How to Commute Faster: 5 Unconventional Ways to Beat City Traffic

Every year, U.S. commuters lose 51 hours in traffic, costing the economy $88 billion annually. If you're tired of wasting time, consider these five unconventional commuting options that are faster, environmentally friendly, and perfect for urban travel:

Electric Roller Skates: Compact, portable, and fun, these skates hit 15 mph with a 9-mile range. Ideal for short city trips.
Foldable E-Bikes: Great for longer commutes, these bikes reach 20 mph, cover 20–40 miles per charge, and fold for easy storage.
Electric Kick Scooters: Lightweight and easy to use, perfect for multi-step commutes or moderate distances.
Electric Skateboards: Smooth acceleration and braking make them a practical, hands-free option for urban streets.
Smart Hover Shoes: Wearable and futuristic, these are suited for short, smooth routes.

Each device offers a unique way to save time, avoid traffic, and reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you're looking for portability, speed, or range, there's a solution to fit your needs.

Quick Comparison

Device	Speed	Range	Portability	Price Range	Best For
Electric Roller Skates	15 mph	9 miles	Lightweight, compact	$300–$800	Short trips, fun outings
Foldable E-Bikes	20 mph	20–40 miles	Foldable, easy to store	$800–$2,500	Longer commutes
Electric Kick Scooters	15–20 mph	10–25 miles	Lightweight, foldable	$400–$1,500	Multi-step commutes
Electric Skateboards	15–25 mph	10–30 miles	Compact, hands-free	$500–$2,000	Moderate distances
Smart Hover Shoes	7–10 mph	5–7 miles	Extremely compact	$500–$1,200	Short, smooth routes

Choose the right device based on your commute length, terrain, and storage needs. Always check local regulations and practice safety!

Top 4 Best Personal Transportation Devices - Which one should you choose?

Electric Roller Skates: Fast City Transportation

Electric roller skates combine the nostalgic joy of traditional skating with cutting-edge electric technology, offering a quick and innovative way to navigate through city traffic.

Main Features and Benefits

Wheelfeet electric roller skates are designed for compact, high-performance urban travel, boasting a top speed of 15 mph and a 9-mile range per charge. They feature a regenerative braking system, which not only helps preserve battery life but also ensures smooth and reliable stopping - essential for navigating crowded streets.

Their lightweight design makes them easy to carry and store, whether you're hopping on public transit or stashing them indoors. Adjustable speed settings let you tailor your ride to your comfort level, traffic conditions, or local rules. Plus, a wireless remote and a Bluetooth-enabled app give you full control over speed, braking, battery status, and even LED lighting, allowing you to personalize your ride for both functionality and style.

These skates offer an eco-conscious commuting option for city dwellers. As Marcus T., a verified user, shared, they’re "not only fun but also very practical for quick errands around the neighborhood."

How to Use Them Safely

Safety should always come first when riding electric roller skates in urban areas. Stick to smooth, paved surfaces like bike lanes, park pathways, or well-maintained sidewalks. Avoid areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, busy streets, or uneven terrain to reduce the risk of accidents.

If you’re new to skating, take time to get comfortable with traditional skating before activating the electric features. As Jonathan Cooper, another verified user, explained, there’s "some learning curve" involved, and he wished "they came with more detailed instructions for beginners." Protective gear - like a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards - is essential, especially during your initial rides.

Plan your routes ahead of time and familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding electric personal transportation devices. Stay alert to obstacles, pedestrians, and changes in pavement conditions, and adjust your speed accordingly to ensure a safe and smooth ride.

Electric Roller Skates: Pros and Cons

Advantages	Disadvantages
Speed & Efficiency: Reaches up to 15 mph for quick commutes	Learning Curve: Requires basic skating skills and practice
Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry or store	Weather Limitations: Not ideal for rain, snow, or icy conditions
Eco-Friendly: Zero-emission with regenerative braking	Surface Requirements: Best suited for smooth, paved areas
Cost-Effective: Priced at $599 with minimal operating costs	Range Constraints: 9-mile range may not cover longer trips
Versatility: Switch between electric and manual skating modes	Local Regulations: Restricted in some areas for electric devices
Fun Factor: Makes commuting enjoyable and efficient

Dana Watson sums it up perfectly: "Thrilling Ride! ... incredibly fun and get me where I need to go quickly without a sweat! Battery life is impressive too." With a 5.0-star rating, these skates reward users who are willing to invest time in mastering their features and learning proper safety techniques.

At $599, Wheelfeet electric roller skates represent a solid investment for urban commuters, blending quality construction with advanced features to make city travel both practical and enjoyable. Next, we’ll take a look at foldable e-bikes as another compact, efficient choice for urban transportation.

