What is the GyroBike? How does it work? The GyroBike’s fly wheel, contained within the front wheel of the bike, spins independently of the front wheel, stabilizing the bike.
The GyroBike “senses” unbalanced biking and re-centers the rider’s weight underneath the bike at the point when tipping starts to occur. It provides high-speed stability at startup speeds, whether riding straight or turning. Please see How It Works for more information.
Does the GyroBike prevent the rider from falling? No, the rider can still fall over if he or she overpowers the gyroscopic forces created by the fly wheel. As the rider begins to fall, the GyroBike causes the front wheel and handlebars to turn in the direction of the fall. The GyroBike attempts to prevent the fall by correcting for the shifting weight. However, if the rider is moving forward too slowly or turns the handlebars in the opposite direction, it is still possible for him or her to fall. Please see How It Works for more information.
Is the GyroBike for kids only? No way! Adults love riding the GyroBike. New riders and seasoned bikers alike rave about the added stability. This is a perfect tool for adults who have never learned to ride a bike, or who simply feel a bit unstable riding a standard bike.
When and where will the GyroBike be available? We are currently working with several bicycle companies to commercialize the product. We expect to have it available for sale online in the fall of 2008 in both kids’ and adults’ sizes. It will be worth the wait! Please see How Can I Buy It for more information.
How old does a child need to be to use the GyroBike? While there is no age limit, the child does need to be ready to learn to ride a two-wheeled bicycle. This implies that he or she knows how to pedal and steer and is comfortable riding on a tricycle or bicycle with training wheels. Please see Why People Love It for more information.
How does the GyroBike fly wheel start up? We are currently testing several different options, but we know that the start mechanism will be as easy as the flick of a switch or the push of a button. We promise you won’t need to twist, crank and wind to get the fly wheel moving. Please see How It Works for more information.
Is the fly wheel dangerous? Not at all. The spinning fly wheel is hidden behind a protective disk which means fingers and toes are safer than they are with a normal bike! Please see Why People Love It for more information.
Will I need to buy a whole new bike or can I buy the wheel separately? We plan to have the wheel available for purchase separately. We may also have a full GyroBike for sale in the future, but we’ll offer the wheel first. Please see How Can I Buy It for more information.
Can I ride the GyroBike on a tight rope, balance beam or other insanely narrow piece of material? Great question, great question. We doubt it and don’t recommend that you try it, but if you do, be sure to send video footage to Barnum and Bailey for consideration as a circus clown. Please see Barnum and Bailey for more information.
How much does the GyroBike fly wheel weigh? The GyroBike wheel will be heavier than a normal bike wheel, though we can’t tell you the exact weight just yet. To offer the optimal stability, the fly wheel has to be made from a heavy material. Please see How It Works for more information.
Is the GyroBike appropriate for people with disabilities? It depends. The GyroBike is helpful for people with issues relating to balance, strength, hearing, and general coordination. However, if the condition is quite severe, the GyroBike may not be able to offer enough assistance to provide a safe experience. Please Contact us directly for more information.
