Two Wheels but . . .

OldGuy · February 11th, 2009, 06:35 PM

Thought you all might enjoy this piece of information. Now if a) the DMV would allow it and b) if it would go ~75 mph it would be a great commute vehicle that would really turn heads.

A young inventor has created a motorbike with a twist -- it uses two wheels but they are positioned right next to each other, giving it the illusion of being a powered unicycle. And even better, it might help save the planet. Ben Gulak has spent several years building the electric Uno that uses gyroscopic technology - like the infamous Segway commuter device - to stay upright. The bizarre-looking contraption has only one switch - on or off - and is controlled entirely by body movement. The rider leans forwards to accelerate to speeds of 25mph and back to slow down. It has two wheels side-by-side and has been turning heads wherever it has been ridden.

Ben Gulak designed the Uno himself with the help of a simple 3D program. The green machine is so small and light, it can be taken indoors and carried into lifts - and is recharged by being plugged into the mains. The wheels are completely independent, allowing the bike to turn on a sixpence and the technology takes the balance and guesswork out of riding a unicycle. Its 18-year-old creator is now looking for investors to get the Uno into production and onto the streets. Ben, from Ontario, Canada, said: 'I was inspired to make the bike after visiting China a few years ago and seeing all the smog. 'They all drive little bikes that are really polluting and I wanted to make something to combat that. 'I started with the concept because if something doesn't look cool people just won't be interested.'

The Uno works like a Segway - just tilt your body forward to start moving

Ben Gulak turns heads from onlookers as he rides past them. 'After coming up with the concept, I started to build it and now have the first prototype and the reaction has been amazing.' 'It has two wheels side by side and that means it is easier to turn as they are completely independent and have their own suspension. 'The bike has a 'neutral point' and when you lean forward it accelerates to keep the neutral point in the right place. 'It has a couple of gyros and is basically self-balancing - it takes the guesswork out of riding a unicycle.' 'The bike takes a bit of getting used to because you have to learn to trust it. But it doesn't take long.' 'It takes any weight and weighs 120 lbs and can fit into a lift so you can take it indoors to charge it up.' 'Currently it has a top speed of 25mph, but that will be increased greatly with bigger motors.' 'It has a range of about 2.5 hours and it is designed for the commute to work through busy towns.' I believe this could be the electrical alternative to the car. I'm just looking for an investor to help me get it into production.

Anybody with some spare TARP funds to help this young man get the idea on the street?

ARc · February 12th, 2009, 04:03 PM

Good luck finding a venture capitalist in these economic conditions

Really interesting concept though. I wonder how many people will actually buy one of these things. It kinda looks like a Ninja 250 o.o

Nemy · February 12th, 2009, 09:58 PM

i actually think its kinda ugly... but IIRC he already got an investment from the Dragons to get it out into the market. As far as replacing vehicles in china etc., wouldn't all the crap they carry on the back of their bikes always send the thing in reverse?!

OldGuy · February 12th, 2009, 10:04 PM

Well they are both sitting way forward to keep the rear end on the ground or she is smiling for some other reason

February 11th, 2009, 06:35 PM	#1
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Two Wheels but . . . Thought you all might enjoy this piece of information. Now if a) the DMV would allow it and b) if it would go ~75 mph it would be a great commute vehicle that would really turn heads. A young inventor has created a motorbike with a twist -- it uses two wheels but they are positioned right next to each other, giving it the illusion of being a powered unicycle. And even better, it might help save the planet. Ben Gulak has spent several years building the electric Uno that uses gyroscopic technology - like the infamous Segway commuter device - to stay upright. The bizarre-looking contraption has only one switch - on or off - and is controlled entirely by body movement. The rider leans forwards to accelerate to speeds of 25mph and back to slow down. It has two wheels side-by-side and has been turning heads wherever it has been ridden. Ben Gulak designed the Uno himself with the help of a simple 3D program. The green machine is so small and light, it can be taken indoors and carried into lifts - and is recharged by being plugged into the mains. The wheels are completely independent, allowing the bike to turn on a sixpence and the technology takes the balance and guesswork out of riding a unicycle. Its 18-year-old creator is now looking for investors to get the Uno into production and onto the streets. Ben, from Ontario, Canada, said: 'I was inspired to make the bike after visiting China a few years ago and seeing all the smog. 'They all drive little bikes that are really polluting and I wanted to make something to combat that. 'I started with the concept because if something doesn't look cool people just won't be interested.' The Uno works like a Segway - just tilt your body forward to start moving Ben Gulak turns heads from onlookers as he rides past them. 'After coming up with the concept, I started to build it and now have the first prototype and the reaction has been amazing.' 'It has two wheels side by side and that means it is easier to turn as they are completely independent and have their own suspension. 'The bike has a 'neutral point' and when you lean forward it accelerates to keep the neutral point in the right place. 'It has a couple of gyros and is basically self-balancing - it takes the guesswork out of riding a unicycle.' 'The bike takes a bit of getting used to because you have to learn to trust it. But it doesn't take long.' 'It takes any weight and weighs 120 lbs and can fit into a lift so you can take it indoors to charge it up.' 'Currently it has a top speed of 25mph, but that will be increased greatly with bigger motors.' 'It has a range of about 2.5 hours and it is designed for the commute to work through busy towns.' I believe this could be the electrical alternative to the car. I'm just looking for an investor to help me get it into production. Anybody with some spare TARP funds to help this young man get the idea on the street? __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

February 12th, 2009, 04:03 PM	#2
ARc Revolver Wario Name: Jeffrey Location: La Palma, CA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Ninja 250 Posts: 198 Logo Dude	Good luck finding a venture capitalist in these economic conditions Really interesting concept though. I wonder how many people will actually buy one of these things. It kinda looks like a Ninja 250 o.o __________________________________________________

February 12th, 2009, 10:04 PM	#4
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Well they are both sitting way forward to keep the rear end on the ground or she is smiling for some other reason __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

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February 12th, 2009, 09:58 PM	#3
Nemy ninjette.org sage Name: Tim Location: Portland, OR Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 SE Ninja 250R Posts: 796	i actually think its kinda ugly... but IIRC he already got an investment from the Dragons to get it out into the market. As far as replacing vehicles in china etc., wouldn't all the crap they carry on the back of their bikes always send the thing in reverse?!