ZBoard 2: the electric skateboard you control by leaning


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zboard 2

Your next ride?




Electric skateboards have been a bit of a novelty so far. (The one time your correspondent tried one, he promptly fell off.) But this one looks smarter than most.


The ZBoard 2 boasts weight-sensing controls, so you lean forward to go faster, and lean back to brake. The further you lean, the more pressure will be applied – think of it like stepping on a pedal.


It's pretty nippy too, with a top speed of 20mph.


It comes in two models – the ZBoard 2 Blue weighs 16lbs and has a range of 16 miles, while the ZBoard 2 Pearl weighs 18lbs and has a range of 24 miles. The makers claim these ranges are up to four times that of competitors, but we have to confess, we're not experts in the field.


It's powered by a 500W brushless motor that promises to offer natural coasting. It's also light enough to be used as a normal skateboard when the battery runs out.


Waterproof connectors mean you can ride on wet surfaces without any worries, though the makers don't advise riding in the rain unless you want rusty components. Quite a major drawback that, especially if you live in Britain.


Read more: Working Hendo hoverboard hits Kickstarter


A handle is cut into each side, making it easy to carry, and it has LED headlights and taillights so you can be seen at night. The LED ring around the power button changes colour as the battery saps away, so you'll know how much juice is left.


It's already raised more than twice its funding goal, and still has 28 days left.