Shift Robotics Unveils Lighter, Quieter Moonwalkers Aero

Shift Robotics has released a new version of its Moonwalkers shoes, dubbed the Moonwalkers Aero, promising a smoother and quieter ride. These motorized roller skates, designed to enhance natural walking speed, have undergone a significant redesign.

The most notable change is the reduction in wheels from ten to six, leading to a lighter and quieter experience. This makes the Moonwalkers Aero similar to the industrial-focused Moonwalkers X shoes launched earlier this year at CES, but with a distinct focus on personal mobility.

While maintaining a top speed of 7 mph, the Moonwalkers Aero are over a pound lighter per foot, now weighing 4.2 pounds compared to the original 5.3 pounds. This weight reduction is attributed to the new “magnesium alloy powertrain.”

The Aero are also 20db quieter thanks to fewer wheels and a new “Neodymium magnet based motor.” Despite a streamlined design, the new Moonwalkers Aero come at a slightly higher price of $1,199, compared to the original Moonwalkers’ $1,049.

The advertised average range on a full charge remains at approximately seven miles, but this can vary depending on factors such as terrain, incline, and user weight. The Moonwalkers Aero can support users up to 220 pounds. The company boasts that the new version operates more efficiently in hot environments with a longer range due to a new “thermal and regenerative management system.”

Shift Robotics emphasizes that “every visible part” on the Moonwalkers Aero is user-replaceable. They are designed to fit shoe sizes ranging from a women’s six to a men’s 12, with a new optional spacer available in two sizes.

The original Moonwalkers are now positioned as the more rugged option, ideal for uneven terrains with bumps and cracks, while the Aero is intended for indoor use, such as warehouses with smooth concrete floors.

Both versions connect to a mobile app that includes preset modes for indoor, city, and sport, with a customization option allowing users to modify their acceleration profiles to their comfort level.