[Tushar]

Scooters and motorcycles are India's preferred choice when it comes to commuting. Cheap, cost effective and quick travel have made them the ideal choice whether it's for work or leisure. However, it now looks like the term two wheeler will gain an additional meaning altogether, with the arrival of Skatokross - a motorised skateboard.

Skatokross or the "skatebike" is the brainchild of Ratheesh M.Y from Karnataka, along with B Ananda, AP Radhini and MP Sarvani. The prototype was designed and developed in Mysore at a cost of approximately Rs. 60,000/- in a time frame of two years. The concept Skatokross has been built into an operating model with most of the components coming from Indian manufacturers. Labelled an integration of a motorbike and a skateboard, the Skatokross is powered by a 70cc, two-stroke petrol engine and weighs around 40 kgs. The engine can produce around 3.5 horsepower and 5 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm and reach a top speed of around 60 km/h (with tweaking). The motion is transferred to the rear wheel by means of a chain drive, with the engine positioned in the middle of the vehicle to get a lower centre of gravity. Stopping power comes from a hydraulic braking system.

Skatokross comes with a hand held module, through which the accelerator and brakes are controlled by the user. A fluid line runs through the brake lever to the brake calipers and a cable runs through the accelerator and the valve to control the throttle. For steering, users must rely on their own skill and the ability to lean for maneuvering from one place to another, essentially how they would on a regular skateboard.

The team has applied for a design registration with the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, and also has a certification for conceptual design by PACE (Partner for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education).

[negativeH]

The design looks good, but not very practical.
Unlike a typical segway, there is no hand-hold, which would allow he body to balance its weight.

Also, cannot seat '3', unlike most two-wheelers in our country.
Cannot seat, actually.

Could the Tesla Hoverboard be the main inspiration behind this?
Create a cool board-ish drive, which people who can't afford the Hover, but are still interested, fall back on.

[batterylow]

I wish they atleast wear a helmet while riding it!

[Rennjit]

but...where is the skate board? Calling this a motorised skate board is a stretch Imo. I do see the effort in building this but a simple google search would have helped in making one justifying its name. Btw, a chain drive to the other wheel could be much more fun. Easy way to make one- get a scooter power unit (variomatic type) & bolt a wheel to the front end & a board on top if you prefer.