Foldable E-Bikes: Small Electric Bikes for City Riders

If you're looking for a practical way to navigate longer city commutes, foldable e-bikes might be the perfect solution. While electric roller skates are great for quick, casual trips, foldable e-bikes combine the ease of traditional cycling with the convenience of folding technology. This makes them a top choice for busy urban environments, especially when mixing different modes of transport.

Features and How They Work

Foldable e-bikes pack a lot of functionality into a compact form. They typically reach speeds of 15–20 mph and offer a range of 20–40 miles on a single charge. When folded, these bikes shrink down to dimensions under 30″×25″×15″, weigh between 30–45 lbs, and take about 3–6 hours to fully recharge. Many models even come with removable batteries, so you can charge them indoors without lugging the whole bike around.

Most high-quality foldable e-bikes are built with lightweight aluminum or carbon frames. This ensures durability while keeping the weight manageable. The electric assist feature is especially useful in cities with steep inclines, like San Francisco or Seattle, making uphill rides and longer distances less of a challenge.

Foldable E-Bikes vs. Electric Roller Skates

Choosing between foldable e-bikes and electric roller skates depends on what you need. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature	Foldable E-Bikes	Electric Roller Skates
Speed	Up to 20 mph	Up to 15 mph
Range	20–40 miles per charge	8–10 miles per charge
Portability	30–45 lbs, foldable	8–12 lbs, extremely compact
Price Range	$800–$2,500	$300–$800
Best Use	Longer trips, mixed commuting	Short trips, recreational use
Storage	Under desk, closet	In backpack, small locker
Learning Curve	Standard cycling skills	Requires skating skills

Foldable e-bikes are ideal for longer commutes, especially if you need to carry items or navigate hilly terrain. They provide a comfortable ride for extended trips and don’t require any special skills beyond knowing how to ride a bike. On the other hand, electric roller skates are lighter, more affordable, and better suited for short, fun outings or situations where extreme portability is key.

For those who often commute over 5 miles or need to combine biking with other forms of public transport, foldable e-bikes offer the range and flexibility to make your daily routine easier. But if your focus is on short, recreational rides and you want something lightweight enough to fit in a backpack, electric roller skates might be the way to go.

According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, 42% of e-bike users in major U.S. cities rely on their bikes for daily commuting [NACTO, 2023].

Electric Kick Scooters: Fast Movement Through Traffic

Electric kick scooters have emerged as a practical and nimble choice for urban commuting, joining the ranks of foldable e-bikes and roller skates. Unlike their bulkier or more skill-intensive counterparts, these scooters strike a balance between speed, ease of use, and maneuverability, making them a perfect fit for navigating crowded city streets.

One of their standout perks is their ability to handle both short and moderate distances with ease. This makes them particularly useful for commutes that require maintaining a consistent pace without the hassle of larger vehicles.

Key Features and Ideal Uses

Designed to be lightweight and foldable, electric kick scooters are perfect for multi-step commutes. For instance, they’re great for riding to a transit station and then easily carrying onto public transportation. Their portability ensures they fit seamlessly into various travel routines.

Most models come equipped with adjustable speed settings, giving riders the flexibility to slow down in crowded pedestrian zones or pick up the pace on open streets and bike lanes. This adaptability makes them well-suited for the unpredictable terrain and traffic patterns of city life.

Maintenance is straightforward, typically limited to occasional brake adjustments and battery checks. Their compact build makes them ideal for last-mile connections, helping commuters bridge the gap between transit stops and their final destinations. Plus, their narrow design allows for quick acceleration and smooth navigation through tight spaces and stop-and-go traffic.

Another advantage is their ease of use. With a short learning curve, most people can comfortably operate an electric scooter after just a little practice. This simplicity makes them an accessible option for a wide range of users. Electric kick scooters are a step toward smarter, more efficient urban travel, offering a modern solution to the challenges of city commuting.

Electric Skateboards: Quick City Travel

Electric skateboards make urban commuting a breeze, combining speed and control with a touch of fun. Thanks to motorized propulsion, there's no need for constant pushing - it’s all about smooth acceleration and braking, managed effortlessly with a wireless remote. Whether you're zipping down bike lanes or cruising on sidewalks, these boards are a practical and enjoyable way to navigate the city.

To ensure a secure ride, high-quality grip tape keeps your feet firmly in place, allowing for confident acceleration, braking, and carving. Designed for urban environments, electric skateboards can handle a range of surfaces. With the right wheels or suspension, they glide over cracks and rough patches, and some models even come with suspension systems to absorb bumps, making mixed-surface rides more comfortable.

