US company develops 'world's first hoverboard'

Hendo wants to open the world's first hoverpark - like a skate park but for hoverboards - next year Credit: Hendo

A company in the US says it has developed the world's first hoverboard.

The prototype is about the size and shape of a skateboard, but instead of resting on wheels it hovers about an inch above the ground.

Its developers at Hendo believe the technology could have all sorts of applications and are asking people to submit their ideas.

This promotional video shows the hoverboard in action in a "hoverpark".

The hoverboard works using four disc-shaped hover engines which create a magnetic field that "pushes against itself".

It requires a "non-ferromagnetic conductor" surface - in the video above it is flat sheets of copper - but the developers believe a whole range of surfaces will be possible in the future.

Hendo says the technology has the potential to revolutionise a range of industries - not just transport. It has even floated the idea of buildings that can hover on their foundations to ride out earthquakes.

The company is using the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to raise funds and ideas for the future of the technology. At time of writing, it has raised just under $300,000 (£187,000).

The minimum donation for a share in that future is a dollar, but your very own hoverboard will set you back $10,000 (£6,240).