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Few years ago I've started watching Casy Naistat's vlogs on YouTube. Long story short for you that might not knowing him, as a busy New Yorker he tries different form of transportation to save as much time during the day as possible. From obvious reason car isn't the best option in Big Apple. Subway also got disadvantages. Using your own bike is one of the possibility but it's quite hard to take a bike to taxi/public transport and from what I know theft of bicycles is a plague in NY. Next point on the list might be sharing a bicycle but even on our Warsaw experience most of us know what's the technical condition of them. He used to skate a lot so it came quite natural that skateboard in different forms become one of his most often used way of traveling through the city. It has a lots of advantages : competitive size, able to take with you to PT or even plane, useful in big city. But long distances on traditional skateboards (including longboards) are painful to overcome.
Here I come to the main topic - Boosted Board is a Californian company that combined electric motors, bamboo deck of longboard, efficient battery and wireless controller. As an outcome we received well designed, 14 mile range with extended battery (~ 22 km) and max speed over 24 mph (~ 38 km/h) electric skateboard.
After few years later Boosted Board company developed different variants of their skateboard depends on customer needs. For now, we can choose between size, range and of course price configuration ( unfortunately they're producing one of the most expensive electrical skateboards on the market).
Last summer I've got an opportunity to try one for a few minutes and I have admit that it's a brilliant device (toy as well!!). I never was much a skate-guy so I know that I'll have to practice a lot and I guess it might cost me few injuries but I think that (beside the cost of purchase- estimated around 8k zł after taxes for top model) at some point it might become my new and main way of moving around the city. It's fast, accurate and small enough to let you combine the way of traveling.
On the market there are lots of much cheaper alternatives (but also quality is on different level) so I think that this way of transport can be affordable for almost everyone.
Questions:
1. Did you ever use any electric vehicle?
2. Do you think that small electric vehicle can be alternative to public transport?
3. What should be changed (except price) to encourage you to buy electric skateboard?
Feel free to share your opinion!
Source:
1. Casy Neistat and Marques Brownlee YouTube channels.
2. https://boostedboards.com/
I'm familiar with both Casey and Boosted Board company. I only had a chance to try two different electric scooters, the Lime available in Warsaw, and new Xiaomi, both were a lot of fun to ride on, and surprisingly fast.
ReplyDeleteFor small distance those devices can definitely replace public transport. Also due to lightweight and size I think it could easily be an addition to public transport, I think there is nothing wrong with taking skateboard with you to the underground or tram, as long as its size isn't massive ;)
There is no need to encourage me to buy it, I really wanna buy one. Since I prefer skateboards than scooters, I'm waiting for cheaper alternatives that would be a worthy competitors to Boosted Boards.
Let's have a look on Koowheel devices. Desc are much less flexible than bamboo deck of Boosted Board but the price is also just 1/3 or 1/4 depends on source! It gets really good opinions on the net so I think it might be worth thinking of.
DeleteI watch some of Casey's vlogs ocassionally, but I haven't heard about the Boosted Board company so far. I remember this one episode when Casey was in Warsaw trying out our electric scooters and how he fell down during the ride in rain. I have never used electric vehicle before, but I am looking forward to try one. They're definitely good alternative to current transport options. They are quite fast, agile and handy. For now on I do not really travel through a city. I use public transport to get into the work and back to home as the distance is a bit too large for the electronic board. In order to have this kind of transport efficient, bicycle paths around the city need to be kept in a good condition.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in Wasraw we've got one of the best bike path infrastructure in Europe so on this point I think that we're in perfect condition to give such device a try. Of course weaher contitions aren't best in Poland but we can always buy special equipment just to set up comfort on a higher level but still it might be risky
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ReplyDeleteI often watch how simple gadgets develop over time. Skateboard is an interesting platform where it has always been associated with a skater lifestyle. I have never used it but I am still looking for any alternative to a bicycle and such an electric skateboard is a great solution but let's also remember it is a threat because people cant always use the device putting a lot of danger on the sidewalks where people are walking. For public transport, these skateboards are a great alternative, unfortunately, skateboards are never checked in the winter. unfortunately, I think that this is equipment for people who are physically fit, not everyone can afford it despite to low price.
ReplyDeleteI've already mentioned all of above points you mentioned in your comment so I hope you'll have a look on different comments as well! Feel free to join conversation.
DeleteGosh, Not so long ago I rode my electric scooter for the first time and now we have electric skateboards, impressive! I think electric vehicles are a great technical innovation and very enjoyable way to travel for short distances. Of cource, main problem is special battery which have small capacity and it's also heavy. When it comes to skateboards, except price, I should improve my skills to consider buying an electric skateboard at all.
