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A monowheel is a one-wheeled single-track vehicle similar to a unicycle. However, instead of sitting above the wheel, the rider sits either within it or next to it. The wheel is a ring, usually driven by smaller wheels pressing against its inner rim. Most are single-passenger vehicles, though multi-passenger models have been built. Hand-cranked and pedal-powered monowheels were patented and built in the late 19th century; most built in the 20th century have been motorized. Some modern builders refer to these vehicles as monocycles, though that term is also sometimes used to describe motorized unicycles. Today, monowheels are generally built and used for fun and entertainment purposes, though from the 1860s through to the 1930s, they were proposed for use as serious transportation. == Steering== In a two-wheel mode of transportation, two systems (wheels) affect motion. Typically one wheel provides the force to control speed, while the other handles changes in direction: steering. For a monowheel, both direction and speed are controlled through the same physical apparatus; this generally makes steering more difficult. In a majority of systems, change in direction is affected by the rider shifting his or her weight, or in the sudden movement creating a shearing force between a handhold and the axis that the driver is settled on. Better control can usually be achieved at lower speeds. Because of the steering problem, monowheels have never caught on as a widely accepted mode of transportation. A change in direction can be effected in several ways including: *Leaning. The most common steering solution is that the rider must lean towards his intended direction of travel to turn, and then centralize his weight again once the turn is complete. *Turning a gyroscope to provide turning force. *Outboard skids to provide friction drag on one side. *At speeds faster than a walk, lightly dragging a foot on the ground will cause the wheel to lean to the opposite side. Drag the other foot to bring it back upright. *Small wheels used for steering, either one to each side or a single unit either in front of or behind the vehicle. It is a matter of debate as to whether such a vehicle would still properly be called a monowheel. *Steerable propellers, which could provide both steering and power to move the vehicle. It has been noted that having a propeller operating near pedestrians could be quite unsafe. *Steerable tail surfaces, similar to those on airplanes. This solution would not work at low speeds. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Monowheel」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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