Urban Transport

Skwheel One electric skis set out to turn urban streets into alpine slopes

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The Skwheel One electric skis are currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign
Skwheel
The Skwheel One electric skis are currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign
Skwheel
The skis' electronics are IP64 water-resistant, meaning they can withstand sprays from any direction

People looking for an ebike alternative can already choose between electric scooters, skateboards and roller skates. With the debut of the Skwheel One system, they now have another option – electric skis.

Designed by Parisian startup Skwheel (pronounced "Skywheel"), the Skwheel One package consists of two motorized "skis" along with a wireless handheld remote.

Each ski has one wheel at the front and one at the back, along with a carbon composite deck, front and rear running lights, a quick-swappable lithium-ion battery and a snowboard-style binding. Each wheel in turn contains a 600-watt hub motor, giving both skis a combined power of 2,400 watts.

The wheels are clad in pneumatic all-terrain tires, allowing the skis to be used both on- and off-road. What's more, the front wheels pivot relative to the deck, reportedly mimicking the carving sensation of downhill skiing. Riders accelerate, brake and monitor battery life via the remote.

The skis' electronics are IP64 water-resistant, meaning they can withstand sprays from any direction

A top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) is possible if the skis are set up specifically for use on private land, although they're otherwise electronically limited to 25 km/h (16 mph). An electronic braking system is utilized for controlled deceleration, plus there's a mechanical emergency brake in the back and a mechanical parking brake in front.

As an interesting added touch, the remote can be used to clip the skis together side-by-side when they're not in use. A telescoping handle is then pulled out from the remote, allowing the joined skis to be pulled along like a wheeled suitcase.

The skis have a claimed combined weight of 12.5 kg (28 lb), and are reportedly good for a range of about 30 km (19 miles) at 25 km/h per three-hour charge of their batteries.

Skwheel has turned to Indiegogo to finance production of its skis. Assuming everything works out, a pledge of US$1,750 will get you a Skwheel One package of your own – the planned retail price is $2,625.

The skis can be seen in street-carving action, in the video below.

Sources: Indiegogo, Skwheel

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2 comments
Trylon
$2625? I'll stick with my Ninebot Max G2 scooter, which is faster, longer range, safer and cost me less than a third of that. And Ninebot is an established company, so I'll know that spare parts will be available. Especially important where consumables like batteries and tires are concerned, and these look like proprietary ones that won't have third party alternatives.
NMBill
Electric skis . . . or roller blades?