WTF of the Day: Solowheel

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Today Cool Hunting reports on a new “stripped-down” (read: missing its handlebars) take on the Segway that’s geared toward “the mobile urbanite.” And it’s small enough to fit in your briefcase! Got your attention? “The ‘self-balancing electric unicycle’ operates through gyroscopic technology, which a 1000-watt rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers. On a full charge (which takes about 45 minutes), the Solowheel lasts two hours — but the battery actually recaptures energy when going downhill.”

Sounds efficient, but we’ve got plenty of questions, first and foremost among them: How is this safe? Is there any chance we could stay up on this thing for more than five seconds? And shouldn’t that dude be wearing a helmet? Solowheel will be available stateside next month, and retails for $1,500. Do you think there is any chance this will catch on like the Segway did? Click through to watch a clip of it in action.