Since the dawn of humankind, people have been trying to get places faster. Ancient humans’ quest for speedier transportation was revolutionized by the invention of the wheel, paving the way for horse-drawn carriages and cars. In the last decade, electric bikes, scooters and skateboards hit the scene, setting the stage for the latest addition to the motorized micro-mobility market: electric roller skates.
You heard us right. Electric skates, also known as electric in-line skates or e-skates, are — as the name suggests — a futuristic variation of traditional skates or rollerblades with motorized wheels. Motorized roller skates are the latest development in the human mission to move from point A to point B more smoothly and speedily. As a bonus, electric roller skates are super fun to ride and make you look pretty darn cool when you’re wearing them.
As nifty as they are, electric roller skates are not widely available — yet. In this article, we explore some of the innovative brands that are leading the way in the burgeoning electric skating market:
Escend Blades Motorized Roller Skates
Developed by a team of UK-based engineers, Escend Blades are high-end electric rollerblades. The sleek motorized roller skates are propelled by a silent, powerful motor designed to handle tricky terrains like gravel, grass, sand and hills. Escend Blades have four riding modes:
- Eco Mode — A beginner-friendly mode that reaches speeds of up to 6.2 miles per hour
- Commute Mode — This mode is designed for leisurely commutes and reaches speeds of up to 11 miles per hour.
- Turbo Mode — The fastest mode, Turbo reaches speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
- Reverse Mode — As the name suggests, Reverse mode lets you skate backward.
Escend Blades are shock-absorbing and precision-engineered from sturdy aerospace-grade aluminum. The Blades come with a wireless remote control that lets you adjust speed, apply breaks and change ride modes. The remote also displays information about your ride, including speed, distance traveled and battery charge, and alerts you when your battery level is running out.
Escend Blades can accommodate riders weighing up to 220 pounds and can travel up to 10 miles on a single charge. The batteries come with one hour and 15 minutes of charge and are regenerative —- meaning they recharge every time you break.
In addition to complete rollerblades, Escend offers a platform-only option that you can mount onto your own pair of skate boots. The mounting system is compatible with most industry-standard skate boots.
Escend Blades at a Glance
Pros:
- Reaches speed of up to 15 miles per hour.
- Travels up to 10 miles or 75 minutes on a single charge.
- Regenerative brakes.
- Remote-control operated.
- It can handle different terrains, including dirt and grass.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- It’s not recommended for riders over 220 pounds.
Price: $919+ for platforms and boots at EscendBlades.com
Gyroor Gyroshoes Hovershoes Electric Rollerskates
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/gyroor.png)
Think of Gyroor Gyroshoes Hovershoes as a cross between roller skates and hoverboards. The sleek hybrid Hovershoes feature two independent footplates powered by two separate 250-watt motors. They are designed to self-balance, helping you stay stable and in control as you maneuver around. The Gyroor Gyroshoes can reach speeds of up to 6.5 miles per hour and offer 40 minutes of ride time per charge. They can travel up to 7.5 miles on a single charge, depending on the rider’s weight and the smoothness of the terrain. Gyroor Gyroshoes support riders weighing up to 220 pounds.
Gyroor Gyroshoes Hovershoes Electric Rollerskates at a Glance
Pros:
- Reaches speed of up to 6.5 miles per hour.
- Travels up to 40 minutes on a single charge.
- Self-balancing.
Cons:
- It’s not recommended for riders over 220 pounds.
- It’s slower than other options on this list.
Price: $299 at GyroorBoard.com
Razor Electric Roller Skates: Razor Turbo Jetts Electric Heel Wheels
![Razor Turbo Jetts Electric Heel Wheels](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Razor-Turbo-Jetts-Electric-Heel-Wheels.png)
From the brand that brought you electric scooters and Hovertrax, the Razor Turbo Jetts Heel Wheels are kind of like motorized Heelys (remember those sneakers with built-in wheels from back in the 2000s?) Turbo Jetts are wheels that attach to your sneakers, and one wheel is powered by an 80-watt motor with a rechargeable battery. The pressure-sensitive motor can propel you up to 10 miles per hour for up to 30 minutes and can carry you up to 30 miles on a single charge. Turbo Jetts come in sizes youth 12 to adult 12 and can accommodate a rider weighing up to 176 pounds.
Razor Electric Roller Skates at a Glance
Pros:
- Reaches speeds of up to 10 mph.
- Travels up to 5 miles or 30 minutes on a single charge.
- Adult and youth sizes are available.
Cons:
- Requires coordination.
- Does not accommodate riders over 176 pounds.
Price: $44.97 at Walmart.com
Segway Drift W1 E-Skates
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/segway.jpg)
A similar concept to the Gyroor Gyroshoes, the Segway Drift E-skates are essentially a hoverboard with two footplates instead of a single board. The E-skates are designed with self-balancing technology to help you cruise smoothly while keeping your feet in sync. The skates include 45 minutes of battery life per charge and can reach speeds of up to 7.5 miles per hour. The maximum speed will vary based on riding style and the level of battery charge.
The Segway Drift W-1 E-skates are designed to navigate flat, hard surfaces that are free of bumps or obstacles. They can accommodate riders weighing up to 220 pounds.
Segway Drift W1 E-Skates at a Glance
Pros:
- Reaches speeds of up to 7.5 mph.
- Travels up to 45 minutes on a single charge.
- Self-balancing.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Does not accommodate riders over 220 pounds.
Price: $449.99 at Segway
AtmosGear Electric Rollerblades
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/atmosgear.jpg)
French startup AtmosGear unveiled its electric rollerblades at the 2023 Consumer Electronic Show. Unlike the Escend Blades, the AtmosGear rollerblades are not wireless: Instead, each skate is connected to a cable that runs down the leg and connects to a battery in a waist pack.
The AtmosGear blades have two operation modes:
- Remote Mode: With the Remote mode, you use a handheld controller to speed up, slow down and brake.
- Air Gear Mode: With the Air Gear mode, you control the Rollerblades with your movements. The motor is activated when you push off the ground to amplify your stride, similar to pushing the pedals of an electric bike.
The AtmosGear skates are the fastest on this list, traveling up to 20 miles per hour. The electric rollerblades come with a 20-mile range per battery charge.
The AtmosGear electric rollerblades may be ordered as a complete set of wheels and boots. Alternatively, you can order the frame and electric wheels separately if you prefer to attach them to your own boots.
One key thing to note: AtmosGear electric rollerblades are currently available for presale only. Only 500 pairs are available for pre-order. Delivery is slated for September 2023.
AtmosGear Electric Rollerblades at a Glance
Pros:
- Reaches speed of up to 20 miles per hour.
- Travels up to 20 miles on a single charge.
- Two rider modes: Remote control or smart assist.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- The waist pack and cable system may feel clunky.
- Limited number available for presale only.
Price: $877+ for platforms and boots (pre-order only) at AtmosGear
The post Cruise Into the Future With These Electric Roller Skates appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.