Electric Skateboard ‘Wars' Heating Up
by Anonymous

August 10, 2004 -- Given the frenetic buzz over the burgeoning electric skateboard and longboard market – today's leading-edge extreme sports products – it's easy to understand why several companies are battling it out for board supremacy. And these turf wars are good news for customers because the price is dropping and the selection of new and interesting board models is increasing every day.

Thanks to some hard work and the fluidity of domestic and international contacts, starting in September of 2004 we will offer the consumer a chance to select just the right board from a multitude of models, styles and prices and purchase it easily and directly from us on-line.

As a relative newcomer to extreme sports, you might choose a less-expensive option such as the Chinese-manufactured Raptor or Exkate. A similar model, is already selling extensively in Great Brittain, and following some patent disputes here in the U.S., it finally appears ready for prime time on American pavement.

Several versions are in the works in chinese manufacturing complexes. However due to the patent problems, it appears that some manufacturers will be eliminated from the market. It's even possible some could rely on sales of ‘tethered' models in the US with a focus on performance and value.

But if you are experienced and ready for the ‘granddaddy' of electric skateboards, step on up to the top of the line Exkates, already used and enjoyed by professional extreme sports enthusiasts and skateboarders all over the world. This board is available now and was shown in this Summer's movie the "The Big Bounce' with Owen Wilson. It's not cheap and may well be the most expensive electric skateboard on the market with a starting price of $999, but you have never (and may never again) try a machine as ‘tight' as this. The hand-held, wireless remote is absolutely flawless, works well in any conditions and makes this board ‘stop on a dime.' Long-lasting batteries keep it going for miles and miles and can be easily recharged, and the motor-braking system is unique to the market.

Exkate will also offer an electric skateboard that is fully hand remote, but will not have the speed and handling of other models. By October of this fall, Exkate and other licensees project they will have several hand remote models available. As low as $249 all the way up to the high speed ‘grand-daddy' at $999+.

Sharper image, Brookstones, and several TV/Website/Infomercial companies will sell through the Christmas season. The companies hope to ‘wet the appetite of the public' this Christmas season with the hottest new inexpensive entrant into the market.

Call 1-800-659-8731 for more information.

All board designs offered for sale represent cutting-edge developments in electrical, remote-operated and compact vehicles. These are the only electric skateboards in the world to offer truly effective remote operation, a necessity for rider safety. Slide4less buys and tests boards before reselling, and screens out overseas models that don't meet the grade.

"Motorized boards will likely become the world's most advanced vehicles with innovations that rival any other vehicle," says Steve Steinberg of Slide4less. "They are inherently dangerous, but sophisticated acceleration, braking and board control are key to making these machines effective for extreme sports enthusiasts."

Steinberg notes that riders assume substantial risks with motorized boards, as with any other extreme sport. (Could that be a factor in the board's wildly expanding popularity? Decide for yourself.)

"Remote, hands-free boards require a unique frequency and a handset system which uses the rider as the exclusive antennae in an attempt to eliminate interference, which can jeopardize a rider's ability to maintain balance and control," he explained.

Given this, Steinberg predicts that "these extreme machines will offer a higher level of fun and excitement and the incredible precision-crafted electronics make them a reality for serious riders and extreme individuals."

Stock Exkate boards feature a cruising range of 12 miles on a single battery charge, with custom, high-power Lithium battery packs in development, but still a ways off. These boards offer an out-of-box, blistering top speed of 22 miles per hour.

"These are the only vehicles in the world to give you a functional and safe wireless remote throttle and braking system, right at your fingertips," says Slide4less partner Darren Romar. "These skateboards are designed to emulate the feel and responsiveness that snowboarders and surfers love. This is an extreme sport that does not require waves, snow, wind or hills. People in the flatlands of the Midwest can have just as much fun on these boards as those living in hilly Sausalito, Calif. Maybe even more!"

Powerboards are one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles available on the market, with strikingly silent operation and zero emissions. It is snowboarding with no lift line, wakeboarding without a boat and skateboarding without your feet ever touching the ground. You just step on and accelerate! With the X-24 motor specially built to suit the powerboard, you can blast away to top speed in under four seconds. The extreme torque will easily pull you and a friend up the steepest hills, and the revolutionary longboard truck eliminates speed wobble while providing for an astonishing 10-foot turning radius. The unique bushings are formulated for the powerboard to absorb road shock while keeping you in firm control via the wireless hand controller.

Now we're doing some testing of new boards with professional skateboarder Richie DeLosada and his son. Richie is one of the few extreme athletes who has been riding these boards almost as long as we have. There are some new entries on the horizon and Exkate is facing some new competition. The market could be on the verge of bringing the price down for the product, so stay tuned!

All new powerboard models and also pre-owned/refurbished boards are now offerred for less. Some companies will carry natural-color decks and highly customized board styles including black, white and blue with blue tires; black, white and red with red tires; and natural wood with either red or blue tires.

Almost all of these electric skateboards can be easily maneuvered through a crowd, yet can attain very high speeds. These are cutting-edge, hand-made electric vehicles with no expense spared. All parts are engineered and machined specifically for the board and not "adapted" from existing skateboard and electric vehicle parts.

You can test ride an electric skateboard for free! Contact us for more information. And most importantly – Have Fun!

If you have questions about electric skateboards, call 1-800-659-8731.

WARNING: These electric skateboards are designed to be high-speed, extreme machines and should be operated with extreme care. Interference from overhead high-voltage wires can interfere with operation under certain circumstances. We recommend operation in a wide-open area that has limited signal interference. Motorized skateboards are illegal on many public roads. Owners of these boards assume all risks of operation. Helmet, gloves, and leathers are highly recommended!





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