corporation's factory in New Mexico

When it was first announced at the end of last year, the hovering ArcaBoard was viewed with skepticism by many people. Since then, however, the device has been publicly demonstrated – and it has now reportedly entered production.

For details on just how the ArcaBoard works, check out our original article.

What it boils down to is 272 hp and 430 lb (1,913 N) of thrust being generated by 36 high-power electric ducted fans. This can levitate a standing 110-kg (243-lb) human passenger up to an altitude of 20 inches (50 cm), moving them horizontally at a top speed of 20 km/h (12.5 mph) – although only for about six minutes, or a range of about 2 km (a little over a mile). After that, the battery has to be recharged for 35 minutes, or an optional extra battery can be swapped in on the spot.

The ArcaBoard has entered production at parent company ARCA Space Corporation's factory in New Mexico
The ArcaBoard has entered production at parent company ARCA Space Corporation's factory in New Mexico

Since we last heard about it, the ArcaBoard "flew" for the public and press on April 14th at Monaco's Top Marques event. A video of that performance can be seen below.

It was also announced this Tuesday that the board has entered production, at parent company ARCA Space Corporation's factory in New Mexico. Deliveries to clients in China, France, Israel, Romania and the US should begin in May. Originally, plans called for them to start this month.

If you want a board of your own, be prepared to pay US$14,900 – that's actually less than the original projected price of $19,900, thanks to new production partnerships worked out with American and Chinese companies such as Southwest Composite Works Inc. and Eco Molding Co.

Source: ARCA Space

ArcaBoard first public presentation in Monaco

8 comments
8 comments
silkblue
They did a Kickstarter for $10k and noone wanted it so they pulled the plug after 10 days. Why would anyone pay $14,900 now?
Derek Howe
What a terrible product, the guy doing the demo look like an ice sculpture, he was afraid to move is arm cause it would throw off his balance. hahaha Then the next scene, he was showing it off in front of a crowd, and right when he powered it up the guy plugged his ears, hahaha. Colossal FAIL!
PlanetPapi
I believe it still has rough edges for $14K. Over time it may come down in price and size. It's just a beginning. Now that we know how to make a basic hover board other smart folks will eventually take it to the next level for sure.
MEdwardLovett
It doesn't look very reliable, also I don't think it would last long on batteries, as the entire thing is so big it would eat up the power in a very short time.
Anechidna
Its a start but an expensive one nano wire battery storage technology my help it but I reckon antigav plates will be better. I'm not putting any money down on that one though.
Tanstar
This is a cool thing to demo, but I wouldn't buy it for $1k, must less nearly $15k. It has no purpose at this stage.
noteugene
Total range before the battery dies, 1.25 miles, (optimistically). That's $2.59 to travel per ft. For that same $2.59 I can travel about 18 miles in my truck which has way more control. I could buy 3 good used cars for less than this. Let's see 18 miles or 1 foot. Difficult decision right? As is, it's probably worth about $30. Or a punchline.
n2liberty
Worst of all it UGLY. It's a hovering brick. Awful styling. Spend some time with the design make it look COOL.