Yes, this is the e-board, an electronic skateboard that can be charged up in three to four hours, and then go about 13.5 miles from there.

Of course, if you are going to make a motorized skateboard, then the skater is going to have to control it somehow. This is why Xero created a controller that resembles slot car racer controls. However, they gave it a disturbing shape…a gun.

Just a friendly bit of advice. If you want to put this skateboard in a carry-on…don’t. Even if the airport is ten miles long, walk to your connecting flight. Do you honestly want someone from airport security to find this? Chances are, they will keep you holed up in a cell until they find the rest of the gun.

Also, I wonder what that ring is on the side? It looks like a pin to a grenade. Geez, the odds of this skateboard being a weapon is just increasing.

If you are looking to purchase this guy, it will cost about $360 at the Xero website.

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This bike is made from Formula One parts as well as parts from fighters. If that doesn’t sell you, then you should know that it is electric powered. Yes, there is a 1300-watt motor with lithium ion batteries in lieu of pedaling.

It is called the Grace, and it is good enough for 18 to 31 miles per charge, which depends on the rider’s weight. It takes about one hour to recharge the battery, and it can achieve a top speed of 40 miles per hour.

Yes, this bike is not available on the bike racks of your local Wal-Mart. Yes, this is a specially made bike made in Hanover, Germany, and it will cost you $8742.

That might sound pretty expensive, but you should consider the price of that compared to a car. At least that’s what the company says. They also say that it is “the world’s first and finest E-motorbike”. I mean, hey, if you live in a place that has warm weather all year, and you live alone, then this is the vehicle for you.

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Unlike them, these new models can be recharged in a fraction of the time and can be easily carried as hand luggage. They’re also much smaller than their leaden predecessors and are highly manoeuvrable and compact. All models include computer controlled circuitry, double seals and a battery life meter.

You will be able to pick up the Bladefish 1000, Bladefish 2000 and Bladefish 5000 for £245.99, £299.99 and £479.99, respectively. Needless to say, the more money you fork out, the faster you’re able to travel while underwater, but it is safe to say that none of these will help you outswim any predatory shark looking for a human fillet…

You’ll have the pleasure of being a passenger in the following bizarre vehicles as they hurtle around at an indecent speed: a sofa (complete with lamp and TV), a four poster bed, and an office desk (with chairs, computer and water cooler). As a bonus, you’ll also be able to drive the strangest double-decker you’ve ever seen.

They retail for £99 each, so pool some money together with a group of close-knit friends and have a blast of your life with the World’s Wackiest Racers!

This is essentially the role of AIDA (Affective Intelligent Driving Assistant). This robot head not only serves as a GPS Navigation system, but it actually has expressions. It’s eyes will look happy when you’re going the right way, and become a warning sign when you are not. There is a video of this intriguing concept after the jump if you aren’t already sold on it yet.

AIDA is more than a navigation system, though. It is intelligent enough to remember where you have been, and from this information determines your driving habits. It uses a lot of sensors to gather intel, and will even let you know when you’re low on gas, and where is the best place to stop for gasoline on your way.

AIDA is still concept for now, and is under development by MIT SENSElab, MIT’s Media Lab’s Personal Robots Group, as well as the Volkswagen Group of America’s Electronics Research Lab.

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Press Release

I even saw a clip from an old Wife Swap episode which had the “Balloon Boy” family playing with hover technology, and it seemed to work better than their little charade.

You can get this air board for about $14,000. If you think that is pretty expensive for this product, then you should know you’ll have to pay for gasoline. The Air Board has a 1.3 gallon tank that it will burn through in an hour.

Of course, some assembly is required, and the Air Board stands four feet high when it is up and running. It can go at about 15 miles an hour, but I’m not certain where you would drive it except a skateboard park or something.

This product that you can see there isn’t the Hover Board from Back to the Future II, but it is probably the closest thing to it. I believe that at the time of the movie’s 1989 release, there was some sort of rumor going around that hoverboards were real, and there’s still a little bit of that floating around. I mean, we are getting pretty close to Back to the Future II’s 2015.

