575. Bright Idea: the Xcelerator Scooter March 17, 2008
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation.5 comments
I was wondering when someone would produce this: a scooter that also has a kick pedal so you can continue to propel yourself without touching the ground. I may buy one soon, for $120. Below is a quick clip of this product in action. Their website HERE; Via BornRich.
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557. Bright Idea: the Yamaha Tesseract October 10, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Art, Product, Transportation.2 comments
What a beautiful concept vehicle. This is what I call mechaporn. Via Gizmodo.
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548. Bright Idea: the Strolli Rider October 1, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Baby, Product, Transportation.1 comment so far
For your tired and whining older child, this Happy Stroller attachment will hold any kid up to 44 lbs. Buy it HERE
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531. Bright Idea: the Wheelsurf September 21, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
The Wheelsurf is not exactly a speeding thrill ride (only 20 mph max), but it may be fun to try it once, especially to see if the balance and turning provides an amusing challenge. From the Netherlands, this novelty vehicle costs about $7000. Check out their website HERE; via Crave.
Below is a short video that shows it in action.
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519. Bright Idea: the Bikeboard September 15, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.2 comments
The Swiss Bikeboard pictured here is modified for off-roading. But it can also be converted for snow and water (see the 2.5 minute clip below). Their website HERE (cost: about $1000); via The-Gadgeteer.
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500. IdeaSpark: Graduated Brake Lights September 7, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Service, Transportation.2 comments
This is a Bright IdeaSpark that several folks have come up with (including Lesley, who just told me about it…Thanks!): car brake lights that indicate how hard the brake pedal is being pushed. In other words, the brake lights would be most bright when someone slams on their brakes; less bright when they are being tapped or gently pushed. This IdeaSpark is also the top-rated submission at the idea website WhyNot (see HERE). So why doesn’t it exist yet?
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495. Bright Idea: the Brio Flying Boat September 5, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.2 comments
Finally, there is a way I can glide/fly and minimize my worry about crashing and dying. Check out their website HERE (in Portuguese). Watch the first 20 seconds of the clip below to see if take off.
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494. Bright Idea: the Pedal-powered Pub Crawler September 5, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Experience, Service, Transportation.add a comment
Go from bar to bar in style on this one-of-a-kind vehicle. No driving drunk (you have 2 designated steerpersons), you get some exercise, meet new people, cause a scene, and have a unique experience. Read more about it HERE; via UniqueDaily.
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478. Bright Idea: the StreetSurfer August 30, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.1 comment so far
At first, I thought: Why? But allegedly, it is a very different, surfing-like ride, with more leaning, carving, and maneuverability. I would add this one to my novelty-vehicle rental store. Buy it HERE (£400); via BeyondTomorrow. Check out the 30-second clip below to see it in action.
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472. Bright Idea: RV with Car Compartment August 29, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Transportation.2 comments
If I could afford this $2.5 million RV, I would rather utilize a jet, stay in swanky hotels, and rent pimpin’ rides during my travels. But if I had to travel via RV, I would want my car stowed away in the RV’s belly, and not towed behind it, because, um, it’s cool, and possibly easier to maneuver everything. Check out more photos (including interior) HERE; via DarkRoastedBlend.
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469. Bright Idea: KMX Karts August 28, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.2 comments
This 3-wheeled pedal-powered kart can go off-road, and will cost you around £600 (buy them HERE). The clip below is weak, but you can see the KMX in action. Via Trendpimp (where you can also see a longer video, with awkward music).
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441. Bright Idea: the Monocycle August 16, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation.1 comment so far
Originally designed in the 19th century (1873), this monocycle reproduction was just made in Spain and is being auctioned off, starting at $13 k. Check out more photos HERE; via Core77.
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434. Bright Idea: Omni-directional Rollerman August 14, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Person, Transportation, Video.1 comment so far
Jean-Yves Blondeau can speed up to 60 mph on his back, stomach, and all limbs, thanks to his Buggy Rollin’ suit. Check out a few moments of this video. Since I typically end up on the ground when I rollerblade, I want this suit. Via SciFiTech.
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432. Bright Idea: Airtrax Omni-directional Wheels August 14, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
Thanks to Mark for this 26-second video clip of wheels that can go in any direction without seeming to turn at all. The clip reminds me, bizarrely enough, of moonwalking. The Airtrax website HERE; via Hitslot.
