It's hard not to stand out in a crowd when you're speeding along on a Segway, but the company's latest product is a little more subtle. They're called the Drift W1, and offer a powered alternative to inline skates.
Segway actually refers to them as "e-Skates" and as TechCrunch reports, they are set to launch at some point in August for $399 complete with a free helmet. You can see them in action in the video below.
Personally, I'd be scared to use them for fear of falling off and seriously injuring myself. They just don't look easy to balance on even before you start moving. The quick cuts in the video and very smooth, flat locations used to show them off also don't aid my confidence.
In terms of what the Drift W1 skates are capable of, expect to travel at speeds of up to 7.5mph with the battery lasting no more than 45 minutes. That time will fall if you intend to travel up a lot of hills or across more difficult terrain. When the battery does drain completely, they become 7.7 pounds of weight you need to carry.
As with all devices now, the skates are Bluetooth enabled to allow for feature controls and firmware upgrades using the Segway app. The app allows you to control the speed and offers a "comprehensive riding tutorial."
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If you live somewhere flat and dry most of the time, these skates could prove to be a lot of fun. Even so, $400 is a lot for a transportation method that needs recharging after 45 minutes. Hopefully, Segway can get that price down over time.
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