Gadget Master

This gadget may not yet be weatherproof enough for your daily commute in the UK, but for a pop to the shops for icecream on a sunny afternoon the Focus Designs self balancing unicycle, SBU V2.0 is a real treat.

The company reports that it's increasing production "to meet a quickly growing demand", with a lead time of 8-12 weeks.

The cycle is gyro stabilised, battery-powered and driven by an accelerometer, and the manufacturers claim green credentials for it too.

The SBU control unit basically controls the forward/backward motion and the rider controls the left/right balance - lean forward to go faster and lean backwards to stop makes that part of the ride entirely intuitive.

Focus Design's website says:

"The powerful 1000 Watt BLDC hub motor propels the rider forwards and backwards at up to 10 MPH. This advanced motor is built right into the wheel and is maintenance free. The SBU electronic balance control module is integrated into the wheel itself. The SBU control module performs several critical functions, including motor speed control, motor torque control, and regenerative braking. we've increased the number of sensors to seven for the SBU Version 2.0 which gives a smoother ride, a more accurate balance response and improved turning. Of course the most notable thing inside the SBU is the battery itself, our LiFePO4 lithium-ion nano-phosphate battery is powerful, safe, lightweight and able to take you more than 12 miles between charges."

Specifications:
    * Style: 1-seat, open-top, single-wheel-drive electric self balancing unicycle.
    * Drivetrain: Direct drive, variable speed with electronic motor control.
    * Motor: Permanent magnet brushless DC motor with variable drive.
    * Efficiency: 85%
    * Throttle: Rider lean detection determines speed and direction.
    * Chassis: High strength 7005 aluminum frame.
    * Seat: Deluxe gel unicycle saddle, adjustable height.
    * Suspension: The tire and your body.
    * Wheel: Heavy duty alloy hub motor.
    * Tire: Quality high PSI. Size: 20?x2.125?
    * Brakes: 1000W regenerative braking via the hub motor.
    * Speed: About 10 mph (depending on the rider's weight)
    * Range: About 12 miles (depending on the terrain)
    * Battery Life: Over 1000 cycles.
    * Battery: Custom high quality LiFePO4 lithium-ion phosphate 38.4 volt battery.
    * Full Charge Time: About 2 hours.
    * Charger: Custom international 2A fast charger. 100 to 240VAC.
    * Built: Camas, Washington USA

Dimensions:
    * Overall length (in. / mm) 20.0 / 508.0
    * Overall width - pedals folded: (in. / mm) 10.3 / 261.9
    * Overall width - pedals ready to ride: (in. / mm) 17.0 / 431.8
    * Overall height: (in. / mm) 34.5 / 876.3
    * Curb weight (lbs/kgs) 29 / 13
    * Leg Room (in./mm) unlimited / unlimited
    * Front Head Room (in./mm) unlimited / unlimited
    * Front Shoulder Room (in./mm) unlimited / unlimited

Find out more about it at http://focusdesigns.com/design/

Sue Proud