The latest popular transportation device is a self-balancing board called the IO Hawk. Many say the device is similar to a Segway, however, it doesn't have handlebars and works as you shift your weight and balance through your feet and body. For example, if you were to lean forward, the Hawk would move forward, and if you were to lean backwards slightly, the board would travel backwards. If you were to apply pressure with your left foot, you would turn left, and if you were to apply pressure with your right foot, you would turn right.
According to Digital Trends, the self-balancing board measured 24.65 inches long and weighs 22 pounds, with a speed of up to 6 mph. It can tackle slight inclines and handle bumps and cracks up to ½ inch, as long as you prepare yourself and bend your knees, so your knees act as suspension. The battery can last up to 10 to 12 miles. The IO Hawk is equipped with a set of lights in the rear of the devise as a safety precaution against accidents. The IO Hawk is available for purchase at the price of $1799. However, there are other companies that are manufacturing similar products, with prices ranging from $300 to $800.
According to Wired magazine, "PhunkeeDuck and IO Hawk are the two biggest players in this nascent scooter market, but there are many others. There’s Oxboard, Cyboard, Scoot, Future Foot, Monorover, Airboard, Freego, Esway, Airwheel, iEZWay, Overoad, and a hundred names more along the lines of Two Wheels Smart Self Balancing Scooters Drifting Board Electric.”
Recently, IO Hawk released a statement regarding the legal plagiarism of their product. They announced that recently they have detected a high level of legal plagiarism both nationally and internationally, with companies even advertising with the name of IO Hawk. According to IO Hawk, the device was first shown at the world's largest electronic show “CES” in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2015. The fake devices do not have the typical IO mark on the wheels, the footprint also does not have the IO mark , as well as different style and cheap LED lights at the rear of the device.
Most importantly, during the statement IO Hawk released on plagiarism, the growing company discussed the safety issues of other products. They pointed out that the counterfeit products have features which are unsafe. One issue they talked about from other companies, was that counterfeits would sometimes turn off without any warning during operation, which could lead to accidents and personal injuries.
According to Wired Magazine, neither IO Hawk or PhunkeeDuck came up with the idea of this type of scooter, but many details remain to be determined. Currently, there is a sizable controversy regarding which company truly invented of the self-balancing board capable of quickly moving riders down sidewalks and streets. Wired Magazine stated that this new way of travel started in China with the invention of the Smart S1, by Chinese company Chic Robotics. The Smart S1 was debuted in August 2014 during a Chinese commercial. Later on, in the fall of 2014, it was shown at the Canton Fair, which is China's largest trade show. This was before the Las Vegas “CES” convention in January 2015 that we mentioned previously.
If you have been involved in an accident involving the IO Hawk, or a scooter, moped or other similar device, contact an attorney today at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers specialize in all types of personal injury cases and are ready to help you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.