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Monolith Is the First Electric Skateboard to Feature Hub Motors in the Rear Wheels

Skateboards powered by e-juice that can reach speeds even bigger than 25 mph maybe were a big deal some years ago, but now skateboarders need more to be truly impressed. This is why Inboard Sports claims their new product might in fact brake the market. The catch? Instead of a motor mounted on the underside of the deck that drives one or two of the wheels via a belt, Monolith works through a direct-drive hub motors.
Monolith electric skateboard 8 photos
Photo: Inboard Sports
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This means that the skateboard features hub motors mounted in the tow rear wheels. Why is that a big deal? Well, according to California-based Inboard Sports, the motor is safer being somewhat protected from being damaged or getting hung up on obstacles. Moreover, the two water-resistant hub motors are supposed to be lighter than a single larger conventional motor.

There’s at least one more upside on the new design. Since the wheels aren’t attached to a belt drive, they spin more freely when riding it. Sure, that’s something only skateboarders understand, but we get the picture.

In specs, the Monolith still comes with some impressive features, such as a maximum speed of 24 mph (39 km/h) and, of course, the fact that it's controlled via a Bluetooth handheld remote.

Don’t worry, the regular app is also included and riders use it to set the acceleration and top speed to Beginner, Advanced or Eco modes. It will also be used to lock the wheels when the 12 lbs (5.4 kgs) isn’t in use and to check the charge level of the battery. Charging it using an USB plug will last for an hour and a half and should propel the four-wheeled toy for about 10 miles (16 km), that is counting the regenerative braking too.

Currently on Kickstarter, you’ll need to pledge $1,099 to get one once the board hits the market. You could also wait until it does and pay the retail price which will set you back $1399.
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