Back in 2012 the ZBoard was just a Kickstarter project. It was started by two college students who were seeking funds online to manufacture the electric skateboard. Things have picked up since then. Lots of units have already been shipped across the country already but this isn’t the end of the ZBoard story. The company has announced a new model, ZBoard 2, which they claim to be lighter and faster than the predecessor.
A pre-production model has been shown off at the Consumer Electronics Show 2015 in Las Vegas. Customers should expect them by March 2015 as the crowdfunding campaign, launched on Indiegogo this time, is still underway.
Two models are being offered, the Blue and Pearl, for $999 and $1,199 respectively. Those who pledge early on Indiegogo will get $100 off on both models. The Blue has a range of 16 miles on a single charge, it weighs 16 pounds, while the 18-pound Pearl has a range of 24 miles. Both boards can reach speeds up to 20mph.
The original ZBoard didn’t have a battery indicator but this one does in the form of LEDs at the nose. It even has headlights and taillights for the night skater. Its easier to carry because of the new second handle and the overall shape has been changed to give it a more stylish look.
Its pretty easy to ride this electric skateboard. Lean on the front footpad to accelerate, do the same on the rear footpack to slow down or reverse. Couple that with improvements in weight, range, speed and charge time, and this becomes an enticing piece for skateboards to add to their collections.