US Patent 9731783 Powered unicycle device

A self-balancing powered unicycle device (100) having a single hubless wheel is disclosed. The self-balancing powered unicycle device comprises: a single wheel (120); a motor adapted to drive the wheel; a balance control system adapted to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device; at least one foot platform (165) for supporting a user of the unicycle device; and a casing (110) adapted to cover at least a portion of the outer rim of the wheel. The self-balancing powered unicycle device further comprises at least one energy storage device compartment (150A, 150B) protruding outward from a side of the casing (110) and adapted to house an energy storage device for powering the unicycle device.