In recent years, the world of board sports has undergone a real revolution with the emergence of electric skis. These technological innovations offer enthusiasts new sensations and open the way to new practices, whether in the mountains, in urban areas or even by the sea.
Skwheel: the French innovation that redefines sliding sports
What if skiing wasn’t just limited to snow-covered slopes? This is the daring challenge taken up by Antoine Massebeuf, his brother Romain and their childhood friend Joseph Dahirel. Their electric skis are an innovation that combines the thrill of skiing with modern mobility.
The French start-up Skwheel stands out for its electric all-terrain skis. The company took eight years to develop a successful product. Antoine Massebeuf explains: ‘I had this idea eight years ago now and I made a number of prototypes. Two years ago, I came up with a functional prototype, which allowed us to see that it worked really well and that there was a real buzz around the project. ’
Technical characteristics of Skwheel electric skis
Skwheel electric skis are designed to offer a unique gliding experience. They are controlled by a patented accelerator handle, clipped between the two skis, allowing you to put them on and take them off standing up without difficulty. This handle also incorporates a display of range, speed and front and rear headlights for better visibility.
In terms of performance, the skis can reach a maximum speed of 80 km/h, but are restricted to 25 km/h when leaving the factory to comply with current legislation. They offer a range of 30 km at this speed, thanks to removable batteries that make them easy to replace. The innovative steering system allows you to turn using only your body weight, replicating the sensation of traditional skiing. Antoine Massebeuf explains: ‘The unique feature of our product, and what really launched the company, is a patent pending on the front wheel steering system. This system allows you to turn using only your body weight, just like skiing. That means that to turn right or left, I will transfer my weight, which gives the impression of carving.’
The designers made it a point of honour to make the user experience safe. ‘We have two braking systems: an electronic brake integrated into the throttle grip and a mechanical emergency brake,’ explains the founder. In addition, the skis are equipped with front and rear lights to improve visibility.
Challenges and prospects
The development of these electric skis has not been without obstacles. Antoine Massebeuf emphasises that one of the biggest challenges was to design the steering system that would allow turning without lifting the foot, in order to reproduce the feeling of sliding that is specific to traditional skiing. With a weight of 6 kg per foot, equivalent to a ski boot and its ski, it was essential to find a fluid and intuitive mechanism. It took five years of research to arrive at this innovative technical solution, tested and validated by experts including former double freeride skiing world champion Aurélien Ducroz. Ducroz tested these skis in Martinique and reports a sensation of gliding that is faithful to that of alpine skiing.
Today, the company is focusing on industrialisation, with the ambition of producing between 1,000 and 4,000 pairs. The manufacturing is largely done in Normandy, with a particular focus on sustainability and ecology, favouring recyclable materials and national suppliers. Moving from prototype to large-scale production is a major challenge, particularly in terms of optimising costs and controlling manufacturing lead times.
While these electric skis, the ‘SKWEEL-ONE’, are mainly designed for urban use or use on stabilised terrain, the team is already working on other variations. A non-electric model, suitable for downhill ski slopes without snow, is under development, as well as more versatile versions for different types of terrain.
A distribution model tailored to the market
The company has set up three sales systems to cater for different customer profiles. In France, individuals can buy electric skis via the website or in around twenty shops specialising in micromobility. This network allows customers to test the product and benefits from a local after-sales service.
At the CES in Las Vegas, the team noticed that the enthusiasm was much greater than initially expected, with demand sometimes reaching several thousand pairs. The international strategy is based on wholesale distribution via wholesalers, who manage orders, logistics and after-sales service. This allows the company to focus on production and innovation. The price of a pair of skis is €2,400 for an individual, while B2B prices vary according to the order volume.
This summer, the company plans to launch pilot stations to test its electric skis in the mountains. Several stations have already expressed their interest, and a dozen proposals have been received. The aim is to organise test sessions to see how the skis perform in real conditions and to explore the possibilities for implementation. Pilot stations will be selected based on their potential and compatibility with the team. These trials will provide concrete feedback and allow the product to be adjusted for better adaptation in the mountains.
Frigid Dynamics: American innovation in electric skis with the Vipera project
In addition to Skwheel, other companies are embarking on the adventure of electric skis. This is the case of the American company Frigid Dynamics, which is developing the Vipera project. Based in California, this start-up specialising in electric micro-mobility aims to revolutionise skiing by integrating technologies from the aerospace and automotive industries. Vipera skis stand out for their futuristic design and their use of high-quality materials, such as aerospace-grade 7000 aluminium and thermally hardened stainless steel, guaranteeing both lightness and robustness.
Advanced technology for optimal performance
The mechanical system has advanced suspension to absorb shocks and ensure increased durability of the electromechanical components. The batteries, which comply with global standards, are waterproof and impact-protected, enabling optimal performance even in extreme conditions such as intense cold and deep snow. Frigid Dynamics also relies on intelligent power control, automatically adjusting the assistance according to the terrain and the skier’s speed.
The company has attracted attention at technology and winter sports trade shows, including the CES in Las Vegas, where it unveiled a highly advanced prototype. Frigid Dynamics is currently offering a pre-order for the Vipera, with a reduced price of $2,999 for the first customers.
E-Outdoor: electrically assisted touring skis
The Swiss company E-Outdoor, based in Zurich, stands out with its innovative approach to ski touring. Specialising in intelligent mountain equipment, it is developing the first electrically assisted ski touring, called E-Skimo. Presented at the CES in Las Vegas in January 2025, this system aims to revolutionise ski touring by facilitating ascents thanks to motorised assistance.
The E-Skimo is based on an electric motor integrated into each ski, powered by a 220 Wh lithium battery and a rubber tread that improves grip on the snow. This device makes it possible to quadruple the difference in altitude covered while reducing muscle effort by 30%. It thus offers an interesting alternative for ski touring enthusiasts who want to explore new terrain without excessive exertion. E-Outdoor is aimed at a wide audience, ranging from experienced skiers to mountain rescue professionals and mountain guides, who could benefit from assistance to better manage their ascents.
In-resort testing before commercialisation
The company is collaborating with several Alpine resorts to organise full-scale tests ahead of a launch planned for the end of 2025. Its ambition is to make ski touring more accessible while preserving the natural experience of the discipline. The price of the E-Skimo has not yet been officially announced, but it should be in the range of €2,500 to €3,000, with various options for customisation and battery life.
The emergence of electric skis is evidence of a constant desire to innovate in the field of board sports. These new technologies offer unprecedented opportunities, both for thrill-seekers and for those who want to ski in urban environments or on a variety of terrains. With companies such as Skwheel, Frigid Dynamics and E-Outdoor at the forefront, the future of board sports looks electric and promising.
