Honda's U3-X: Segcycle or Uniway? - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

Smart Enuf · 09-24-2009, 07:01 AM

Honda and its crazy little, Segway-style unicycle:

YouTube - Honda Develops New Personal Mobility Device: U3-X

It looks like fun.

Kazuano · 09-24-2009, 10:00 AM

Looks like she's dragging her toes to turn circles.

BigWarpGuy · 09-24-2009, 11:10 AM

The Honda U-X3 does look more like art than a unicycle.

I wonder if they will allow one to take it on an airline in its folded form?

Woody14619 · 09-24-2009, 01:09 PM

It looks slow and not very comfortable to use for any length of time. If it only goes as fast as I can walk, whats the point? I'd rather walk. And going at that speed, given it's size, it can't last very long. Maybe an hour tops? A 5 mile range and a top speed of 5mph? Wo ho!

Give it a speed of 20 mph or so, a 40 to 60 mile range, and I'd say you have a nice light commuter toy. (Throw treads on it so it worked in snow too and I may even buy one. ;)

Padawan · 09-24-2009, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody14619

Give it a speed of 20 mph or so, a 40 to 60 mile range, and I'd say you have a nice light commuter toy.

Or the upcoming electric fortwo....

Woody14619 · 09-25-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padawan

Or the upcoming electric fortwo....

Sigh... The upcoming fortwo ED from what I've seen has a top speed of 80mph. I've seen range estimates from 80 to 120 miles. An ED car has a practical use for those that live 20 to 40 miles from where they work.

The key here is this item seems (like the segway) to be a very expensive toy for the super rich. What practical use is a light weight, load limited device that can travel at most 5 miles on a charge, taking an hour to do so? The only groups that I can think of where this could potentially be practical (the morbidly obese and the extremely elderly with mobility limitations) would not be able to use it because of load and balance/safety issues.

Big Panda · 09-26-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody14619

It looks slow and not very comfortable to use for any length of time. If it only goes as fast as I can walk, whats the point? I'd rather walk. And going at that speed, given it's size, it can't last very long. Maybe an hour tops? A 5 mile range and a top speed of 5mph? Wo ho!

Honda said the experimental U3-X was designed with the ELDERLY in mind. They did mention that its feasibility would depend upon the condition of the elderly persons balance and coordination, but I think it would certainly help many senior citizens with getting around their house.

While some of us may be in great shape and have no problem walking short or long distances, not so is the case with EVERYONE.

Smart Enuf · 09-26-2009, 09:08 AM

I think the main point of this device is that it showcases Honda's engineering prowess. While it looks simple, just think about the complex engineering challenges that Honda had to overcome in putting this together.

BigWarpGuy · 09-26-2009, 02:27 PM

Similar to what Honda did in the robot Asimo.

forestacademy · 09-26-2009, 03:14 PM

not many companies with creative R&D departments that are not funded by the military.