Tokyo, Japan- a new futuristic skateboard has been introduced by Cocoa Motors. Called the WalkCar, it is invented by Kuniako Saito. The device has made its debut with videos showing it in action, going through steep hills and letting the user push someone in a wheelchair while on board. It requires incredible balancing ability, as the board is about as big as a standard laptop (about 14X10 inches).
According to The Daily Star, the WalkCar is made of aluminum and works with lithium batteries. As for how long battery life lasts for the device, Cocoa Motors and Saito, the device's inventor, have not disclosed it. Saito, however, explained that it was his friends who pushed him to create the electronic skateboard, which can change directions while the user shifts his weight. Saito said that at that time, he was also taking up his masters in engineering, in an electronic car motor control systems course.
"I thought, 'what if we just carry our transportation in our bags, wouldn't that mean we'll always have our transportation with us to ride on?" Saitou said. The WalkCar is indeed very portable, a small platform which can fit in backpacks and many other standard-sized bags produced these days. The device looks delicate with its small wheels and overall size, but it can traverse through bumps and blocks on the road with little difficulty.
The device is set to hit the market in the spring of next year. WalkCar will retail for 100,000 yen, or about $800. Cocoa Motors will begin taking pre-orders for the device this October, the same time it will launch a Kickstarter campaign for the futuristic skateboard.
When it was first reported on this weekend, WalkCar has immediately drawn comparisons to Lexus' hoverboard. The device has been in development for quite some time, and the company has been giving its followers glimpses of the skateboard, generating curiosity and interest. The hoverboard has been released just a few days ago and has been under development since June.