I suppose you could purchase Air Board if you want to get a jump on the future, but you should know that it doesn’t hover on the water.

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How is this possible? The spectators use computer tablets to design their “dream track”, and then get into a robotic carriage that uses virtual-reality technology for their pre-programmed ride. Users can even program the ride so it can be a bobsled ride or airplane ride.

This ride is very similar to CyberSpace Mountain, a ride that allows spectators to customize their virtual ride with drops, loops, and other stunts. I’m not certain how loops could work if the user selects the bobsled option on the Sum of All Thrills.

In short, it looks like it is a trend in amusement park rides to be more user-defined. After all, a spectator knows what to expect with a few rides. However, if the ride is different every time, then that will keep them coming back for more.

The Sum of All Thrills just opened at EPCOT in Orlando. I would have thought it would have opened earlier, to meet the summer rush, honestly.

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In this case, this is a concept car that a person could actually ride in. In fact, two people could ride in it, as long as the passenger doesn’t mind sitting in the back seat.

The Land Glider is very ultra light, and ultra thin. In fact, it looks like it could take up only half a normal lane. Of course what really makes the Nissan Land Glider awesome looking is that it leans when it turns.

Yes, it leans. In short, Nissan realized that motorcyles, with their cool leaning while they turn, could easily be used on cars. By the way, this Land Glider is totally electrical, and it is a Smart Car.

Speaking of Smart Cars, did you see last night’s episode of The Office, where Michael Scott does a comedy routine about smart cars. I suppose that most of these smart cars aren’t really smart, and that KITT from Knight Rider is the only Smart Car that we may never see.

Well, time will answer that question, but I’m under the belief that we will probably see the Land Glider sometime soon.

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Yes, I want to ride those things really bad, and Honda has fulfilled my dreams with the U3-X. There is a wonderful video of it that you can see after the jump, just don’t ask me why there is no sound.

The U3-X has the ability to fold up compactly into a boogie board that is shaped like a figure eight. It is quite light at 22 pounds, and Honda used technology learned from Asimo to make it work.

For example, it uses balance control technology, which means the rider uses leaning to control speed and direction. It has the Honda Omni Traction drive system, which means it can go backwards, forwards, as well as sideways.

Not only that, but its downright sexy too. Well, this is one of those devices that I will probably never ride, but will always want to. At this present time, it is just a concept for now. Even the video looks like it was made entirely out of CG, including the rider.

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While most parents might have already installed an LCD display and a DVD player to keep passengers at the back quiet and mesmerized by the latest Teletubbies or Barney episode, the VOD10PS2 Mobile Video PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system offers something different, as it will integrated an actual PS2 into the Audiovox overhead video system in a seamless manner without the need to throw in additional hardware or drape even more wires across the back seat passengers. This is handy, as it allows folks behind to enjoy one of many hundreds of quality titles that are available on the PS2, while they can always pop in a DVD once they get bored of a game or can’t quite get pass a certain level without the gaming prowess and assistance of dad.

You will find that the VOD10PS2 comes with a generous 10.2″ LCD screen with built-in dome light and an aspect ratio of 16:9, where it will also include just about everything you require to start gaming right out of the box – these include a couple of wireless game controllers, two fold-flat IR wireless headphones and two PlayStation 2 game titles (Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando and Hot Shots Golf 3). Each $949.99 purchase will come with a remote control and a built-in 16 channel FM Modulator with FM transmitter function.

Press Release

By the way, see those handlebars in front? That is actually the seat of this 1.2 kilowatt electric motor powered carbon fiber foldable bike.

Yes, it is foldable. It only takes up 6 x 23.6 x 23.6 inches and weighs 22 pounds (10 kilograms). What is really interesting is it only takes 15 seconds to fold up.

