Rollers (roller electric skates)

2023: Product Announcement

In mid-January 2023, French startup Rollers developed motorized rollers covered with rubber tracks that attach to everyday shoes. They allow you to increase walking speed from an average of 4 km/h to 11 km/h and work about half an hour without recharging.

Rollers (roller electric skates)

However, instead of wheels on the sole, the device is equipped with motorized rollers covered with rubber tracks similar to conveyor belts. As "rollkers" bend, repeating foot mechanics to facilitate habitual walking, they each have two drives with tracks, in the front of the device and in the main one. The devices are compatible with most types of shoes unless they have high heels or are too bulky. Onboard sensors and other electronics detect the user's current walking speed and activate the engines to double that speed... up to the limit of 11 km/h. This means that they "roll" only when the user walks. The sensors can detect where each roller is located within the pitch at any time, and accordingly adjust the power of the motors so that the user does not fall. In case the user is just standing still, the Rollers will not carry him forward.

According to the developers, since the sensors can determine at what point of step each Rollker is located, the power of the motors is adjusted accordingly to maintain user stability. Reportedly, the weight of one pair is about 4.5 kg, and the charge of lithium-ion batteries is enough for about 30 minutes of operation. A company spokesman said that by January 2023, the company hopes to license the technology to a third-party manufacturer, which, in fact, will launch Rollkers into production. The estimated retail price is about $700.^[1]

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