A San Francisco-based sustainable transport startup is building what it believes is the personal transport solution of the (near) future.
The Lit Motors C-1 stands out from the crowd by combining the comfort of a car with the mobility of a motorcycle. Though similar concepts have emerged in the past, there are a number of aspects that help to make this potential solution unique, not least of which is its ability to self-balance.
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As the video demonstrates, the Lit C-1 features two electronically controlled gyroscopes that, between them, generate over 1,300 ft.-lb. pound of torque to keep the two-wheeler completely stable and upright even when standing still. More impressively, it will also keep the Tron-like C-1 upright in the event of a side-impact.
Still in the development phase, the C-1 is the brainchild of Daniel Kim, a former Land Rover mechanic turned designer with a degree in Industrial Design and Sustainable Transportation. Together with a team of engineers and technology specialists, Kim is working towards a 2014 release of the C-1. It also aims to be cutting edge on the connectivity front as well with traffic conditions, road works and adverse weather warnings among the data pushed to the vehicle.
Power is provided by in-hub, direct-drive electric motors rated at 20kW. These will propel the C-1 to 60mph from zero in around 6 seconds and then on to a top speed over 100mph. Each charge will also give the C-1 a range of up to 200 miles. Lit Motors is currently taking deposits for the electric-powered two-wheeler for an asking price of $24,000.
