Powered unicycle with handle

Abstract

Various powered unicycles are disclosed. In some embodiments, the powered unicycle includes a central wheel, a motor to power the central wheel, and a control system configured to control the application of power from the motor to the central wheel. The unicycle comprises a body portion and at least one platform for supporting the user. The unicycle can includes a handle that extends upwardly to a position that it can be grasped by a user of the unicycle. The handle can be partially or fully retractable into the body of the unicycle. In some configurations, two platforms upon which the user can stand are provided with one on each side of the central wheel. In some configurations, a pair of auxiliary or outrigger wheels is provided, such as with one outrigger wheel on each side of the central wheel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A powered unicycle, comprising:
 a central wheel,   a motor to power the central wheel;   a control system configured to control the application of power from the motor to the central wheel;   a body portion;   at least one platform for supporting a user in a standing position;   a handle that extends upwardly from the body portion to a position that it can be grasped by the user of the unicycle.   
     
     
         2 . The powered unicycle of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is at least partially or retractable into the body of the unicycle. 
     
     
         3 . The powered unicycle of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one platform comprises two platforms upon which the user can stand, a first of the two platforms being positioned on a first axial side of the central wheel and a second of the two platforms being positioned on a second axial side of the central wheel. 
     
     
         4 . The powered unicycle of  claim 3 , wherein the platforms can pivot relative to the body. 
     
     
         5 . The powered unicycle of  claim 3 , wherein a portion of the platforms can pivot relative to the body. 
     
     
         6 . The powered unicycle of  claim 5 , wherein the pivoting portion is positioned outboard of the outrigger wheel. 
     
     
         7 . The powered unicycle of  claim 1 , further comprising a pair of auxiliary or outrigger wheels is provided, with one on each side of the central wheel. 
     
     
         8 . The powered unicycle of  claim 7 , wherein the pair of outrigger wheels is centered with respect to the central wheel in a fore-aft direction of the unicycle, along with the unicycle is configured to travel. 
     
     
         9 . The powered unicycle of  claim 8 , wherein each of the outrigger wheels is coupled to one of the platforms. 
     
     
         10 . The powered unicycle of  claim 7 , further comprising a suspension element or arrangement is positioned between the body and the outrigger wheels. 
     
     
         11 . The powered unicycle of  claim 10 , wherein the suspension element is between a swingarm for the outrigger wheel and the platform. 
     
     
         12 . The powered unicycle of  claim 7 , wherein mounts for the outrigger wheels are integrated or unitary with the platforms. 
     
     
         13 . The powered unicycle of  claim 7 , wherein a position of the outrigger wheels can be adjusted. 
     
     
         14 . The powered unicycle of  claim 13 , wherein a lateral position of the outrigger wheels is adjustable. 
     
     
         15 . The powered unicycle of  claim 14 , wherein the platform and the outrigger wheel assembly comprises a flange and slot arrangement, which allows the lateral position of the outrigger wheel to be adjusted between at least two available positions.