The electric 'Solowheel' rolls through Luxembourg

(ADW) Could this be the new way of getting around town? The Solowheel certainly turned a few heads and raised a few eyebrows when we tested and filmed it on a sunny day in Luxembourg City.

The principle is that of a Segway. It uses a gyroscope and electric motor to keep the vehicle in an upright position; lean forward and you move forward, lean back and it stops or even goes backwards if you're lucky.

Where the Solowheel completely differs from a Segway is it has only one wheel, obviously. There are no handlebars to hold onto, the size is very compact meaning you can carry it anywhere, and learning how to ride it takes a bit longer. In fact for the latter point it is like learning all over again how to ride a bike.

As you'll see in the video it looks very easy when Denis Zago the General Manager of LuxInov, the only Solowheel distributor for Luxembourg, whizzes around the Place d'Armes. But, as soon as I attempted, all dignity and panache was gone as I fumbled to even stand on the thing!

It is like learning a whole new method of mobility, by learning a whole new set of rules. As there's nothing to hold on to, you feel very vulnerable and I clung to Denis as he walked me around the City, much to the amusement of onlookers. He produced an orange strap used for training purposes when you first get the machine and therefore giving you a little more security, but I still wasn't getting it.

The expert then explained that it takes about an hour to learn how to ride the Solowheel and then it suddenly clicks. This could well be the vehicle's good point as a challenge for people to learn making it more than just a method of transport but also a fun and almost toy-like thing.

However, it could have the opposite effect whereby interested buyers are put off if they can't get on it and instantly speed off into the sunset. Only time will tell!

When it is being used properly, the user does look quite cool, able to use their hands for other things. Denis took a phone call on a tour around Grand rue while being in complete control of his Solowheel, and let's be honest, Segway riders look a bit nerdy and cumbersome, well I think so anyway.

Like all electric methods of transport the Solowheel is ecological. It can travel a distance of about a 15km at a maximum speed of about 16km per hour, if you are of average weight that is. Of course if you run out of battery you can simply get off it and walk while carrying it like a briefcase, all be it an 11kg briefcase.

The price of it may put some people off at just under 2000 euros, but it is little-known and early days yet, so who knows, the price may fall as Solowheel becomes more popular.

For more information about Solowheel and even book a free test-ride yourself, visit the website: www.solowheel-lux.lu

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