Airtrick A1 Pro review: A fun, easy way for you and your friends to experience electric skates
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.
Table of contents
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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Environment
Ford’s new Universal EV Platform is a game changer that will unlock $30,000 electric cars
Ford claims its new midsize EV pickup will have a lower cost of ownership than a Tesla Model Y and more space than a Toyota RAV4. Starting at $30,000, it will also cost about the same as the RAV4. Here’s how the new Ford EV Universal Platform will make it happen.
Ford reveals new affordable Universal EV platform
Ford’s big bet is about to pay off. The company is preparing to launch a family of affordable electric vehicles based on the new Ford Universal EV Platform.
The first vehicle based on the platform will be the promised midsize four-door electric pickup. Ford’s new EV pickup will start at around $30,000 and will be assembled at its Louisville Assembly Plant.
Based on the new Ford Universal EV Platform, it will also have more passenger space than the latest Toyota RAV4.
“We took a radical approach to a very hard challenge: Create affordable electric vehicles that delight customers in every way that matters – design, innovation, flexibility, space, driving pleasure, and cost of ownership,” Ford’s CEO Jim Farley said during the event in Kentucky.
According to Farley, Ford is done with the “good college tries” from other Detroit automakers to make affordable EVs, promising the company’s new platform will change the game by lowering costs and optimizing efficiency.
Ford is the first automaker to build prismatic LFP batteries in the US, which will not only cut costs but also free up interior space.
Farley explained that the new platform reduces parts by 20% compared to the average vehicle. It also has 25% fewer fasteners, 40% fewer worstations dock-to-dock in the plant, and 15% faster assembly time.
Perhaps, most importantly, Ford’s leader explained that it will help reduce costs for owners. Farley claimed that the new Ford Universal EV platform will enable “lower cost of ownership over five years than a three-year-old used Tesla Model Y.”
How so? For one, it’s significantly more efficient than the first-gen Ford EVs. The wiring harness alone in the new midsize truck will be 4,000 feet shorter and 10 kg lighter.
The LFP batteries lie flat under the floor, which improves handling, creates a quiet ride, and “provides a surprising amount of interior space,” Ford said. In fact, it will have more passenger room than the latest Toyota RAV4. And that’s not even including the added Frunk and truck bed.
Doug Field, Ford’s Chief EV, digital, and design officer, said the company took inspiration from the Model T to make it more than just a utility vehicle.
Ford promises that the new electric pickup will also be fun to drive, with a targeted 0 to 60 mph time as fast as the Mustang EcoBoost, and even more downforce.
The company will release additional information for the midsize electric pickup soon, including a reveal date, final prices, range, battery sizes, and charge times.
Ford said it’s aiming for a starting price of around $30,000, with customer deliveries set to begin in 2027. The company invested around $5 billion into its Louisville Assembly Complex, creating nearly 4,000 jobs to deliver its new EV pickup and LFP batteries.
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Jeep said the Recon was “inspired by the legendary Wrangler,” but it looks more like a Ford Bronco. With its debut expected any day now, Jeep’s new electric SUV was spotted on a car carrier, revealing a familiar look.
Jeep’s new electric SUV is coming for the Ford Bronco
The Recon was one of four electric SUVs unveiled in 2022 as part of Jeep’s plans to become “the global Zero-Emission SUV leader.”
It started with the Avenger, a compact electric SUV in Europe, followed by the Wagoneer S, a larger, luxury model that’s rolling out globally.
Next up will be the Recon. Jeep’s new electric SUV is set to make its first official appearance by the end of the year, but we’re already getting a sneak peek at the Ford Bronco lookalike.
The Recon is “designed from the ground up to be 100% Jeep4x4 and 100% zero emission,” but Jeep promises it will offer much more. With Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction control system and an open-air feel, it was expected to arrive as an electric sibling to the Wrangler, but the latest spy photos show it could take the form of a rival.
