WELL, IT’S ABOUT time. We’ve been waiting in anticipation since Back to the Future PROMISED us hoverboards would exist in 2015.
It was looking bleak, but rest assured, it’s here… well, sort of.
Californians Greg and Jill Henderson have fashioned a magnetic skateboard that they claim can float about an inch above the ground on a copper surface.
The technology works using a magnetic field created by the hover engines, which pushed against itself and lifts the board off the ground.
According to the New York Times, bring the hoverboard into reality was not Mr Henderson’s primary aim, but more of a publicity stunt to get his magnetic technology known. His real wish is to create the technology to patent floating foundations to sell to builders and engineering firms, enabling infrastructures to withstand earthquakes.
He figured there would be more interest in a board though.
Here’s how it looks in action:
So does it work? Engadget reporter Sean Buckley tried it out and said
Riding the contraption was a lot fun, but also quite the challenge: The Hendo hoverboard doesn’t ride at all like McFly’s flying skateboard. In fact, without a propulsion system, it tends to drift aimlessly. Henderson’s staff had to jump in and save me from spinning out of control. Clearly, this might take some practice.
The company’s Kickstarter launched today and for just €7,801 you can buy one for keeps (lower donations will get you a go of it, if you’re willing to travel to the states).
The delivery date isn’t until 21/10/2015, obviously.
