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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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Oil prices fall more than 4% after Trump says China can continue buying oil from Iran

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Oil prices fall more than 4% after Trump says China can continue buying oil from Iran

President Trump: ‘Not happy with Israel,' warns against dropping more bombs on Iran

Oil prices fell sharply Tuesday after President Donald Trump said China can keep buying oil from Iran, a sign that the U.S. is easing its maximum pressure campaign on the Islamic Republic in the wake of a ceasefire with Israel.

Global benchmark Brent fell $3.33, or 4.66%, to $68.15 per barrel by 10:18 a.m. ET. U.S. crude oil was last down $3.18, or 4.64%, to $65.33 a barrel. Prices closed 7% lower on Monday as the oil market bet that the conflict in the Middle East was winding down.

“China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran,” Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. “Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the U.S., also. It was my Great Honor to make this happen!”

Trump threatened in May to bar any country buying Iranian oil from doing business with the U.S. China purchases the vast majority of the 1.7 million barrels per day that Iran typically exports, according to data from Kpler.

Oil prices have tumbled to levels last seen before Israel started bombing Iran on June 13, as investors now believe the risk is low that a major supply disruption will occur the Middle East.

The U.S. decision to join Israel’s campaign and bomb three key nuclear sites in Iran over the weekend initially triggered fears that Tehran might try to choke off oil exports from the Persian Gulf in retaliation.

Iran 'oil shock' could be a month away, says BCA Research's Matt Gertken

Instead, Tehran launched a missile attack on a U.S. airbase in Qatar that left no casualties, providing an offramp from further escalation. Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran shortly afterward.

The ceasefire teetered on the brink of collapse early Tuesday as Trump accused both Iran and Israel of violating the agreement shortly after it went into effect. The president demanded that Jerusalem and Tehran adhere to the ceasefire, reserving unusually harsh words for Israel.

“I’m not happy with Israel,” Trump told reporters en route to a NATO summit in the Netherlands. “I’m not happy with Iran either but I’m really unhappy if Israel” continues its bombing campaign Tuesday.

Throughout the conflict, traders feared that Israel might target the 3.3 million bpd of crude oil that Iran produces, or that the Islamic Republic might lash out by targeting energy infrastructure in the Gulf nations, including Iraq.

Investors also watched if Iran would try to close the Strait of Hormuz linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The strait, used to transport 20% of the world’s crude, is a key route for Iranian and other Middle Eastern shipments, including Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain.

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Toyota is tweaking EV plans in the US again with two new 3-row electric SUVs en route

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Toyota is tweaking EV plans in the US again with two new 3-row electric SUVs en route

Toyota is still planning to build a three-row electric SUV in the US, but it won’t be in Indiana as planned. In a sudden shift of plans, Toyota will build it alongside a second electric three-row SUV as it consolidates EV production in the US.

Toyota to build two new three-row EV SUVs in the US

It has been over two years now since Toyota first unveiled the three-row electric SUV, which was expected to be a key part of its comeback efforts in the US EV market.

After funneling another $1.4 billion into its Princeton, Indiana, manufacturing plant last April, Toyota said it was preparing to assemble the larger SUV at the facility. The investment was also expected to go toward an assembly line for lithium-ion batteries, supplied from its new EV battery plant in North Carolina.

As part of its efforts to streamline production in the US, Toyota now plans to build the new EV in Kentucky, alongside a new Subaru three-row electric SUV.

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According to AutoNews, Toyota said the move is designed to “improve manufacturing efficiencies and better serve customers based on market demand.”

Toyota-three-row-EV-SUV
Toyota’s larger bZ electric SUV concept (Source: Toyota)

“As previously announced, Toyota plans to produce two all-new, three-row battery electric SUVs in the US. Toyota will now assemble both vehicles at Toyota Kentucky,” the company explained in a statement.

Toyota plans to ramp up Grand Highlander production in Indiana with a new assembly line dedicated to the larger SUV.

Last year, Grand Highlander sales increased by nearly 50% in the US, as demand for the smaller Highlander fell by 47%. The trend has continued this year, with Grand Highlander sales up 2% through March, while Highlander sales have declined 62.5%.

