Lit Motors C1 - A Gyro Stabilized 2-Wheeler Lit Motors is founded by Daniel Kim, which plans to manufacture inexpensive electric vehicles. C-1 is Lit Motors flagship vehicle. C1 is a modern evolution of gyrocar. It can self balance itself, unlike a motorcycle with help of computer controlled 2 high rpm gyro wheels located under the driver's seat. These gyros also act as generators in case of deacceleration and braking charging the battery.
C-1 is electric powered with in-wheel hub 20 kw motor in rear wheel. It achieves 190 kmph of top speed with acceleration of 0-100 in 7 seconds. Its range is estimated to be between 150-220 miles on full charge to batteries. Depending upon vehicle classification system, C-1 will be classified as motorcycle in most markets.
Lit Motors is taking pre orders for C1 to be delivered by 2014. With a price of $24000, it is less than electric cars.They also plan to launch C-1 in emerging markets in future with a possible price of $8000. Lit Motors also plans to license its gyro self stabalizing technology to other manufacturers who would like to make more stable SUV's. C1 is less expensive than electric cars and much safer than motorcycles and scooters, electric or not.
C1 has safety features like a rigid shell body, airbags, ABS and is claimed to be even stable in event of a crash!  Though it looks like a vehicle from science fiction, it can be a perfect city vehicle. C1 is right now under prototyping stage.
Image credits- http://litmotors.com/ |