Sometimes some mechanisms seem to step into the modern world from the screens of fantastic films or pages of no less fantastic books. Like, for example, the device I want to talk about today. Although, to be honest, this is not entirely a "novelty": its prototype appeared in Ryno Motors workshops more than ten years ago - in 2008. The device was developed by engineer Chris Hoffman.
The inventor himself does not hide that he was inspired by his daughter Lauren, who drew a funny drawing-drawing of an unusual device. And to understand how it should work, the familiar, today already, segway helped. “I just had to attach the seat and steering wheel,” says Chris himself. It may be so, but still Hoffman is modest, because the result of his work is a very unusual mechanism: a unicycle - unicycle (or microcycle, as it is called on the manufacturer's website).
The same drawing by Lauren.
The device is not heavy - about fifty seven kg, uses a pair of electric motors for movement and boasts enviable maneuverability. This "baby" is capable of carrying up to one hundred and twenty kg of weight. The speed, however, is not high - the maximum is about sixteen km / h, and the batteries used provide energy for about twenty kilometers, and then an hour and a half is required to recharge.
Like the "prototype" sigway, the motorcycle is controlled by leaning the body - forward for movement, backward for braking. Of course, traditional motorcycle gas brakes are duplicated on the handlebars: whoever is more comfortable. The sensors and mechanisms of the gyroscope and accelerometer provide the unicycle "self-balancing" - a seated person can feel completely safe on it: in order to fall, you need to try.
The Ryno motorcycle has only one wheel (sixty-three and a half centimeters in diameter), but like a "real bike" it is built on a steel frame, equipped with LED optics, bumpers-stands, the seat provides height adjustment, and the shock absorber and footrests make the ride is comfortable. The on-board computer with display allows you to track the speed and the time remaining before charging.
Promotional video:
The unicycle is able to move not only on flat roads, but also to overcome obstacles, bumps and rather serious slopes. Quick and easy battery replacement provides the desired range, and the rugged (maintenance-free) propulsion system allows for ride in all weather conditions.
Shopping on Ryno.
Perhaps to some people this microcycle will seem frivolous and toy. But, if you think about it - this is really a good "city" transport: small, maneuverable, does not take up much space, does not create harmful emissions into the atmosphere. On top of that, it looks fantastic.
