Design
The Stowboard design consists of a metal alloy middle platform, 110 mm front wheels mounted on a pivoting front truck, a plastic rear foot platform with 65mm conical rear wheels mounted on a straight axle. This design allows the Stowboard to be folded down from full length (31 inches) to an 11 x 8.5 x 4 inch block.
Folding is achieved by pressing the red release button on the rear platform then lifting the front key out of alloy platform. The front wheel assembly is then folded into the middle platform first followed by the rear assembly being folded into the mid platform.
To ride a Stowboard the rider stands in the alloy middle platform then pushes forward with their other foot. After rolling the rider has the option to rest his rear foot on the rear foot platform. Shifting body weight to one side or the other activates the front trucks and permits turning.
History
Plans for the Foldable Skateboard that would become the Stowboard were issued US Patent number: 7150461 on December 19, 2006 (filed November 26, 2002). Stowboard was manufactured by Pronto Sports of Minnesota. The Stowboard is currently available in limited supply through Stowboard.net
Media
An early Stowboard prototype appeared in the 2003 movie Paycheck starring Ben Affleck. The Stowboard is seen being carried in the backpack of the teenaged thief. The front wheels are visible as a prop intermittently from 36:39 to 37:08 in chapter 9 of the DVD. The Stowboard is also seen in the alternate ending of the DVD again in the backpack of the thief character.