Las Cruces, New Mexico - It’s OK to be sceptical. The hoverboard concept, made famous by a young Michael J Fox in the 1989 movie Back to the Future II, has for the most part been the stuff of fantasy.
Even when Lexus debuted its slick-looking 21st century take on the air-skimming skateboard in 2015, it seemed very believable ... until the fine print revealed that this wheel-less wonder only worked in combination with a magnetic track hidden from view. Also, it wasn’t not for sale.
But now, a company called Arca has developed a real-deal hoverboard that scoots along on nothing but a cushion of air over any surface (including water), and the best part is that it’s actually for sale, right now, to the general public. OK, it’s not cheap. At roughly R320 000 the ArcaBoard isn’t exactly the dream toy millions of teenagers around the world can expect for their next birthday present.
Nevertheless, wealthy techno-geeks can go to Arca’s website today and mail order their hoverboard in a choice of three colours and two thrust options (depending on how heavy the intended rider is).
Instead of some newly discovered space age levitation technology, the ArcaBoard does its thing by way of 36 high power inducted fans attached to the bottom of the rather bulky device. It works in much the same way as your average quadcopter drone, but here there’s 200kW of total power lifting the board and a rider weighing up to 110kg off the ground.
A built in stabilisation function works in unison with a smartphone for steering control, but riders can also switch off this feature and fly around at up to 20km/h by leaning their bodies.
The ArcaBoard’s maximum flight time is six minutes, and for this it takes six hours to recharge - unless you opt for the R67 500 quick-charge docking station that allows top-ups in as little as 35 minutes. Order yours now and it should be delivered by April. Visit Arca’s website for more information. - Star Motoring
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