Uno (dicycle)

The original Uno is controlled in forward motion by the rider shifting weight over the centre of gravity. When the rider shifts forward, the vehicle speeds up to regain balance, when the rider leans back, the vehicle slows. Steering is controlled by side-to-side motion of the rider. The vehicle senses this shift and raises one of the two wheels to allow the vehicle to tilt in the desired turn direction. The Uno III has two configurations, as a dicycle and as a tricycle. As a dicycle it operates much the same as the original Uno with forward and back motion of the rider affecting acceleration. The Uno III also utilizes a hand throttle to affect acceleration and braking. Instead of using rider side-to-side movement to control steering, the Uno III uses a rotating handlebar. ==History==

The Uno was conceived by Milton, Ontario teenager Ben Gulak in 2006, following a trip to China. After seeing major smog pollution caused by heavy use of small motor vehicles, he decided he wanted to create an eco-friendly alternative. His initial design efforts consisted of an angle-iron frame with wheelchair motors, batteries and gyroscopes. The Uno was unveiled at the Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show in 2008, and won a Top-10 prize on Popular Science's list of 2008 Invention Awards. On the CBC series ''Dragons' Den'', Gulak was given $1,250,000 in venture capital for a 20% share in further development. The deal fell apart in due diligence and only W. Brett Wilson paid his $250,000 portion. According to Ben Gulak, in order to improve the safety and usability of the Uno his company BPG Inc developed the Uno III to be able to transform from the classic Uno dicycle into a motorcycle. The Uno III transforms between these two modes while being ridden. == See also ==