What it does
Flexi-UC is a battery-powered micromobility alternative, designed to be compact and versatile. By addressing the lateral instability of conventional electric unicycles, it offers a safer and more practical alternative for short-distance transportation.
Your inspiration
Electric unicycle is a potential micromobility that can encourage people to use public transport (PT) since this compact and versatile vehicle can work as ‘first mile, last mile’ transportation. People tend to use private car due to lack of mobility facilities to move from home-PT station and from PT-station-office and vice versa. Since electric unicycle is compact and relatively light, it can be brought onto bus or train. The goal was to create something easier to use, without making the design bulky or complex. TRIZ theory is used to analyse these conflicting needs, identifying ways to add support without compromising compactness.
How it works
A spring suspension system with two support wheels are used as the main chassis of the vehicle. The gyroscope and motor in the main wheel control the longitudinal stability of the vehicle. The spring system allows vertical movement of the main wheel to maintain its contact with the ground during cornering. Flexi-UC automatic stand functions through a well-integrated combination of mechanical components and basic electronic control. At its core is an infrared (IR) sensor that constantly reads the unicycle’s speed. When the sensor detects that the velocity has dropped below a certain threshold (typically under 0.2 m/s), the information is sent to an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which activates a servo motor. The servo then rotates a hinged stand beneath a footrest at 120°, which then used as a support during rider mounting and dismounting. When the speed increases again, the system retracts the stand automatically, allowing the rider to continue moving.
Design process
The design process began with field research, user interviews, and practical observations of rider behavior. I used TRIZ contradiction analysis to frame the problem: how to increase safety without reducing the compactness that makes unicycles attractive. Early concepts were sketched and tested using basic cardboard and wooden models, which highlighted challenges in structure and alignment. I then transitioned to CATIA for more precise digital modeling, where the mechanical linkages, angles, and clearances of the stand mechanism were simulated using DMU Kinematics. Structural validation followed, using ANSYS to assess total deformation and stress limits on the spring system and stand during real-use scenarios. Prototyping began with Arduino boards, using simple sketches to program the IR sensor and servo interaction. Calibration involved multiple trials to fine-tune the activation threshold and angle of deployment. I recycled a luggage handle system for the telescopic part, modifying it to integrate into the unicycle body. Each development cycle emphasised simplicity, modularity, and ease of assembly by ensuring that the design remains practical for fabrication and future upgrades.
How it is different
Flexi-UC stands out by focusing not just on riding performance, but on the entire rider experience, including before and after the ride. Most electric unicycles on the market prioritize compactness and speed but offer little to support user confidence or safety in transitional moments. Flexi-UC fills that gap. Its automatic stand offers support only when needed, staying out of the way during normal operation. The telescopic handle eliminates the need to carry the device by hand, and the spring system adds lateral stability without mechanical complexity. This combination of thoughtful, low-profile enhancements helps Flexi-UC serve a broader audience (larger age-range, and no gender biase) particularly newer riders and yet without sacrificing the sleek form factor expected of modern micromobility devices.
Future plans
The next stage involves upgrading the velocity detection system is replacing the IR sensor with a more accurate Hall effect sensor or IMU for responsive performance across different terrains. The control box and servo housing will be redesigned for compactness, better weather resistance, and easier integration into the unicycle body. Material optimisation is also a priority: lighter composites and recycled materials will be explored to improve strength-to-weight ratio and environmental impact. User testing will be conducted to evaluate comfort, reliability, and rider confidence under real-world conditions.
Awards
(Second Prototype) Engineering Innovation & Exhibition 2025 [Bronze award]. (3D-print Prototype) Engineering Innovation & Exhibition 2023 [Gold award]. (First Prototype) Top 3 Best Innovation in Design Realization Program (DesReP) 2021.
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