Whatshot
Lexus Hoverboard Elevated to New Heights
Lexus Hoverboard Elevated to New Heights
The hoverboard, which was first unveiled in June via a teaser film, has been 18 months in development through a collaboration between scientists from IFW Dresden and evico GmbH, which specialise in magnetic levitation technology.
The Lexus hoverboard technology features two "cryostats" - reservoirs in which superconducting material is kept at minus 197 degrees through immersion in liquid nitrogen.
The board is then placed above a track that contains permanent magnets.
Dr Oliver de Hass, CEO of evico, said the technology enabled the hoverboard rider to carry out a variety of stunts and tricks.
Pro skateboarder and Lexus hoverboard test rider Ross McGouran tested the hoverboard in Dresden and then amongst the dynamic surroundings of Lexus' purpose-built hoverpark in Barcelona. McGouran said riding the Lexus hoverboard was unique.
"I've spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I've had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance in order to ride the hoverboard," he said. "It's a whole new experience."