Great Scott, Marty! Back to the Future wasn’t just a cheesy movie, it was a prophecy in ’80s clothing. One of Marty McFly’s gadgets in the film’s sequel has come to life: a hoverboard that lets riders float above the ground like Jesus.
“I’ve spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I’ve had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance in order to ride the hoverboard. It’s a whole new experience,” said pro skateboarder and hoverboard test rider Ross McGouran.
The science behind the Lexus Hoverboard involves liquid nitrogen and magnets. “The magnetic field from the track is effectively ‘frozen’ into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and the track— essentially keeping the board hovering. This force is strong enough to allow the rider to stand and even jump on the board,” explained a boffin. Lexus Hoverboard is still a prototype, however, and is not going on sale.