Hovertrax works like a pared-down Segway
By C.C. Weiss May 6, 2013
The Hovertrax from Inventist
Inventist, the creative mind behind such contraptions as the Solowheel and Hydroglider, is back with something it calls the Hovertrax. Unfortunately not the Marty McFly-like personal hover vessel the name implies, Hovertrax is more akin to a smaller, lighter Segway-like personal transporter. The small, hands-free device is designed to be both easy to carry and easy to use.
Unlike the big, bulky chassis used by the Segway and other similar personal EVs, the Hovertrax is a small, 9-pound (4-kg) foot pod that can be stowed in a backpack. A sort of alternative to the Solowheel, the Hovertrax was designed to be a simpler vessel that can provide "immediate enjoyment for all ages."
Each of the two wheels is equipped with its own electric motor, gyro sensor and accelerometer. The motors are controlled via foot movements – press the toes of both feet gently down to move forwards or both heels down to move backwards. By pressing with one foot, you can turn and spin.
It sounds super-simple, but we're guessing there's a bit of a learning curve in developing skill at balancing and maneuvering with grace. The auto-balancing characteristic of the vehicle should help the rider stay balanced, and he or she can always step off onto stable ground if things go awry.
The Hovertrax can travel up to 5 miles (8 km) and/or 30 minutes on a charge, reaching speeds of up to 5 mph. It only takes about an hour to charge the lithium-ion battery from a standard wall outlet.
Inventist is currently looking to raise Hovertrax development funds on Kickstarter. It will allocate that money toward purchasing machines, molds and product parts, as well as toward product testing. A bid of US$695 is the minimum required for pre-ordering an actual Hovertrax. Lesser bids will buy you some of Inventist's cheaper gear, such as a pair of Orbitwheels.
The Hovertrax has a pretty limited appeal. Inventist confirmed that it's best for riding on flat, smooth ground, such as paved trails at the park. It said that the device can handle an incline of about 15 percent, but we're guessing that going down a steep, sustained hill wouldn't be much fun. It's more of a novelty than a legitimate transportation device, and it's not really fast enough to be all that exciting. Inventist does say you can use it indoors, so it could be useful for trailing your spouse at the mall or covering the floor of a large warehouse. Overall, we think we'll save our $700 and get exercise by using something more traditional like a bike or skateboard.
You can see it in use in the following pitch video.
Source: Kickstarter
http://www.gizmag.com/hovertrax-urban-mobility/27368/
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Auto-balancing, electric transporter with gyro technology. Shift body weight to control speed and direction for seamless gliding!
Launched: May 1, 2013
Funding ends: Jun 30, 2013
At the slightest lean of your feet, the Hovertrax travels forward, backwards, turns left and right, and rotates clockwise and counterclockwise. Created to transcend transportation toys and focus on practical movement we've built a totally new product that celebrates personal and intuitive transport. Join us in the new mobility revolution!
About Inventist and the Inventor
Inventist is based in Camas, WA led by founder, president and inventor, Shane Chen. A true inventor and tinkerer since he was young, Chen received his collegiate degree in agricultural meteorology from Beijing Agricultural University.
In 1986 his passion for inventing guided him to relocate to the U.S. Arriving in America with only $200 in his pocket, Chen's entrepreneurial spirit lead him to start his own company, CID (Chen Instrument Design) http://cid-inc.com/ dedicated to making instruments for agricultural research.
Still, Chen had more ideas about scooters, skates and flying machines. So in 2003 Chen founded Inventist, Inc. which became successful enough that he sold his plant research device company. Chen was finally free to follow his imagination blending his unique ability to invent with his love of sports and fitness. In his free time Chen speed skates, windsurfs, snowboards, scuba dives, swims, roller blades, Swerver Skates, and Aquaskips.
To view our product portfolio please visit: www.Inventist.com.
To visit our Facebook page please visit: www.Facebook.com/InventistInc
Computer aided design of the Hovertrax while in development.
Hovertrax Project Objective
The objective of the Hovertrax project is to introduce the future of powerful and portable transportation complemented by a sleek design.
Inventist is no stranger to creating high-tech portable transport devices! For all Inventist's products, we fuse unique design with advanced technology and engineering to deliver ground breaking and fun experiences. We debuted the one wheeled, Solowheel last year. Fresh off the heels of our success with the Solowheel, Chen decided to make a product that provided immediate enjoyment for all ages.
After several months of intense research and development, Shane Chen invented the Hovertrax. The Hovertrax is a pioneering example of man meeting machine in everyday life. Built with instinctive controls and large foot platforms so riders can easily stand on the Hovertrax and get moving. The future of transportation is just a step ahead!
The Hovertrax is a product people can use daily both indoors and out. Weighing only 9lbs, the Hovertrax can easily be stored or carried in a backpack or handbag. Recharge the battery at home or while out on the go, by easily plugging the Hovertrax into a wall outlet for one hour.
A 3D rendering of the Hovertrax.
How Does it Work?
The tough yet super light, ultra chic Hovertrax responds to your foot movement accelerating forward, backward and left and right. The Hovertrax has two halves that tilt independently of each other. Each wheel has its own motor, each equipped with a gyro sensor and accelerometer.
The Hovertrax is durable, eco-friendly, hands-free and responsive. Join us in the movement!
Hovertrax prototype!
Technical Specifications
Speed: 5MPH
Travel range: 5 miles
Charge time: 1 hour
Gyrosensors
Accelerometers
Hub Motor
Features regenerative braking
Zero emissions
Total weight: 9lbs
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the Hovertrax motor powerful? The Hovertrax shown in the photos is a prototype with 5" hub motor wheels from another product. The actual Hovertrax will have slightly larger hub motor wheels and will be 3 times more powerful. The final product will look identical to the prototype featured, with the addition of larger hub motor wheels.
Is it really as simple as leaning your feet? Totally! By pressing your toes slightly downward the Hovertrax will move forward. Pressing the heels backwards will move the Hovertrax in reverse. Move them separately to turn or even spin!
How will the quality be controlled? Of course, quality control is especially important because the Hovertrax carries the rider. To ensure the highest caliber production the Hovertrax will be produced in our Washington state headquarters. We will also put the Hovertrax through a variety of safety tests.
How will the Kickstarter funds be used? Funds will be used for production: purchasing machines, molds, product parts such as motor, battery, wheels, gyro sensors and product testing measures.
Is the Hovertrax safe? The Hovertrax has auto-balancing capabilities, meaning it will automatically catch the rider. Without any handlebars in the way, the rider can step off at any time. As with any wheeled device, we encourage riders to wear protective gear at all times. Get on, explore and start having fun. The future is just a step ahead!
Featuring intuitive foot platform controls.
Has a patent been filed? Yes.We filed a utility and design patent for the Hovertrax.
Can I fit the Hovertrax in my DeLoreaon? Yes, absolutely. Send us photos please!
Is the Hovertrax for fun or purely for transport? Built strong and lightweight, the Hovertrax is used for both fun and transport. Stand out among bulky Segways, e-bikes, and traditional skateboards and bicycles. You can use the Hovertrax at the park or mall with friends or use it to get around school, a warehouse, a restaurant, airport, hotel or your neighborhood. The Hovertrax is both fun and practical! Where will you ride it?
The Hovertrax has zero learning curve!
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
We love a good design challenge! A fully functional and exciting Hovertrax prototype has been made. Though there are always technical challenges, because of our success with the Solowheel, we've weeded out a lot of issues. The Hovertrax already benefits from our experience with gyros, motors and batteries. Now we need to fine tune the programming before going into production. Our mission is to perfect the final product!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/687658339/hovertrax
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