The hunt for sustainable transportation has led us to develop all kinds of systems. While some are feasible, others are noted for their recreational and entertainment purposes. The monowheel is one such form of sustainable transportation that’s a mixture of feasibility and fun. Not all will embrace it but you have to admit that it’s unique and if ridden for short distances, could prove to be pretty beneficial as a mode of transport. We’re taking a look at 10 stunning monowheels designed to make heads turn.
Monovelo human-powered monowheel
The 2008 Beijing Olympics gave a spectacular closing ceremony that included acrobats, dancers and, most noticeably, a human-powered monowheel called Monovelo. This last item was a showstopper so much so that it has been built and sold outside China. Built mainly as an advertising tool, the monowheel is the brainchild of Herzog & de Meuron who was responsible for designing the Beijing National Stadium. Costing about $1,690, the wheel measures 2 meters wide with a top speed of 12.5 mph. It is maneuvered by shifting body weight.
Monowheel by Ben Wilson
Designer Ben Wilson’s monowheel was commissioned for Tokyo’s XXI Century Man Exhibition. It isn’t designed for utilitarian purposes and was built as a result of the research that went into the quirky nature and popularity of monowheels in general. According to Wilson, the whimsical contraption was built owing to the lack of production monowheels despite being around since the 1860s when they were seriously considered as a means of transport.
Mono-wheel
The Rochester Institute of Technology’s Engineering House group built a mono-wheel for the Imagine RIT event a couple of years back. No real details have been given about the contraption but from what we can see, it looks to be built out of wood and metal. It took about two weeks to construct and has a vintage look to it that goes well with its centuries-old history.
The Monowheel by Aaron Brechbill
Aaron Brechbill’s monowheel is a modern interpretation of this old mode of transport. A close look will reveal that the monowheel vaguely resembles a scorpion with its tail raised high. It looks to be made out of a plastic frame colored in green and features a cushioned seat and headrest, bicycle handlebars and a futuristic wheel whose construction material we’re not that sure of.
Hornet – the most Innovative monowheel
Hornet has to be one of the most innovative monowheels out there. Designed by Liam Ferguson and built using Segway technology, it won the VACC competition and is powered by two 74 hp in-wheel hydrogen cell 6-phase eodymium-iron electric motors that pushes it to pretty impressive speeds. It has a 0-meter turning radius and weighs 176 kg. When parked, Hornet uses two small side-by-side wheels that stabilize the monowheel gyroscopically. During acceleration, the contraption is tilted forward, lifting the rear and making the central wheel the main point of balance.
Mono-wheel by Pater Wagner
Now this is a monowheel with a difference. Designed by Pater Wagner, it’s built sans the brakes and handlebars and features a bike within the frame. There’s no telling how it’s supposed to be steered or even ridden so we assume it’s one of those contraptions that have more to do with art than functionality.
Honda UX-3
The Honda UX-3 is an experiment by the renowned automaker to investigate a different mode of transport. Unlike the other monowheels we’ve seen before, the UX-3 is small and requires the user to sit on top of it rather than within it. While not the most practical, it does make use of some cool technology like Honda’s HOT Drive System that allows for movement in all directions. The central wheel is made up of small motor-controlled wheels which even lets the UX-3 to be moved diagonally.
Monocycle
Matt Lyle has designed a monocycle that makes use of high-tech maglev for propulsion. It fuses the noted McLean wheel with magnetic repulsion to create a comfy-looking ride with a cushioned seat, headrest and a handlebar. The dependence on magnetic propulsion means that users won’t need to exhaust themselves pedaling.
Monocycle by Harald Palma
Say goodbye to learning how to balance yourself on a monowheel with this Harald Palma-designed monocycle. It is self-balancing and uses gyroscopes and accelerometers with balancing algorithms to accomplish the feat. The futuristic monowheel is driven by an electric motor and speed is controlled via the rider’s movements.
Edward, the electric diwheel, takes monowheels to the next level
Students of Australia’s University of Adelaide have created an electric diwheel called Edward that’s controlled by a joystick and hits speeds of 40 km/h. It looks pretty traditional but makes use of electric motors in order to operate. What’s even cooler is that Edward can be driven upside down without the rider falling off due to the 5-point racing harness.
