August 09, 2017

August is all about family.

From World Cup to riders groups in cities around the world, Evolve riders are everywhere. As our family grows and changes, we want to keep you up to date on what's happening in our community.

That's why we developed Evolve Insider, delivered straight to your inbox on the first Wednesday of every month. We promise to only feature the best of the best- updates from Evolve HQ, featured riders and locations, product updates, staff highlights, & customisations. Click here to subscribe.

Meet this month’s featured rider, New Zealander Brian Lomas!

Age:

12 at heart, 49 on the outside

Location:

Auckland, New Zealand

Occupation:

I’ve done a few different things but right now…I’m a Learning and Development Advisor for Datacom (an IT company).

Q: How did you find out about Evolve?

A: In January 2017 I was looking at different ways to change and improve my work commute. I wanted to stop using my car, make better use of public transport and solve the last mile transportation problem. Amongst a bunch of other electric powered stuff that I looked into, I discovered electric skateboards.

As an ex-skateboarder these caught my interest and the more I looked, the more videos I watched of people riding them, the more I wanted to try them out. I looked into what brands were around, spent a bunch of time reading reviews, comparing specifications and generally trying to weed out the good from the bad and finally arrived at Evolve’s doorstep.

But…before making a $2k+ purchase decision that would fundamentally change my commute and need the family’s seal of approval, I had to ride a board to be sure. As luck would have it Jeff and Nick visited New Zealand in late February and whilst here organised a demo at Albert Park in Auckland. So, I took my kids with me to find out if the boards were really as awesome as I thought.

Shortly after this the Carbon GT was made available on the New Zealand Evolve website… I got capex signoff, my board arrived and I started riding. I quickly discovered that although I had primarily planned to use the board for my work commute, the reality was that I quickly started riding it whenever I could especially because I could change the wheels to suit the ride, location, terrain etc. Why walk to the bottle store to get supplies when you can ride right?!?!

Q: What is your favourite Evolve product?

A: That is a tough question. My Carbon GT is awesome because it makes commuting a dream, looks incredible and has the power, range and versatility that I want. That said, I really like the idea of owning a flexible board that is more responsive when carving, sliding, etc. and for this I think either the One which I have tried or the new GTX, which I would love to try, would do the trick.

Q: What do you primarily use the board for?

A: Commuting to and from work. It sounds dull but it is such a cool way to start and end each working day!

Q: Where is your favourite place and ride and why?

A: I love riding along the Auckland waterfront. Being beside the sea means you get an amazing view as well as an awesome ride. I also meet people along the way who ask questions about the board. It is a great opportunity to introduce them to the goodness that is Evolve!

Q: Are you a part of any riders groups?

A: I’m pretty sure I was the first member of The Official Auckland Evolve Riders Group (on Facebook anyway!). It is a great group and we have a steadily growing community of riders that have turned up for group rides (and a beverage or two).

It is a slight exaggeration (but not by much!) that since discovering eboards, Evolve and the endless wave…I haven’t been able to stop smiling and riding. My family hassle me a fair bit about my new obsession and even surprised me by creating an Evolve branded cake for my 49th birthday a couple of weeks back. I’ve managed to get both my kids and wife on my Carbon GT and the long term plan is to get all of them riding. I might need to get another board or two though ;-)

Check out our most recent editions of Evolve Weekly, featuring exclusive footage from World Cup 2017.

Product Updates

Our low-profile and light-weight helmets are now in black. Sizing is adjustable and is controlled by a dial at the back of the helmet.
Evolve elbow and knee pads are available now!