Behold, the FlyRad: an electric unicycle that requires the rider to wear a pair of inline skates so that they can sit, stand or simply get dragged along behind the vehicle. It’s simultaneously one of the most awesome yet insane methods of green transportation we have ever seen.
Devised over six years by Thomas Rank, the FlyRad comes in three sizes (one for adults, one for teens and one for children) and is powered completely by electricity. The adult model is fitted with a 500W motor that is powered by a 36v battery. At 24 kg (53 lb) it’s not exactly lightweight, but it can reach a maximum speed of about 25 mph — that’s fast enough to zip through traffic, but slow enough to prevent serious injury in the event of a wipeout. Ideal for commuting, the FlyRad can travel 31 miles on a single four-hour charge. However it can also be fitted with an 1,000W motor, for daredevils who want to go further and faster.
Rank designed the FlyRad as a form of environmentally-friendly transportation that everyday people could use, as well as a vehicle for leisure and extreme sports. It has even won awards, taking the silver medal at iENA 2010, the International Trade Fair for “Ideas-Inventions-New Products” held in Nuremburg in October.
While it’s probably not the most relaxing way to get to work and might not be for everyone, it is an innovative design for zero-emission transportation. The FlyRad is expected to be released in Germany early next year, but the price has yet to be decided.
+ The FlyRad
Via Green Optimistic
I was a big waterskier so this looks really cool to me. Would be great if they’d design a slalom ski to go with it!