When it comes to electric skateboards, there are certainly a few brands that come to mind first. Boosted, OneWheel and Evolve are known as some of the top-names in the industry but with $1,000+ price tags, most are outside of the impulse purchase range for the average consumer. A new electric skateboard just hit Indiegogo for half the price of some of these bigger names, with many of the same features.
Stark Mobility’s StarkBoard is set to retail for $549 (but is available for under $500 on Indiegogo) and comes with many intriguing features, most notably it doesn’t depend on a handheld remote during use. With iOS/Android connectivity and a IP62 rating, this electric board has the chance to finally break open the low-price market.
The standout feature for me is an integrated gyroscope sensor that measures weight placement of riders, informing the motors of which direction the board should travel. Many competitors, like the ones listed above, depend on a handheld remote for this functionality. StarkBoard should in theory deliver a more true-to-form riding experience. Those same sensors bring the board to a stop when users step-off, keeping the board from traveling away without a rider to control it.
There is a 194.4Wh battery that provides enough power to travel up to 13-miles on a single charge, with the option of swapping for a backup if needed. Obviously made with commuters in mind, StarkBoard’s decision to include this flexibility is a welcome sight for those with longer daily trips. At 17-pounds, it comes in on the heavier side, particularly in comparison to a traditional skateboard. Packing a battery and sensors into the deck is going to come with some trade-offs that potential users will have to take into consideration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2fRNNysXGA
An iOS and Android app delivers a customizable experience based around three riding modes. Beginners will be able to activate various safety measures which will help acclimate to the electric board, which can be turned off at any time. The app also features battery monitoring, Bluetooth-connected control of lights, and location tracking.
Having just hit Indiegogo this week, StarkBoard has already raised over $37,000 on its way to blowing past an initial $20,000 goal. Early Bird pledges as low as $499 are set to deliver a unit in February. Additional levels of pledging are available with multiple batteries, and other accessories.
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Stark Mobility Inc Launches Indiegogo Campaign for Hands-Free Electric Skateboard
Today Stark Mobility launched an Indiegogo campaign for StarkBoard, the only remoteless electric skateboard controlled entirely by body movement. It is now available starting at $449 (retail value $999).
The StarkBoard is embedded with a custom gyroscope sensor and intelligent weight and motion sensors that measure body weight distribution and inform the motors in which direction the board needs to go. The board propels forward with a slight tilt of the body. The tech is hands-free, remoteless, and intuitive. It can be mastered in under 5 minutes, even by novice riders.
“Commuting is a drag. We wanted to design a smooth riding experience for people to get from Point A to Point B in their cities,” said Co-Founder Hannes Reichelt. “Riding the Starkboard is up to four times faster than walking, and is undoubtedly more fun than being stuck in gridlock.”
The board features two custom designed, electric hub motors that permit speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. A 194.4 Wh Battery (36V/5.4Ah) powers the StarkBoard for distances up to 13 miles on a single charge, and is easily removed and swapped out for longer journeys. It comes pre-charged and ready to go.
StarkBoard knows when a person is on the board and its integrated sensors allows riders to quickly accelerate and reverse. An intelligent smart braking system offers quick stops and can even bring a rider to a complete halt on inclines of up to 17%. When a rider steps off, the brakes are activated, ensuring the board stays within reach and does not roll downhill.
“Once a rider accelerates, the speed control monitoring system tracks all their body movements and continuously assists while riding,” continued Reichelt. “No remote is needed. The rider’s body is the controller!”
The tech comes with an app that offers optional customization for beginners and pros, letting users choose from three driving modes to match their level and style. The app also offers battery monitoring, location tracking, and Bluetooth connection to control lights and measure speed.
“Our design merges advanced tech with sleek design in a 37” package,” said Co-Founder James Banc. “Constructed with a durable combination of Canadian Maple Ply, ABS plastic, Aluminum and forged steel, the StarkBoard is real rugged. We have included built-in LED lights for style and safety in dusk and nighttime conditions, and incorporated built-in handles to make it easy to carry. The board is both dust- and splash-proof.”
StarkBoard will be available on Indiegogo for 30 days from November 8 to December 8, 2017, with an estimated delivery date in late January 2018. For more information, please visit the campaign page. Media wishing to interview their personnel should contact PR agent, Allison Aitken.
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