[Voltage]

It doesn't matter how clever the design is, you can't violate physical principles.

For example the claim that you can't fall of because it balances itself. That balancing system consumes energy, which must come from the battery. And it will consume a lot, as the torque the rider will apply to the axle will be huge. A bicycle will be much more efficient as concerns balance, simply due to the large angular momentum possible with a large bicycle wheel. Additionally the small, and wide wheels used by 'it' require more energy to travel over an imperfect surface. For this reason a bicycle with a large, high pressure, narrow wheel requires less energy, as any bicyclist knows.

Notice also the low clearance of the 'it'. This means that a relatively small object will 'derail' it.

In addition to be inefficient, it will also be dangerous.

A battery powered bicycle would be a much better idea...and its been done, and found wanting.

This product will be purchased by a few dreamers, the rest of us will save our money.

[Goldi-Lox]

"IT" reminds me of "The Roadrunner" in high speed mode. (looks the same![beep beep])

[spycatcher]

I'm sure the design will change down the road and incorporate more efficient batteries. Advanced battery technology is a huge research area right now. Inefficient batteries have been the limiting factor for everything in our modern society.

[Old Professer]

The only way that this can work in practice is for the "rider" to expend as much energy "rocking" the device as it would require to walk or run the same distance while the mini-battery supplies the power to balance this silly, wheeled "pogo stick"; I hope the people who have committed to purchase this have the good sense to demand guarantees of performance.

[CreekerFreeper]

I think you're wrong. I saw the tests this morning on GMA and it executed going up and over 'rough' terrain with ease. I can foresee that this transport device will change the way that delivery businesses are structured and how downtown commuters go to and from work.

[Arkie2]

Hmm. Put bigger wheels on it and go four, oops, two wheeling? I think the issue of balance is addressed by several high speed gyros, hence no draw on the battery as long as they're spinning at adequate speed. I can actually see a lot of applications for this thing on campuses, military flight lines, postmen, warehouses etc. I'm not sure it will revolutionize city transportation though.

[Jupiter II]

True, but I see possibilities here.

[sam_paine]

Notice also the low clearance of the 'it'. This means that a relatively small object will 'derail' it.

It's all interesting and good control system theory....except what about the real world like you mention?? If you're going 17mph, and you hit a rock (or pothole) and scrape bottom, you don't just derail it, you put the rider splat on his face. There's nothing the control system can do to recover if one wheel loses contact. Razor scooters have more natural longitudinal stability than this one, and they cause more broken bones than any other popular toy today (or so I've been told)...

[blackbart.223]

"This product will be purchased by a few dreamers, the rest of us will save our money."

Not to mention bruised knuckles knees and shins. I'll stick with my GMC 3/4 ton pick up truck. By the way, if the damn thing is so safe, why are the riders wearing helmets?

[Quila]

"For example the claim that you can't fall of because it balances itself. That balancing system consumes energy, which must come from the battery. And it will consume a lot, as the torque the rider will apply to the axle will be huge."

Yes, it consumes energy in keeping you constantly balanced. It seems that it corrects any overbalancing before it goes too far, requiring lots of torque to correct. I'm sure the 15 miles is a straight line number. Include bad balance, rough terrain and hills, and it will probably go down.

Since it appears to be for local commuting where recharging is always easily available, battery life probably won't be a problem. I'd expect to see longer life fuel cell or micro-turbine powered versions in the future if battery life starts to be a problem.

"In addition to be inefficient, it will also be dangerous."

First time users step on and ride and don't fall off with basically no instructions except for "do it." It sounds much safer than a bicycle.

My only worry is the weight, since there will be places you'll want or need to pick it up and carry it.

[Protagoras]

It doesn't matter how clever the design is, you can't violate physical principles.

Would it be safe to say that you think that this whole thing is false advertising?