Boosted Boards (YC S12) Unveils Its Magical Electric Skateboard

Why is there an obsession with calling things "magical"? Technology is the opposite of magic. The word "magical" both creates unrealistic expectations and handwaves over all of the incredible technology inside.

I've seen that in the States as well. Pretty much the only time I've ever seen Segways "in the wild".

My first intro to brushless motors was on a delta RC plane. The power makes a gas engine look like a joke. If you've not seen these motors, the basic difference IIRC is that brushless motors don't have brushes so they have less friction, longer battery life and greater power to weight ratio. They remove the brushes by moving the permanent magnets to the rotating part of the motor and use a controller to switch the stationary electromagnets.

I don't think you can make rules based on potential speed, and your division is far too simplistic and arbitrary in terms of speed. While I agree my skateboarding is limited to 5-10 MPH (jogging-running speed), is that really that fast?

If I (and my skateboarding kind) should be in the street based on speed or potential speed, then so should rollerbladers, scooters, segways, motorized wheelchairs, anyone able-bodied person (as they have the potential to start running).

It's a complex issue and courtesy and being alert go a long way... as well as knowing the law. Wherever I'm supposed to be by law (NYC law leans toward the sidewalk) is where I need to be, and other people need to respect that.

I have been riding an electric skateboard through Copenhagen for a few years (Evo 600: http://en.evo-skate.com/street600wood/). We have great bicycle tracks all over the city which is ideal. The principle of the board is the same, board strapped with an electric motor, controlled by IR remote in the hand. I'll share a few thoughts.

First off, my board has a 600 watt motor and does around 20mph, which is fast in the city. I overtake most bicycles (people's faces are priceless). I cannot fathom what a 2000 watt motor would do, seems kind of life-threatening honestly. I haven't had any accidents, flew over the top a couple of times when I hit a high edge, par for the course when skateboarding, but I wouldn't want to go any faster.

My board does around 10 kilometers per charge, which is enough for a commute in the city. Not sure how well a 2000 watt motor would fare, I definitely could not accept less range. But my board has the older SLA battery, a lithium battery probably evens the score, while being lighter.

How easy is it to drive? You need experience skateboarding or you'll have quite a learning curve. The accelleration needs a good stance to not get dropped off the back, same with breaking vs. flying over the front. Turning is even more cumbersome than with a real skateboard because the board is so heavy, so you need pretty good technique (and space).

About safety: If you fall off, drop the remote etc. the board stops, the IR must be in your hand to activate and has a short range either way, so no chance of the board running away from you. As soon as you stop accellerating the board slows right down, and you can brake with the engine too (big advantage over a real skateboard). The engine is engaged all the time so you can't just roll like on a real board. Hopefully these guys solve this problem, would be useful if you're out of battery.

About sound, it's not annoying but not quiet either, your regular medium-sized electric motor. In the street it's not particularly noticeable.

About legal issues: It's illegal in the street but no one cares. I pass patrol cars all the time and most don't notice that it's not a regular skateboard, or don't care.