The Nifty Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard
There are skateboards, and there are skateboards. The same holds true with electric skateboards these days. They are pretty much the same. Take a fairly flat surface, bolt on two trucks with four wheels, and for the electric version, add motor and battery. So far, so good, but Inboard Technology decided to up the ante with some technically advanced features in its Inboard M1 electric skateboard.
The Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard
Electric skateboards are all the rage, but let’s face it, they all look more or less the same, with a bit of variety in aesthetics. Compound that with the fact that they all rely on an underbelly battery pack and an electric motor, the question begs to be asked: how can this be improved upon?
How about in-hub electric motors, an airplane-compatible swappable battery, integrated LED lights, and a splash-proof exterior battery pack that doesn’t even look like it’s there? And if you’re still not impressed yet, how about a composite deck made of an inverted 3D poplar wood core, full-sandwich ABS sidewalls, and wrapped in the same fiberglass top sheet found in premium snowboards and skis? Also throw in integrated electronics, reinforced truck-mounting points, and resilient TPU nose, tail bumpers at the rails yield a remarkably light and durable platform optimized for a more responsive ride, the Inboard M1 e-skateboard is chock full of goodies.
Technically Speaking, the Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard
With a top speed of 22 MPH based on a 155-165 lb rider across a flat and smooth asphalt, the Inboard M1 e-skateboard already sets the bar high. It also comes with another nifty feature, a three riding mode system; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The beginner rider mode tops out a 5 MPH (8 Km/H), while the intermediate reaches 14 MPH (22 Km/H) and the advanced one bolts at 22 MPH (32 Km/H). And of course, for the rest of humanity, a custom mode setting allows you to reach 24 MPH (38 Km/H), which hasn’t been released yet.
As far as range, the Inboard M1 offers 7-10 miles, based on the same weight and road surface mentioned previously. It can handle hills of up to 15% and takes 90 minutes to recharge the Inboard M1’s battery.
Weighing in 14.5 lb (6.5 Kg), the Inboard M1 e-skateboard uses a 43.2v, 97 Wh Lithium-ion battery pack that is swappable, as we mentioned earlier, it’s airplane proof so that you won’t part with your board on those wacky flights.
The Inboard M1 electric skateboard comes with in-wheel electric motors based on the company’s The Manta Drive™. Although in-hub electric motors mean unsprung weight, it shouldn’t affect a 15 lb skateboard as it would a car, proportionally. The technology lends itself well to smaller mobility devices like these. And with the use of in-hub motors comes another goodie, regenerative braking capacity. The throttle is handled by an RFLX throttle remote control. The M1 also comes with an app, which works with a low-energy Bluetooth connection. Are you impressed yet?
And now, for the price. $1,399. Seriously, what did you expect, $100? Packing this much technology is not going to come in cheap, but the looks and performance alone definitely help.
Who Is The Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard For?
I don’t see too many twenty-year young folks jumping on a $1,399 e-skateboard just yet, but I do see a market for those in their early thirties who definitely have zero inclination of getting older and access to more cash flow. Another fringe market segment would be the semi-professional skateboarders.
The Inboard M1 Electric Skateboard Pushes The Boundaries
It’s fair to say the Inboard M1 electric skateboard pushes the boundaries of what a modern e-skateboard should be. Top of the line materials, well designed, and the intelligent use of an in-wheel electric motor with a swappable battery is something I’ve come to expect it from all electric skateboard makers by now. Next, let’s push these prices way down and hoping to see more electric skateboards flourishing.
Related:
Are Electric Skateboards The Solution To The “Last Mile” Challenge?
CleanTechnica Gets Boosted! Boosted Boards Dual+ Video Review
Hoverboards Aren’t The Rideables Winner
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