Riding the WheelSurf |
The Netherlands-based WheelSurf company showed off the specs of its 2007 model at last weekend’s NextFest event. If you like the idea of riding a personalized scooter that catches the eye of the public but a Segway still seems lame, then this mobile circle may be for you.
Powered by a Honda GX31 4-stroke engine, the WheelSurf 2007 delivers 31 cc of horsepower and 7,000 RPMs, and surprisingly it only weighs 50 kilos. You operate it by sitting down on it like a bike, grabbing the handlebar and then accelerating/braking using the right handle. The outer wheel revolves around propelling you forward while keeping the center level with the horizon.
Steering is accomplished by moving your center of gravity (that means you) to the right, left or back to stop. Top speed is 30 km/h and a full tank of gas (65 liters) will get you about 2 hours of joyriding. The main colors that a WheelSurf comes in are red, yellow, blue, green and white but if you really have your heart set on a purple or pink one, the company will do it up for you in your favorite shade if you can wait a month.
The cost for being the first on your block (or city) to own a WheelSurf is $6,900 but the video of you wiping out in spectacular fashion may earn you $10K on “America’s Funniest Home Videos”. Check out the WheelSurf in action:
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Note the ‘braking action’ if not done correctly (too abrupt) the rider will be rotated within the wheel. Still has a longgggg way to go before public release in my book.
Notice they don’t show a lot of speed and seem to be concentrating on steering it and keeping it stable/balanced.
Google: MONOWHEEL and you will see this ISN’T a ‘new’ idea….been around for years.
I give them A+ for design, look-n-feel.
it is new in the exectution
I am the original inventor of this project!
who is that cool guy on the picture/