The Self Balancing Electric Unicycle  

Gearlog has a post on an "SBU" - a self balancing electric unicycle - Focus Design's SBU--Crazy Fun Or Just Crazy?.

If riding your Segway around town seems too pedestrian, how about a little one wheeled fun? The concept's similar with Focus Design's $1,500 SBU--for self-balancing unicycle. Like the Segway you nuance your way around.

"The rider controls the speed by leaning forward or backward to speed up or stop. There is no need to pedal, in fact there are no crank arms, just foot rests. The SBU keeps upright by utilizing advanced electronics including accelerometers and gyroscopes with sophisticated balancing algorithms. It's truly an experience like no other. "

Though the photo makes it look like the SBU is coin operated, it's really your own electric powered vehicle. Able to run down pedestrians at a speedy 8.5 mph the SBU will keep on going for up to 12 miles on a charge. Since it's reasonably light at 25 pounds, you can carry it with you once you arrive at your destination.

Here's my favorite part from the FAQ.

"It's about half as easy as riding a conventional unicycle. The average user needs about two hours of practice before he/she can have a decent ride. The SBU is a rider-assist machine, a combination of the rider's balance and SBU control."