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The electric skate revolution is officially upon us! Or, upon me at least. After my first experience with e-skates earlier this year, more and more companies are coming out of the woodwork with their own unique designs in a cool new form of electric mobility. Take Airtrick for example – I got the chance to test out their A1 Pro electric skates and found a cool new way to get around that anyone can try in the comfort of their own sneakers. Check it out.

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Airtrick grounded its R&D to bring us electric skates

Airtrick is a young electric mobility company based in Hong Kong that originally began as an electric manned aircraft developer, led by a team of senior engineers from Fortune 500 brands. In 2021, the company restructured and re-honed its R&D focus on electric mobility tools for the ground rather than the air.

Before then, however, the team at Airtrick had already been developing electric skates for over two years after being inspired by the fictional technology in the anime AirGear and the movie Alita Battle Angel.

2022 brought a round of crowdfunding that enabled mass production of its flagship product – the A1 electric skates. Designed to be foldable and ultra-portable, Airtrick describes its A1 skates as “the world’s lightest and smallest electric vehicle.”

The team sent me a pair of A1 Pros to test out for myself and I’d argue it should add “most convenient” to its product claims as well. Let’s start with the specs then get into my personal skating experience and video review.

A1 Pro performance specs

Despite their compact and portable design, the A1 Pros still pack some power – just enough to have fun cruising around, but not so much that you worry about breaking anything. The frame of each Airtrick skate is comprised of aeronautical grade aluminum alloy, built to support the weight of its rider, even if they jump… I did not jump.

I call the A1 Pro quick straps rubber in my video below, but they are actually made from silicone. Forgive me. As you’ll see, these straps easily stretch and clip over your shoes, and you don’t have to worry about which foot goes on a given skate – it doesn’t matter!

My pair of A1 Pros were middle of the pack in the Airtrick lineup, so they are powered by an 140W hub motor in each skate combining for 280W of peak power and a top speed over 15 mph. That was more than enough for me since the skates were attached to my feet, unlike an electric skateboard where I can hop off if I start to wobble.

Here are some more detailed specifications of what these electric skates are packin’.

  • Four speed modes plus reverse:
    • Lo, Mi, Hi, Pro
  • Top speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
  • Rated power: 140W (x2)
  • Peak power: 280W (x2)
  • Torque: 0.7-1.4 Nm
  • Max range: 9.3 miles (15 km)
  • Battery specs: 18650 lithium pack (29.4V 3Ah)
  • Battery capacity: 90Wh (x2)
  • Charge time: 2 hours
  • Max slope: 13°
  • Net weight: 3.5 lbs/each (1.6 kg)
  • Dimensions: 309 x 66.5 x 126 mm
  • Wheel size: Front: 2.1 in / Rear: 2.4 in
  • Compatible shoe sizes: Male: 5-12 / Female 6-12
  • Waterproof rating: IPX3
  • Max Payload: 220 lbs (100 kg)

In addition to performance perks, the A1 Pro e-skates are customizable when you purchase them on the Airtrick website. For example, you can choose between silver or black skate frames, grey or orange quick straps, and you can swap out the decals on the side of each skate. Mine were camo which made them tough to find in the grass… kidding.

Now that you’ve got an idea of the performance capabilities of these electric skates, let’s dig into my overall thoughts riding them, followed by my brilliantly comprised video.

Testing the A1 Pros

My initial thought when actually beginning to test these electric skates is how easy they are to use. The silicon quick straps go on in a snap (literally), and you simply need to roll the rear wheels of each skate to turn them on, no buttons required.

Turn on the 2.4G remote control and you’re ready to cruise. As you’ll see below, I was very wobbly on these skates at first. I grew up playing roller hockey on these same streets, but have admittedly always ridden inline skates. The rides on the A1 Pros were my second time on four wheel skates in my life… unless of course you count these bad boys from our childhood.

In all seriousness, Airtrick’s electric skates are in many ways a modern day, electrified upgrade to the Fisher Price model from the ’90s, and I am here for it. I started in “Lo” mode but that very quickly became too slow for me. I was then onto “Mid” mode, where I could start kicking a bit and mixing it up with some turns. Turning was admittedly easier if you let the motors do the work, but if you want to turn tightly, you’re gonna have to do it the old fashioned way.

