If you thought the Segway was a little bit silly (or those of you from Britain and of a certain age, the Sinclair C5), take a look at the Sweeper.
This preposterous contraption was developed by Hokkaido University associate professor Takayuki Tanaka, and is supposedly inspired by a witch’s broom. A piece of information which presumably tells us all we need to know about the Sweeper. And indeed Mr. Tanaka.
The device is equipped with a 300-watt electric motor, and can manage a measly half-hour 10 kph cruise after its battery is recharged for 2 hours. Which unfortunately is probably not long (or fast) enough to escape the taunts and ridicule of fellow pedestrians.
To see the machine in all its sweeping glory, click here for an exciting bit of video footage. And for all you thrill seekers out there, this clip was filmed at night. Which considering the Sweeper’s lack of lights and blistering top speed, makes for a gripping spectacle.
Wahn says
And does it sweep?
Bunny says
I’ve just been out for a spin on my own broom. My God, heads turned at my obvious street cred. Bugger C5s and Segways! For me, it’s all about getting from A to B in the most stylish fashion.
They’ll talk about these babies in decades to come….