ReplyDeleteIt's already a while since electric boards are on the market but you're right that it's changing from month to month like crazy! Driving is quite hard but I think that is one one the things that makes it so joyful.
DeleteUnfortunately, I didn't have the oportunity to ride an electric vehicle but I'm very excited to see all of progress in electrification of transport.
ReplyDeleteI follow the news about electric vehicles - mostly about cars but any time a hear about the bikes, scooters and even boards I think that they are amazing. I beleive that electric transport in any form is that what we should be pushing forward.
In big city having a small device that can help you travell few miles can be game changing. Imagine you don't have to wait for the bus and then getting stuck in traffic - you can just get your scooter/board etc. and just ride using sidewalks and bicycle paths! And you are totally independent. Of course it gets worse when it rains or it's winter but I guess some people will use it even in such a conditions. If I would live in a city I would definetaly consider buying one. Another benefit is that it makes you move a little bit more that standing in bus or driving own car so it's good for your health.
I can totally agree with you. One of disadvantages I'm thinking about right now is that it's really pushing your time management because not lot's of people is using it right now. I think infrastructure can't develop as fast as tech and the more people will get on scooters and boards the harder it'll be to move around the city. That's the news coming from US where for e.x. in LA scooters makes a lot of trouble because there's not enough pavements and bike paths.
Delete1. Unfortunately, I never used an electric vehicle, even from the electric scooter so popular lately.
ReplyDelete2. It seems to me that it's not necessarily. Such solutions as a scooter, an electric board, even a bicycle are seasonal solutions and not for everyone, if at least for age. Not everyone will want to use this type of vehicle and it will not be comfortable for everyone.
3. I personally would prefer to buy a non-electric skateboard, the fun of riding alone, just like riding a bike the stage of fatigue is pleasant and I think that's what it's all about. Personally, I don't buy an electric skateboard or any electrical vehicle.
Look at it with wider perspective. There're places in the world that season for electrical devices is almost all the time. As well as not everyone are suit up with car, bike, plane or everything else! Also as you mentioned at the end - it really depends on personality, but as a advantage of electric vehicle I can bring up an argument that you can still use them as a regular one if you need it.
DeleteI haven’t used electric vehicles, but I like the idea of commuting by such device. The main problem, which I see is that our pavements aren’t wide enough. There is problem with bicycle paths, so another vehicles carrying people wouldn’t have space. Now electric skateboard is useless for me, because I usually walk with a pram, but maybe in the future I will consider buying it.
ReplyDeleteI think riding on electric skateboard with a pram would be quite dangerous and irresponsible but what's about if we would combine pram with balance scooter ( it's this device with 2 wheels that you balance on) ? :D
DeleteI have never used an electric vehicle but I’m looking forward to do so because it looks like it’s enjoyable and great way to spend some free time.
ReplyDeleteElectric vehicles can be an alternative way for public transport but not for long and it also has some disadvantages. For example it can be tiring if you are trying to back from 8hour work. Moreover I don’t really see it usable during cold winter.
I can’t really answer for that question. Maybe if I try electric skateboard it will be easier for me to tell. For now I use my bike to get to work and after spending so much time in front of computer in office I treat it as a physical activity. It helps me to stay fit which electric vehicles can’t provide it for me.
The same with me! The only reason I'm still don't use any electric device on daily basis is that I'm using the distance between work and home as activity time. It's really common that's hard to find some free time after spending so much time in front of the monitor, but at the other hand if you really enjoying that kind of ride ( I mean you used to skate or you ride a snowboard in winter season) it might be useful to stress out after hard day at work!
Delete1. Yes I have electric scooter and I love it to use it as a way of transport to work or the uni. It's super easy to use and I can take it with me to the shop and that wasn't possible with bike. It also gives loads of fun while driving :)
ReplyDelete2. Yes it can be as I'm using it. The only problem is when it's raing or really cold, then I switch to buses.
3.They should be more secure and easy to use.
Second statement can easily aim in any outdoor activity but maybe climate change will get us sooner or later! :D
DeleteThe last one is really interesting because we've got so much opportunities. One company will aim just to sell as much product as possible so they'll try to do it possible most reachable for anyone but at the other hand we have companies like mentioned above that aiming in particular group of client and bring up toy/device that is maybe not for everyone but definitely more fun!
I heard about it, and i really want to use desk like electric desk, but I can't ride by normal desk so how can I use this kind of board when I can't ride by normal :P
ReplyDeleteFirst I should learn to use normal desk. Next will be desk with engine :)
I used electric scooter and it's really useful vehicul.
