Short summary of the Snowmoped evolution since 1995
It might seem very basic to start saying the typical phrase, "this is a long story...", but..., yes, it really has been a long story.
I had practiced snowboarding in the early 90's when this snowsport began to take some strength in Spain. Currently I still have an long asymmetric board of strange shapes that was used in those past years. Time later I built some handmade skis, with some material (sidewall, PEHD base, topsheet, edge) I bought from the US on the internet, when internet shop was still an means uncertainty. Also my passion and skill for motorcycles, mechanical systems and wide range engines were mixed with the snow hobby. From there derived the first ideas and gadgets for snow and also some patent application.
1995 - Some time later I raise the challenge of achieving a vehicle different, innovative, light, especially respectful to the environment, but at the same time effective and fun use, and it should also be easily transportable in a normal car.
The different snow vehicles on the market I knew were the conventional powefull beautiful snowmobiles and Atv with track kit or also the popular pioneer "Snowhawk", from which after, past years, all current "snow bike tipe" (cross motorbike with snow rear track kit) were derived. I also knew some Asian inventions of dubious performances. In addition I had read also more than 200 different patents files from different countries of the world about snow vehicles or snow system patented since approximately 1940 to the present day. Perhaps only 20% of these inventions patents were manufactured and marketed. Some are still in the market, but others have ceased to exist.
2004 - The first Snowmoped prototype I made with a new patent dates back to 2004 year, although previously I had worked on other small motorized snow system since 1995. Logically the first concept of Snowmoped developed in 2004 did not provide the same performances as the current Snowmoped 2016 version. The 2004 prototype equipped a small two-stroke kart engine 100cc, with a simple automatic clutch and small exhaust muffler, I remember that it was a noisy thunderous engine. The great virtue of that little first "invention" is that it was so light that a person could carry it with his own arms.
2010 - Time later we have completed many test in the snow and showed prototypes to public in expo fairs and dealers of the snow industrie sector, getting good reviews. Also new patents were obtanied. Many anecdotes happy and sad have ocurred since the beginnings. However different complex situations like, funds very limited, wrong indsutrial partners, also family and personal aspects, have not allowed have Snowmoped ready for sale. ...for the moment.
2022 - New United States, Canada, and Europe granted patents.
Three interesting old video of Snowmoped beginnings, basic prototypes in test area.
1. This is one of the first prototypes developed and tested in Norway at the beginning of the Snowmoped project, about 2006 year. it surprises his lightwheight and great agility to move. (I remember that Ivar with his snowmobile went out to hunt Rune who was driving the snowmoped prototype, ...Rune didn't want to stop playing with Snowmoped, he was like crazy, ...he was like possessed :))). This is the problem of testing Snowmoped, ...it's a vice.
2. Other initial snowmoped prototype.
3. Snowmoped tested in nice Spanish skiresort. Prototype is improved versus to tested in Norway.