new skateboard design “creates a groundbreaking form of sport which previously never existed

New skateboard design  the Stair-Rover incorporates an eight-wheeled chassis instead of the conventional four-wheeled skateboard design.

When faced with a set of steps, it would be normal for skateboarders to either grind one of the rails or jump right over the obstacle – but not with this skateboard. Nope, with the Stair-Rover it’s now possible to skate down a flight of stairs without falling straight off the board and cracking your skull. Skateboarding in an urban environment has suddenly become a whole new experience.

According to inventor PoChih Lai, his new skateboard design “creates a groundbreaking form of sport which previously never existed and utilizes the hidden energy of our cities – stairs.” Lai explains that using the Stair-Rover will turn boundaries or limitations into much more positive experiences.

The Stair-Rover’s design incorporates an eight-wheeled chassis instead of the conventional four-wheeled skateboard design. The board uses pivoting “V” shaped mechanisms that allow the wheels to move up and down independently on stairs, providing a smooth and steady descent. And it’s not just steps – even cobblestones and bumpy ground can now be skated across with ease.

Why jump over stairs when you can simply roll down them?

On his blog, Lai wrote that London was the inspiration behind the Stair-Rover. He wanted to create a skateboard that would be capable of fully exploring the city. Lai also adds that “the sub-culture of graffiti, free-running, skateboarding, street dance, and extreme sports are now accepted and a valid and valuable influence on our generation.”

Street skating is one sport that’s very much tied to the urban landscape. Skaters make use of pavements, walls, benches and handrails as they carve their way through their cities. By creating a board that can navigate stairs, Lai has created fresh opportunities for skaters to explore. In addition, they’ll be able to perform tricks – and may even discover some new ones.

The tricks that can be done on this board haven’t even been invented yet.

Skateboards have actually changed quite a few times since they were first invented in the mid-20th century. For example, the first skateboards had metal wheels, which were later replaced by wheels made of clay. As you can imagine, neither would have been very practical for modern skateboarding tricks. Fortunately, these clunky wheels were replaced by polyurethane versions in the ‘70s.

The folks behind Stair-Rover say that the sport mixes longboarding with surfing.

Whether the Stair-Rover will catch on as well as earlier models is yet to be seen. For now, though, the Stair-Rover definitely makes a fun novelty board for those who want to try something a little bit different, and if the project can raise $75,600 in funding by August 1, 2013, it may just become a reality.

The Stair-Rover is sure to draw attention on busy city streets.

The Skateboard That Climbs Down Stairs