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Lit Motors Self-Balancing Motorcycle

Interested in a small vehicle that can get you to work and back, using motorcycle lanes if necessary - and it balances itself.


(Lit Motors)

The C-1 will have a top speed of 100+ mph (160+ kph), 0-60 mph (0-100 kph) in <6 seconds, and a range of 200 miles (320 km) per charge. Dimensions: 800 lbs. (360 kg) curb weight, 112″ (2.8 m) long, 55″ (1.4 m) tall, 40″ (1 m) wide. As we are not yet at production, all figures are best estimates.

The C-1 is self-balancing, using two gyroscopes to keep the vehicle upright when stopped. The C-1 has “landing gear” which are deployed when parked to keep the vehicle upright. The gyros are fully controlled by the vehicle, enabling a steer-by-wire system that allows the C-1 to lean itself into and out of turns, maintaining stability at all times. And yes, it has a reverse gear!

Science fiction fans may remember the smart bike in Bruce Sterlings 1998 novel Distraction, which he describes as having onboard steering and balance systems.

Via Lit Motors.

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