Is it a unicycle? Is it a motorbike? Unveiled: The transforming 'dicycle' that can fit in a lift

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated:

Dispatch riders and couriers know the fastest way to weave through heavy traffic is on a motorbike.

But for those jams even two wheels can't navigate, a new solution has been developed.

Just like a Transformer, the Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine.

Transformers: The electric-powered Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine

Transformers: The electric-powered Uno III Streetbike - or U3 - can convert itself with the push of a button from a conventional motorbike to unicycle-style machine

The electric-powered machine balances on two parallel rear wheels, the front retracting between them to allow it to manoeuvre through spaces so tight it can be driven into a building - and even fit in the lift.

Then, when it's time to zoom off into the sunset, the front wheel slides forward as the rear pair move back, giving the vehicle the stability to pick up speeds of up to 30mph.

It can travel between 30 to 35 miles on a single three to four hour charge.

Robots in disguise: The Tron style motorcycle leathers are optional

Robots in disguise: The Tron style motorcycle leathers are optional

The new vehicle was developed from an initial idea by Benjamin Gulak, a young Canadian inventor.

Four years ago, while on a business trip to Asia with his father, the then 17-year-old conceived of it as a solution to China's smog-filled megacities.

As Benjamin witnessed the incredible pollution in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, much of it produced by smoky two-stroke scooters and motorcycles, he realised that electrics would make ideal substitutes.

When he returned home to the U.S., he made it his mission to design the ultimate electric vehicle - and to somehow make it cool.

Diagram of the Uno III. This futuristic bike is an electric powered cross between a unicycle and a motorbike.
Diagram of the Uno III. It is being produced by a US motor design company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, called BPG Motors.

Through the evil eye: This diagram shows the mechanism which allows the U3's transformation

Based on Benjamin's original Uno I prototype, built for a year 12 science project in 2008, the Uno III has evolved to manage the transformation from nimble city runabout to stable highway tourer.

Now the remarkable vehicle is being produced by his own motor design company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, called BPG Motors.

Small enough to fit in indoors, but powerful enough to tackle the road, the makers hope the cutting edge $7,500 (£4,600) ride will revolutionise the morning commute.

GYROSCOPIC CONTROL SYSTEMS AND TRANSITION

The U3 uses a gyroscopic control system to remain balanced. It uses conventional motorcycle controls (handle bars, accelerator, hand brake) for both modes - allowing for a seamless transition between Uno and street bike.

  • STAGE 1: The U3 two-wheeled configuration, referred to as 'Uno mode', uses two side by side parallel wheels (traction wheels) for forward/reverse movement and steering at low speeds. While in Uno mode, the wheels are capable of tilting the bike while remaining parallel – providing the rider with a compact and highly maneuverable ride.
  • STAGE 2: The U3 three-wheeled configuration, referred to as 'Motorcycle mode', uses an un-motorised additional front wheel in front of of the two rear wheels. As the vehicle accelerates, the front wheel deploys and transforms the U3 into a three-wheeled vehicle while moving. This mode was created to provide the rider with a safer, more stable and familiar platform for high speed travel.
[Source: BPG-motors.com]

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