Designed to withstand the brute force of an impact with an SUV (sport utility vehicle), the C-1 is the world's first two-wheeler stabilised by electronically-controlled gyroscopes that create over 1,000 pounds of torque. That, combined with a set of flywheels, help keep the vehicle upright in challenging conditions including rain,snow, traffic and collisions. "We developed our own stability algorithm that basically keeps you safe and makes motorcycles accessible to anyone," Mr Kim told the BBC. "All you have to know is how to drive a car."."Seventy percent of people drive alone," he added, "So, we cut the car in half."
Today's C-1 full-scale prototype resembles a standard motorbike but with an aerodynamic hood that fully encases the driver.
The current version automatically tips 15 degrees without the driver having to lean or tilt sideways. Future versions should automatically tilt up to 45 degrees, noted Mr Kim, who is Lit Motors' founder, president and chief technology officer. The C-1 may be a cleaner version of its dirty petrol-guzzling cousins but it moves much the same: going from zero to 60mph (96.6km/h) in six seconds, and topping out at 120mph (193.1km/h).
It can drive up to 200 miles (321km) on a single charge using a standard electrical outlet, and costs less than a dollar to fully charge it. Safety features include air bags, seat belts, a roll cage, and steel reinforced doors.
A mass-market version is expected to arrive in 2014 and sell for $24,000 (£14,792) - or $19,000 after the federal EV (electric vehicle) tax credits kick in, Mr Kim told the BBC.
