All over the world, methods of transportation seem to be progressing faster than we can keep track. Long ago, but not too long ago, were the days where skateboards ruled the streets as a means of transportation or merely just a hobby. People far and wide could be seen riding atop skateboards, whether to a desired destination, practicing skills and tricks, or simply just to “skate” off into the sunset. More recently however, we have seen the emergence of skateboarding innovations such as the long board, and the newly popular “hoverboards”. While long boards are used less frequently in today’s society, the innovation of a motorized board has become all the rage. But what is it about the motorization of these boards that attract so many people? Simply put, it’s all about speed.
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Located in Slovenia, Next Generation Vehicles (NGV) is a technology company focusing specifically on their product “NextBoards”, a 4WD motorized longboard that possesses top quality speed as well as safety. Built for downhillers, thrill seekers, and longboarders of any aptitude, NextBoards next generation longboard will be able to reach speeds of up to 200 km/hr. (124 mph), making it the fastest motorized longboard in the world. Chief Engineer and inventor of NextBoards, Mr. Tone Gorup, explains why he believes NextBoards will appeal to a wide array of demographics.
“Our target audiences are sport enthusiasts as well as any other more or less skilled longboarder,” says Gorup. “NextBoards can be tailored to meet the needs from a total beginner to professional longboarder. In short, NextBoards are targeting everyone wanting to have a lot of fun while moving around the city or enjoying in competition with others.”
In order to construct these high speed, motorized boards, Gorup went through many trial and error phases before finding the perfect balance between speed and safety. For over a year, Gorup has spent the majority of his time improving every component of the boards, while also keeping in mind that the product will be used for recreational use, not just in a competition setting.
“NGV (Next Generation Vehicles) has been established with the idea to develop different small, but later also larger electric vehicles. The idea was that we install the electric motor using as many standard components as possible, Gorup explains. “Installing a small and powerful motor on already existing components was quite challenging but the final result is a bullet proof electric drive of amazing performance. The main feature of all our vehicles is having a huge ”fun factor”. They are designed so that driving them brings lots of fun for recreational user, and is a product which the user never outgrows.“
One of the main goals of NGV and NextBoards is to extend the market of electric longboards. Some of the other noteworthy capabilities of these NextBoards will be the ability to glide over surfaces of water, and even under water as well. Set to hit the market in a few months, NGV and NextBoards are making sure that those interested in buying the product understand that no matter how carefully designed a product is, safety is always an issue.
“With these small, yet powerful vehicles, safety is an issue all the time. We are aware of that and are working hard to improve the communication between the rider and the electric drive. Our innovative solution will set new standards here, but any high tech solution cannot prevent accidents if the rider is not using some intelligence while pushing the limits further.”
For anybody who would like to see the world’s fastest electric longboard, on which Mischo Erban has set the world speed record, they check out the ISPO 2016 in Munich, Germany, and be the first to get their hands on a brand new NextBoard when the product hits the market.