Are Hoverboards Really The Future?

Tech companies are on the race to create the iconic hoverboard used by Marty McFly in the classic 80s Back To The Future.

10:21 23 October 2015

Marty McFly rode an iconic pink hoverboard in Back to the Future II in 1989, which immediately became one of the most longed-for futuristic gadgets. And as 2015 progressed, tech companies are racing to create what others would call an elusive invention.

 

One of the companies on the race is Arx Pax, which is currently developing real-world hoverboard that you can ride like a skateboard and it got a large amount of funding on Kickstarter.

 

The Hendo hoverboard is controlled by four disc-shaped “hover engines” that create a magnetic field letting the board to levitate about one inch off the ground. It works when placed on top of some types of metal such as aluminum, copper, or stainless steel.

 

The company has unveiled a new design today to take advantage of the Back to the Future Day. The new design is rumoured to cost a hefty $10,000.

 

Earlier this year, car manufacturer Lexus, showed off a video demo of a working hoverboard that required a special metallic skate park to use.

 

Meanwhile, Texas investor Ryan Craven built one his very own hoverboard and you can use his design to build one yourself.

He said: "A skirt fills with air that is released below from strategically placed holes that create a small pocket between Mr Hoverboard and the ground.

 

“The skirt alterations were one of the biggest steps I had to keep repeating as there's infinite combinations when trying to achieve proper circulation and balance.”