
UNO Is a Balanced Ride
Alternative Urban Transporter: Green matters are stir frying gray matter politically, economically, and socially. Whether it is new fuel sources or hybrid vehicles or alternative forms of personal transportation, it is all about pumping up on the intelligence on all eco-related issues. The UNO is a single-seat urban vehicle that runs off hybrid hydrogen fuel cells. It was designed for inner-city commuters to reduce traffic congestion.
The UNO, built by Ben Gulak, is a 120-pound electric unicycle that balances itself with gyros and is capable of reaching 40 mph. It requires no controls at all, as there is only an on-off switch. Once it is on, the driver accelerates by leaning forward, stops by leaning back, and steers by leaning to the side. By sitting upright, the driver can balance in one spot.
The UNO is powered by independent motors on each of its wheels, resulting in exceptional agility for easy and precise parking. The headlights, the brake and indicator lights are built into each of the UNO's main wheels whilst a gyroscopic based motion system provide stability and adaptive handling according to road surface quality.
The design has two wheels mounted side by side, very close together, and powered by electric motors. A computerized control system keeps the vehicle balanced, in a system similar to the Segway personal transporter, except that the Segway is ridden while standing. The UNO is ridden like a motorcycle.
For LxM James Rothaar