How many of us have watched the movie Back to the Future and dreamt of owning a hoverboard? Most kids dreamt of owning this uber-cool device which is both modern and efficient. Well, they turned from a figment of our imagination to reality a few years ago, thanks to one man. Here’s a look at his story and everything it took to develop the hoverboard.
About the Founder
Shane Chen was born in Beijing, in 1956. He has a degree in agricultural meteorology from the Beijing Agricultural University. Since communism in China made it difficult to start and grow a business, Chen immigrated to the US. He founded his first company, CID, Inc in 1988. The company which now goes by the name CID Bio-Science made scientific instruments for agricultural research. Some of their products include a photosynthesis meter, a canopy analyser and a leaf scanner. Later, Chen sold the company in 2009 to become an inventor of consumer products.
Fun Inventions
Way back in 2003, Chen founded Inventist, Inc., which he used to develop products for mainstream consumers. He entered the retail space in 2003 with the AquaSkipper, which was a hydrofoil water craft. The invention won several awards and helped Chen gain some media attention. The History Channel’s show Modern Marvels also featured the product due to its creative and innovative approach. In 2006, Chen patented a three-wheeled scooter and sold it to RazorUSA. His notable products include the Orbitwheel Skates, Lunicycle and Solowheel.
Creating the Hovertrax
He filed for a patent for the hoverboard in 2012, following which he started making the product. The Hovertrax hit the markets in 2013 and was the first self-balancing scooter or hoverboard. A hoverboard works as a personal transporter and has two wheels connected to pads the user plants their feet on. By leaning forward and backwards, users can adjust the speed of the device. Furthermore, twisting the pads help in changing the direction of travel. Chen launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2013 to fund his idea.
However, the device brought along with its complex patent disputes. Though mass volume manufacture began in 2014 in China, safety issues plagued the device. An overheating battery made early units prone to catching fire leading to product recalls in 2016.
Phenomenal Success and Battles
The device became increasing popularity in the West, due to usage by celebrities like Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa. PhunkeeTree noticed the device at the Hong Kong Electronics Show and started distributing it soon after. By June 2015, several manufacturers were making the board in Shenzhen and Chen decided to pursue litigation. Chen has voiced his frustrations on the lack of clarity regarding patent rights in China. Within a year the U.S. Trade Commission served notices to UP TECH, FreeGo China, Robstep, and Tech in the City for patent infringement.
Also, faulty wiring and bad batteries resulted in units catching fire in various countries around the world. Soon after, many airlines banned taking these boards or transporting them via a flight. The US Product Safety Commission launched an investigation in 2015, and in 2016 ordered over 500,000 units to be recalled. The Swagway model X1 suffered the largest as the company recalled 267,000 units. However, these issues were quickly resolved and the design took off, selling like hotcakes.
IOTAtrax
Chen has since moved on and is now working on a new device, called the IOTAtrax. This one seeks to combine the Solowheel and the hoverboard, making it a hybrid like no other. The success of the hoverboard is a testament to how the future is closer now than ever before. Inventions we deemed impossible just a few years back are turning into realities, right before our eyes. Also, with people like Chen leading the way, it is safe to say that the Future is here for the taking.
Also, faulty wiring and bad batteries resulted in units catching fire in various countries around the world. Soon after, many airlines banned taking these boards or transporting them via a flight. The US Product Safety Commission launched an investigation in 2015, and in 2016 ordered over 500,000 units to be recalled. The Swagway model X1 suffered the largest as the company recalled 267,000 units. However, these issues were quickly resolved and the design took off, selling like hotcakes.
Chen has since moved on and is now working on a new device, called the IOTAtrax. This one seeks to combine the Solowheel and the hoverboard, making it a hybrid like no other. The success of the hoverboard is a testament to how the future is closer now than ever before. Inventions we deemed impossible just a few years back are turning into realities, right before our eyes. Also, with people like Chen leading the way, it is safe to say that the Future is here for the taking.
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.