Bringing Modern Technology to a Sled

Street sledding, once a popular activity in Norway, has seen a decline in recent years, prompting Justin, also known as Garage Avenger, to seek a modern revival. To breathe new life into an antique sled, Justin equipped it with powerful electric turbines capable of swiftly propelling it across frozen lakes and roads during winter.

Given the sled’s child-sized dimensions, traditional fuel-burning jet engines were replaced with electric motors spinning turbine blades at an impressive 80,000 rpm. The restoration process involved refurbishing the sled, including rust removal from the runners and wood reconditioning. Additionally, 3D-printed cowlings were added for the turbines, along with a thumb throttle on upgraded handlebars and a large battery system controlled by an Arduino.

After assembly, the upgraded sled effortlessly reached speeds of 20-30 kph, depending on passenger weight. Safety features such as an emergency brake fashioned from an old ice skate ensured secure stops, making the sled a hit among all users at the skating pond and offering a modern twist to a nostalgic pastime.

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