With its official debut coming up, Jeep’s new electric SUV was spotted on a car carrier with barely any camouflage, and it looks just like a Ford Bronco.
The new video from KindelAuto gives us our closest look at the Recon yet — and from what we can see, it’s shaping up to be one sharp-looking SUV.
Jeep actually took a jab at the Ford Bronco during the Super Bowl last year, previewing the Recon racing past a Ford Bronco on an off-road trail. At the end, Harrison Ford joked, “This Jeep makes me happy, even though my name is Ford.”
Jeep’s former CEO, Christian Meunier, claimed the Recon will have “the capability to cross the mighty Rubicon Trail, one of the most challenging off-road trails in the US.”
Perhaps, even more importantly, Meunier added that the electric SUV will “reach the end of the trail with enough range to drive back to town and recharge.
Jeep maker Stellantis filed a patent in May for a unique three-speed gearbox for electric vehicles, which could debut in the Recon. The new unit is designed to deliver enhanced off-road performance without compromising driving range.
Based on the same STLA Large platform as the Wagoneer S, the Recon is expected to arrive with a driving range of at least 300 miles. Like the Wrangler, it will likely be offered with several trims, including a Willys, Overland, and Moab model.
The Jeep Recon EV is scheduled to go on sale later this year as a 2026 model year. Prices are expected to start at around $60,000. More expensive trims, like the Moab, could cost upwards of $80,000.
What do you think of the Recon? Can Jeep’s new electric SUV go head-to-head with the Ford Bronco? We will learn more later this year. Check back for the latest.
Source: KindelAuto, JeepReconForum
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Tesla’s director of service for the North American market announced that he left the automaker after almost 9 years.
The talent exodus continues at Tesla.
Since a wave of mass layoffs last year, Tesla has been experiencing a talent exodus.
Here is just a short list of Tesla execs who left the company this year:
- David Imai: Director of Design; departed February 2025
- David Lau: VP of Software Engineering; departed April 2025
- Mark Westfall: Head of Mechanical Engineering (Tesla Energy); departed April 2025
- Prashant Menon: Regional Director (India); departed May 2025
- Vineet Mehta: Head of Battery Architecture; departed May 2025
- Omead Afshar: VP/Head of Sales and Manufacturing (North America and Europe); departed June 2025
- Milan Kovac: Head of Optimus Humanoid Robot Team; departed June 2025
- Jenna Ferrua: Director of HR; departed June 2025
- Troy Jones: VP of Sales, Service, and Delivery (North America); departed July 2025
- Pete Bannon: VP of Hardware Engineering (Chip Tech and Dojo Supercomputer); departed August 2025
Now, we need to add one more to the list: Piero Landolfi, Director of Service in North America.
Landolfi announced that he was leaving Tesla on LinkedIn yesterday:
After 8 3/4 years I have made the difficult decision to leave Tesla. It was hard because of the incredibly talented and passionate people that I had the privilege to work, sweat and laugh with as we were accelerating the world to sustainable energy, against all odds and in spite of what used to be the general beliefs about electric cars. It was hard because of the amazing products we build, the first principle thinking and the getting stuff done mentality that makes Tesla such an exciting place to work at. However, it is now time for my next adventure. This is the way.
The executive joined Tesla in 2016 to lead technical service operations, a time when the automaker was implementing “F1-inspired fast lanes” in its service operations.
He was later promoted to Director of Service for the North American market.
According to his LinkedIn profile, he has joined Nimble, a robotics company serving warehouses and e-commerce, as SVP of Operations. The company includes several former Tesla veterans in its leadership.
Electrek’s Take
The talent bleed continues. I want to emphasize that we are only reporting on the exec levels (C-level, VPs, and directors), but there are many more people leaving in key engineering and management positions.
I’m considering writing an article on those, as this talent exodus has been one of the main concerns about Tesla for a while.
For the longest time, Tesla’s ability to attract top talent has been its main advantage.
Looking at the comings and goings at Tesla over the last year, this is clearly not the case anymore.
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