Carson MacDonald, Charlie Cannon and Chris Goodhue introduce the Sharks to VibeRide, their patented skateboard brakes that are over 20 years in the making, in Shark Tank episode 1511. The three guys met in college at Utah State and share a passion for skateboarding. With Utah’s hilly terrain, they identified a problem with skateboarding there immediately: wipe-outs were common.
With that in mind, Carson began exploring the world of skateboard brakes. This led him to an Australian company that had several patents on a skateboard braking system. Carson acquired the patents and the three friends began improving upon the design. Part of the reason they guys were able to acquire the patents was Carson had already built an online drone business that earned over $10 million! In 2023, after 3 years of tinkering and perfecting the design, the VibeRide braking system was ready for the masses.
The company sells through its website only. They use their social media accountss to drive interest in their products. A brake equipped longboard costs $249. They also sell brakes for attaching to your own board for $169 and they claim the brakes are compatible with 99% of longboard deck types. Rounding out their offerings are a brake-equipped, electric longboard for $499 and a variety of branded apparel. The guys likely want a Shark to help them with inventory and scaling.
Company Information
Video
Posts about VibeRide on Shark Tank Blog
Vibe Ride: A Game-Changer in Skateboarding
VibeRide Shark Tank Recap
Carson, Charlie and Chris skateboard into the Tank and introduce themselves. Chris says they’ve all seen skateboards before but not a single one has ever had a brake. That’s why they created VibeRide, the world’s only skateboards with brakes. They’re seeking $250,000 for 10% of “the next biggest skate company on earth.” They tell the Sharks bikes have brakes, scooters have brakes and cars have brakes; anything with wheels needs a way to slow down. Longboards and skateboards have never had brakes and that’s a tragedy because zooming down hills is the best part.
They’re going to attempt something that’s never been done before. Charlie gets up on a ramp with his board as Chris lies on the ground in front of the end of the ramp holding a stop sign. If Charlie can’t stop, he’ll run straight into Chris. He glides down the ramp and brakes to a complete stop before hitting Chris. They didn’t invent it for safety, but it’s an added benefit. They invented it to go down hills faster because you usually spend half the ride trying not to wipe out. They ask the Sharks to get out of the stone age and take a ride with them into the future of skating.
Samples and Questions
The Sharks love the custom skateboards the guys have for them. Each Shark has a board with their picture on it. The boards have a lever on the back and when you push on it, it extends arms into the wheel causing it to brake. The wheels have brake pads. It’s super easy to use and has been tested up to 50 MPH. The brake kit retails for $149, $259 with a board included. They have other kits at other prices depending on what type of hill you want to skate on.
Margins are at 63% across all models. 50% of people buy the brake kit for their own board, te othe 50% get a full board. Charlie would rather sell the whole board because they make more money when they do. Candace wants to know why skateboards never had brakes and Charlie doesn’t know. They have 6 utility patents on their brakes. Charlie says he’s been an entrepreneur his whole life. He talks about his drone business and the Sharks are impressed. When they got the idea for the brakes, Carson brought his engineering prowess to the table. Candace thinks the guys remind her of her boys.
Who’s In?
They opened for pre-sale 2 months ago and did $150,000 in sales. They expect to finish the year at $600,000. Charlie invested $1.2 million in the business. He spent $450,000 acquiring brake patents. Mark offers $250,000 for 15% and says they can tell him yes or no. Charlie wants to know why he wants 15% and Mark says because you asked for 10%. Charlie counters with $350,000 for 15% and Mark goes to 12%. He says if they need more cash, he’ll put in more cash. Charlie counters with $265,000 and Mark holds firm. They do the deal
VibeRide Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. Since airing, the company has introduced an electric skateboard and plans on releasing an electric scooter later in 2024. They also plan on introducing a new “Cruiser Series” of regular boards. As of the first re-run of this episode in June, 2024 – about 6 months after the original air date – there is no hard evidence the deal with Mark closed but the company website features a picture of Mark holding his custom skateboard.
The Shark Tank Blog will follow-up on VibeRide & Carson MacDonald, Charlie Cannon and Chris Goodhue as more details become available.
