The man behind the original Hoverboard returns with a new electric two-wheeler, hits speeds up to 10MPH

Shane Chen, one of the original minds behind the first hoverboard (and subsequent spin-offs), has returned to Kickstarter with a new project called the Solowheel Iota. This is a smaller version of a two-wheeled cycle that hit the crowdfunding service some time ago. The latest model adds a second wheel to the mix in hopes of providing a safer experience in a more compact design. As personal transporters gain in popularity, the market is beginning to demand new features. Iota’s smaller footprint coupled with an eight-mile battery pack will hopefully attract those that are on the fence.

Riders can expect to hit speeds up to 10MPH but will generally travel at around half that. The internal battery takes 40 minutes to charge, so there shouldn’t be any issue with trips to work that require a charge before heading home. At just eight pounds and seven-inches wide, the $600 Iota offers a compact ride with low up-front costs. At the time of writing, this project has raised over $109,000, easily surpassing its $50,000 goal. If all goes to plan, it will ship in September.

When we introduced our first Solowheel, we billed it as the smallest, greenest, most convenient e-vehicle ever invented. That title now goes to the Iota, which will have 8″ wheels and weigh as little as 8lbs. We have a working prototype and are now in the final stages of testing and fine-tuning. As people already know from riding the Solowheel and Hovertrax, our self-balancing technology is the best in the industry, we only use high-quality battery packs and motors, and we use a full suite of electronic safety features. You can expect the same level of quality from the Iota.

Source: Kickstarter

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