The Uno Electric Motorcycle, or MotorUnicycle
Dubbed the Uno, this crazy Segway / crotch rocket hybrid is the result of teen, Ben Gulak’s preternatural engineering skills combined with his desire to help the environment. This “motorUnicycle” actually has two wheels, side by side, and is reportedly easy to ride. Pictured above is an actual working prototype that weights about 120 lbs and runs for about 2.5 hours on an electric motor. The bike really has no controls other than the handle bars and the drivers ability to shift his/her weight. Similar to the Segway, the Uno uses two Gyros to keep itself upright and to operate. Simply lean in the direction you want to go… forward to accelerate, backwards to go back, and to either side…
Gulak came up with the idea after a 2006 trip to China where he noticed a lot of people riding internal combustion bikes and horrendous smog. According to Gulak, “The smog was so thick, we never saw the sun.” The trip made him realize that there was a need for a compact electric vehicle that would ease congestion and not take it’s toll on the environment.
All things considered this is great Green innovation, and its’s amazing that it was developed by a teenager! Let me leave you with this question, will you miss the joy of popping a wheelie or is this like riding a wheelie all the time? [via: MotorcycleMojo]
Any Suggestions?
18 Comments, Comment or Ping
sony
kinda looks like the machine invented by mr. garrison from southpark
May 9th, 2008
Strung
Nah… There’s a photo of the seat and Mr Garrison would be disappointed.
Great concept though and a brilliant build by the look of it.
So what happens when you emergency brake from top speed?
Not a front wheel “stoppie”.
More of a face “plantie”.
May 9th, 2008
Antiques
that thing looks like a lot of fun. I’d totally love to try one out. I wonder if the balancing is easy or if its a circus act type of thing.
May 9th, 2008
MII
vid plz…
May 9th, 2008
sP00N
I think it uses the same type of stabilizer as the segway, thus counter balancing it during an abrupt stop.
May 9th, 2008
neonguy
why not call it a municycle? (motorcycle/unicycle)
May 9th, 2008
Foppy
It seems like a excellent idea.. but a 2.5 hour motor.. kinda lame sacrifice the 120 lbs put a bit bigger battery in there make it run longer…. with good traffic in my town it takes 15-25 min just go down town… so if you alotta running around to that day school downtown to work back home…. i don’t think it would last you the whole time.. good idea but not every practical.. and whats the recharge time on the 2.5 hours any how?
May 9th, 2008
Josh Darville
This is pretty cool, I like it alot.
JoshD@themediazoo.com
http://www.TheMediaZoo.com - We Create Custom Website Videos
May 10th, 2008
delux
DO A WHEELIE!!!!!!!!! ……wait
May 10th, 2008
Watchit
FACE PLANT… OW!
May 10th, 2008
Alan
That looks like an accident waiting to happen, bikes are dangerous enough as it is, why heighten the chances?
May 11th, 2008
Tuono
Just because you can do it doesn’t mean it’s a good idea…
May 12th, 2008
Dave
Hey i’ve an idea, why not take the second of the two center wheels and put it at the front and put the other wheel to the back thus eliminating the need for a balance device, oh wait…
Ha still cool though
May 13th, 2008
Duncan
shopped…
May 16th, 2008
Tim
How fast can it go?
May 17th, 2008
Sites Linking to this post:
Reply to “The Uno Electric Motorcycle, or MotorUnicycle”