New technologies are advancing across the planet by leaps and bounds. And sometimes they even go... And what do you think? Even on unicycles! Yes, yes, this transport is not a figment of the imagination of science fiction film scriptwriters, but today’s reality. Moreover, some one-wheeled motorcycles are already being mass-produced, going on sale, acquiring owners and roaming the streets. What’s surprising about this if the pace of life in big cities dictates its own conditions? Nobody wants to be stuck in traffic jams for hours, and traffic jams are not scary for a unicycle. Maneuverable and lightweight, it will overcome any traffic jam, and if necessary, it can be taken out of a crowd of people and cars simply in your hands. What is this amazing transport, how does it work and who rides it? Let's talk about everything in order.
Historical background, or First attempts
Enthusiasts are the ones who drive progress! Where a professional will say: “This is impossible!”, an amateur inspired by a dream will try again and again until he achieves a result. This is exactly how the amazing development of Italian technicians appeared back in 1923. 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.
Is there a future for unicycles?
Of course, this is not all of the existing unicycle motorcycles. In addition to the impressive number of mass-produced models, many concepts have also been developed that are not yet in production.
By the way, did you know what unicycles are called? The most commonly used names are “monobike” and “unicycle”. Some experts believe that it is generally incorrect to classify such vehicles as motorcycles. Perhaps, with the development of technology and the emergence of even more options, it will be possible to talk about a new type of vehicle.
All currently existing options operate on environmentally friendly electric motors. This makes monobikes even more attractive, because humanity is finally seriously concerned about preserving the environment. No less important are indicators such as efficiency, maneuverability, and compactness.
Well, let's hope that this convenient transport will occupy its niche and in the future will become more accessible to a wide range of buyers.
Segway prototype
Today, most people know the word “Segway”. This particular vehicle is the prototype on the basis of which modern one-wheeled motorcycles were developed. “What is similar about them if the Segway is two-wheeled?” - you ask. It's all about the principle of maintaining balance. Both of these seemingly unstable vehicles operate on the same principle. Their center of gravity is located in a position that allows them to maintain stability and trajectory stability while driving. Both of them weigh relatively little, develop approximately the same low speed, and operate on batteries.
Single wheel trailer
It’s unlikely that anyone would think of attaching a trailer to a one-wheeled vehicle. But for two-wheeled vehicles, such an addition can be very useful.
Fortunately, manufacturers understand this very well and produce many options. Do you think that a motorcycle with a one-wheel trailer can only be used in the outback for performing household tasks? But no, some models look incredibly stylish. This trailer can even be attached to a luxury Honda Gold Wing or any other luxury model for traveling or to a bike show.
You can make a one-wheel motorcycle trailer with your own hands. To do this, you will need some set of tools (grinder, welding machine), spare parts and certain skills. The trailer frame can be assembled from aluminum pipes, and sheet metal is suitable for the body. It is advisable to install a shock absorber on the trailer wheel.
According to the rules, such an addition to a motor vehicle must be equipped with side lights, and the motorcycle license plate must be attached to the rear of the trailer so that it is visible. The carriage of passengers on such structures is strictly prohibited.
Folk Kulibins sometimes make products that are in no way inferior to branded ones. To make the trailer look neat, the welds and edges of the metal parts need to be sanded. Careful painting will give the trailer a decent appearance. Everyone is satisfied with the cargo securing system based on their needs and preferences.
Leading Manufacturer – Ryno
Please do not confuse it with Renault! These are completely different brands.
Developer Chris Hoffman began 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 mind of Hoffman’s daughter. It was she who drew the sketch and begged her father to make an unusual vehicle for her. The designer was inspired by this idea and began development. And very soon a small family hobby turned into a big family business. This is how the Ryno was born - a one-wheeled motorcycle considered the best in the world.
3mysterious photo
You may be interested in: What is a QR code and how to use it?
True, the claims that Signor de Udine was the first are controversial. The archives of one of the French libraries contain a photo of a lady sitting inside a similar vehicle, dated 1927.
The most amazing thing is that the wheel design is identical. Perhaps this is the same specimen, and not two different ones. Whether there was a fact of plagiarism, whether the developers knew each other, or whether two people almost simultaneously invented the same thing - history, unfortunately, is silent about all this.
Solowheel - for those who stand firmly in the stirrups
It is noteworthy that the new development of the Inventist company - the Solowheel unicycle motorcycle - was presented to the general public at the prestigious toy exhibition in New York. However, this transport is not a toy at all. The Solowheel comes with a charger, is easy to assemble and disassemble, and is fairly inexpensive (about $250).
It differs from the Rhino in the complete absence of control systems and saddles. Riding it is carried out due to the distribution of the pilot’s own weight. And these unicycle motorcycles can accelerate up to 20 km/h.
General impression
Overall, the device looks pretty nice and is perfect for driving around the city. A fairly decent power reserve allows you to use it for commuting. However, in the case of office work and any work where there is no convenient indoor parking, the Ryno will become a burden. In fact, you have half a motorcycle in your hands that needs to go somewhere. It is unlikely that such a structure will be left protected. Just fastening it to a lamppost with a padlock is a bit scary. Still, 5000 USD, which is equivalent to just an excellent bicycle or a good electric bicycle. For the same money you can buy a used foreign car in good condition.
