I’m not sure this is any more useful than a Segway, but it sure does look cool.
Uno and only
Start with a motorcycle, add ‘Star Wars’ and give the Segway a run for its futuristic money
By James F. Quinn | Special to the Chicago Tribune
June 29, 2008…When he saw the incredible pollution in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, much of it produced by smoky two-stroke scooters and motorcycles, he knew that electrics would make ideal substitutes—if they were cool. There, of course, have been electric motorcycles and scooters before. He put college plans on hold and set out to create a practical, non-polluting vehicle with style.
Working with his grandfather’s tools, he built an angle-iron frame, attached wheelchair motors, batteries and gyroscopes, and arrived at the moment of truth – the test ride. He had never ridden a Segway or a motorcycle, and he had no idea what he was in for.
…A Segway rider tilts its LeanSteer tiller to turn left or right. With no controls except an on/off switch, the Uno’s electronics respond to a rider’s slightest lean forward, backward or to the side quickly with no need for a throttle, brake lever or swiveling handlebar.
A Segway tops out at 12.5 miles per hour, while Gulak has coaxed 15 m.p.h. out of the Uno. He estimates that it could travel as fast as 40—with a little more work to ensure stability at higher speeds.
Wow. That looks so incredibly dangerous.
LOL
Dangerous is just another word for cool.
Seriously though, it would probably be okay as long as your gyroscope doesn’t break and the batteries don’t catch on fire.
Would it be comfortable though? It doesn’t look it, but it wouldn’t be the only uncomfortable mode of transportation. Seats on a bus aren’t so great. Nobody over six feet tall enjoys flying coach. I’ve never thought motorcycles look all that comfortable, but I haven’t really ridden. I can’t say that my road bike is especially comfortable after more than ten miles, and bike shorts are definitely not comfortable.
The real question may be, “Is there room for a date to fit behind you on the seat?”
“Hey baby, wanna’ ride on my Uno?”
Now that just sounds wrong.