Great for robots, wheelchairs, fork-lifts, and people who can’t parallel park. This wheel is aka the Mecanum Wheel (read more about it here).
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427. Bright Idea: the Chevy Volt August 6, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Transportation, Video.3 comments
I was recently invited to a Chevy Volt presentation event for Washington, DC bloggers and writers. There, I was introduced to the gorgeous and eco-friendly concept vehicle. Not like any hybrid, there is actually a new and Bright Idea behind this car. Check out this short clip I made (make sure you can hear the music).
The Chevy Volt website HERE.
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425. IdeaSpark*: Glove Compartment Carousel August 6, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in IdeaSpark*, Product, Transportation.add a comment
My IdeaSpark*, which was inspired by GetFreshMinds.com’s “improve a car” competition (mentioned above), is a Supply Carousel that is integrated into the glove compartment. Read on for the verbatim entry to the competition…
412. Bright Idea: The Kenguru Car July 30, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation.1 comment so far
A person in a wheelchair can pull right into the Kenguru car and immediately drive away. This $12K Hungarian electric vehicle can go up to 25 mph and as far as 35 miles, and is steered with a joystick. Via SciFiTech.
Clearly, this is a Bright Idea, but I have 2 questions: (1) Is it being massed produced, and why only in Hungary? (2) What is the length? Because it should be able to be parked perpendicularly along the side of streets so the person can enter directly from the curb (i.e. parallel parking would limit clearance space behind the car for vehicle entrance/exit, and the curb would be an obstacle).
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405. Bright Idea: Car Breathalyzer July 26, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Service, Transportation.1 comment so far
Nissan has come up with this breathalyser that won’t allow the car to start unless the driver is blowing under the legal limit. Toyota is working on a similar system that analyzes the sweat of your hands.
Though I doubt it will be included in most cars as a standard feature, it could/should be installed for teenagers, people with a DUI history, and Mel Gibson. Via GadgetVenue.
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373. Bright Idea?: the Rolling Caterpillar Door July 13, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Transportation, Video.add a comment
This may not be a completely Bright Idea, but it is still unique. Pros: you won’t accidentally dent an adjacent car in a parking lot. Cons: costly repair bills, and getting stuck in/out of the car when the battery dies. According to the clip, this is a 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII that was selling on eBay. Via OhGizmo!
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371. Bright Idea: the Easy-Glider July 12, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
The Easy-Glider is yet another one-wheeled transportation device (see two more below). A cross between scooting and water-skiing, this Swiss electric ride will cost you more than $1000, and go as far as about 15 miles and as fast as 12 mph. I still prefer the much cheaper and less cumbersome Magic Wheel. Via Engadget. Check out a few moments of the clip below to get the idea.
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370. Bright Idea: the Magic Wheel July 12, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
This Magic Wheel is very similar to the Nimbus (below), but more scooter than unicycle.
This 13 lbs/6 Kg Bright Idea can support up to 330 lbs/150 Kg, and costs £119 (yet again, the coolest gadgets are being made and sold in Europe). Sleek and stylish, it looks fun, and even note the convenient handle on top. Steering and breaking must be a little tricky. I want one.
Buy it at their website, HERE; via CoolestGadgets. Check out the 36-second video below.
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369. Bright Idea: Nimbus Ultimate Wheel July 12, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.add a comment
I know this looks like a gag, but apparently, you can actually locomote with this. I included this as a Bright Idea because of its exercise value, and not so much because of the possible fun-factor (it seems more like a work-out than a thrill ride).
Check out the 16-second video clip to see it in action and that it actually works (the wheel wobble indicates there is no seat and pole, like with a unicycle). Buy it HERE ($78); via OhGizmo!
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363. Bright Idea: the Go-Ped Trail Ripper July 10, 2007
Posted by Matt Fleming, PsyD in Product, Transportation, Video.2 comments
Would someone start renting these out, please, so I can take one for a spin?
This $1000 Scooter can go 30 mph, fold up for your trunk, and has cantilevered suspension.
Though a motorized scooter is not an entirely original idea, I like this one because you can go off-roading. Go-Ped’s website HERE; via FreshCreation.
Check out the 3-minute video clip below (taken from Beyond Tomorrow, currently showing in the US on the Science Channel).
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