Urban Transport

Get your skates on with the FlyRad motorized unicycle

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The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle comes in three sizes
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle
View gallery - 8 images

We’ve seen a few vehicle designs that have had a crack at bringing the unicycle out of the circus and onto the street, such as the self-balancing eniCycle, the UnoMoto, the EMBRIO and Honda’s U3-X. Here's a very different approach. Although it is a one wheeled motorized vehicle, there's nothing self-balancing about the FlyRad – the design requires the rider to wear a pair of inline skates while they sit, stand or simply get dragged along in a way that reminds us of the Zap Powerski.

Invented about six years ago by Thomas Rank, the latest edition of the FlyRad comes in three sizes: one for adults, one for teens and one for children. The currently configured adult model is fitted with a 500W motor powered by a 36v battery. It weighs about 24 kg (53 lb) and can reach a maximum speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph), traveling about 50 km (31 miles) on a single four hour charge. It can also be fitted with a 1,000W motor and stronger batteries for those looking for an bit of extra oomph.

The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle

Users can “ride” the vehicle in a number of ways including sitting, standing, squatting or hands free. Riders can even switch positions on the go. In standing mode the device is held much like a jackhammer which tows the rider along, while in sitting mode the rider sits on the saddle with a pair of skates acting as the vehicle’s front wheels.

Since steering is controlled by the skates, the rider can let go of the handle bars altogether to give the sensation of flying that presumably gives the FlyRad its name. When ridden in this way the FlyRad stays in place by transferring the rider’s weight onto a couple of pads attached to the bottom of the handlebars that push down onto the rider’s upper legs.

The FlyRad motorized electric unicycle comes in three sizes

Designed as a form of environmentally friendly transportation as well as for fun and extreme sports, the FlyRad took a silver medal at iENA 2010, the International Trade Fair for “Ideas-Inventions-New Products” held in Nuremburg in October.

The first FlyRad (German) is expected to be available in 2011 at a price yet to be announced.

View gallery - 8 images
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20 comments
Damian Burke
Not sure if this achieves anything at all, but it\'s a fun idea anyway.
Fred Noelke
My biggest concerns about this unicycle is I hope I am not too old at 57 to ride one. It is going to be crazy if they are street legal.
Dave B13
How about an option of a longer axle fitted with foot pegs on this device. Then the skates would not be needed. Seriously, their is a version of unicycle with the seat replaced by handlebars, so what I\'m asking for would be rideable, and probably way more fun than the stabilized motorized unicycle concoctions. since you would have way more controll with your nearly your entire body capable of displacement instead of just the portion above your waist. Also your own egs would be used for suspension instead of groin area full of nerves on rigid seat post.
Drifter
Fun concept. Like the comment above, affix 1 or 2 wheels (w/suspension) and eleminate need for inline skates.
Blue Ocarina
Looks like the correct way to use this would almost certainly be sitting on an office chair.
axio
That looks like an ergonomic nightmare. All the forces from road bumps are directed straight into the knees, and the padded leg lock system would greatly reduce balance control.
Facebook User
Wow, a three wheeled unicycle. Who would\'a thunk?
Jetwax
No, No Facebook User, it\'s a 9-wheel unicycle if we\'re gonna split sum hairs d;-teehee) Shurrr looks like fun. Other comments appropriate regarding the design d;-)
Jay Finke
all they got to do now is find a way slap a tax on it and regulate it. good job on this scooter, just shows, all has not been invented yet. so get 2 thinking ..
Pete's
I have detailed the e-bike laws for NJ below. They are very similar to most states. We are working with several states illustrating the need to allow e-bikes on path systems. Pete\'s Electric Bikes is a leader in sales, service and rentals of e-bikes. We believe advocacy is part of our mission.
We also carry the Kalkhoff Electric Bike. It is a great product. Come on in and test ride one.
New Jersey:
An electric bicycle is classified as an %u201CElectric personal assistive mobility device%u201D in New Jersey, defined as %u201Ca self-balancing, non-tandem, two wheeled device, designed to transport one person which uses an electric propulsion system with average power of 750 watts (one horsepower), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a propulsion system while operated by a person weighing 170 pounds is less than 20 miles per hour.%u201D Operators must obey all bicycle regulations, and be above 15 years of age or have a mobility-related disability.[34]
Motorized tricycles are not legal on public roadways and sidewalks in New Jersey,[35] and motorized scooters are only permitted for riders with mobility-related disabilities.[36]