November 12, 2003
Bombardier Embrio -- Unicycle on Steroids

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 | PermalinkHoly 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 AMHeh - 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 AMOn 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 AMsweet.....so wed be covert.
Posted by got mace? at December 1, 2003 02:20 AMI *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 AMLeave 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 PMYou're *always* doing a wheelie on this thing!
Posted by Sam at January 2, 2004 02:41 PMTo leave a comment or read updated entries, please visit GearBits' current site. Thanks.