Skip to main content

Ride your backpack with the Movpak, an e-board that also stows your stuff

Two years ago, the folks behind Movpak managed to raise over $250,000 to bring their electric skateboard and backpack combination to life. Now, the team is ready to ship a new-and-improved version of the electric skateboard that takes portability to a whole new level to eager backers around the world.

You see, once you’re finished riding the Movpak, you won’t need to pick it up and tuck it under your arm. Rather, you’ll be able to simply fold it up into a backpack and go about your merry way. So whether you want to consider it a backpack you can ride or a skateboard you can wear, it seems like the perfect tool for your urban commute.

Related Videos

The backpack-board hybrid is ready to ship, and available for pre-order on the crowdfunding site. Of course, we still urge you to exercise caution when it comes to backing crowdfunding projects, but it does seem as though the Movpak is ready to make good on its delivery pledges. The Movpak that will be shipping now boasts a larger bag capacity than promised in the original campaign — at 35 liters, you’ll basically be able to transport the whole contents of your office to and fro should you so choose. Be warned, however, the Movpak is pretty heavy already — after all, it contains an e-board — weighing in at 16 pounds. So despite the roominess of the bag, you’ll probably want to pack light. 

Movpak In Demand CAMPAIGN VIDEO

Riding the Movpak is as easy as pulling a dedicated handle. From there, the board easily slides out, and using a companion remote, you’ll be able to control your speed and braking as you cruise down streets. In order to recharge the Movpak, just plug the charger into any standard outlet for a couple hours. The deck of the eboard is constructed with a combination of wood, metal, and Kevlar compounds, which promises to make the board simultaneously strong and flexible.

The Movpak is capable of traversing six miles on a single charge, at a top speed of 15 miles per hour, but thanks to new swappable batteries, you can double the range for longer commutes. There’s also an iOS and Android companion app that can help you track your Movpak in case it’s stolen. Built-in Bluetooth speakers will let you listen to your favorite playlist from any streaming service. so you can keep yourself entertained on your ride.

Promising to be airport friendly, the Movpak should fit into most overhead compartments on commercial flights, and also satisfies battery size limit restrictions. Thanks to its pull-out handle, you can easily roll the Movpak through an airport (or any other environment). We should point out, however, that while the Movpak is suitable for light rains or humid terrains, you shouldn’t ride it in heavy storms. The backpack itself is water repellent, so the contents of your Movpak should be quite safe.

The Movpak will set you back $899 on Indiegogo, and will begin shipping immediately. Once the campaign ends, the Movpak will retail for $1,190.

Editors' Recommendations

The StarkBoard is a hands-free, remote-free eboard for your outdoor adventures
StarkBoard

As convenient and exciting as electric skateboards may seem in theory, there's something less than intuitive about controlling the board beneath your feet with your hands. Using a remote control to determine your speed isn't always the best when it comes to quick braking or safe acceleration, especially if you're a novice skateboarder just learning to keep your balance. Luckily, not all eboards require a hand-held remote. Meet the StarkBoard from Stark Mobility, a remote-free, hands-free, electric skateboard that is said to require just three minutes to master. All you need to do is step on it, tilt your body, and ride.
In some ways, it sounds a bit like a feet-only Segway. The board, powered by two HUB motors and an AI-powered smart braking system, will move with your body -- if you lean forward, the board goes forward. The StarkBoard features a custom gyroscope sensor and intelligent weight and motion sensors to detect changes in your body's positioning, and adjust its own motion accordingly.
As you continue to lean forward (and accelerate), the StarkBoard is said to track your body movements and provide continual assistance, so you're never riding unprotected. And as for your acceleration, you'll be able to hit pretty impressive speeds with this eboard -- up to 20 miles per hour. That said, if ever you step off the board, the StarkBoard will automatically activate the brakes, ensuring that your vehicle doesn't take off without you. Thanks to a smart braking system, you can come to a complete stop even if you're on an incline.
The StarkBoard's battery is said to power the board for up to 13 miles, and when you receive your board, you'll already find your battery charged and ready for its maiden voyage. Weighing in at 15 pounds, the eboard also features LED lights, which allow for safe riding in darker conditions. Plus, the IP62 rating means that the StarkBoard is both dust- and splash-proof.
You can pre-order the StarkBoard now from Indiegogo for the early bird price of $449, about 55 percent off its retail price of $999. Shipment for the board is anticipated for January 2018, so you can start your new year off with some excitement.

Read more
I-Ride is a compact electric skateboard that fits in a backpack
i ride electric skateboard t

For city commuters, the slowest part of traveling is getting through the city blocks. No matter how fast the train or car, the last few blocks are slowed to a crawl when walking within the city. To speed things up, compact transportation like an I-Ride electric skateboard provides a better alternative.

With their unique aluminum bodies, I-Ride boards add greater durability and stability not found in most other boards. The strength of the deck supports up to 250 pounds in the standard model and 280 pounds in the I-Ride Pro. The unique design also features two distinct steps rather than a full body. This small change makes it easier for beginners to ride.

Read more
Gobi Gear's packable backpack weighs less than a pound and fits in your carry-on
Gobi Gear Free Spirit

Gobi Gear has an intriguing new backpack that active travelers are going to love. The new Free Spirit pack recently launched on Indiegogo and it promises to provide plenty of capacity and convenience for those who want the option to hit the trail when they are traveling, but do not necessarily need to lug a larger, bulkier hiking pack along with them.

Made from lightweight, durable, and water-resistant nylon fabrics, the Free Spirit features a 30-liter capacity for hauling plenty of gear. Unlike most travel packs, it does not feature a rigid frame of any kind, which gives it the ability to pack down to a surprisingly small size. In fact, when compressed to its smallest form, the bag is just 8 inches across and 7 inches wide, making it easy to slip inside a carry-on bag for use later. When you are ready to hit the trail, simply take it out, expand it to its full size, fill it with gear and supplies, and get moving.

Read more