Before we start dreaming at flying cars or jetpacks, we might as well begin working on improving what we already have. Unicycles were born in the late 19th century but they have gained popularity ever since the eighties, when some extreme sportsmen started using them for off-road experiences. Now, the human-powered machines have further evolved and take less effort from us.
The Why
Any device that is capable of getting us from point A to point B with minimum effort and cost raises interest. Add that to the fact that it is a clean green vehicle and you might as well want to find a do-it-yourself manual. But why bother, since there is a company that has already started series production and is currently marketing such a vehicle?
Focus Design says: “And when you can soar along at top speed, knowing the only oil in the unicycle is in the wheel bearings, the only emissions are from the rider, the experience becomes more enjoyable still.”
The electric powered vehicle in question is dubbed SBU, which stands for Self Balancing Unicycle. Focus Designs, its creators, felt the need to explain that so we don’t get the idea it comes from ‘small bottom unicycle’ as they don’t wish to be accused of discrimination against people’s bottom sizes.
SBU needs just 20 minutes of attention from you so it can be tamed. This is so you know what to do once you get on the saddle and switch it on. Then, it’s all about balancing and controlling it with your own body. The rider keeps the feet on the foot pegs and controls the speed by leaning forward or backward to speed up or stop.
In case of an emergency, for shorter stopping distances and helping maintaining the unicycle in control, the rider can drop his/her feet off the foot pegs, which are located only a few inches off the ground. Don’t worry, the SBU is also reportedly equipped with fall detection, which disables the SBU’s motor if a fall is detected.
The vehicle uses seven sensors that provide for a smoother ride, a more accurate balance response and improved turning. The battery itself, a LiFePO4 lithium-ion nano-phosphate battery, is lightweight and able to take you more than 12 miles between charges. It comes with an AC charging adapter, and a fully depleted battery pack will take only 2 hours to charge.
Standard features of the SBU V2.0, as released by Focus Designs. We thought it was both fun and useful to share. You may also want to check out the video from under it to see the SBU in action.
Focus Design says: “And when you can soar along at top speed, knowing the only oil in the unicycle is in the wheel bearings, the only emissions are from the rider, the experience becomes more enjoyable still.”
The electric powered vehicle in question is dubbed SBU, which stands for Self Balancing Unicycle. Focus Designs, its creators, felt the need to explain that so we don’t get the idea it comes from ‘small bottom unicycle’ as they don’t wish to be accused of discrimination against people’s bottom sizes.
Skills
In case of an emergency, for shorter stopping distances and helping maintaining the unicycle in control, the rider can drop his/her feet off the foot pegs, which are located only a few inches off the ground. Don’t worry, the SBU is also reportedly equipped with fall detection, which disables the SBU’s motor if a fall is detected.
Power
Technical details always appeal to customers, so let’s see what the SBU is using. A 1000 Watt BLDC hub motor is built right into the wheel and is maintenance free. The SBU electronic balance control module is integrated into the wheel itself. The SBU control module performs several critical functions, including motor speed control, motor torque control, and regenerative braking. You won’t get electrocuted if riding in light rain though.The vehicle uses seven sensors that provide for a smoother ride, a more accurate balance response and improved turning. The battery itself, a LiFePO4 lithium-ion nano-phosphate battery, is lightweight and able to take you more than 12 miles between charges. It comes with an AC charging adapter, and a fully depleted battery pack will take only 2 hours to charge.
Performance
Focus Designs says that an SBU falling vertically through the air will accelerate at an amazing rate of 32 feet per second until it reaches its terminal velocity of 193 mph (310 km/h). However, in normal use it can only go to a top speed of 10 mph (16 km/h) in just 1 second. Who needs a Ferrari, when you can have this, right?Standard features of the SBU V2.0, as released by Focus Designs. We thought it was both fun and useful to share. You may also want to check out the video from under it to see the SBU in action.
- Retractable cup holder (otherwise known as your hand).
- Heated sport seat (after sitting on the seat it will become the same temperature as your bottom).
- Stereo sound system with the optional iPod or equivalent music device (sold separately, not available at Focus Designs we recommend apple.com).
- Homelink universal transmitter to operate compatible garage, gate, and home lighting/home security systems (sold at most hardware stores, clip it to your belt).
- Double-insulated black soft top (otherwise known as your jacket, sold separately at most clothing stores).
- Battery charging connector.
- Keyed ignition.
- Bluetooth cellular phone integration – if you purchase a Bluetooth headset for your phone (sold separately).
- Premium powder coated frame.
- 1 year warranty.
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