Focus Designs has announced the release of the SBU (Self Balancing Unicycle) is a revolutionary gyro stabilized, accelerometer driven, battery powered, clean “green” vehicle. This cutting edge transportation vehicle is affordable, reliable, environmentally clean, and totally fun. According to Focus Designs, the SBU is easy to ride, it takes the average rider about 20 minutes to learn. The SBU controls the forward and backward balance while the rider balances left and right. It’s a unique blend of machine and human balancing. The rider controls the speed by leaning forward or backward to speed up or stop. There is no need to pedal, in fact there are no crank arms, just foot pegs. The SBU stays upright by utilizing advanced electronics including accelerometers and gyroscopes with sophisticated balancing algorithms.
Like the principles of the Segway personal transport, the SBU uses sensors and gyros for control. Seven sensors, gyros, accelerometers etc., monitor the orientation of the unicycle and via a processor, and a bunch of clever algorithms, a hub-mounted motor either speeds up or down to maintain axial forwards/backwards balance. Just like the Segway you lean slightly forward to go forward and back to brake. Unlike the Segway however, accidents are much less likely since you can just quickly put your feet down to stop!
The 1000 watts motor is powered by lithium-ion nano-phosphate battery that helps to achieve a top speed of about 10 mph for a distance of 12 miles. Estimated average cost of recharge is 2 US cents which generally takes two hours for a full charge. The cycle weighs 29 lbs which makes it friendly to carry. The latest version 2.0 of the SBU is out and available from Focus Designs for $1,499.
focusdesigns.com
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