IT LOOKS like a cross between a Segway, a skateboard and a mini-tank.

Called a DTV Shredder, this weird and wonderful contraption is the latest in big boys' toys to hit Australia.

The US-made machine, inspired by bomb disposal robots, is equally at home in sand and snow.

It's being put through its paces on the Gold Coast by local adrenalin junkie Matt McFerran, a freestyle motocross rider with the Nitro Circus extreme sports spectacular.

"The guy who invented it sent it down for us to try out,'' McFerran said.

"It's so much fun, like an off-road Segway but with a lot more speed and grunt. It's also got elements of a skateboard, bobcat and an army tank. You can go anywhere with it.''

The Shredder is powered by a 200cc four-stroke engine and can travel at almost 50km/h.

"It gets along and you can do little jumps and stuff,'' McFerran said.

"I can see heaps of guys getting onto these things, especially on farms and stuff. The potential is pretty much limitless.''

The Shredder, which folds down and can be carried by two people, costs about $4000.

It's not clear whether the machine will be allowed on Queensland footpaths under controversial new Segway laws.

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Originally published as Another cool toy for the big boys