Honda unveiled last week the latest of their rolling stools that are essentially one wheeled electric scooters with software aids to do balancing. Just like the Segway automatically keeps the device stable, so too does the UNI-CUB.
http://www.examiner.com/article/would-honda-s-uni-cub-personal-mobility-gizmo-stop-us-from-walking
Max speed: 6km/hr
Range: 6km
Has a removable battery pack
No word on recharge time
Side view shows this extra wheel on the bottom. The Honda press release explained this was for steering.
It's similar to the earlier gizmo they developed, the U3-X
This is how someone operates the device. It can optionally be driven with a smart phone app.
Removable battery pack
Holding a meeting while sitting on the things
Other office settings
Artists conception of it being used at various public places (airport & library)
I read your article and liked it. I think anyone who has seen Wall-E will agree with your sentiment. I've take steps to include more walking into my life. I'm up to about 15 miles a week and trying for more. Plus most of the people I have seen using mobility scooters are on the hefty side. I don't see this having the weight capacity to replace other mobility scooters for these people.
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
It must be nice to be as rich as Honda and spend millions of bucks on this sort of thing...
I didn't read the article but the Wall-E comment seems spot on. Perhaps we could replace those "butt pads" with a Barcalounger - and let's have a docking station where I can go from my bed to my vehicle to my desk and then the reverse trip back to my bed without having to get up.
Ahh, the possibilities are endless?
Now, how about they try and put more effort into a practical vehicle??? ;-)
(p.s. I've never been a Segway fan either - do you remember all the incredible hype and secrecy that surrounded that project before it was launched?)
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.
I've no idea of any place I go where one of these toys would be of any real value. Since I got my C124 my walking has been reduced. I don't need to cut back on it even more.
Still, it seems like it might be fun to try. Same with the Segway. A couple of years ago I visited a friend back east for a few days and he had a Segway. Somehow I never did get to ride it and, if fact, I never saw him use it. No loss, really.
Very cool. Portable toilet for people who are "on the runs." Excellent!
Jason Taylor. Fresh rant each day @ http://twitter.com/jasontaylor7
LOL!!! Just think - they could use the methane gas for fuel...
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.