Sometimes it's better than public transport, because It shouldn't stand at traffic lights etc.
I think it should change the power. Range - 30km, sometimes is to little. Power and charging time.
You mentioned range- that's why it's nice to have your own device. I think 30 km it's more than enough and as long as you have your personal stuff you can always charge it at work or wherever you go! In newest models charging time is something around 3-4h and you can even find devices that the battery is programmed to achieved better results at the beginning just to let you fast charge it even in coffee spot to reach your destination!
DeleteI've first heard about electric vehicles when I was on conference in Prague, almost instantly I've downloaded the app and started riding it. For me it was something new, something fresh and great alternative for public transport - in one word brilliant. I just couldn't stop using them what leaded to spending about 200-300 złotys per month on them. Finally I've made some calculations and bought e-scooter for myself and for now I think that is one of best ideas I've ever had. No more traffic, quickly moving in Warsaw center and no more buses filled with people on summer when air conditioning doesn't work. I think that about skateboards it would be much more difficult to make people buy them, at first You have to know how to ride normal skateboard, snowboard etc what is not that easy on the beginning, especially when You can ride over 30km/h (instant death in my case). For now the best choice are e-scooters, they're easy to drive, easy to learn and much more stable on Warsaw's sidewalks.
ReplyDeleteSame here! But from what I heard from experienced skaters - it's brilliant filling to move around on them. I think it can be summer alternative for snowboarders who are in pain waiting for nearest season!
DeleteAlso it's great to learn new things. As you mentioned e-scooters are almost for everyone ( which is good according to lot's of fail videos online :D ) but I think it can be really joyful if you put an effort to get new skill!
Just few weeks ago I used Lime scooter for the first time and I love it. It's a fast and practical transportation vehicle that reduce dependence on personal cars. Great public transport alternative for short distances. Currently there are a lot of discussions over classifying electronic scooter's users or banning it in parks. Once everything will be clear I might consider buying my own vehicle.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned somewhere below the problem is that law can't keep up with technology, as well as infrastructure planning so we need to be patient. It might be hard to say for me because I'm not everyday user but I think that it's hard to get a ticket for driving anything electric in Warsaw.
Delete1. Did you ever use any electric vehicle?
ReplyDeleteI am using electric scotters from time to time. I really like them when I am in hurry to work. Easy to use, fast and most of the time - pretty cheap. I really like the idea of electric vehicles as a whole. Cars, scooters, bikes, you name it. I would love to see more electric vehicles in cities to lower the air pollution and noise pollution.
2. Do you think that small electric vehicle can be alternative to public transport?
Yes, yes, yes. But only on smaller distances for now. Not every sidewalk is good for electric vehicles and their range is limited.
3. What should be changed (except price) to encourage you to buy electric skateboard? Everything is fine with it. Maybe better range or charging speed.
Well to hear! I hope that companies will compete with each other more and more so we'll get better and cheaper products!
DeleteI’ve never used an electric vehicle but the skateboard you described looks really tempting. Especially in really big cities like New York transport becomes quite challenging. In my opinion skateboards and generally alternative ways of transport will become more and more popular. It’s just necessary because people want to save time. Time is our most precious asset. Actually I could give it a try, but you are right, current price is definitely too high for me at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know Koowheel, which is a Chinese company, is offering quite well quality competitive to Boosted Board, because it's not bad design & build consider that is 4th times cheaper! We've got even an official polish distribution so I think it's worth an interest!
DeleteI never skateboarded and the appearance of its electric version did not arouse my interest. I don't think that electric skateboards are an appropriate means of transport in the city. The only place you can go to move on an electric skateboard is a sidewalk. Unfortunately, the sidewalks in the city are narrow, crowded or bumpy - in my opinion it is a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteI consider an electric scooter a good alternative to a car or public transport. A more massive construction (including larger wheels) will ensure better comfort and safety traveling. The scooter has to move on public roads, so it requires more attention.
If you ever see a levitating skateboard, I will definitely buy it.
The issue you mention is unfortunately the nightmare of any small electric vehicle. Because technology is changing so fast the law can't keep up with it and for now it's even illegal to drive Lime's scooter on bike paths.
DeleteYes, I've used the electric LIME scooter which are almost everywhere in Warsaw. It was quite nice ride but I believe bikes are still better.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if they can replace public transport completely but I believe they could be good alternative to cars that are used way to often in big cities. Most of people don't carry anything and they still use a car to move around. It's both unecological and uneconomical. Fortunately electric devices come to the rescue.
