The “Thrustcycle” is not what it sounds like

A Hawaii-based company is bringing a new two-wheeler to market under the “Thrustcycle” brand.

However, that’s a bit of a misnomer: this machine looks like a scooter, not a motorcycle (although you could argue it’s pretty similar to the bikes from Akira).

And from the press release, it’s not sure this machine has a whole lot of thrust, either. No engine specs are listed; it uses an electric powerplant, and Z Electric Vehicle is listed as a partner.

This still sounds like a cool ride, though, thanks to an internal gyroscope; the designers claim this scooter is self-balancing. Or at least, it will be when they’re done. For now, they’ve got a prototype (you can see it in the video above) and a pretty cool mock-up, visible in the photo. Supposedly, Thrustcycle plans to enter production in 2017. There were no solid MSRP numbers listed, just a desire to keep price under $20k US, and a hope that price would drop as electric vehicle technology lowers in price.

Back in 2011, Thrustcycle had an enclosed prototype that appeared in the technology press, but that two-wheeler never made it to market as far as we know. The company’s press release does mention a plan to bring a similar model to market in the future, though.

Although traditionalists will bemoan this kind of technology, the reality is, this is where the industry is headed: electric motorcycles loaded with anti-crash technology, designed with safety first in mind. BMW’s Next 100 tip-proof electric concept bike is another good example of what to expect in the years to come. Whether or not you like it, get ready: this is the future. At least we can all hope for lower insurance rates, and the carbon tax shouldn’t hit us too hard on a battery bike …