Example 5: Segway

The Segway was one of the first main stream solutions that captured the imagination of the public globally. But, although recognized as an iconic and head-turning product, Segway has yet to fully penetrate the commuter market. Pricing, local traffic laws and recent "keep-fit" trends have kept the vehicle predominately grounded in the business realm. Still, the Segway represents an excellent use of intuitive accelerometer technology, through a clean and desirable design.

Pros

• Robust construct and ergonomic design
• Intuitive accelerometer technology to assist balance and drive
• Successful manufactured and proven business history (armed forces, security, delivery, x-games)
• Small footprint, with rugged terrain potential
• Electric

Cons

• Deemed unfit for pedestrian walkways - illegal in many western countries
• Associated with promoting the "lazy" society concept
• Incredibly pricey.  Comparable with low-cost road vehicles ($7,000+)

Example 4: Toyota I-Swing

The successor to Toyota's I-Swing, the I-Real was showcased in 2007 as a social media enabled, urban, personal transportation vehicle; features include parameter/collision sensors, light, sound and vibration announcements, and two modes of transport (pedestrian and road-going). As a three wheeler, the single rear wheel extends and contracts allowing faster or slower speeds, and greater or less stability respectively.

Pros

• Familiar "driving" position
• Two modes allow for greater flexibility; road for increased speed, pedestrian for smaller footprint and higher seating position (eye-level)
• Communicates directly with other I-Reals in the vicinity - encourages community use
• Hands-free/ single-hand control
• Electric

Cons

• Similarities and connotations with wheel chairs
• Impacted by weather conditions
• Presumed expense and longevity for a technology heavy product (over-engineered?)
• Relatively large and bulky foot-print

Example 3: Xcite Bike

Orientated more for extreme sports, the Xcite Bike provides an innovative solution to personalized transportation. Labeled a "foot-scooter", the petrol powered, 49cc bike has a top speed of 45km-h, and an hour of run-time on 0.9 litres of fuel.  Further development might see an electric version, and the removal of the hand-cable throttle and brake control.

Pros

• Range not limited to battery life
• Superior ground clearance and power for rough terrain/off-road
• Elevated body position, with low centre of gravity for stability at speed
• Compact design

Cons

• Noisy, petrol engine with a maintenance requirement
• Appearance and design intent limits market to extreme sports

Example 2: Honda UX-3

Wonderful personal vehicle embodying complete 360 movement - the ability to travel at any degree upon one plane.

Pros

• Unisex appeal with anamorphic similarities (hourglass shape)
• Accelerometer/gyro controlled movements for "hands-free" control
• Incredibly small and compact, with a tiny footprint, can allow for indoor use
• Light-weight construction - examples illustrate storage within car doors

Cons

• Presumed expense of the product, with limited availability in the near future
• Creative, though questionable sitting mechanism - potentially limiting size/weight
• Louder then expected electric motors
• Stepper then normal learning curve

Example 1: YikeBike

An unusual yet finalized/production solution to personal, urban transportation. Inspired by turn-of-the-century penny farthing bicycles, YikeBike is an ingenious fold-able, light-weight electric bike with a top speed of 15mph - aimed at lowering average commuter carbon emissions, with long-term personal savings on time, transit, and parking.

Pros

• Aesthetically and ergonomically well designed
• Compact folded design and light enough to be carried on shoulder
• Include road safety features (lights)
• Small, comparable foot-print enables use in confined spaces (pavements)

Cons

• Limited market potential due to cost ($4,800 USD )
• Similarities to a regular folding bicycle