Hoverboards have been heavily hyped for the past year or so despite the fact that none of them that have reached the market actually do what the name implies –- namely, hover above the ground in the air, like they did in the popular “Back to the Future” movies.
Atom Fliye is a connected hoverboard that has a single, wide wheel. It promises to travel 7 ½ miles on a single charge, and can go uphill and ride down stairs, as well as travel over rocky surfaces or grass, its makers say. A companion app is being developed for Android and iOS mobile devices that can be used to start the board. It also adds anti-theft functionality. The app shows users the exact speed the board is traveling at, mileage and battery-life. It also enables users to adjust everything on the board, including its speed.
Atom Fliye ships in February at future pricing of $1,499. But early bird Indiegogo backers can order one for a pledge of $999. Its makers hope to raise $50,000 by Oct. 22.
Atom Fliye is hardly the first hoverboard to reach the market and is yet again nothing more than an advanced version of a skateboard. But it does have appealing features that include the app and water resistance. The device, however, can’t support anybody who weighs more than 250 pounds and its speed tops out at a not-very-fast 12 miles per hour.