Whistl trials electric unicycle, the AirWheel Q3, for urban deliveries
It may look a bit like a poor man’s Segway, but meet the AirWheel unicycle. Billed as a futuristic transport device, it’s being deployed by whistl (formerly TNT Post) to get parcels around the city more quickly.
Posties from whistl took to the streets of London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham on Monday 15th September, creating a stir amongst onlookers. Specially selected Posties are being trained to operate the eco-friendly AirWheel, with the aim of providing a speedier and more efficient service to customers by using the AirWheel’s nifty capabilities and ability to go wherever pedestrians do.
A self-balancing rechargeable electric unicycle, the AirWheel Q3 model has a 20 mile range and a top speed of 12mph – perfect for speedy deliveries through urban areas. The eco device ‘self-charges’ when going downhill, and can legally go wherever pedestrians go – from parks to pavements and even across sand and dirt tracks.
The AirWheel is steered via an internal gyro-stabiliser with riders leaning forward or back to control speed. Sam Parham, the founder of TheAirWheel.com – the exclusive UK distributors of the product, said: “We were delighted when whistl approached us about trialling – the AirWheel has so much potential for use in many diverse situations and couldn’t be better suited to urban deliveries.”
Nick Wells, CEO of whistl, said: “We’ve got a long track record of innovation in the UK postal sector and this radical new delivery device grabbed our attention. Our team have had fun getting to grips with the gadget and it’s gone down well with customers too. We are committed to ongoing efficiency and if the trial proves successful then the AirWheel will be adopted by whistl Posties across the UK.”
