World’s lightest electric vehicle on sale now

A skateboard may not be the usual choice for those over the age of 15, but a new design of battery-powered board may be ideal for plugging gaps in transport between homes and shops, railway stations or bus stops.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but it’s the last bit of any trip that also proves a challenge for those travelling without a car.

Many people consider a distance of between 0.5 and 3 miles too far to tackle on foot, but may forsake using a bicycle for all manner of reasons. The makers of a electric motorised skateboard believe a top speed of 20mph, range of 6 miles between recharging, and supreme portability will encourage people to leave their cars at home for short journeys and perhaps even revolutionise the way we perceive personal transport and electric vehicles in particular.

Boosted Boards look indistinguishable from conventional long boards, but nestling between their wheels are a battery and twin electric motors rated at 2000 watts (2.6 horsepower).
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There will be those who will scoff at the idea of an electric skateboard, but for many more the vehicles will be a revelation. While most people will use Boosted Boards as a fun recreational vehicle, commuters are likely to find them incredibly useful for what transport planners refer to as ‘the last mile’ – the distance between the railway station or bus stop and the journey’s end. The Boosted Board can be carried easily on any mode of public transport and stored without difficulty at the office or at home. And its range of 6 miles is more than enough for most commutes.

In terms of price, range and usability, lightweight vehicles like bicycles – and now skateboards – are the most practical option for those who want the benefits of an EV today. Electric vehicles of every description are currently in development, from aircraft to jet skis, but batteries remain expensive, heavy and troublesome to charge without widespread charging points.

Unlike cars, electric bicycles and skateboards are light enough to be carried into a house to be re-charged and if the battery runs flat, the rider can switch to leg power in an instant.

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