Unicycles are the reality of our days

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

New technologies are sweeping the planet by leaps and bounds. And sometimes they even go … And what would you think? Even on unicycles! Yes, yes, this transport is not a figment of the imagination of science fiction film writers, but today's reality. Moreover, some unicycles are already mass-produced, go on sale, acquire owners and roam the streets. And what is surprising in this, if the pace of life in big cities dictates its own conditions? No one wants to spend hours in traffic jams, and traffic jams are not terrible for a unicycle. Maneuverable and light, it will overcome any traffic jam, and if necessary, it can be taken out of the crowd of people and cars simply by hand. What is this amazing transport, how does it work and who drives it? Let's talk about everything in order.

Historical reference, or First attempts

Enthusiasts - that's who drives progress! Where a professional says: "It's impossible!", inspired by a dream, an amateur will try again and again until he achieves a result. This is how the amazing development of Italian technicians appeared back in 1923year. The wheel diameter was 14 feet, and, according to contemporaries, this vehicle could reach a speed of one and a half hundred kilometers per hour! Its most amazing feature is the position of the pilot inside the wheel.

Segway Prototype

Today the word "segway" is known to most of the inhabitants. It is this transport that is the prototype on the basis of which modern unicycles have been developed. "What is similar in them if the Segway is two-wheeled?" - you ask. It's all about maintaining balance. Both of these seemingly unstable vehicles operate on the same principle. Their center of gravity is located in a position that allows you to maintain stability and stability of the trajectory while riding. Both of them weigh relatively little, develop approximately the same low speed, and run on batteries.

Production leader - Ryno

Please don't confuse with Renault! These are completely different brands.

Developer Chris Hoffman started work in 2008 and very soon introduced the world to his unusual motorcycles with one wheel. The story of their appearance is also incredible - the idea came to the head of Hoffmann's daughter. It was she who drew the sketch and begged her father to make an unusual transport for her. The designer caught fire with this idea and began to develop. And very soon a small family hobby turned into a big family business. Thus was born the Ryno, a unicycle considered the best in the world.

Solowheel - for those who are firmlystanding in stirrups

It is noteworthy that the new development of the Inventist company - the Solowheel unicycle - was presented to the general public at the prestigious toy exhibition in New York. However, this transport is not at all a toy. The Solowheel comes with a charger, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and is fairly inexpensive (around $250).

It differs from "Rino" in the complete absence of control systems and a saddle. Riding on it is carried out by distributing the pilot's own weight. And these unicycles can go up to 20 km/h.

Uno even a child can handle

Eighteen-year-old genius Ben Gulak once took and came up with a completely unusual vehicle - a motorcycle on a twin wheel. His brainchild was named Uno.

The uniqueness of the model is that the vertical position is provided using gyroscopic technology, and each of the paired wheels is connected to an electric motor and has an independent suspension. This design ensures even distribution of energy throughout the system.

Ben Gulak's unicycles have a fairly simple design, very easy handling and light weight. The pilot only needs to control the rudder directly. To go forward, you need to lean slightly, and to brake, you need to throw your body weight back. According to a talented developer who even developed motorcycle parts on his own, Uno can be controlledand baby.

High Speed Hornet

These unicycles weigh more than their analogues - as much as 176 kg. But the speed is just incredible! Developer Lime Ferguson says the Hornet can hit 230 km/h.

In its design, this motorcycle is very similar to the Segway, it has the same twin wheels and a motor located on a single axis. Gyroscopic sensors control the system.

Prospects

Despite the apparent instability, unicycles are quite reliable vehicles. They have already proved themselves in urban environments, showing excellent maneuverability. Their electric motors do not harm the environment. In mass use, compact unicycles and scooters can significantly reduce the load on transport hubs, reducing the number of city traffic jams to a minimum. The happy owners of this transport are not familiar with the problem of parking.