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Get a Rise with a Levitating Hover Scooter!

Luxury Toys: This is one of the most intriguing upscale gadgets I have ever reviewed. This is neither a video game nor a lawnmower run amok nor a dream. It really is a levitating hover scooter, replacing the magic carpet so often used by genies of the 20th century. It is not street legal, but it does travel up to 15 mph. Its recommended usage is over relatively level land, such as well-groomed grassy fields, and asphalt or concrete surfaces that are free of debris. It is ideal for parks, fields or yards. The easy-to-use clutch and throttle controls are built into the handlebars, and it can be safely coasted to a stop over a distance approximating 20 feet.

The little "Hover" runs off of a four-stroke internal combustion engine that operates for approximately 90 minutes on a tank of unleaded gasoline. The scooter's diameter of five feet provides ample riding area, and there are safety pads to ensure solid footing. Additionally, the scooter has an engine-kill switch akin to those on water-jet vehicles or snowmobiles. Head and taillights come on at the flick of a switch to increase the scooters visibility. Operators must be at least 16 years old. The scooter accommodates single riders only, with a maximum weight of 220 pounds. Appropriate protective headgear and padding are recommended. It comes in red, blue, green or yellow.

It is available from Hammacher Schlemmer. Take it to an empty football or baseball field and create a field of dreams! The price hovers at around $17,000. But how could you buy just one?

For LxM James Rothaar