It feels like designers are always on the lookout for new ways to give thrill-seekers another bruise, fracture, or scraped knees and elbows. One of the latest contenders in this category is the Skatecycle—a two-wheeled sibling of the skateboard or a self-propelled skate, which isn’t exactly easy to learn how to ride.
Riding a Skatecycle is very similar to snowboarding or, perhaps, waveboarding : it involves wave-like balancing and constant control of equilibrium. To gain speed, you don’t need to push off, and the more experienced the rider, the faster they can go. The dual pivoting axle lets you maneuver the 9" wheels independently by alternately twisting your feet.
These movements, combined with torso twists, keep the Skatecycle moving on flat surfaces, and smooth, fast riding requires excellent coordination. It’s better to see it in action:
The Skatecycle is currently one of the riskiest urban extreme sports, and it’s not recommended for anyone under the age of 13. Over its 8 years of development, several manufacturers around the world have picked up the two-wheeled skate, which can now be purchased for $80–100. There have been some minor modifications in its design—models with brakes, electric-powered versions, and even options to secure your feet have been developed (the latter is recommended for advanced riders only, as it greatly increases the chance of an ankle injury).
Tricks on a Skatecycle are somewhat limited by its design, but you’re guaranteed an adrenaline rush regardless. Just don’t forget to wear at least knee pads, and it’s best to ride on smooth surfaces or in a skatepark.
There’s enough space in the wheels to fit feet of any size, which is crucial in case of a fall—it’s better to jump off the Skatecycle without obstacles in your way. The speed of a Skatecycle, thanks to its nine-inch wheels, can significantly exceed that of a waveboard or skateboard when going downhill, so this is something to keep in mind.
Skatecycle Construction
- The wheel bodies are typically cast and made of lightweight aerospace aluminum alloy.
- The wheels are connected by a steel pivot axle with two joints, and the bearings are aluminum. Interestingly, in some models, the pivot axles can be locked for half-pipe use; additional holes and pins are included in the package for this purpose.
skatecycle-cx - The tires are made of wear-resistant polyurethane, with wheel dimensions of 220 x 35 mm, and the weight is up to 4 kg in most cases.
- It can support riders weighing up to 120 kg (264 lbs).
Skatecycle Parameters
How to Ride a Skatecycle?
One particular challenge lies in the “zero start” from a standstill. This isn’t always intuitive or easy for beginners. To put it briefly, you can start as follows:
- Don’t try to “jump” onto the Skatecycle with both feet at once.
- Position the front part of the Skate in a horizontal position.
- Shift your weight onto the rear section.
- Slightly bend your knees.
- Simultaneously adjust the rear section to a horizontal position, straighten your leg, and transfer your weight to the front section. This motion will “kickstart” the Skatecycle and make it travel about half a meter.
- Continue balancing.
Here’s what it looks like:
Ultimately, this toy isn’t for everyone. But if you’re one of those people who never give up, it’s worth trying. The Skatecycle has one feature that’s particularly popular with adrenaline-junkie girls—it makes you sweat more than most fitness machines at the gym. The tension is especially noticeable in your calves, glutes, and oblique abdominal muscles))).
