Most people love a great vehicle.
We collect vehicles. We put vehicles in shows. We even make alternative vehicles and various transportation devices because - let’s face it - vehicles are so awesome that limiting ourselves to the four-door variety just seems sad.
So, if you’re thinking about buying a new mode of transportation, don’t just go with a Toyota, especially when you could instead get an odd or futuristic vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you want to buy something safe or have children to tote around or need something practical, because you only live once.
We’re joking, of course. But, hey, if you have the money to spend or simply like to dream big, we’ve rounded up some weird and whacky personal transportation examples from the last few years.
The Aero-X
The two-seater Aero-X bikewas designed to be able to transport two people at 10 feet above the ground at up to 72kph.
Carbon fibre rotors take the place of wheels, so the bike can take off vertically without the need for forward speed or a runway, and it should be as easy to ride as a motorbike, as the 356kg beast uses handlebar grips for controls.
It can carry up to 140kg, should be able to run for 75 minutes before it’s out of fuel.
The Solowheel is a gyro-stabilized electric unicyclethat provides a hands-free experience. It goes up to 10 mph, weighs 24 lbs, can carry up to a 220-lb person, has a 1500-watt motor, and promises a range of up to 10 miles on a charge.
The tyre itself is 16 inches by 2.125 inches. Pricing starts at $1,495. An Xtreme version with over 2000-watts of power is also now available for pre-order.
Orbitwheels
The same company that does Solowheelalso makes Orbitwheels.
The idea is simple: two feet, two wheels…and you’re off. It’s described as a cross between a skateboard and a pair of inline skates, and the wheels' large radii allow you to ride on a variety of different surfaces.
If you don’t have money for the Solowheel, consider the Orbitwheels, as they only cost $99.95 for a pair.
Outrider USA
Cycling to work is very green, but can mean breaking a sweat.
There are electric bikes out there but few that could beat a sports car to the office.
The Outrider USA makes one such vehicle: the modified Outrider USA 422 Alpha. It weighs just 45kg and can reach a world record speed of over 85mph. Pedalling can supplement battery-powered drive, but once at high speeds, the battery takes over.
Jyrobike is a bicycle aimed at kids that should mean they can ditch the need for stabilisers even if they’ve never ridden a bike before.
The bike, which is fitted with an intelligent gyroscope in the front wheel, tricks the bike into believing it is going much faster than it actually is.
Because of that, it is more stable than it should be, and that means that kids learning to cycle don’t fall over. Charging is via a standard micro USB socket and after it has been plugged in for 2 hours you get 3 hours of ride time; more than enough juice to entertain most 5 - 8-year-olds.
Yike Bike is probably called that because, when you find yourself hurtling down the road on the back of one, you are likely to say “Yikes!” in a very Scooby-Doo voice.
That’s because the Yike Bike is something you will have never ridden before, a modern-day Penny-Farthing that sees you sit on a single wheel with your arms on handlebars behind you. When you’re done, it all folds away to the size of a Brompton bike. It’s also electric so you don’t have to pedal, and the main trick to master here is balance.
General Motors started working on this personalised all-electric vehicle a few years ago.
EN-V, a concept car range that was fully working, looks like something dreamed up for a live-action version of The Jetsons.
The concept details drive-over kinetic recharge points, automated parking stations (which seize your car from the streets and deposit them stacked in a row) and such intelligent collision detection that it will be feasible to negate the need for a steering wheel at all (à la I Robot).
There were also plans, wacky or not, to have heads up video conferencing and social networking functionality on the widescreen as you travel.
A-Bike is a telescopic folding bicyclefrom Sinclair. It is electric, of course, and was funded and promoted with a Kickstarter campaign.
Sinclair first introduced the folding bike in 2006, but this new version comes with a detachable 24V battery and can give you up to 25km of range.
Toyota i-Road
The Toyota i-Road electric vehicleconcept was first shown to the public at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, then Toyota unleashed it as part of an experiment in Tokyo.
The i-Road can plug into a standard 100-volt Japanese electrical outlet. It’s a tiny car powered by a pair of electric motors that provide just 5 horsepower, while the onboard battery pack holds enough juice for about 30 miles of range.
It stands out for its ability to lean into corners. All the driver needs to do is turn the steering wheel, and sensors adjust the vehicle’s angle to compensate. It can also self-stabilise while stationary.
Piaggio MP3 Yourban LT
There are two versions of the MP3 Yourban available, the 125cc and the 300cc, known as the LT. As this is classed as a motor tricycle, you don’t need a bike licence to ride it - your standard driving licence will have you covered.
Achieving recognition as a motor tricycle has led some of the design, for example the rear protruding indicator lights and the foot brake, but otherwise, your regular scooter controls work: twist and go, fully automatic, with brake levers.
Riding the Yourban LT is very easy, light feathering of the brakes and smooth throttle action will get you going gently, but the 300cc engine means there is power on tap when you need to eat up those miles.