Hard to believe that it really is electronic, and has an anti-skid system. It’s design is reminiscent of those old high-wheeler bikes that you see from the Victorian era? You know, the ones where the rides were at least three feet off the ground with a huge front tire? I always wondered how the riders got up there.

Not only does the YikeBike sound like something that Dr. Seuss would create, but I can totally see the Cat in the Hat riding one of these. You can watch a video of it after the jump, and just imagine the rider wearing one of those tall hats like Mike Myers in that really, really bad movie adaptation of Dr. Seuss classic book.

Anyway, this is a concept for now, but couldn’t someone just manufacture this? Please have it out at CES 2010. I want to ride it around the parking lot. I wonder how long it takes to learn to ride it.

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The powerful 48 volt, 350 watt front hub direct drive motor system moves GoPet at speeds up to 16 mph and can range up to 25 miles on a single charge using about 10 cents worth of electricity. Recharging takes 4-6 hours with a 110 volt smart charger that turns off when the battery is completely charged. GoPet features a stable, three-wheel platform that is both safe and comfortable. Front and rear pneumatic tires give GoPet a smooth ride. Non-marking tires are also available for inside applications. Thick rubber pads prevent rider fatigue while the familiar hand braking system provides reliable intuitive stopping. Adjustable handlebars make GoPet perfect for riders of all heights.

Each GoPet scooter purchase will come with assembly tools, headlight, taillight, horn and basket, although you have the option to affix other accessories such as a seat, folding handlebar and trailer.

Press Release

This concept vehicle is designed by Phillipp Siebourg, and it is not designed for the average consumer, but for vehicles that can’t afford to be stopped by traffic. It uses a magnetic track to guide the vehicle, which can be controlled by a cellular phone.

That’s right, if you are a specialty vehicle in the future, you might be able to just dial up your location and sit back and enjoy the ride. It certainly beats the heck out of a GPS. Hey, just think of how easy FedEx and UPS drivers will have it if this process ever gets going.

You know it really should be in place now. You remember that Jean-Claude Van Damme movie Timecop? What year did that future world take place in, 2004? As I recall, the cars drove themselves, and looked really weird. So at the end of the movie, where the main character says he wants to go home, the car brings him to his location.

Yeah, I don’t see this type of technology becoming a reality anytime soon. But in its defense, Seattle just put in a new Light Rail that has been under development for several years. These things take time.

The Airpro Cordless Compressor is a must have for your car tool box.

Whether you’re lookin’ to fix a flat tire or pump up a flat football, the AirPro Cordless Air Compressor is ideal because it’s both battery operated and handheld. Great for bikers or brawlers, it provides up to 120 PSi of pumping strength and connects via a 15 inch air hose with locking Schraeder connector.

What’s really beneficial, is that the AirPro comes with two super bright LED work lights built into it so that if you’re stuck on the interstate at night you can not only see what you’re doing, but the lights will help you hunt down any foreign objects which may be sticking out of your tire. In the handle is an easy to read pressure dial and the top contains a hidden compartment for placing a variety of nozzle adapters including a ball needle.

The Air Pro is powered by a 12 volt DC power pack and includes a wall charger. Cost is about $70 from Brookstone. http://www-chi.brookstone.com/auto-and-car-gadgets2_airpro-cordless-air-compressor.html

One this is for certain, with a handheld capability, it sure beats pumping up and down on a plunger hoping to get your bike tire fixed.

Hat Tip – The Red Ferret

The eniCycle is much thinner and practical (no streamlined frame) than the Unocycle. Designed by Slovenian inventor Aleksander Polutnik, it has several gyroscopes that manage to keep the thing on one wheel, one hundred percent of the time.

Unless the driver crashes it, but accidents should be a rarity once the driver has mastered it. In fact, the inventor says that a person can easily learn how to drive the eniCycle in about fifteen to thirty minutes. This video after the jump shows Ortiz Deley of the “The Gadget Show” learning to ride it in that time frame.

