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Cutting Commute Times: New Yorkers Turn to Motorized Shoes for Faster Travel
For New Yorkers seeking to shorten their daily commute, innovative solutions are emerging. Astoria resident Sam Ressler, 26, invested $1,200 in Moonwalkers Aero motorized shoes, a novel approach to expedite his trips to and from his SoHo workplace. These electric shoes are designed to significantly reduce travel time, offering personal transportation solutions in the bustling city.
These four-pound, foot-worn devices, created by Shift Robotics, function similarly to effortless roller skates or electric scooter-like sandals. They are engineered to potentially decrease walking time by approximately 50%, according to the manufacturer.
While a faster pace, reaching up to 7 miles per hour compared to the average human walking speed of 3 m.p.h., is a key benefit, Ressler highlights additional advantages beyond just speed.
Despite the availability of cheaper transportation alternatives, Ressler values the “compact size” of the Moonwalkers Aero. They can be “easily stored” in his limited living space at home.
“Living in a cramped New York City apartment, space is a premium. Storing a bike or scooter simply isn’t feasible,” Ressler, who works in client management, explained to The Post.
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The constant accessibility of the shoes eliminates common public transit hassles. Ressler appreciates not having to contend with CitiBike app problems, bike availability, or docking issues.
Although the initial cost exceeds an annual CitiBike pass, priced at roughly $220, Ressler considers it an investment in convenience for his daily journeys.
Ressler noted that the shoes particularly streamline his walk to the subway station, a segment of his commute previously taking about 10 minutes from his Astoria apartment.
Moonwalkers Aero: Shoes That Enhance Walking Speed
Xunjie Zhang, founder of Shift Robotics, explained to The Post that the concept arose from his personal commuting frustrations. He initially experimented with biking, scootering, and driving to his first job.
Zhang found each method unsatisfactory in various ways. Eventually, he opted for walking, finding it preferable but somewhat time-consuming at 30 minutes.
This led to the creation of Moonwalkers, which Zhang envisions as a “natural extension of your legs”—a compact electric vehicle integrated into footwear.
These advanced shoes incorporate sophisticated robotics and an AI-powered gait controller. Internal sensors analyze the wearer’s walking rhythm to adjust speed, accelerating or decelerating while maintaining balance.
The technology can predict the user’s subsequent movement, modifying pace or stopping the wheels when the wearer halts.
Zhang detailed that each shoe communicates with its counterpart “hundreds of times per second,” constantly refining the system’s understanding of the wearer’s gait and desired speed.
Recharging Moonwalkers is done via a direct cable connection. A full charge takes about 90 minutes, providing approximately 7 miles of use. A 30-minute “quick charge” to 80% offers around 5 miles of range.
Urban Adaptability: Moonwalkers in the City
While acknowledging difficulty in quantifying precise time savings from his commute, Ressler confirms the shoes “definitely accelerate the process.”
Beyond mere time efficiency, he emphasizes the “fun” aspect of using Moonwalkers.
“This isn’t intended to replace walking entirely, but it’s a genuinely enjoyable alternative,” he admitted, observing that the robotic footwear does attract attention in New York City.
“But if you’re going to wear them anywhere, this city seems like the ideal place,” he reasoned.
First-Hand Experience: Testing the Technology
In order to evaluate the manufacturer’s claims, a test-drive of the futuristic footwear was conducted in busy Midtown Manhattan.
Despite being reasonably light, the Velcro-fastened Moonwalkers initially felt substantial, requiring an adjustment to the added weight.
The flexible footbed preserves natural toe movement, mitigating the unusual sensation of walking on wheels. Unlike traditional roller skates, the shoes autonomously adapted to walking pace.
As speed increased, the Moonwalkers responded accordingly; similarly, slowing down engaged the wheel-locking mechanism.
After initial indoor trials and near-collisions, venturing onto Midtown streets proved surprisingly smooth. Despite curious glances and occasional warnings from pedestrians, gliding along uneven sidewalks at an enhanced pace was quickly achievable.
For commuters, this mode of transport could become a welcome change.