Look What I Stumbled Upon is a new feature here at The Outerhaven where Managing Editor Clinton Bowman shares some cool technologies that he just so happens to stumble upon while searching the Internet. Some of these might be based on a search he did for work-related purposes, some might be just random middle of the night ADHD searches because he can’t sleep. Who knows? Just enjoy the ride, friends.
Scooters. I remember when Razor kick scooters became immensely popular in the early 2000s, just as I was entering junior high school. Everyone had a Razor scooter, including my younger sister. I never really got the appeal, as I really loved riding my bicycle everywhere. That didn’t stop me from appreciating the simplicity of the device. I took my sister’s Razor scooter – which we still have nearly 20 years later – and would ride it around the block, and I loved it.
Fast forward to the present, and now I’m looking for a first and last mile solution for getting to the train station and getting to work after I get off the train. Living in New York City, you don’t really consider driving, but I’ve always wanted to get a Vespa. But I’m low-income and driver license deprived right now, so f*ck that noise. So, the next best solution: electric scooters. With New York City requiring moped licenses for most electric bicycles, the electric scooter is probably the next viable option for that push to and from the train station for work.
Add to the fact that a good electric scooter for adults costs anywhere from $300 to $600, it’s perhaps a true lifetime investment that you must be certain about, right? Now, what if you don’t want to have a bulky EDC (everyday carry) experience?
I accidentally stumbled upon the Segway Drift W1 E-Skates while originally writing about the Segway miniPRO Personal Transporter. Now I JUST found them as they not only completed, but OBLITERATED their IndieGoGo campaign goal, but reading through all the promotional material, the Drift W1s truly piqued my interest.
With a modest $20,000 goal, Segway Ninebot has secured $1,011,916 for their IndieGoGo campaign, and I can easily see why: They can fit in your backpack, they’re lightweight at just under 8 pounds per wheel, the combined set holds up to 220 lbs, you can get ~45 minutes of riding time with these things, and you can store them for up to 6 months at 100% power. Add on an IP54 protection rating for the mainframe and an IPX6 waterproofing rating for the battery, you have a pretty solid pair of skates that you don’t even need to swap shoes for. Segway Ninebot touts the Drift W1 as being “much safer than roller skates,” stating that it’s low ground clearance and lack of obstruction of the movement of the rider’s feet will lower the likelihood of accidents and injuries to the rider.
This is a big deal, especially in New York City, but that’s largely up to the rider if they’re being safe.
The skates have a max speed of 7.5 miles per hour – about 30% of the NYC speed limit of 25 miles per hour – so you shouldn’t be too worried about going too fast on these things. What’s even better, Segway Ninebot – who prides themselves on safety – provides a quick tutorial video (see above) on how to get used to the Segway Drift W1s. Don’t worry, flatfooted friends like myself can get down on these. They’ve been thoroughly tested, according to Segway Ninebot. Did I forget to mention…they employ that sweet, sweet RGB lighting that we all love?
Needless to say, I’m excited to give these things a try once I start traveling back to work. Walking is fun, but being able to get my skate on at 6 in the morning, while wearing my Timbs, b? Say no more, fam. I’ll just make sure to wear my helmet and pads before riding them to work and back. Deadass.
The Segway Drift W1 E-Skates have an MSRP of $499. Segway is offering the skates via IndieGoGo at $419 plus shipping, a 16% discount, but there are only 500 units available.