Electric skateboards shine during morning or evening commutes, especially when you need to cover moderate distances quickly. They're particularly effective on smooth bike lanes or well-maintained sidewalks. Take the PROPEL EV Sigma, for instance - it’s a standout example of thoughtful design, offering smooth throttle response and reliable braking that boosts both safety and rider confidence.

Before hitting the streets, always prioritize safety. Wear a helmet, familiarize yourself with local regulations, and practice in open spaces to get a feel for the board's controls. If your route includes uneven terrain, consider a board with larger, softer, or pneumatic wheels. These options help absorb vibrations, ensuring a smoother and more stable experience.

Ready for another leap in urban mobility? Up next: smart hover shoes, a cutting-edge option for wearable transportation.

Smart Hover Shoes: Wearable Transportation Devices

Smart hover shoes bring a futuristic edge to short urban commutes by offering a transportation solution you can literally wear. These sleek devices attach to your feet and move in harmony with your natural steps, making them a hands-free alternative to traditional options like scooters or skateboards. No need to carry bulky equipment - just strap them on and go.

Designed for smooth, flat surfaces, smart hover shoes are ideal for short trips, such as getting from a bus stop to your office or navigating large indoor spaces like airports. However, they aren't built for rough or uneven terrain. Cracked pavement, gravel, or grassy areas can make balancing tricky and reduce their effectiveness, so sticking to well-maintained paths is key.

Features and Considerations

Smart hover shoes shine in controlled environments where the ground is even and predictable. They offer a fun and futuristic way to travel short distances but are best suited for smooth indoor areas or carefully maintained outdoor spaces. For bumpy or irregular surfaces, their stability can become an issue, so it's important to choose your route wisely to ensure a safe and smooth ride.

Conclusion: Picking the Right Device for Your Commute

When deciding on the ideal commuting device, it's all about finding the right fit for your lifestyle and travel needs. For medium-distance trips - up to about 9 miles at speeds of 15 mph - electric roller skates are a fun and practical choice, offering dual operation modes. On the other hand, foldable e-bikes shine on longer commutes and can even handle light cargo with ease.

Storage is another key factor to think about. If portability is your top priority, smart hover shoes are incredibly compact and easy to carry. Foldable e-bikes are still relatively space-efficient but will need a bit more room. Meanwhile, electric kick scooters and skateboards strike a nice balance between portability and performance.

Comfort and ease of use also play a big role. Electric kick scooters are great if you want something simple with minimal balance requirements. If you're already skilled with traditional skates, electric roller skates could be a natural choice for you.

Don't forget to check local regulations before making a purchase. Rules about where and how these devices can be used vary, so it's worth confirming what’s allowed in your area.

Finally, think about the terrain you'll be navigating. Smooth streets are suitable for most devices, but if your route includes rough patches or hills, look for models with larger wheels and better stability.

FAQs

How can I choose the best unconventional commuting option for my daily needs?

To find the best unconventional commuting option for your daily routine, start by assessing the details of your commute. How far do you travel? Is the route mostly flat, or does it include hills? What kind of weather do you typically face? For those looking for a more effortless ride, options like foldable e-bikes might be a great fit. On the other hand, if you're up for a more active experience, electric roller skates could be a fun choice.

Don’t forget to factor in the infrastructure along your route. Are there bike lanes or safe sidewalks? Will you need to combine your ride with public transportation? Your personal preferences matter, too - do you need something compact for easy storage, or are you looking for something built for longer rides? By aligning your requirements with the right option, you can streamline your commute and make your daily travel smoother and more enjoyable.

What safety tips should I follow when using electric roller skates in busy city areas?

To ensure your safety while riding electric roller skates in bustling city areas, make sure to gear up with essential protective equipment like a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. Visibility is just as important - wear reflective clothing or attach LED lights to make sure others can see you, especially in dim or nighttime conditions.

Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Watch out for pedestrians, vehicles, and unexpected obstacles. It's also a good idea to practice quick and controlled stops so you're prepared for sudden situations. Lastly, always adhere to local traffic laws and stick to bike lanes or designated paths when available to keep your commute as safe as possible.

Are there any local laws I should know about before using electric commuting devices?

Yes, the rules for electric commuting devices, like e-bikes, can differ depending on where you live. Many states follow a three-tiered classification system for e-bikes, with distinct rules regarding speed, usage, and safety. In some places, helmets are mandatory, especially for younger riders.

To stay on the right side of the law, take the time to review your local regulations. This will help you understand speed limits, where you can ride (like bike lanes or sidewalks), and any other specific requirements. Being informed not only keeps you compliant but also makes your commute safer and hassle-free.