There is a new product in town, and its name is the Zboard. You’ve likely seen motorized skateboards in the past, but I doubt they were as simple to use as this one will be. What started out as a final senior project for Ben Forman and Geoff Larson, turned into three years of development, from which we get to reap the benefits.

This Zboard is a weight-sensing electric skateboard that will be faster and easier than riding a regular skateboard, as it caps out at 17 mph. There are two foot pads at the front and rear of the board that control the speed and braking. However, these are not just on and off buttons. It’s quite similar to the gas and brake pedal in a car, as the harder you lean forward, the faster you go, and leaning back full force can make for a quick stop, even on a slope. The deck is made of maple, and has a handle for easy transport. It is currently a KickStarter project, but has already reached nearly three quarters of its funding already, and will likely be in production in April or March. If you tag onto the KickStarter, you can lock in a price of $495, but after March, 15th, it will go to its retail price of $599. This looks as though it is the perfect in-between for those trips that are too far to walk, but too short a distance to drive.