Rollkers: Battery powered roller skates
January 20, 2015
In a world where the default mode of transport is often the car, Rollkers battery powered roller skates are designed for short urban trips and to link different modes of public transport. The skates promise effortless, electrically-assisted travel at up to 7mph, and with minimial risk of ankle sprains.
Battery powered roller skates
Unlike traditional roller skates, Rollkers are articulated and self-stabilising so using them is more like walking than skating. Rollkers were developed to provide a healthier, environmentally friendly way to reduce reliance on cars.
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Cars for your feet
According to Peter Treadway, a Los Angeles-based designer who has developed his own electric skate shoe accessory:
“In the ‘City Where No One Walks’ cars are clogging up our streets. If every one of them were to be switched to electric, we would still have the same number of automobiles on the road. This is not just an LA problem. The fact is, cars simply make it easier to be flexible in one’s travel plans. I noticed that many don’t use public transportation because it is just slightly difficult to do so. I figured that if people really enjoyed getting to and from the local train station, they might step up. (One can still drive a car while wearing them.) It would have to be convenient, because convenience is one of the major motivating factors for change.”
While motorised shoes may seem outlandish, the smaller and lighter the electric vehicle the more likely it is to be succeed commercially; the electric bicycles already on sale have a 70-mile range and are practical and cost-effective alternative to cars.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.
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Information correct at time of publication.