Besides the price, the main reason why I don't own electric skateboard is that it's skateboard. I'm also not sure about the battery longevity.
There's polish company named e-biker that provide components to DIY for convert almost any bike into electric one. It's waaaaay cheaper than buying already converted one so I think that it's also quite interesting solution. I've got a guy at work who's riding an electric bike to work everyday making almost 50km everyday and he's saying that he won't switch it for a car!
DeleteI used the old electric scooters in Warsaw. It's a great thing! You can save your fires and have a good time. It is not only a good means of transport, but also great fun. Maybe not quite an alternative. It's a good addition or alternate for shorter distances. No less, it's a very good idea. A lot of people use it and everyone liked it. I think people are a little afraid for their safety. Skateboards and a helmet can be added to the skateboard. It's always something and it will be in the price. We must remember that it does not have to be made of decent material, and hence - the price isn't low either.
ReplyDeleteI did not have any opportunity to use any electric vehicle but I used Panek Toyota car with hybrid engine. I must say when electric engine starts working it is really quiet, so it is nice to drive in such vehicle.
ReplyDeleteI think that in good weather conditions electric vehicle can be alternative to public transport. Same as bike. It only would be nice if such vehicles could have designated place to travel like bikes do. I'm also concerned about safety of such vehicles but it is the matter of streets regulations and behavior of other cars and buses on the road.
I would like to know if after few injuries such skateboard would break. I would like to see that such vehicles was build with good, strong persistent material.
I wrote my BSc about forces in bamboo deck of Boosted Board and I assume that I can easily give you my word that you have to really make an effort to brake that deck. As well electrical engines are quite hard to breake but it's only hardware so it can always break in most unpredictable moment!
Delete1. Did you ever use any electric vehicle?
ReplyDeleteI used electric scooter. It was fun, but it's a little dangerous for other users of the pavement. It's so silent that even when you don't use headphones it's hard to hear it.
2. Do you think that small electric vehicle can be alternative to public transport?
Yes, and we can see it in now how it changed. There are electric bikes, scooters, cars and it went out that also skateboards :D. And that's nice that we give up petrol for electricity. Maybe it makes Earth less polluted, but we would have to see the researches in that topic.
3. What should be changed (except price) to encourage you to buy electric skateboard?
I don't think that anything would encourage me even to typical skateboard. I'm tall and I remember that I had problems with balance on the skateboard. So that's not my cup of tea :D
I did not have any opportunity to use any electric vehicle but I used Panek Toyota car with hybrid engine. I must say when electric engine starts working it is really quiet, so it is nice to drive in such vehicle.
ReplyDeleteI think that in good weather conditions electric vehicle can be alternative to public transport. Same as bike. It only would be nice if such vehicles could have designated place to travel like bikes do. I'm also concerned about safety of such vehicles but it is the matter of streets regulations and behavior of other cars and buses on the road.
I would like to know if after few injuries such skateboard would break. I would like to see that such vehicles was build with good, strong persistent material.
I wrote my BSc about forces in bamboo deck of Boosted Board and I assume that I can easily give you my word that you have to really make an effort to brake that deck. As well electrical engines are quite hard to breake but it's only hardware so it can always break in most unpredictable moment!
DeleteYes, I've been riding on electric scooters from company "jeden Slad", as well as the green electric Veturilo bikes in Warsaw.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed riding both, as they were easy to maneuver, however
with the veturilo bikes are problem is the limited availibility of stations. I have not ridden this Lime Scooter yet, however I see it's because advantage in the fact, that you can leave it wherever you want, but on the other hand they seem to be a fancy gadget, and maybe next year people won't be ridding them any more. I think they are a good alternative for having you own car and don't require any license or certification. I agree, that this is the direction of the future, resigning from having your own vehicle, the reasons are congestion and pollution. I think, what will motivate people are financial reasons, once they see that they get more left in their pockets they will switch to eco-friendly means of transport.It is also important for the city to have the right facilities and roads to ride on. However I also heard that eco-friendly cars actually aren't so environment friendly, because the production process emits more CO2 that conventional cars. Also you have to produce electricity for them.
Yes, I used electric bicycle, it was unusual experience and I really enjoyed it. I wasn't tired after multiple kilometres travelled (to be honest, I rarely ride a bike), so it's convenient alternative for me.
