The Urban Glider uses a self-balancing wheel to help keep the rider upright
From gas-powered scooters that fold in half to electric skateboards that weigh less than your backpack, portability is a big design focus when it comes to urban transportation. One other way to trim some fat is to do away with unnecessary wheels, a solution that can leave you with just one if you're balance is good enough. The Urban Glider is the latest in a line of powered, lightweight unicycles, with its creator saying the vehicle is even up to performing some stunt work.
Weighing 24 lb (11 kg), the Urban Glider is similar in concept to the Solowheel that launched back in early 2011. With a self-balancing 16-inch (40 cm) wheel, the minimalist vehicle features fold-out platforms for your feet and softened silicone knee pads for comfort. Leaning forward engages the 1,500 W electric motor and drives the wheel in that direction, while leaning back will cause it to slow and stop. Steering is controlled by a combination of twisting and leaning.
Creator Austin Marhold claims that this makes riding the Urban Glider a highly intuitive experience. In theory this sounds plausible. After all, it is designed to react to the direction of your leaning and center of gravity. In practice, this is a one-wheeled vehicle we are talking about, with no seat, handlebars or conventional braking system, so it could be a little while before you are weaving in and out of traffic with a latte in hand.
Marhold also claims that the plastic shell casing is "nearly indestructible." A useful feature if you intend on trying your hand at jumps and spins like those seen in Marhold's promotional video. We're not too sure about the extent of an Urban Glider stunt rider's repertoire, but the added resilience is certainly a welcome feature given the likely learning curve.
The Urban Glider has a carrying capacity of 260 lb (117 kg) and takes between 60 and 120 minutes to recharge. Each full charge is said to allow more than 20 mi (32 km) in range, with a top speed of 13 mph (20 km/h). The battery also recharges on downhills and deceleration.
It is available in green, pink, blue and yellow and sports a handle on top for easier carrying. A USB port can be used to charge your phone, with a companion smartphone app also providing real-time data, such as speed and battery levels.
Marhold has built functioning prototypes and has taken to Kickstarter to scale-up production. A pledge of US$999 will have one shipped your way in December if all goes to plan.
You can see the Urban Glider in action in the video below – we're hoping the fluoro-green superhero cape is offered as an optional extra.
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