This device is also not particularly suitable for suburban use. Throwing 60 kg into an electric train is quite problematic. Of course, if you have a personal car, you can take the Ryno to the riding area in the trunk, and then continue driving on it. But this motorcycle will not pass through the forest. It turns out that the last use case is riding in the evening in a park with paths and commuting to work if parking is available. You can go to the store at your dacha. Therefore, this technical innovation at the moment can hardly be more practical than the most ordinary electric bicycle.
Uno that even a child can handle
Eighteen-year-old genius Ben Gulak once 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 ensured using gyroscopic technology, and each of the twin wheels is connected to an electric motor and has an independent suspension. This design ensures an even distribution of energy throughout the system.
Ben Gulak's unicycles have a fairly simple design, very simple controls and are light in weight. The pilot only needs to control the steering wheel directly. To go forward, you need to lean slightly, and to brake, you need to lean your body weight back. According to the talented developer, who even developed spare parts for motorcycles on his own, even a child can control the Uno.
How to ride a Ryno?
Even a novice user will not have any problems with control. After all, as we already wrote above, the motorcycle is equipped with a built-in gyroscope and a balancing system. In addition, the wide wheel gives great confidence when moving. To acquire the necessary skills, it is enough to drive in a straight line a couple of times. Otherwise, this equipment is more than obedient and is no more difficult to control than a Segway. The technique is absolutely safe. In addition, even turning the device on its side will not be very easy - after all, the gyroscope provides stability in all directions. Ryno will begin to steer itself if there is a sudden stall.
High Speed Hornet
These unicycle motorcycles weigh more than their analogues - as much as 176 kg. But the speed they develop is simply incredible! Developer Lime Ferguson assures that the Hornet can accelerate to 230 km/h.
In terms of its design, this motorcycle is very similar to the Segway; it has the same twin wheels and motor located on a single axis. Gyroscopic sensors control the system.
Ryno driving characteristics and operating features
The maximum speed of RYNO is currently 30 km/h. Despite the bulky design, the entire device weighs about 55 kg. The range on one battery charge is 40 km. This is not enough, but more than enough for city trips. And for nearby country trips it is more than suitable. If you compare this figure with an electric bicycle or unicycle, then the mileage figure for the standard Ryno is approximately twice as much as for a bicycle.
The Ryno can carry a load of 100 kg and easily climbs up to 20 degrees.
Ryno is equipped with shock absorbers, which makes driving this wonderful vehicle comfortable and soft.
Operating principle and design
The operating principle of this device is extremely simple. It is obvious from its appearance. This is a hybrid of a unicycle and a motorcycle. The motorcycle has one wide motor wheel, a high-capacity battery, a steering wheel and a seat with footrests. Balancing, as in a unicycle, is ensured using an intelligent balancing system. Balancing is carried out using magnetic sensors that keep the motorcycle in an upright position.
The steering wheel of this electric bicycle is equipped with basic controls and instruments for recording speed and distance traveled. There is also a rearview mirror and an on-board computer.
The process of turning this device in the desired direction is quite interesting. For balancing, the seat has a slight free play, like a regular bicycle fork in the frame. First the wheel turns, and the body follows it. In addition, the automatic balancer also steers here.
Motorcycle on one wheel "Rino"
Things are increasingly appearing on the Internet and technical magazines, the actual implementation of which can only be assumed in the distant future. The first thought that arises when you see a person riding a motorcycle on one wheel is a trick of a professional stuntman.
The developers of the Ryno Micro-Cycle electric unicycle are still trying to figure out why this thing causes such an initial reaction (you can clearly see it in the video below). Compact, convenient and unique, it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie onto our sidewalks. However, this is not at all true! Reno is the latest unicycle motorcycle, which, according to its creators, you can learn to ride in half an hour. And this futuristic-looking motorcycle can reach speeds of 16 km per hour!
Despite its technologically unusual appearance, the Reno was designed with a simple mission: to make motorized personal transport accessible, enjoyable and practical, so that one can easily navigate the ramifications of a rigid transport system, mingle with bicycles and, moreover, even without being limited to roads or bike paths.
Browse products for inventors. The sale has started on 11/25/21!!! Link to the store. Coupon ePN100allnov - 100 rubles discount when purchasing from 1,000 rubles, ePN200allnov - from 2,000 rubles.
Cars, scooters and even typical two-wheelers are tied to the road. The Rhino—less than half the length of a bicycle—makes the space you occupy about the size of a standing person, and can rotate 360 degrees on its vertical axis.
DIY electronics in a Chinese store.
The Rhino microcycle is equipped with a full-size motorcycle tire, which provides good grip and traction for a confident ride. In addition to flexible control, the unicycle control system provides fixed settings for beginner modes (up to 13 km per hour) and advanced driver modes (16 km per hour). Depending on the payload, riding style and terrain, a single charge can last from 10 km to 16 km.
Expected deliveries will be in the 2nd quarter of 2014 for a total price of $5,295. Initial sales are planned in the USA. All others, as planned by the company, will be able to buy the long-awaited motorcycle at the end of 2014 with an increase in production volume.
See what a unicycle motorcycle looks like in the video.
Other inventions that are predicted in the coming years are here.
