It was perhaps the hoverboard that captured the imagination of most youngsters at the time, but while that has not become a reality, 2015 is set to offer many new personal transportation options that even moviemakers of the time could not have imagined.
It was perhaps the hoverboard that captured the imagination of most youngsters at the time, but while that has not become a reality, 2015 is set to offer many new personal transportation options that even moviemakers of the time could not have imagined.
The challenge
The challenge this month is to therefore come up with a method of personalised transport. In the spirit of a clean future, it should not use any onboard combustion as a basis for power, but instead should rely on an alternative power source. And while some kind of improved bicycle could yield the answer, the inclusion of some form of onboard propulsion that doesn't come from muscle power is advantageous.
It should allow people to travel commutable distances in the region of five miles in a relatively quick fashion, but not so fast that it will be banned from pavements or parks. And while it can use muscle power, it should primarily allow anyone using it to arrive with minimum effort, so those using it do not have to start the day sweaty and in need of a shower.
In addition, any personalised transport system should offer one of the advantages of the hoverboard in that it is not too bulky and is easily stored or carried. It should also be relatively easy to use and while it might take a bit of a knack, it should not be akin to skiing but more like learning to ride a bike.
It should also be convenient, and while using a giant sail to pull a skateboard might make for a fun ride at the beach, for the inner city it is never going to be a solution for the mass market. And this is key, the solution we have in mind has the possibility to allow individual mass transport around cities and rural communities alike. And while it might require some skill to use, most are up and moving before long.
