Monday, October 19, 2009

Gyrowheel Eliminates Training Wheels in Kids' Bikes

If we get this for Hannah, she'll be the luckiest kid on the face of the earth . . . or at least in our family.

[h/t and all text swiped directly from Gizmodo]
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Rarely one invention can save Humanity from annihilation, and push the world forward a couple of centuries in one go. The Gyrowheel is not it, but to millions of children worldwide, it'll feel like that. Check it in action:

LIke the Segway, the Gyrowhee uses gyroscopes to stabilize an object on wheels, using them to detect the when the vehicle is out of balance. Unlike the Segway, however, the Gyrowheel has a disk inside that spins in whatever direction is needed, creating a force that stabilizes the bike, even at low speeds. It's not the wheel itself that moves, it's the disk inside. According to Gyrobike, the manufacturer, this is called 'gyroscopic precession.' I call it 'black magic.'

Gyrobike says that their 12" wheel—which will be available on December 1 for around $100— will make any kid learn to ride a bike in 30 minutes to an hour, teaching "correct riding technique" in the process. A 16" model will be available in spring 2010.

1 comment:

Sven Golly said...

I'm agin' it. On principle. It ain't natural.

What next - little computers you can hold in your hand? Talking pictures?