The battery life is good for about for about three hours, and the top speed is at ten miles per hour. The video shows that it is good for “eni-time, eni-where”, and Mr. Deley does make it look like a lot of fun.

It would appear that only two of these eni-Cycles have been made for now, but there is no reason to believe that more will be made once the inventor gets enough funding. Hopefully, they will be cheaper than the average Segway.

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Gorilla Torch gives you an extra hand for dark, tight spaces.

It’s always frustrating when working in tight spaces to try and hold a flashlight while you’re turning a screw. Inevitably, what’s generally easy to do without a flashlight, is darn near impossible when you have to also hold a torch to light your workspace. Enter Gorilla Torch.

Made by Joby, the geniuses behind the Gorilla Pod, a Digital Camera holder that can mount a camera anywhere, the Gorilla Torch is the same kind of idea: a tripod with adjustable segments that enables the user to literally wrap it around anything to hold it in place. It’s LED based light is superbright and also has a built in dimmer switch to adjust to the users liking. It’s weatherproof and operates on thee AA batteries with an average battery life of 20-80 hours depending on how bright you like it.

So, whether you’re working on the pipes underneath the sink or replacing that timing chain in your car, wherever you need light, all you need to do is turn on Gorilla Torch and wrap it around anything nearby adjust the light to shine your way and you’re good to go for hands free lighting. There’s also another feature that can help while working in tight spaces. The footpads of the Gorilla Torch are magnetic, meaning that any nuts or bolts can be within easy reach just by sticking them on the pads.
Cost is around $30, which is a bargain if you’ve ever dealt with juggling tools, lights, and tight spaces!

Hat Tip – Chip Chick

Heathrow airport of London has recently added its own mass-transit system, but this is more of an exhibit or ride for the Science Museum of London, rather than a way of helping passengers. However, it could easily be a model of the future of mass-transit, which would hopefully be an age full of driverless vehicles.

These Personal Rapid Transport (PRT) vehicles have their own special track that is narrower than a normal road. They are good for four passengers, and controlled by a touchscreen that allows them to set their destination. From there, they sit back while the automated vehicle cruises at an average speed of 25 mph, without any fear of accidents.

Sounds pretty futuristic, doesn’t it? Oh, it is. It requires ahead-of-their-time thinkers to come up with these PRTs. Fortunately, the design team had a little help from Mark Lowson, who is one of the original designers of the Saturn rocket for the Apollo missions.

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The Steam Boat Willy is a project that has been under development for years by the London flight club (not to be confused with the organization started by Tyler Duerden). As you can see by the video after the jump, the vehicle is powered by pedaling like a bicycle. Not only does this inflate its raft-like frame, but it can spin the propeller for some forward momentum.

Granted, you could just do that on a paddleboat, but how many paddleboats do you know that can go on land? Of course, if you feel like resting on a paddleboat, you can do that. I would imagine that resting on open waters on Steam Boat Willy might cause you sink. Unless the frame has some buoyant devices built in, or something.

It doesn’t look like the Steam Boat Willy can turn on a dime, either. However, I think it should be mass produced, because who doesn’t want a human-powered hovercraft? It reminds me of those “Air-Car” ads that used to be on comic book novelty ads that promised easy-to-build hovering technology. I think I saw a Mythbusters episode where Adam and Jamie called these ads’ bluff, and found that most hovertech didn’t work as good as advertised.

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DeWalt is thinking the same thing when it created Tool Link, a way of keeping track of tools with RFID tags. The system comes with an RFID scanner with software for a truck’s dashboard computer, as well as two RFID antennas for a truck’s bed.

It also comes with 50 RFID tags that can be attached to any tool. So when you leave the job, you can check the computer and see if any tools were left behind, and track down the ones that are missing.

Of course, you will have to make a database for this, and you might wonder if the $1,500 price tag to install Tool Link in your Ford truck is really worth it. Just think of it as insurance. Is it easier to pay the high price now, or keep paying every time a tool gets lost?

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