Brooklyn Workshop, Inc. Introduces the Skatecycle. The first self propelled hub-less skate.

The Skatecycle first came out onto the market in July 2010. But the idea for the company and in particular the Skatecycle had been in the works for nearly ten years. Patented in 2002, Alon Karpman began to work and refine the design until it was just right for production. The first prototype in, 2001, had pneumatic tires, a single axle, and even a pump mechanism in the back foot. This prototype was proof of concept that a rider could balance with feet being inside a wheel without motor propulsion. The proof of concept garnered the attention of a large design firm and the next several years the concept was licensed to them for development. Unhappy with the direction the company was taking concept, Alon regained control of it’s development.

The next prototype in 2003 incorporated 2 axles and a twisting motion to be able to capture the snake like motion for propulsion. the 2003 prototype was first made entirely from steel and then molded and cast in a composite to reduce its weight. By that point the physics of the propulsion were better understood.

This final prototype enabled Alon to focus and work on the first production version he calls the Freerider Edition

. The frame is made from solid aluminum and the crossbar from steel. The body parts are from a durable composite. The 9 inch wheels make it easier to overcome objects in your way. There is enough room for even a large foot, so you are not locked in. Weighing only 7.3 lbs, it folds easily, and can can sit over your shoulder freeing up your hands when you walk.

Winner of a bronze award from the 2010 IDEA Competition and now part of the permanent collection at the Henry Ford Museum, the company is well prepped to forge ahead with its mission to bring innovative urban riding machines to the commercial marketplace.
Skatecycle history