From electric trikes that aren’t your kid’s Big Wheel, we go to a very souped up electric skateboard currently soliciting funding on Kickstarter.
These Gnarboards, or Gnarly Electric Skateboards, are the idea of one Joshua Tulberg out of California.
Essentially, the Gnarboards are very aggressive electric skateboards focused upon providing a lot of bang for your buck in skateboard parks and on sidewalks.
These are quite frankly monsters compared to similar electric skateboards, and come in three flavors depending upon one’s specific riding needs, be it the “commuter,” “road warrior,” or “trail rider.”
In terms of differences between these three models of Gnarboards, they come down to difference in power, range and acceleration.
The “commuter” model boasts specifications of 1.4 kW of power (7.2 kW peak), an 18 to 21 mile range and 0-28 MPH in 3 seconds; the “road warrior” model comes in at 2 kW of power (8.8 kW peak), a 15 to 18 mile range and 0-28 MPH in 2.8 seconds; the last of three, known as “trail rider,” offers up 3.4 kW of power (16.5 kW peak), 13 to 15 miles of range and 0-28 MPH in 1.9 seconds.
To control these little monsters on four wheels, one makes use of a hand controller tethered to it. There are three simple control choices here, depending upon how it is depressed. These include full accelerate, neutral (coast) and braking. As an added plus to this last choice, one can take advantage of regenerative brakes to help restore power to the lithium-ion polymer battery the skateboard draws its power from.
Other features of note include optional adjustable truck dampers to prevent speed wobbles from happening, an audible fuel gauge to let you know when the battery hits 40 percent capacity, a recharge time of two hours, 2WD or 4WD, interchangeable parts and a dead man’s brake which automatically stops the skateboard if the quick release fitting on the hand controller is disconnected in something like a fall.
In terms of pricing, the models range from $6,100 for the top end to $4,800 for the base model, and all of which are built to order. It is a lot to pay, there’s no question about that. But for the rush I imagine you’ll get from zipping along on one of these as those stuck in car commutes watch you zip by, well, it is very likely worth it.