ReplyDeleteI agree that electric vehicles are a good alternative for "traditional" ways of transport, but from the other hand as a pedestrian on the sidewalk, they annoying me from time to time (because mostly you don't hear when they pass you). If I would like to buy electric skateboard, I could wait for longer battery life and maybe better stabilisation for people, who don't use skateboard so often (like me)
1. Did you ever use any electric vehicle?
ReplyDelete2. Do you think that small electric vehicle can be alternative to public transport?
3. What should be changed (except price) to encourage you to buy electric skateboard?
1. I was driving an electric little car in a past.
2. In a future I suppose. But even nowadays more and more people drives electric scooters so I think it is assured tendency.
3. I think before all things I had to learn to ride any skate board xd I think it would be awesome to ride an electric one, but I tried use casual one and almost had hurt myself :/
Thank to my friend from PJATK I got a chance to check how electric scooter works. And quite frankly it was amazing feeling. I'm positive that I’ll buy it soon. My plan for this summer is to change car to electric scooter :) I think it will be better for my budget, for environment, and it will be tiny step to decrease traffic jams in Warsaw :) More scooters means less cars on the streets :)
ReplyDeleteI had the opportunity to drive a hybrid car, does it count in? 😊 Yes, electric vehicles can be and actually is, especially in Warsaw, an alternative to public transport. Just look at the growing popularity of electric scooters, they are everywhere. In secondary school there groups of skateboarders and rollerbladers. I was in the second group, so unfortunately, nothing can convince me to buy a skateboard. However, if I was looking for an electric scooter, it would be great if it was lightweight and easy to carry.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunatelly, I hadn't opportunity to drive an electric skateboard, but I'm a great fan of electric scooter! Since last week we have another company that comes to Warsaw scooters family, now we have Lime, Hive, Bird and City something. Warsaw has potencial as we see. It's good alternative to public transport, better for our environment to use electric transport withot any poltion than car or taxi. After few rides on Bird (tip: look for free ride coupons), I know, that I would buy one for me, if I lived in Warsaw :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to check if ride on electric skateboard give as much fun as on electric scooter!
I love all the approaches to sustainable personal means of transportation. So far I have tried electric scooter and moped also was using the shared car service with alectric cars. Didn't have a chance though to try the electric skate/long board, but im strongly thinking about it, for starters that would be probable on of Xiaomi products, as they are much more affordable, but still not cheap.
ReplyDeleteI think this type of vehicles can be a future if we have good infrastructer for it, mainly roads, but it also falls short in out climate condtions, as I think winter or rainy days aren't electrick boards best friends :) but Im definitly trying this one sooner or later.
To buy electric skateboard in my case it would have to evolve, having steering wheel at least. In fact this is named " scooter" :) I heard about these electric vehicles, without a doubt it can be alternative to a public transport, now there are many private providers, but I chose to walk and move when I can. I work in front of computer's screen. I try to burn as much fat as I can, when I travel on the daily basis, because I feel that I need to move my body using strength of my muscles. I and my team mates see it as such a laziness, it can lead to numerous diseases. However if a scooter could replace my car, I would buy one by a price of a scooter ;)
ReplyDeleteI didn't use any electronic vehicle. Of course, such vehicles can be an alternative to public transport. In big cities, where gigantic traffic jams are often created, such vehicles can help us to cover any distance quickly and agilely. As with any new product, it must be advertised well. I must admit that I have never heard of such a skateboard before and I was curious about it myself. So maybe a good advertising campaign and at least one shop in Poland, and we will see such skateboards on Polish streets.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I never used any electric vehicles but I definitely try the scooter available in Warsaw when weather will become more sunny then it is now. Personally I think that alternative ways of transport should be consider by government as parts of the public transport becouse of they flexibility and eco friendly nature. They are perfect for overcrowded area and helps fill gaps in transport where the ZTM route is badly connected but walking on foot takes some time. I think that our city still lacks proper amount of good routes for electric skateboards. Their wheels are rather small and we have plenty of pure made sidewalks or high curbs.
ReplyDeleteI recently observed that many employees commute to the office by electric scooters. I also happened to spot that they recharge their vehicles in the office (yet, no one from the office staff complains about this). Basically their transport to the office is free of charge. These days people seek alternative means of transports to cars, because they become more and more environmental aware. Electric vehicles, like aforementioned scooters, are natural choice then – you can easily rent it in Warsaw. However, I think the main issue is lack of proper regulation for such vehicles - e.g. shall people with electric scooters use road or pavement? Electric scooters may reach quite a big speed and potentially pose a danger to pedestrian. Another really annoying problem – people tend to leave electric scooters at random places. People must just get matured to those new means of transport that may fully replace cars in city centres.\
ReplyDelete