E-hiking instead of e-biking – here’s what it’s like
Ever wondered what it would be like to give your legs extra power with batteries, AI and robotics? The Hypershell exoskeleton makes this possible. Here’s what my first 10,000 steps with it felt like.
Three clicks to close the buckles, a quick tightening of the straps on my hips and thighs – et voilà! I’m transformed into a cyborg, half human, half machine. The Pro X exoskeleton from Hypershell is supposed to turbocharge my legs.
Source: Siri Schubert
30 per cent reduction in effort and a significant boost up the mountain
Hypershell’s robotic legs promise to reduce your effort by up to 30 per cent thanks to their 800-watt motor. With that, walking uphill should be a breeze. Climbing stairs, too. And it doesn’t end there – the exoskeleton can also be used for jogging and cycling.
I took a long walk to collect some first thoughts. I’ll publish an in-depth review of the different use cases at a later date, once I get in the saddle with my artificially intelligent and powerful legs and run up a trail to test my fitness against the exoskeleton’s resistance (you can do that, too!)
Exoskeletons are a new e-mobility trend
Exoskeletons, which give a person’s muscles extra support, are in vogue. Since I reported on the e-hiking pants from Arcteryx and the Google spin-off, Skip, a few months ago, the topic has gained momentum.
Hypershell is one of the first companies to launch an electric walking drivetrain on the market. Winning the Innovations Award at the CES 2025 technology trade fair, the Chinese company earned its first respectable success.
Not only that: with a price of 1,099 euros (around 1,050 francs) on the manufacturer’s German-language website, the Pro X version of the exoskeleton is significantly cheaper than the Skip-Arcteryx Mo/Go trousers, which cost 5,000 US dollars (4,630 euros or 4,415 francs).
Good build quality and a low weight
The Hypershell exoskeleton consists of a padded hip belt carrying the battery. Cuffs are used to fix the two curved plastic legs above your knees. You don’t need any special clothing – the computer-controlled legs can be worn over any outfit.
The Pro X model weighs 2.4 kg including the battery and is made of carbon-reinforced plastic, an aluminium alloy and stainless steel. In addition to the Pro X, there’s a cheaper version made of reinforced polymer and a more expensive one made of carbon.
The exoskeleton comes in a grey polystyrene case and with an additional battery and charging cable. According to the manufacturer, one charge should last you about 17 km on flat roads in Eco Mode.
The first try-on
Finally holding the exoskeleton in my hands, I could hardly wait to go for a walk with it. Thanks to the simple buckle-and-strap construction, it took just a few minutes to adjust it to my size and put it on. Connecting it to the app also worked without any problems. I just had to enter a few details such as my height and weight and I was good to go.
The exoskeleton is comfortable; it’s not bulky and doesn’t even look like a superbly conspicuous device.
Onto the hills!
The first few steps felt as if my knees were being lifted by an invisible hand. Quite the strange sensation. But after a few minutes, I got used to it. The motion detection system learns your typical stride length and how you move on different terrain.
Source: Siri Schubert
The motor is pleasantly quiet and the movements feel smooth, with nothing angular or choppy about them. As with an e-bike, you can choose between different modes: Eco for a long battery life and moderate assistance, Hyper for a powerful boost, Transparent for no assistance, and Fitness if you want to deliberately make things challenging for yourself.
Source: Siri Schubert
I started by going uphill and really noticed the exoskeleton’s support; I wouldn’t normally walk this route so quickly. What’s interesting is that although lifting my legs felt much easier, I could still feel my glutes working. That means you do get somewhat of a workout.
The longer I was on the move, the more natural e-walking felt, as you can see in the following video.
At the beginning, I caught myself walking faster than usual, probably because I unconsciously wanted to compensate for the support. But as soon as I buckled down, I found my rhythm. I covered nearly 10,000 steps and 200 metres in elevation with the exoskeleton, and I have to say I enjoyed it.
The exoskeleton only stuttered when I changed from a downhill section to a level path; it takes a few seconds for it to adapt to the new gait. Walking downhill, I didn’t notice the support. The AI is still learning and should adapt better and better to my gait. I’ll let you know how well this works in the in-depth test.
Who is the exoskeleton made for?
As I’m quite fit and a big fan of running with no external support, I’ll have to keep experimenting to see if there are any useful applications for me. I’m definitely looking forward to giving jogging and cycling a go with the exoskeleton. For those who like a challenge, there’s also a mode that provides additional resistance instead of support, which should allow you to train the muscles specifically for running. This will be an interesting test.
Yingjie Pang, Marketing Manager at Hypershell, whom I met at the international sports fair ISPO, said that the e-drivetrain is meant to make outdoor adventures more accessible for everyone. One focus is on photographers lugging heavy equipment up mountains. Another is on couples where the partners have differing fitness levels, and older people who could use the exoskeleton in everyday life when climbing stairs or going out to get groceries.
This initial test has certainly piqued my curiosity. Stay tuned to find out if I love or hate the exoskeleton after a few weeks of use.
Header image: Siri Schubert
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Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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