Toyota-three-row-EV-SUV
2026 Toyota bZ electric SUV (Source: Toyota)

Despite consolidating production, Toyota still has several new EVs set to launch in the US soon. Its updated bZ electric SUV (previously named the bZ4X) is arriving at US dealerships later this year.

Toyota upgraded it with an increased driving range, a much better style, and an added NACS port, allowing you to recharge at Tesla Superchargers.

Toyota-C-HR-EV-US
2026 Toyota C-HR electric SUV (Source: Toyota)

Next year, the smaller Toyota C-HR and off-road bZ Woodland electric SUVs will arrive. By mid-2027, Toyota plans to have seven EVs at US dealerships, including under the Lexus brand. Subaru is set to introduce three new EVs by 2026, including the new Trailseeker SUV.

Toyota also announced plans to raise vehicle prices in the US this week. The price hikes will impact Toyota and Lexus brand models built after July 1.

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This new ultra-compact hub motor could change urban e-bikes forever

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This new ultra-compact hub motor could change urban e-bikes forever

A new electric hub motor just dropped at Eurobike 2025, and it’s a big deal – mainly because it’s so small. Developed through a partnership between Moving Magnet Technologies (MMT), Swiss mechatronics firm Sonceboz, and French e-bike software company eBikeLabs, the new motor aims to set a new benchmark for premium urban e-bikes.

And based on the specs alone, it just might.

The motor delivers up to 70 Nm of torque, allows for regenerative braking, and has an impressive 22:1 gear ratio. It also includes a built-in torque sensor, allowing e-bikes employing the motor to take advantage of a more natural, responsive pedaling response.

Despite the high torque rating and built-in tech, the motor weighs under 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), which is incredibly light for a high-torque hub motor, especially one designed for urban performance and connected tech features.

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Designed for single-speed e-bikes and fully integrated with eBikeLabs’ eBikeOS software platform, this is the kind of system that manufacturers building the next wave of sleek, minimalist city e-bikes are likey to seek. And with regenerative braking, anti-theft immobilization, and smart ride customization all built in, it’s a feature-rich package in a surprisingly compact form factor.

Sonceboz, known for zero-defect manufacturing in the automotive world, is leading the industrialization process at its automated Swiss production facilities. According to the team, the motor is currently in B-sample testing with a yet-unnamed premium urban bike brand, with commercial availability targeted for early 2027.

“With this hub motor, Sonceboz, MMT, and eBikeLabs aim to set a new benchmark for premium urban bikes,” said Damien Wittwer, Division Director at Sonceboz. “Our mechatronics expertise ensures high-quality, reliable production ready for the most demanding brands. We don’t just build motors—we empower you to stand out in a market that demands smarter, quieter, more integrated urban mobility.”

The collaboration makes sense. MMT brings the motor design and electromagnetic magic, Sonceboz brings the industrial firepower, and eBikeLabs provides the software layer, eBikeOS, which adds real-time diagnostics, theft alerts, ride tracking, and personalized performance tuning. The system also includes a modular SP Connect mount for phones, allowing full app integration during rides.

On a personal note, I previously tested eBikeOS from eBikeLabs on a sample bike at Micromobility Europe and came away quite impressed with the performance.

This isn’t the first time eBikeLabs has pushed into the high-end e-bike space. Their software already powers the Virvolt 2000 motor used by Shwette’s cargo e-bikes, and their partnership network includes brands like Cowboy and Vefaa. But the new motor signals a tighter integration of motor hardware and software, engineered together from day one, a rarity in the increasingly fragmented e-bike market.

If the specs hold up and the industrial ramp goes smoothly, this could be one of the most important new components in the premium city e-bike world over the next few years. With anti-theft tech baked in, seamless app integration, and impressive torque in a tiny package, it’s exactly the kind of invisible innovation that makes a good e-bike feel like magic.

And if you’re at Eurobike this week, it’s on display in two locations, both in Hall 8, Booth I21 (with Sonceboz) and Hall 12.1, Booth A21 (with eBikeLabs). Definitely worth a closer look.

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