If you think that innovation in the transport sector has stopped at electric quadricycles, prepare to be amazed. Shane Chen, the man who popularized the Hoverboard, is back with an invention he cares enough about giving it his name. So SHANE, gentlemen: an electric two-wheeled vehicle with a face that says it all.
SHANE: a two-wheeler that could become your next car
Imagine a world where four-wheeled cars are a distant memory, replaced by electric two-wheeled vehicles that look straight out of a science fiction film. Something halfway between Futurama and Mad. Max, if you want mine.
If there is a guy like Shane Chen who already has 76 patents under his belt to develop these "two-wheeled cars" (Hoverboard, Solowheel, Orbitwheels, Powerwing, Aquaskipper and others) we could be on the eve of a small boom in mobility . Indeed, in his words, on the eve of the “inaugural moment in automotive history when an electric car with two parallel wheels is practical for everyday driving.”
A toy or a revolution?
Don't be fooled by SHANE's external appearance, which might look like a toy. Inside, it's another world. Designed to comfortably seat five adults, SHANE's interior seems to prepare you for a ride on a roller coaster of the future. But it's not all show and no substance: once in motion, the vehicle's wheels automatically adjust to keep the car in perfect balance.
SHANE uses a movable center of gravity to counteract the force of driving and braking, thus maintaining stability. This makes it as stable and safe as a four-wheeled vehicle. Additionally, SHANE makes parking and maneuvering easier thanks to its two-wheel differential speed control. The vehicle's large wheels minimize rolling resistance and include regenerative shock absorbers to convert damping into energy to charge the battery.
Solar energy: the finishing touch?
While it wasn't explicitly mentioned, SHANE's roof appears to feature solar panel technology. If confirmed, this feature could be another little piece of game changer. Chen is currently looking for partners to bring the concept into reality. How about? Will he succeed?
We'll keep an eye out for updates on SHANE - stay in touch!
