Got Balance? --- Check out the SoloWheel!

The Solowheel is pretty unique. I saw it at CES, and again at Toy Fair. I’m not quite sure why they were at Toy Fair, since it’s far from being a toy. The Solowheel is a gyro-stabilized electric unicycle that the company calls: “the smallest, greenest, most convenient "People Mover" ever invented.”  There’s not much to the Solowheel as far as knobs, dials, etc. You step on it, lean forward, and you’re on your way! The folks at the booth were riding it up and down the aisles, in and out of traffic and were really good at using it. There's nothing to hold to, so you need really good balance. They offered me a chance to try it, but I preferred not to knock down a dozen people and crash into a wall. I don’t know what the learning curve is, but it does seem to work well. They reason it was strange to be at Toy Fair is the company warning: “We strongly recommend that children under the age of fifteen (15) do not use the Solowheel. Children fifteen (15) and up should use the Solowheel only with adult supervision.” It’s seems like a sort of Segway in operation. Lean forward to go forward, stand straight up to stop it. (I don't know if it goes backwards.) The maximum capacity is 250 lbs. Obviously riders have to observe all proper safety precautions and wear an approved helmet and other safety gear when operating the Solowheel. But the range isn’t bad. You can ride for 15 to 20 miles at a top speed of 10 miles per hour. The lady at the booth said the built-in lithium-ion battery can be fully recharged in two hours. And as with hybrid cars, the battery recaptures energy when going downhill or slowing down. The company says the Solowheel battery lasts for over 1000 cycles. The price? $1795.00. 

There's some good video at the company website: www.solowheel.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1353