A human powered one-wheeled Segway?
Say what you will about the Segway, but perhaps it was a vehicle just a bit ahead of its time. Consider its record sales in the face of record high gasoline prices as proof positive that consumers are looking for ways to get around without using fossil fuels pumped into tanks. There is certainly something to be said for an urban runabout which allows you to arrive at your intended destination without being drenched in sweat. Still, it's that electric powertrain which makes the Segway and its ilk so expensive, so perhaps some human power is in order after all. Take a look at the unicycle transport vehicle by designer Regimantas Vegele, which combines the motion of an eliptical excercise machine with a unicycle to create one rather unique contraption. Safety certainly seems to be a possible problem with this thing, wouldn't you think? If you want to use human power to get around, may we suggest the good old bicycle?
Gallery: Segway Unicycle
[Source: Yanko Design via Gizmodo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
fred schumacher 9:31AM (6/23/2008)
The advantage of this machine over the bicycle is its smaller footprint. This would make it more portable. It could be carried onto a bus.
The disadvantage is that it has two small balance wheels. These would tend to get caught in cracks that a bicycle would simply roll over. Catching a crack on one side could slew the user around so fast, it could be dangerous.
It is important to brain storm about ways to add isotropy at the ends of a linear public transport journey, i.e., one has to get to the bus stop and then one has to leave the bus to get to the primary destination. Walking is 3 mph. A wheeled portable vehicle going 9 mph would be three times faster than walking but would only require about 40 watts of power. My favorite possible solution is the Landroller in-line roller skate with hub motors in the large rear wheels and a battery pack worn on the waist.
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John B 11:19AM (6/24/2008)
"There is certainly something to be said for an urban runabout which allows you to arrive at your intended destination without being drenched in sweat. Still, it's that electric powertrain which makes the Segway and its ilk so expensive,"
Then why not an electrically assisted bicycle? I've tried it, it works and at much less cost than a Segway. Remove the battery and you've got a regular bicycle.
http://www.bionx.ca/
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Frank 9:51AM (6/25/2008)
I was entirely expecting a unicycle.
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