You do not often see something really new, but Booster Blades has got to be it! English inventor Bryan Rawlings has come up with Booster Blades as a kind of cross between in-line skates and a bicycle. You wear them like skates but pedal up and down and they propel you along like riding a bike. To stop you tilt your foot back to operate the brake.
Booster Blades are light, compact and efficient and ride well. They are probably the most revolutionary new type of cycle since the invention of the chain driven bike.
Booster Blades are a cross between roller skates and the bicycle. Like a bicycle, Booster Blades operate by a cyclic "pedalling" motion, yet Booster Blades are as easy to carry and store as roller skates.
Booster Blades have formed an alliance with British engineering company Jetway Associates Ltd. As a team we bring you great British innovation, design and production with Booster Blades hand made at Jetway's main factory in Colerne, Wilts. Last but not least, BOSSBi.com will bring these to you from the UK.
About Booster Blades:
Booster Blades are the idea of Bryan Rawlings, a sculptor and inventor from Keynsham near Bristol. Booster Blades are a new kind of in-line skate, which he hopes will revolutionise self-propelled transport.
Many years passed since Bryan Rawlings visualised a mode of travel where people would use pedal power but without having to sit on a bike. Then, two years ago, Bryan applied for a Smart Award from the Department of Trade and Industry and was granted £7000 to develop his Booster Blades concept.
Bryan built the skates in his company's workshops, using his experience of preparing and casting sculpture to design and fabricate the patterns for all the aluminium castings and to make various other parts. Some components were bought in, such as the boots, taken from roller skates, and wheels from micro scooters.
The skate boot is mounted on a hinged frame. When you lift your foot, the wheels move closer together; when you push it down again they move apart and a drive belt turns the back wheel. As you lift your foot again, the wheels move together again and the drive belt re-winds ready for the next stroke. In this way, the up and down pedalling motion propels the rider forwards, building up fast speeds with little effort.
There is a brake operated by tilting the foot back on the heel, which can be operated at any time, even if you are half way through the pedalling motion. There are even plans for a mechanism for changing gear, which the inventor is hoping to introduce on later models.
Booster Blades inventor Bryan Rawlings says "I would really like to think that one day people will be travelling around on my blades or something like them."
"People will be able to take Booster Blades on a bus or train and then 'pedal' to work. Once they get there they will not have to worry about what to do with a cumbersome bike - they can just put their skates under their desk or in a locker."
Booster Blades FAQs:
What is the advantage of Booster Blades over inline skates?
Booster Blades are propelled by a pedalling motion so you get more speed for less effort.
How do you stop on Booster Blades?
Just tilt either foot backwards like using a heel stop on ordinary skates and this works the brake. You can brake with either foot at any position in the stroke.
How heavy are Booster Blades?
Booster Blades are heavier than ordinary inline skates, about 8kg including the boot but most of this weight stays on the ground most of the time, so they do not feel heavy.
How fast do Booster Blades go?
How fast can you pedal? The gearing is similar to a single speed bike in that the distance you are propelled forward in relation to the downward movement of the pedal is about the same but the important thing is that you get more speed for less effort.
If I can ride in-line skates will I be able to Booster Blade?
You need to learn to ride Booster Blades like learning to ride a bike but if you can ride in-line skates you will have mastered the balance and should be able to learn to Booster Blade within a few hours.
Is Booster Blading a similar motion to inline skating?
No. The first thing you must learn is not to skate but to pedal while balancing.
Do Booster Blades need maintenance?
As with a bike, keep clean, oil moving parts regularly and check that nothing is loose.
Are replacement parts available for Booster Blades?
Yes, available from Booster Blades Ltd, UK, & on-line soon at BOSSBi.com
Is there a guarantee?
Yes, 12 months guarantee on defective manufacture. This does not affect your statutory rights.
Why are there two wheels at the front of Booster Blades?
In the 'down' position this second wheel goes slightly lower than the front wheel, lifting the front wheel off the ground. The second wheel is then under the ball of the foot, so you can swivel on it to change direction easily.
Can I use Booster Blades like ordinary in-line skates?
Yes, pull and turn the knob on the side a quarter turn and the booster blade will lock in the down position so you can skate in the usual way but you can't go backwards! (see below)
Can I still use the brake when the Booster Blade is in the locked down position?
Yes the brake works the same.
Does the Booster Blade have to be in the 'down' position before I can use the brake?
No the brake can be operated at any position in the pedalling stroke but it is easier to work the brake on the skate that is down.
The foot seems to be very high up sometimes on Booster Blades. Does this make them unstable?
No. One foot is always in the down position so you are as stable as when you are skating.
Is Booster Blading dangerous?
There is a risk with all physical sports and we recommend that you wear good quality protection skate gear as in line skating and only ride where it is safe to do so.
Can I ride Booster Blades on rough ground?
Booster Blades are designed for road and skate park type surfaces. You can use them anywhere where you would normally use inline skates.
Can I have different boots on Booster Blades?
Yes. Booster Blades are designed to accept any standard UFS fitting skate boots. They are supplied with good quality UFS skate boots as standard. Type may vary according to availability.
Can you go backwards on Booster Blades?
Normally , no. Booster Blades have a ratchet free wheel like a bicycle so the rear wheel only rolls forwards. However if you get very skilled it may be possible to put all your weight in the front two wheels so that the rear wheel is lifted and then roll backwards - but be careful.
What happens if I stop pedalling Booster Blades?
You will continue to freewheel forwards as if you were riding a bike until you brake or roll to a stop.
Can I ride Booster Blades uphill?
Yes. Of course it is harder work, like riding a single speed bike uphill. You can always lock your Booster Blades in the 'down position' and 'walk' up steep hills - you won't roll backwards.
- USA. 617-344-8396 (fax)
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