Electric inline skates have been steadily growing in popularity, with several companies entering the market. A notable newcomer is AtmosGear, a French company that has introduced a novel design: electric skates powered by a battery worn on the waist. While many electric skate designs incorporate the battery into the skates themselves, AtmosGear’s approach makes the skates lighter and more maneuverable.
These skates are currently being promoted through a Kickstarter campaign and are available as either a set of frames that can be attached to standard inline skate boots or as a complete package with FRSkates boots. Both the frames and boots come in black, white, or yellow.
What sets the AtmosGear skates apart from other electric inline skates is the minimal modification of the skates themselves. The only significant hardware difference is a hub motor located in the middle wheel of each skate.
This motor is powered by a 280-Wh lithium-ion battery, which the user carries in a 3-lb (1.5-kg) fanny pack worn around the waist. The battery is connected to the skates via two curly cords, which may seem cumbersome at first glance but serve the important purpose of keeping the skates lightweight. Each skate frame only adds 1.5 lbs (680 grams) to the weight of a traditional skate frame, making them easy to maneuver.
Moving the battery away from the skates also provides durability benefits, reducing the risk of damage caused by constant contact with asphalt during skating. If users prefer, they can disconnect the cords and use the AtmosGears as regular, unpowered inline skates. When connected, the skates are controlled by a thumb-switch throttle on a wireless remote, which also enables electronic braking and even reverse movement.
The AtmosGear skates offer a top speed of 18 mph (29 km/h) and can travel up to 16 miles (26 km) on a single charge. They also provide enough torque to handle inclines up to 15% and are designed to support users weighing up to 260 lbs (118 kg). The electronics are IP65-rated for water resistance, meaning they can handle low-pressure water jets from any direction, which offers some peace of mind for skaters who may encounter wet conditions.
For those interested in getting a pair, you can pledge €630 (approximately US$700) for just the frames, or €770 (about $860) for the frames and boots combo. After the Kickstarter campaign, the planned retail prices are set to be $850 for the frames and $1,000 for the complete set.
These electric skates could appeal to those looking for a lightweight, maneuverable option with a unique battery setup that improves comfort and performance.
Source: Kickstarter
