New
Craze – The Wheel Thing!!
There is a new-wheeled
machine hitting streets around New Zealand.
It's
called a GausWheel and it is part-skateboard, part-unicycle. They retail in New Zealand for between $300 and $600.
Designed
in Hungary, the hybrids feature a large BMX tyre at the rear for a smoother
ride, and a small pivoting wheel at the front to control the direction.
"Probably
the thing its most like is downhill skiing or slalom skiing on land," says
GausWheel importer Kent Rae.
The
top models features a brake
system designed for downhill riding that will come in handy in Dunedin, one of
the first test markets here for the hybrids.
They
are a fresh new challenge for those riding at skate parks and the portable
machines are also aimed at central city commuters.
"They
are compact, so you can store it beside your desk or take it into a lecture
theatre," says Mr Rae.
GausWheels
will be subject to the same transport rules as a skateboard, meaning they can
legally be ridden here on roads as well as footpaths.
Would
you like one of these new inventions? Why/Why not?
Harrison thinks it would be easier than walking and you could talk on your phone.
Hamish said 'YES", because it looks such fun.
Hamish said 'YES", because it looks such fun.
What
are the positives that will come from this type of invention for people?
Zara says you don't need to put petrol in it.
Logan thinks it is less boring than walking!
Billy says he thinks it would be safer than a skateboard.
Bradley thinks you would learn to balance really well.
Logan thinks it is less boring than walking!
Billy says he thinks it would be safer than a skateboard.
Bradley thinks you would learn to balance really well.
What
might be some of the negatives?
You might lose your balance and crash easily says William.
Isaac A thinks you might hit someone on the footpath.
If you are on the road, says Noah. You might get hit by a car.
You could go out of control thinks Hunter.
Isaac A thinks you might hit someone on the footpath.
If you are on the road, says Noah. You might get hit by a car.
You could go out of control thinks Hunter.
The
Gauswheel has the same road rules as skateboards and scooters. Who skateboards and scooters? What might some of the rules be do you think?
Edith says you have to share the footpath and road. Also, you need to be polite to others when using the footpath.
You have to slow down when people are about, says Lachlan.
The pedestrians come first said Anna.
Edith says you have to share the footpath and road. Also, you need to be polite to others when using the footpath.
You have to slow down when people are about, says Lachlan.
The pedestrians come first said Anna.
Why
do you think somebody chose to invent this?
Why not just stay with skateboards and scooters?
Isaac G thinks people were getting bored with skateboards and scooters.
Kade says people need more fun than just riding skateboards and scooters.
Ollie thinks they are WAY more portable.
Kade says people need more fun than just riding skateboards and scooters.
Ollie thinks they are WAY more portable.
What
does this tell you about technology?
That people like to keep changing things. Mostly for the better says Mary.
That people like to keep changing things. Mostly for the better says Mary.
What
might they invent next?
Olivia thinks a Gauswheel and a rollercoaster combined!
Caleb says wings for people would be great!
Olivia thinks a Gauswheel and a rollercoaster combined!
Caleb says wings for people would be great!
