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November 12, 2003

Bombardier Embrio -- Unicycle on Steroids

embrio.jpg

The Segway is to the Bombardier Embrio (pictured) as a Cessna 172 is to an F-14 Tomcat. They'll both get you there, but you will get way more cool points if you arrive on the Embrio.

According to this article in Forbes, the Embrio is a one-wheel, fuel cell-powered concept vehicle. It uses gyroscopes (a la the Segway) to balance the rider on a single wheel. When slowed under 12 mph, a secondary wheel drops down from the front to help the rider balance when he/she comes to a stop.

Basically, I want one. I know it's just a concept, but I want one anyway. I've been looking at alternate means to handle my 5 mile daily commute on city streets, and this might just be the ticket. Now if I can just wait, oh, 10 years until fuel cells become viable...

Posted by Craig | Permalink
Comments

Holy Mother of God, what a vehicle! Looks like it came out of the same team that designed the Gundam Japanese anime robots. I want one too.

Posted by Sam at November 12, 2003 11:49 AM

Heh - we could roam around in packs!

What kind of noise does a fuel-cell powered engine make? :)

Posted by Dan at November 13, 2003 01:36 AM

On hybrid fuel cell cars, you get a vrrrm when accelerating and deccelerating with the regular fuel system, but when the fuel cell kicks in, things are oh so quiet.

Posted by Sam at November 13, 2003 09:45 AM

sweet.....so wed be covert.

Posted by got mace? at December 1, 2003 02:20 AM

I *need* one of these ASAP! :D The only thing cooler than the New Beetle, IMHO.

Posted by Darel Finley at December 4, 2003 12:48 AM

Leave it up to the French Canadians to screw up a motorcycle. How the hell are you supposed to do a wheelie on that thing?? Hey, I know that there's more than one way to skin a cat, but these guys are trying to de-bone a moose here. This is just a modernized version of the old one wheeled Cyclops. Nothing personal guys, but I for one wouldn't be caught dead on something that looks like a personal shaver strapped to my ass.

Posted by Orf at January 2, 2004 02:18 PM

You're *always* doing a wheelie on this thing!

Posted by Sam at January 2, 2004 02:41 PM
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