Photo: Rashid Tagirov
They say that some of the best things are also the simplest and the O Wheel 2 concept seems to be aimed at showing that there is a lot of truth in this saying. To some, the entire concept may appear unfeasible and destined to fail, but we guess there's some functional potential worth exploring in it.
The O Wheel 2 breathes reductionism and this approach to transportation has been considered more than once since the beginning of this industry. Some prototypes worked to some degree but did not manage to get anywhere close to the point where mass production could be considered. The solo version of the O Wheel seems doomed, but the two-up model could take things a step further.
It doesn't take a specialist to figure out that the solo model designer Rashid Tagirov created has major stability issues, even with the help of powerful gyroscopes. turning at anything than low speed would prove impossible without an extraordinary programming of the gyros to tilt the vehicle and the tires should also be changed. The solo design has a tad too many flaws, so we'll concentrate on the O Wheel 2.
From the very start, the O Wheel 2 has perfect stability, as the entire hub has its center of gravity below the wheel axis. Being a structure crafted from carbon fiber or other ultra-durable composite materials, the ring-shaped cabin would also boast incredible strength. At the same time, it would provide excellent comfort thanks to car-like seats and amenities.
Thanks to the wide track, turning would no longer be a problem, and the O Wheel 2 could even surpass cars with its agility. In the urban environment, the capability to rotate in any direction with a virtual zero radius would also increase usability and the ease of parking even in the tightest spots. Also, electric propulsion means zero emissions.
Gyros would also be needed to stabilize this vehicle, but they'd have a significantly easier job than in the case of the solo model. The size of the project, as estimated in the drawings makes the O Wheel impractical for the urban clutter, but this is only the first strike and further refinements could address this issue, as well.
Until such vehicles do make it in the streets, we're still filing these projects under the "slightly futuristic" label. However, enjoy some one-wheeled motorcycle action from the past.
It doesn't take a specialist to figure out that the solo model designer Rashid Tagirov created has major stability issues, even with the help of powerful gyroscopes. turning at anything than low speed would prove impossible without an extraordinary programming of the gyros to tilt the vehicle and the tires should also be changed. The solo design has a tad too many flaws, so we'll concentrate on the O Wheel 2.
From the very start, the O Wheel 2 has perfect stability, as the entire hub has its center of gravity below the wheel axis. Being a structure crafted from carbon fiber or other ultra-durable composite materials, the ring-shaped cabin would also boast incredible strength. At the same time, it would provide excellent comfort thanks to car-like seats and amenities.
Thanks to the wide track, turning would no longer be a problem, and the O Wheel 2 could even surpass cars with its agility. In the urban environment, the capability to rotate in any direction with a virtual zero radius would also increase usability and the ease of parking even in the tightest spots. Also, electric propulsion means zero emissions.
Gyros would also be needed to stabilize this vehicle, but they'd have a significantly easier job than in the case of the solo model. The size of the project, as estimated in the drawings makes the O Wheel impractical for the urban clutter, but this is only the first strike and further refinements could address this issue, as well.
Until such vehicles do make it in the streets, we're still filing these projects under the "slightly futuristic" label. However, enjoy some one-wheeled motorcycle action from the past.
Google News