The weird and wonderful future Back to the Future 2 promised us back in 1989 is finally here, and right on schedule to boot. A California couple has invented the world’s first working hoverboard.

The Hendo Hoverboard, created by soft-spoken husband and wife duo Greg and Jill Henderson, uses four motors and a scientific principle called Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA, for short) to levitate off the ground.

Unfortunately, there is a catch to this wonderful device. The Hendersons’ levitation technology only works above surfaces that are made of nonferrous metals like copper or aluminum. So, unless cities starts paving the streets with aluminum, there won’t be a sudden explosion of kids shredding the street with their hoverboards (which, let’s be honest, is probably a good thing). However, the couple promises that future iterations of their technology will be able to work over any surface, including water.

The Hendo is currently going through the crowdfunding cycle. As of the writing of this piece, the company has raised $67, 638 of its $250,000 goal. It has 54 days to reach its goal.

Donating a cool $10,000 to the project will net one a hoverboard (be quick about it, however, as there are only 6 left). A more modest $299 pledge will net one a DIY kit that makes it possible to cause more mundane objects to levitate off the ground. [via Motherboard]
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Igor Bonifacic is the managing editor of Toronto Standard. Follow him on Twitter.