The brakes were more than adequate, but by no means stopped on a dime. This is probably for the best because these machines are attached to your person, so if you happen to take a tumble, you’re going down… hence why I’m wearing a helmet and knee pads in my video.

I got the Airtrick skates all the way up to “Pro” mode at a certain point, where I was pushing 15 mph. I enjoyed it, but dialed it back fairly quickly – mostly because I would have preferred a smoother surface and had two separate cameras in my hand and didn’t want to risk a fall. Still, the abrasion resistant wheels did their part for a relatively smooth ride, even over pebbles and cracks.

As I mention below, I must have been super tense when riding and getting used to these electric skates, because my legs started hurting after awhile. It’s a strange position to skate in, so it definitely takes some getting used to, but I’d say the learning curve on the A1 skates is significantly shorter than other skates I’ve tested.

Where to find Airtrick electric skates and my video review

All in all, I think Airtrick’s first product is worth checking out for multiple reasons. First, their compact size and weight makes the skates easy to transport, unload, and zoom on and off. The quick straps are easy and effective, and you don’t even have to take your shoes off. Convenience is a huge selling point here.

Additionally, the A1 skates can perhaps bring more value than other products, because most other people can use them. These skates don’t have to necessarily be a product you buy for just yourself – you and your family and friends can share them and take turns cruising around. Maybe you each put one skate on a single foot and try a three-legged race! On second thought… DO NOT do that.

In all seriousness, these are a simple, easy to use form of mobility that can be shared with others, all for a relatively affordable price compared to similar products in the segment. Right now, you can take advantage of some discounts the Airtrick is offering. The A1 skates currently come in three different variations ranging in price from $479 to $599.

The A1 Pro skates I reviewed can be yours for $499, but if you use promo code ELECTREK, Airtrick will take an extra $30 off.

That’s my spiel for now. Look for another review very soon. In the meantime, check out my full video testing out the Airtrick A1 Pro electric skates while trying my best not to fall on my caboose. Enjoy!

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Workhorse electric delivery vans arrive in Canada this spring

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Workhorse electric delivery vans arrive in Canada this spring

Following approval from Transport Canada, EV startup Workhorse will be bringing the W56 and W750 model electric delivery vans to commercial truck dealers in Canada as early as this spring.

Workhorse first showed its W56 medium-duty electric truck at Indiana’s Work Truck Week in 2023, and has sold the trucks to logistics and delivery companies like FedEx and Pride Group – which ordered more than six thousand of the electric vans in 2021, and continues to expand its fleet.

“This is a major step forward for Workhorse,” says Josh Anderson, Workhorse’s chief technology officer in a press statement. “Pre-clearance from Transport Canada opens up a large new market for our products throughout Canada, including with fleets that operate across borders in North America.”

As part of the approval process, Workhorse completed its registration as a foreign manufacturer under Transport Canada’s Appendix G clearance program. Transport Canada confirmed the vans’ compliance with Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for both vehicles – but it remains to be seen if and how the latest tariff-driven trade war between the Trump Administration’s US and Canada will impact Workhorse’s plans to expand throughout North America.

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Despite that uncertainty, Workhorse execs remain upbeat. “We’re excited that our electric step vans can now reach Canadian roads and highways, providing reliable, zero-emission solutions that customers can depend on,” added Anderson.

Canadian pricing has yet to be announced.

Electrek’s Take

FedEx Places First Order for 15 Workhorse W56 Step Vans to Grow Zero-Tailpipe Emission Fleet
FedEx electric delivery vehicle; via Workhorse.

There’s no other way to say it: the Trump/Musk co-presidency is disrupting a lot of companies’ plans – and that’s especially true across North American borders. But in all this chaos and turmoil there undoubtedly lies opportunity, and it will be interesting to see who ends up on top.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Workhorse, via Electric Autonomy Canada.

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Environment

Liebherr developing giant, 140-ton Segway-style autonomous haulers [video]

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Liebherr developing giant, 140-ton Segway-style autonomous haulers [video]

The new Liebherr S1 Vision 140-ton hauler is unlike any heavy haul truck currently on the market – primarily because the giant, self-propelled, single-axle autonomous bucket doesn’t look anything like any truck you’ve ever seen.

