These Powerful e-Skates Are for When You’re Too Cool to Walk

e-Skates sit at the fringe of urban mobility and at the intersection with novelty toys: mobility solutions that are not really that practical in an everyday scenario but strive to appear so and which have limited appeal because they come with a steep learning curve. To boost, the fact that they never moved into the mainstream means they're still priced like novelty toys, so only passionate skaters will probably consider them.

The RollWalk eRW3 e-skates are still all these things, but they claim to tackle some of them in ways that could make them more appealing to beginners. One would be their Eco-low riding mode, which delivers a maximum speed of just 7 kph (4.3 mph) and is, because of it, ideal for beginners. Others would be their portability, their stability, and intuitive use.

The eRW3 e-skates are also presented as the perfect way of moving about town more efficiently, in a more fun and effortless way. Because walking can be for suckas only... just like cycling, or driving, or whatever other means we use for the daily commute.

The RollWalk eRW3 e-skates are fully-electric skates that attach to your day shoes by means of a pair of straps with quick-release magnetic buckles. The fact that you can wear them over your shoes might seem like a trifle, but it's an important aspect because you can simply put them on or remove them once you're done, stowing them away discreetly inside a backpack. Both skates weigh only 4.4 lbs (2 kg), and it helps with that part.

Underlining that "We make mobility tools, not toys," RollWalk notes that the skates are made of a single-piece 6061 aluminum frame and that this particular type of alloy is "an aerospace material with greater density and tensile properties." Not only that, but this mobility solution is rated IPX4, so it's waterproof, durable, and reliable. Maximum payload is 220 lbs (100 kg).

Power comes from a 300W motor (one for each skate), peaking at 400W and offering 3.2 Nm (2.4 lb-ft) of torque for a maximum possible speed of 32 kph (20 mph). That motor draws juice from a 3.5-Ah Samsung 18650 lithium-ion battery with an estimated range of 18 km (11.2 miles) per charge, and a full charge is achieved in just one hour.

Riders can choose from four riding modes depending on their experience and preference, plus a reverse option. The skates are controlled via wireless remote, so you won't have to ride with cables running up your legs or with fanny packs, as we've seen in other e-skates.

As noted above, the lower mode is for beginners, so the highest, Turbo-Pro, is for experienced riders and speed demons since it's the only one that allows them to hit 32 kph (20 mph). The estimated per-charge range most likely applies to riding in Eco-low, as is the case with electric and motor-assisted bicycles.

RollWalk says that the eRW3 is the perfect solution for a fun and efficient commute, and not just on considerations of the cool factor. The motor is powerful enough to allow you to tackle 20-degree inclines, and the 70-mm silicone rubber-clad wheels deliver smooth and stable riding on all terrains, while the IPX4 rating ensures the same performance and no damage to the product if you run through a few puddles or get caught in a shower. Like with e-bikes, riding in the rain is not recommended and should be avoided when possible.

Sure, you'll say, but not everyone is made to ride skates on the regular, just like not all commuters are cut out for or wish to make the daily commute on two wheels. But what's the fun in riding on public transport or wasting who knows how many minutes stuck in traffic in your car when you could be zigging and zagging to where you need to be on a pair of e-skates?

That's only a rhetorical question and is by no means an endorsement on our part, but it is the way in which this maker chooses to present its flagship mobility solution.

RollWalk is determined to convince even neophytes to give the eRW3 e-skates a try with the promise of a safe, stable, and fun ride. And with some math: apparently, a 5-km (3.1-mile) distance can be covered walking in 1.25 hours – if you're a slow walker, we should add. The same journey takes 6 to 7 minutes if you strap a pair of these babies on your feet, over your shoes – and it would be a more fun experience, "leaving you with more time to do more."

Not more money, though. The eRW3 comes with an MRSP of $599, and that doesn't include safety gear, which is a must if you plan on making the most of that Turbo-Pro mode.