Uno to save the world

It uses two wheels but they are positioned right next to each other, giving it the illusion of being a powered unicycle. Even better, it might help save the planet.

Ben Gulak, from Ontario, Canada, has spent several years building the electric Uno, that uses gyroscopic technology — like the infamous Segway commuter device — to stay upright.

The Uno has been turning heads wherever it has been ridden.

“I was inspired to make the bike after visiting China a few years ago and seeing all the smog,” said Ben.

“They all drive little bikes that are really polluting and I wanted to make something to combat that.”

The green machine is so small and light it can be taken indoors and carried into lifts - and is recharged by being plugged into the mains.

The wheels are independent, allowing the bike to turn on a sixpence and the technology takes the balance and guesswork out of riding a unicycle.

“The bike takes a bit of getting used to because you have to learn to trust it. But it doesn't take long,” said Ben.

Its 18-year-old creator is now looking for investors to get the Uno into production and on to the streets.