Heluxx Skate Wheels
Skateboarding is an incredibly efficient mode of transportation in the city.
Compact, reliable, free of consumables, and entirely self-autonomous.
So why do even capable skateboarders often opt for unreliable, unpleasant, or expensive options?
Skateboarding in the city comes with a list of hazards that make it stressful enough for most to avoid it.
Unpredictable debris-riddled rough surfaces, congested traffic, and irresponsible drivers are all serious risks - amplified especially at night when visibility is low.
I asked how we could minimize these risks to make skateboarding a better option for more people.
Inspired by how router/CNC bits are able to clear material and eject debris efficiently while still leaving a perfectly smooth surface
I worked to develop a helical shape to eat through the debris of city streets, all while retaining a circular side profile, rolling perfectly smooth.
Development Process
Helical Profile
The 3d printed prototypes performed exactly as I had speculated, even greatly surpassing my expectations
The wheels consistently did an incredible job of moving through debris, either passing between the flutes, pushing it aside, or rolling over with no contact at all
The helical profile doesn’t only handle debris and rough surfaces well, but it solves another common problem of riding - wet conditions. By channeling water away from the limited contact patches, the wheels have the potential to improve grip on wet surfaces
Piezoluminescent LEDs
The outer tip of each fin features a small LED powered by a piezoelectric generator, converting the vibrational energy of riding into light
Without any need for charging or additional power, the wheels provide extra visibility to both cars and pedestrians.
Reflectivity
In addition to the powered lights, the Heluxx wheels are embedded with a reflective speckle, and feature a single high specular blade
When rolling, these elements use the spiral profile to create a shimmering effect, even further maximizing visibility