Filed under: EV/Plug-in, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, On Two Wheels, USA
The C-1 enclosed motorcycle from Lit Motors could change the transportation world in a big, big way. Yes, it may be a little early to make that sort of unqualified sweeping statement - the first drivable prototype won't be complete for another six months - but if everything works out as planned, prepare to be impressed, if not amazed.
You see, the two-wheeled all-electric all-wheel-drive C-1 combines the small footprint of a motorcycle with the comforts and safety of an automotive cabin to create an affordable, yet stylish, super-efficient vehicle. And it does it without holes in the bottom to poke your feet through à la Fred Flintstone or the retractable training wheels we've seen on another enclosed motorcycle.
How it accomplishes its magic-like balancing act is really the cool part of this machine's story. It does it with flywheels that deliver 1,300 pound-feet of stabilizing torque. Of course, if the discs always spun strictly on the horizontal, it would be a little tricky to actually turn the C-1 since you need to lean, so the C-1's brain takes the input from the steering wheel and other factors into account and alters its axes accordingly. Neato, huh?
In a phone interview, Lit Motors CEO Daniel Kim told AutoblogGreen that once the company is building in volumes of 10,000 or more units, the price for the C-1 is expected to be around $16,000. That money gives you 0-to-60 in about six to eight seconds and provides a range of 150 miles.
Hit the jump for a nice little video from the company showing how the C-1 works and how it might be integrated into one's cosmopolitan lifestyle (including how it would deal with a computer-simulated broadside attack from a Nissan Leaf) and as well as a bonus clip from Smart Planet featuring Mr. Kim himself discussing his creation.
Lit Motors C1 enclosed motorcycle uses flywheel magic, not training wheels, to stay upright originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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