Can We Have a Two-Wheeled Electric Car Like a Hoverboard?

Could we have an electric car that has only two wheels like a hoverboard and balance? The answer is yes, but such a vehicle is not practical for everyday use. Today, there is a product that somewhat resembles this idea: the hoverboard. However, if we were to expand this concept to an entire car, it might run into significant limitations and challenges.

Current Solutions and Limitations

Hoverboards, like the ones you might see at amusement parks or in shopping malls, weigh around 200kg. They are designed to be ridden by adults weighing between 50-90kg, making balance easier. The technology behind hoverboards is currently far from what would be needed for a fully functional two-wheel car.

Imagine a car with only two wheels. At high speeds, such a vehicle would face several problems. It would be extremely challenging to control and would likely be unsafe. Aerodynamics and drag would increase significantly, making such a design impractical for speeds over 40km/h. By the time you reach 90km/h, the car would become too unstable and consume too much electricity to maintain this speed.

Design Considerations

For a two-wheeled car to be feasible, it would need to be wide and possibly tall. These dimensions would make it difficult to maneuver in regular traffic and would limit off-road capabilities. Additionally, such a car would have limited space, which would be a significant issue for practical usage.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Weaknesses:
r - High drag and low downforce
r - Potholes and uneven terrain
r - Limited space
r - Poor off-road capability
r - Speed limitations (mostly below 25km/h, max 90km/h)
r - Insufficient space for safety features such as crumple zones and medical kits
r - Driverless required for safety, making it expensive for no clear benefit
r - Low maneuverability at high speeds, requiring tank steering
r - Limited battery capacity due to space constraints

Strengths:
r - Novel and innovative design inspired by hoverboards

Alternative Solutions

While a truly two-wheeled electric car may not be practical, there are vehicles that come close in terms of design and functionality. For example, the Aptera features three wheels and is classified as a motorcycle in some states and as an “auto-cycke” in others. This allows it to bypass some safety regulations, but it might also require a motorcycle license and helmet in certain areas.

The Aptera has a unique design that is more akin to a motorbike than a traditional car. A petrol-engine version was even displayed at the Bristol dockyards museum, showing that such a concept can be technically feasible. However, the motorbike version was not commercially successful, suggesting that the market for such a vehicle may be limited.