Los Angeles (AFP) – The motorcycle of the future is so safe riders can cruise without helmet – all of the thrills with none of the danger – according to BMW.
The German automaker unveiled on Tuesday its Motorrad Vision Next 100, a sleek, self-balancing prototype the company released as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.
The zero-emissions bike has self-balancing wheels designed to stand upright even at a complete stop, stability that the company says will allow riders to forgo riding a helmet.
“Its self-balancing system will help protect the rider at any time,” said Edgar Heinrich, the design director of BMW’s motorcycle division. “Any late reaction from the driver will trigger and the vehicle will balance out.”
“In the future, motorcycle riders will be able to enjoy riding without protective gear.”
The world’s top maker of luxury vehicles has also premiered this year a futuristic BMW sports car with a flexible body, as well as a self-driving Rolls-Royce and an electric Mini model.
Company representatives said that riding without a helmet remains a fantasy for now, though.
Many countries mandate the protective gear and self-balancing technology is still in the developmental stage – if the latest concept vehicle becomes a reality, it likely won’t be before 2030.