Movpak is the smartest backpack you’ll ever meet, because it doubles as an electric vehicle. Controlled via remote, smartphone app, or voice activation, the electric skateboard can carry its rider at speeds up to 20 mph—not that we can think of any reason someone would want to ride one that fast. The Miami-based company has been around for a while and the Movpak was initially introduced in 2014, but it didn’t take off. Now, it’s back with some improvements, and the team has its sights set on mass production. The crowdfunding campaign has tripled the original $50,000 goal with nearly three weeks left.
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Unlike a skateboard or motorized scooter that a commuter might simply carry in a backpack, the Movpak backpack is attached to the board. The skateboard portion slides out from the back of the pack, similar to a telescoping handle extends from a suitcase. Placed wheels down, the pack portion of the device sits on one end of the board, so it doesn’t have to be carried. Two tiny motors, located inside each wheelbase, propel the skateboard forward. The backpack also has outlets that enable the user to charge portable devices, like a cell phone, laptop, or tablet. Movpak even has its own headlights, for those late evening commutes.
There’s no doubt that the concept is incredibly cool, but critics have ripped on the design execution, saying the skateboard’s wheels are too narrow and would be difficult and expensive to replace. Nevertheless, Movpak is a pretty unique solution to a problem that plagues many commuters. Indiegogo backers can reserve an early edition of the backpack-skateboard hybrid for as little as $699, which is a steal compared to the regular price of $1200.
Images via Movpak
