Monocycle mechanics

With only one wheel on the ground, this bizarre vehicle can make for an exciting - if precarious - way to get around

A one-wheel motorcycle, otherwise referred to as a monocycle, may be a vehicle where the driving force is seated upright inside an outsized wheel frame made of an alloy. This wheel frame spins the larger outer wheel, which comes into contact with the ground and typically includes a tyre mounted to that. The outer wheel is usually spun via smaller wheels attached to the inner frame of the monocycle.

Although small petrol engines are most typically used on monocycles today (mounted within the frame), there also are non-motorised versions around, typically called monowheels, where the rider is propelled along via pedals, a series and many of fine old-fashioned leg work! because of the precariously balanced nature of the vehicle, even motorised monocycles can generally only reach top speeds of arround 40 kilometres (25 miles) per hour.

Steering is sometimes executed via the driving force leaning from side to side, though it can prove difficult to corner smoothly while remaining balanced. If the motive force drags a foot, this can cause friction, slowing down one side of the monocycle and providing a tighter turning circle for better cornering.

However, there are several fundamental drawbacks related to riding a monocycle. Maintaining a homogenous balance in an exceedingly one-track vehicle with just one point of contact to the bottom presents obvious reservations over stability. Visibility is another issue; with the motive force sitting inside the wheel, the view straight ahead is severaly restricted.

The limited capacity (monocycles have only even been succesfully designed for single occupancy) could or not it's another excuse why it's never really embarked on as a widespread mode of transport.