Balancing act: A user test out the Solowheel, which has a top speed of 12mph and can travel for two hours on a single 45-minute chargeA designer has reinvented the wheel - with the world's smallest self-balancing unicycle.
Suitable for the daily commute or for weekend leisure, the one-wheel machine is powered by a 1,000-watt electric motor that generates a top speed of 12mph.
Users place their feet on a foldable platform either side of the wheel and simply lean forward to move, back to stop and left and right to turn.
The further forward you lean, the faster it goes, and a series of gyroscopes inside ensure the wheel remains perfectly balanced.
The Solowheel can travel for two hours on a single 45-minute charge and can climb hills with an incline of up to 15 per cent.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery even recaptures energy when going downhill or slowing down.
The one-wheel machine will retail at £975It was designed and created by Shane Chen, 54, who has created over 30 sports-related products for his company, Inventist.
A spokesman for the firm, based in Washington, U.S., said: 'The Solowheel is the smallest, greenest, most convenient people-mover ever invented.
'Our new self-balancing electric unicycle is more compact and fun to ride than any folding electric bike.
'Because of the gyro-sensors and left and right steering capability, you can literally step on and go - it is easy to learn.
'The Solowheel is very portable and weighs only 20lbs. This allows you to carry your wheel with you into a shop or restaurant, on an elevator, into work, to the cinema, onto a bus or train or into your classroom.
'It eliminates chaining your electric bike up to a bike rack along with others where it may get damaged or even stolen.
'Solowheel provides users with an easy, uncomplicated, straightforward ride.'
The unicycle costs £975 and will be available in the UK from next month.
source: dailymail