Liebherr says its latest heavy equipment concept was born from a desire to rethink truck design with a focus only on core functions. The resulting S1 Vision is primarily just a single axle with two powerful electric motors sending power to a pair of massive airless tires designed carry loads up to 131 tonnes (just over 140 tons).

The design enables rapid maintenance, as important components easily accessible for quick servicing. Wear parts can be replaced efficiently, and the electric drive significantly reduces maintenance work. This helps to minimise downtimes and increases operational efficiency.

LIEBHERR

Because of its versatility, durability, and ability to perform zero-turn maneuvers that other equipment simply can’t, the Liebherr S1 Vision can be adapted for various applications, including earthmoving, mining, and even agriculture. There’s also a nonzero chance of this technology finding applications supporting other on-site equipment through charging or fuel delivery.

The S1 accomplishes that trick safely with the help of an automatic load leveling system that ensures maximum stability, even on bumpy or rough terrain. The company says this technology significantly reduces the risk of tipping while providing smooth and secure operation across various environments.

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Liebherr will show the S1 Vision at this year’s bauma equipment exhibition in Munich, Germany. The design has already been nominated for the bauma Innovation Award in the Mechanical Engineering category – and my money’s on it winning.

Electrek’s Take

This is such goofy, stupid fun that if it was wheelbarrow-sized I’d have three of them. I can’t imagine the insanity of watching one of these things roll across a job site with 100 tons of granite in the bucket – and will have nightmares about the kind of damage it could do if it flipped out like a poorly made Chinese hoverboard clone whipping a toddler across a living room … which, in fairness, would probably get a billion views on Instagram or TikTok or whatever.

I can’t wait.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Liebherr.

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Meet the newest EV from Hyundai – new HX19e electric excavator

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Meet the newest EV from Hyundai – new HX19e electric excavator

The HD arm of Hyundai has just released the first official images of the new, battery-electric HX19e mini excavator – the first ever production electric excavator from the global South Korean manufacturer.

The HX19e will be the first all-electric asset to enter series production at Hyundai Construction Equipment, with manufacturing set to begin this April.

The new HX19e will be offered with either a 32 kWh or 40 kWh li-ion battery pack – which, according to Hyundai, is nearly double the capacity offered by its nearest competitor (pretty sure that’s not correct –Ed.). The 40kWh battery allows for up to 6 hours and 40 minutes of continuous operation between charges, with a break time top-up on delivering full shift usability.

Those batteries send power to a 13 kW (17.5 hp) electric motor that drives an open-center hydraulic system. Hyundai claims the system delivers job site performance that is at least equal to, if not better than, that of its diesel-powered HX19A mini excavator.

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To that end, the Hyundai XH19e offers the same 16 kN bucket breakout force and a slightly higher 9.4 kN (just over 2100 lb-ft) dipper arm breakout force. The maximum digging depth is 7.6 feet, and the maximum digging reach is 12.9 feet. Hyundai will offer the new electric excavator with just four selectable options:

  • enclosed cab vs. open canopy
  • 32 or 40 kWh battery capacity

All HX19es will ship with a high standard specification that includes safety valves on the main boom, dipper arm, and dozer blade hydraulic cylinders, as well as two-way auxiliary hydraulic piping allows the machine to be used with a range of commercially available implements. The hydraulics needed to operate a quick coupler, LED booms lights, rotating beacons, an MP3 radio with USB connectivity, and an operator’s seat with mechanical suspension are also standard.

Like its counterparts at Volvo CE, the new Hyundai excavator uses automotive-style charging ports to take advantage of existing infrastructure at fleet depots and public charging stations. More detailed specifications, dimensions, and pricing should be announced by bauma.

Electrek’s Take

HX19e electric mini excavator; via Hyundai Construction Equipment.

The ability to operate indoors, underground, or in environments like zoos and hospitals were keeping noise levels down is of critical importance to the success of an operation makes electric equipment assets like these coming from Hyundai a must-have for fleet operators and construction crews that hope to remain competitive in the face of ever-increasing noise regulations. The fact that these are cleaner, safer, and cheaper to operate is just icing on that cake.

SOURCE | IMAGES: HD Hyundai; via Construction Index, Equipment World.

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