Self Balancing Unicycle V2.0 Now Available for $1,499

A new clean green vehicle has come to our attention recently, one that looks like a hybrid between a Segway and an electric bicycle. Dubbed SBU (Self Balancing Unicycle) this is, in fact, a gyro stabilized, accelerometer driven, battery powered, transportation vehicle, as its creators describe it.

Propelled by a 1000 Watt BLDC hub motor, the SBU is capable of reaching speeds up to 10 mph (16 km/h), depending on the rider’s weight. The motor is built right into the wheel and is maintenance free, while the electronic balance control module is integrated into the wheel itself.

The LiFePO4 lithium-ion nano-phosphate battery is capable of taking you more than 12 miles between charges, depending on the terrain. The guys at Focus Designs say you can expect to run the quarter mile in the low 95.0 seconds.

The SBU also benefits form Regenerative braking, which recovers and stores the energy usually lost when you slow down or go down hill. Similar to a fuel gauge in a car, the multi-color LED on the SBU’s battery box indicates the battery’s charge state, gradually changing from green, full charge, to red, time to charge.

Wearing a price tag of $1,499, the SBU V2.0 is controlled by the the rider, who leans forward or backward to speed up or stop, just like a Segway. It takes the average rider about 20 minutes to learn. Safety wise, there is also a 5-point racing harness and roll cage sold separately.

The new foot pegs are only a few inches off the ground improving safety and side-to-side balance. The SBU rider is advised to wear a proper helmet or head protection gear. The SBU also features front, rear and side energy absorbing zones that are commonly referred to as your knees, elbows, face and... butt. The SBU is also equipped with fall detection which disables the SBU’s motor if a fall is detected.

If you want to find out how this thing works and the whole technology behind it, you might want to check out our Auto Guide section tomorrow.