The two-seater hybrid vehicle by Lit Motors combines elements of a motorcycle and a car, maintaining an upright position thanks to gyroscopic technology, which maximizes safety for the driver.
Featuring a driver’s seat and steering wheel, the Electric Self-Balancing Vehicle (AEV) or C-1, designed by Lit Motors in San Francisco, merges the excitement of a motorcycle with the safety and comfort of a car, according to Sun. The AEV can right itself after being tipped over due to its balancing technology. This vehicle also boasts a quick charging time of just 5 minutes, sufficient for a range of approximately 274 km.
The shape of the AEV vehicle. (Photo: Lit Motors).
The AEV is the brainchild of the company’s CEO, Daniel Kim. The inspiration for his vehicle originated over 20 years ago when he narrowly escaped being crushed by a chassis while assembling a Land Rover Defender. This experience motivated him to create a two-seater hybrid between a car and a motorcycle.
The AEV utilizes a gyroscope, a rotating disc used to measure or maintain orientation and angular velocity, to remain upright at all times. According to Kim, this remarkable technology allows the driver to stay in the vehicle even when it stops, eliminating the need to put a foot down at traffic lights. The AEV can lean into turns at a 45-degree angle and is capable of operating in rain or snow. Kim points out that the vehicle’s flexibility is what sets it apart from traditional motorcycles.
Safety features are a priority for the AEV, which is equipped with front airbags, side airbags, seat belts, and a tempered glass cabin, ensuring that the driver can survive an accident. Kim even emphasizes that the vehicle would not immediately tip over even if it collided with an elephant.
Kim and his team are working to develop the vehicle to meet European standards. With 15% of pre-orders coming from Germany and some from the UK, this will provide a significant advantage for the company. Kim states that the price of the vehicle will gradually decrease as sales increase. The company is planning to raise funds with a goal of achieving $5 million in September this year to move closer to manufacturing a prototype of the AEV.
