5 Unusual Modes of Urban Transit

With the first day of spring fast approaching, folks are starting to dust the cobwebs off their bikes and skates for sunnier days ahead. But for some, these basic human-powered vehicles don’t quite have the kick they should. Thankfully, there are engineers who have set out to create urban transportation solutions that combine the best of human effort and engineering know-how. 

Here are five such gadgets that are or will soon be available to help make traversing the road (or any terrain) even easier. 
 

Photo: Skwheel

Skwheel One 

Although spring typically means the end of skiing season, for those who still want to experience the thrill of the slopes in warmer months, the Skwheel One is a great option. 

These electric skis were designed and built in France and can travel as fast as 80 kilometers per hour (although for safety reasons, the device is factory limited to 25 km/hr) on just about any terrain. 

Skwheel One provides the user with the feeling of sculling on snow thanks to a patented pivot system that responds to shifts in body weight, which triggers the mechanism that provides that skiing sensation. Each ski is 9.8 inches tall and 29.5 inches long, and together, the skis are just 12.5 kilograms or 27.5 pounds. Users operate the skis with a multifunction handle that fits in one hand, allowing for easy acceleration across four speed modes along with electronic braking. A second mechanical brake on the skis themselves can be activated by leaning the leg backward, like on a rollerblade. 

Skwheel’s chassis is made of composite and carbon fiber, while 2,400W four-wheel drive provides maneuverability. Each ski has a 1.2 kilogram interchangeable and rechargeable battery that fits neatly into the platform, right below the user’s feet. These batteries offer a range of 30 kilometers at 25 km/h (15 mph) and can be fast charged in just two hours. 

Skwheel One retails for $2,765 or €2,490 and deliveries will begin in June. 
 

Photo: Future Motion

Onewheel 

Looking for something more streamlined? Perhaps a single wheel is all you need. Future Motion’s Onewheel is an electric skateboard with one that can traverse nearly any surface. 

Mechanical engineer Kyle Doerksen is the company’s founder and CEO. In 2008, Doerksen built the first Onewheel prototype, which featured a chain-driven motor. He launched his company Future Motion in 2014 and today, Onewheel is available in six different models, ranging in price from $750 to $3,000.  

Onewheels also feature a few unique safety features, such as regenerative braking. Another is pushback, which notifies riders when they have reached the limits of the board and need to slow down. When this feature activates, the nose of the board will lift gradually to warn the rider to slow down.  

According to the company, its manufacturing facility in San Jose is the largest light electric vehicle manufacturer in the country. 

The newest iteration is the XR Classic, a 30-pound board that can reach a top speed of 20 mph and has a 17 to 24-mile range. It’s 10-inches-wide by 30-inches-long, is equipped with six-inch treated tires, and is powered by a 75-volt battery. Pricing starts at $1,900. 
 

Photo: DRYFT1

Dryft Board 

Looking for something that combines the best of multiple vehicles into a single package? The Dryft Board is a hybrid board cross that takes elements from BMX bikes and skateboards and combines them with the power of an electric bike. 

Launched in January by the DRYFT1 Company, the Dryft Board incorporates a front-wheel drive with a three-wheel deck and a center-mounted caster wheel. This allows users to speed along straightaways and gives them the ability to both slide and carve. 

A 500W hub motor powered by a swappable 48V lithium-ion battery enables the Dryft Board to reach speeds of 20 mph, while a urethane-blend, 360° free-floating center caster wheel ensures the board maintains constant surface contact. Riders can switch between slide mode, which releases the caster wheel for freely-pivoting, smooth slides, and carve mode, which locks the caster wheel in place for controlled cruising. 

Other features include a custom aluminum alloy independent suspension truck system and a Tektro hydraulic disc brake. It’s 50.8 inches long, 45.5 inches tall, and weighs 61.7 pounds.

The Dryft Board is available for $2,000 and comes in two colors. 
 

Photo: ENVO Drive Systems

Veemo SE 

Bikers are subject to the elements, but what if there was a bike that combined the joy of pedaling with both a roof and a transmission? The Veemo SE does just that. 

Featuring a lightweight, three-wheel design and stiff monocoque chassis, this semi-enclosed, pedal-electric vehicle offers both a pedal-assist function and a full-power ride mode, so users can choose when and how much they would like to work on their rides. At 79 inches long, 59 inches tall, and 35 inches wide, it weighs just 135 pounds and has a maximum speed of about 20 mph. All three wheels are equipped with Dyisland hydraulic brakes as well. 

The Veemo utilizes a belt drive system coupled to a continuously variable Shimano Altus 9 Speed transmission, powered by a 48V 15Ah battery. It has a base range of about 18-62 miles. No special charging is required either—the bike’s charging unit fits standard wall outlets worldwide. There’s even about two cubic feet of storage space. 

Veemo retails for $6,999. 
 

Photo: INMOTION Technologies Co., Ltd.

V9 Electric Unicycle 

In February, INMOTION Technologies Co., Ltd., launched the latest addition to its electric unicycle family, the V9, which is the first electric unicycle to receive TÜV Rheinland UL2272 certification. 

The V9 weighs 50 pounds and is equipped with aluminum air suspension springs to provide smooth travel on just about any terrain. Users can customize the suspension’s air pressure for a personalized ride as well. It's compact as well, at 18.8 inches tall, 7.4 inches wide, and 24.9 inches long. 

Powered by a 20S2P Samsung 21700 50GB battery cell, the V9 can reach max power of 2,000 watts and max torque of 90 Newton-meters. It also features an advanced battery management system, a Raptor M controller that delivers 180A high-current output for rapid acceleration, and a balance system that delivers stable power output for ride control. 

A single 16-inch by 3-inch tubeless tire provides users with optimal traction and the device is also waterproof. The V9 also features RideConnect function, which provides users with 4G remote locking, ride tracking, and 24/7 online monitoring. Its lighting is even customizable, with 256 colors and effects. And built-in stereo dual speakers support group ride audio sync too.  

The V9 is priced at $1,299. 

Louise Poirier is senior editor.