Lexus' June video that introduced Slide, a hoverboard based on superconductors and magnets technology, went viral and everybody got really excited about riding Back to the future in style, on an actual hoverboard, but it turned out it was all only a part of clever promotional campaign. However. The hoverboard has now been proven to actually hover above ground for real and professional skateboarder Ross McGouran tried it out only to confirm it's literally super-cool!

lexus-hoverboard-4
lexus-hoverboard-2
lexus-hoverboard-1
lexus-hoverboard-5
lexus-hoverboard-3
lexus-hoverboard-6

The short, 2-minute presentation video of the Lexus hoverboard in action was directed by a renowned documentary filmmaker Henry-Alex Rubin in Barcelona-based skatepark Cubelles.

Ever since June, when the public first heard of Slide, tests have been carried out in a specially designed hoverpark with 200 meters of magnetic track that was laid beneath the hoverpark surface after being transported to Barcelona from the original Dresden facility. The track provided for dynamic testing and attempts to try things an ordinary skateboard wouldn't be able to do, such as travelling across water.

Lexus said, their Hoverboard technology features two "cryostats", reservoirs in which superconducting material is kept at -197 degrees through immersion in liquid nitrogen. The board is then placed above a track that contains permanent magnets. When the board is cooled to its operating temperature the track's magnetic flux lines are 'pinned' into place, maintaining the hover height of the board. Sadly, the batteries only last about 10 minutes and then you have to refill them.

Dr. Oliver de Haas, evico CEO, said that the magnetic field from the track is effectively 'frozen' into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and the track, which basically means keeping the board hovering. He added that this force is so strong it allows the rider to stand and even jump on the board.

Pro skateboarder and hoverboard test rider Ross McGouran commented on riding the board: "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. It's a whole new experience."

Aug. 7, 2015 Driving photo: Lexus

This website uses cookies.
To comply with the EU regulations you must confirm your consent to their use.

You can do that by clicking "OK" or simply continuing to browse this website.
If you do not wish to have cookies set, you can opt out in cookie settings

close