All-Electric Two Wheel Transport Is Untippable!

by Andrea L. Algar
Motorheads Performance

Every now and then, a piece of news that isn't really geared to classic cars or muscle cars comes to my attention and I'm compelled to share it. This is one of them. I have to admit the story caught my eye, even though it sounds more motorcycle related than car. But, it is interesting!


C-1 Untippable Electric Two-Wheel Vehicle by Lit Motors



 This new concept vehicle is an all-electric, fully enclosed two-wheel vehicle that is said to never tip over!



The C-1 is equipped with gyroscopic stabilization (remember playing with a gyroscope as a kid?), a technology which prevents the vehicle from tipping onto its side, even when drivers purposefully attempted to. Lit Motors, the company who designed the C-1, is based in San Francisco, California. They've created proprietary technology that they feel will appeal to the "cool", price-conscious crowd. It even has appeal to the green-conscious drivers because of it's all-electric power.

SDS Electric Motorcycle
Photo Coutesy: GizMag

Students at the College of Engineering at San Jose State University have begun work on what they call a Spherical Drive System (SDS) electric motorcycle, which instead of rolling on traditional tires, rolls on balls which are designed to keep it upright.

But, as you can see (photo at right), the look is quite different.

Danny Kim, Founder and President of Lit Motors, states that the small vehicle will, "ease traffic congestion, decrease fuel use, reduce CO2 emissions, create 2,000 to 10,000 green jobs, and allow people to get around quickly and efficiently." He envisions the C-1 as the "future of personal transportation." The vehicle is designed to hold up to two adults and may be an ideal alternative to cars in densely populated areas where driving and parking traditional vehicles is difficult.

Obviously, the vehicle has more appeal as an inner city vehicle because of its size, maneuverability and the fact that it will only handle up to 200 miles per charge. It is, however, still impressive in the fact that the top speed is 100-125 mph (with a time of 0-60 in 6 seconds), and the fact that it comes with an array of luxury items including A/C, power windows, air bags and more!

A project like this will definitely need consumer approval, and its success will rely heavily on the demand from drivers willing to pay the rather big initial price tag which is estimated to be anywhere from $16,000 to $24,000 when it becomes available to the public in 2014. Lit expects that the price will drop to as low as $13,000 by the year 2018 if the C-1 catches on.

While the C-1 has moved on from a paper dream to having an actual in-use prototype, it is still in the development/refining stage. As Lit Motors gets closer to the anticipated 2014 launch, I'm sure we'll be hearing more about the C-1. I think it will have a big appeal to everyone looking to reduce costs of transportation (gasoline expenses), and those who are fearful of traditional motorcycles because of the perceived risk of falling (i.e. tipping over). Since the C-1 addresses both of these issues, the only other obstacle would seem to be the price.



No, this isn't a "hot rod" by any stretch, but it is interesting that Lit has found a way to combine the efficiencies of a motorcycle, with the luxuries of a car, and the fact that this thing is untippable is just cool! What do you think?

RESOURCES:
Lit Motors - http://litmotors.com/home/
Lit Motors on Facebook
CNet TV - Lit Motors thinks we're just driving around too much (VIDEO)
GizMag - Lit Motors unveils functioning prototype of its C-1 self-balancing electric motorcycle
GizMag - Students designing an omnidirectional sphere-wheeled electric motorcycle
NY Daily News - The untippable motorcycle with car-like controls

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Andrea L. Algar is co-owner of a classic car performance and restoration design shop in Leesville, Texas. Motorheads Performance specializes in repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades and restorative work on cars and trucks from the 1920’s through 1970’s. Her husband Guy L. Algar is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years experience. He holds 5 ASE Certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and has been working on old cars and trucks for over 37 years. Together they share their passion for old cars and trucks with other enthusiasts from around the country.