We’ll soon be gliding like stars
FOOTBALLERS Mario Balotelli and Raheem Sterling have been wheeling around the city on them... and now a trio of Manc entrepreneurs are to bring those covetable glider boards to the mass market.
For the team behind the Selfy Stick phenomenon are about to release the Air Runner glider – just in time for the festive run-in.
And while most of the hi-tech gliders seen beneath the feet of celebrities and footballers will have been imported at a price of more than £1,000, the Air Runner will retail at a more affordable £499.
Scott Thomas, Scott Shashua and Tom Curle had a festive hit last year with their Selfy Stick brand, and are hoping to achieve similar success this year with their glider.
It’s like an electronic skateboard, and moves forward and stops by using your own bodyweight and balance.
The lads have spent months developing their board and running a series of rigorous safety tests to meet UK regulations, and have secured deals with leading department stores – including Selfridges, Harrods and Harvey Nichols – to stock the Air Runner later this month.
Scott says: “This is going to be the big hit this Christmas. I think we’re going to get to the point where everyone is flying about the shops on an Air Runner. It’s like riding a bike, once you get used to it it’s brilliant.”
Tom says: “Safety was always a massive concern to us which is why we wanted to do this properly, and why we’ve gone out of our way to do so many rigorous tests.
“We’ll be promoting the use of our own branded safety equipment, too.”
The boards are battery operated, and you can expect to cover around 20km before needing to recharge. Scott has already had soap star brothers Ryan and Adam Thomas testing out the Air Runner – with Ryan even taking it for a spin on Coronation Street – avoiding the cobbles!
Scott, who also runs club night Eivissa, says: “All the big celebrities now want one. It’s going to be the biggest trend of the winter.” Theairrunner.com website goes live on Tuesday, with the product then available to order.