InMotion Hovershoes X1: First Ride

By Jeffrey Will, Experience Manager

Introducing InMotion Hovershoes X1

We've have had access to a couple pairs of a pre-production prototypes of our upcoming Hovershoes for the better part of a month, and now that we are officially taking orders, I wanted to share some thoughts about our experience with them so far.

First of all, let me be clear: Hovershoes are a brand new category of rideables because it's an entirely new experience! It may not dawn on you at first just how much of a difference it makes to split a hoverboard in half, but it truly opens up so many new possibilities.

Split Hoverboard

The first thing you notice about InMotion Hovershoes X1 is that they are completely separated, independent units. In fact, they don't communicate with each other at all! Each one has it's own motor, battery, and control system. It's almost like a tiny little 3.5 inch electric unicycle when viewed as a single unit. While you can actually ride one at a time, you'd be demanding twice as much power from the motor than it was designed for. Try it at your own risk!

When I first stepped onto the Hovershoes, it took me about 2 minutes to realize how superior this design is compared to a hoverboard. It may seem precarious to have control over each unit separately, but the truth is it allows you control your stance and stabilize yourself much easier. Once you relax (again, just a matter of minutes) you begin to use this to your advantage. Take a wide stance while making a turn, then narrow up while squeezing through tight obstacles. Weave your feet in any direction just like rollerskating. This is FUN.

Hovershoes Are Safer Than Hoverboards

This added flexibility and freedom of movement is exactly what makes it such a safer design as well. With a connected design, anytime both feet are not perfectly in sync, it causes the entire machine to spin or turn. Quite abruptly. If this happens while you're moving at a decent speed, it essentially throws the rider to the ground instantly because the board twisted so quickly. It's the source of most hoverboard fails that you've surely seen numerous times.

With a split design, each foot can travel front to back independently without initiating a turn, so you only twist when you want to! Not only can you move in ways you couldn't before, it's just simply easier to control.

Hovershoes Are Easy To Learn

It's common for people to take a quick look at modern self-balancing tech and assume that it's too difficult for them to learn. Of course, this isn't true though! Any of InMotion's self-balancing tech such as InMotion V8 or InMotion V10 electric unicycles DO have a learning curve, but it's just like learning any new skill in life. You need a little practice, not any special ability or aptitude. Think of it like learning to ride a bike.

That being said, Hovershoes are the easiest self-balancing devices to learn to date. The first moment you step on there is a little shakiness, but within minutes you learn to relax and you're all set! Within ten minutes we were riding backwards and weaving like a pro rollerskater.

Order Your InMotion Hovershoes X1 Now

Pre-Orders are live, and availability is expected by the end of July. If you want a pair when they hit the shelves, it would be wise to place your pre-order now as we expect to sell out before they arrive.

InMotion Hovershoes X1 Pre-Order

Retail $499