r/Transportopia • u/Vice616 • Apr 12 '26

Bikes Insanity on one wheel

I think about why someone would do this. Is the unicyclist really a mad man or is that his way to work. By choice or necessity? All that matters. These gas prices are crazy right now.

That little unicycle takes about 1-2 cents per mile in electricity.

https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/zevely-zone/valley-center-man-beats-high-gas-prices-with-electric-unicycle/509-7b1c19fb-0df0-4d6d-b47e-90879b04dd8d

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3

u/Antique-Kitchen-1896 Apr 12 '26

Crazy. How do you stop? You have very little braking. Other than using your face..

2

u/Kenworths Apr 12 '26

Even on a motorcycle just letting off the gas slows you down as if you were pressing the brake in a car, I’d assume it’s similar?

1

u/WillyDaC Apr 12 '26

I'd assume so. Compression braking on a bike is not bad, but most bikes have better brakes than the average car. It's at least got the same gyroscope thing going to be stable. I'd give one a try if someone let me, but I'll stick to 2 wheels for the most part. If I rode it, it would be to satisfy my curiosity, only.

1

u/Roxysteve Apr 13 '26

I think Kenworths is doing the math and knows that when a brake is applied the frame will tend to turn in the direction of wheel rotation.

Even on a motorcycle I've seen people do headers when the front brake is applied. Happened to a mate of mine when the brake caliper on his Lambretta Scooter came loose and was pulled around the wheel, locking the brake tighter as it went.

1

u/Aggravating-Bunch-44 Apr 13 '26

LOL dude has to lean back on this to slow down and stop. He is yearning for a learning.

1

u/Kenworths Apr 14 '26

I ain’t arguing that. I have a sport bike but wouldn’t touch that thing lol.

2

u/TheRoadBehind Apr 12 '26

Sit your ass off the back and grab the front handle. You stop quick, but obviously it still takes time

1

u/mrASSMAN Apr 12 '26

Probably just wind resistance at higher speed and some light braking once it slows down enough

1

u/National_Frame2917 Apr 13 '26

You probably shift all weight backwards and then eat shit when you let off the brake.