• Product Overview: In 2015, ArcaBoard seems to be the closest to an actual hoverboard. Designed by Arca Space Corporation in the US, it's mattress-shaped with 272 horsepower and propelled by 36 ducted fans at 45,000rpm. Costs about £13,500 ($19,900), with speed limited to 20km/h and flying height to 30cm.
• Pre-Orders and Shipping: Started taking pre-orders at http://www.arcaspace.com/en/A... and promises to ship in April 2016. Powered by Li-Po batteries, a new battery pack after 1-year warranty costs £4,600 ($6,840).
• Versions: Two versions - one for riders up to 80kg and another for up to 110kg. The lighter one can hover for 6 minutes and travel up to 2km on one charge, while the heavier one for 3 minutes.
• Recharging: After batteries run flat, it takes 6 hours to recharge with the supplied charger or 35 minutes with a special dock station for £3,000 ($4,500).
• Self-Repair: Customers can replace damaged parts themselves by ordering from the factory. Opening the board won't void the warranty.
• Performance: Looks awkward but can hover over any terrain including water and uneven surfaces. Concern is the noise as ducted fans are loud; we'll know in April.
• Future Vision: The company aims to make hoverboards ubiquitous in the future by reducing price and increasing performance, potentially becoming a mass transportation vector. Arca has a proven aerospace track record with contracts and has launched rockets and balloons and is working on unmanned and suborbital manned rockets.