A slick new urban runabout is on the horizon touting tech that could eliminate the trickiest part about being on two wheels.
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As much as some motorcyclists struggle with things like clutch control and smooth braking, ultimately, the root of many riding skill deficiencies usually comes down to a question of balance.
Especially at low speeds and when performing tricky maneuvers around other road-going traffic. Whether starting on a hillside or making a turn from a standstill, the coordination that’s required to multitask effectively (on top of staying upright) can be downright overwhelming.
In keeping with its futuristic look, the OMO X promises some seriously next-level tech. – Credit: Omoway
It’s with this in mind that a startup by the name of Omoway has envisioned its very first offering: the OMO X. Having now officially entered mass production, the vehicle is set to introduce some big changes to the motorcycle world.
Wobble won’t fall down
That’s because, it’s less a bike or a scooter than it is a two-wheeled robot with handlebars. Omoway is claiming the OMO X as the world’s “first mass-produced self-balancing e-motorbike.”
At low speeds or temporary stops, the OMO X doesn’t even need its kickstand. – Credit: Omoway
Regardless of how you’d classify the vehicle (more on that later), this means it can stay upright during low-speed cruising or temporary stops. In those instances, it doesn’t even need a kickstand.
Instead, by employing perception-based AI computing in combination with a sophisticated gyroscope-based control system, the OMO Robot architecture is capable of impressive stunts like the seesaw act shown below.
It’s not just a cool party trick, though. Omoway envisions the autonomous balance capabilities as part of a larger shift in two-wheeled injury prevention. Rather than relying on passive protection designed to minimize harm in the event of a crash, the OMO X flips the script.
Accordingly, it puts the focus on active safety through a suite of features like adaptive cruise control, collision assistance braking and even rear risk warning. Moreover, thanks to its ARAS (advanced rider assistance system), the OMO X is smart enough to self-park and even find its own wireless charging pad.
Even though it skews more scooter than motorcycle, the design is sharp. – Credit: Omoway
A true design standout
As ambitious as Omoway’s intelligent rider aids promise to be, added smarts aren’t the only thing the OMO X brings to the table.
Far from it. In fact, the vehicle earned an iF Design Award this year in recognition of its forward-thinking form, and rightly so.
The modularity of the platform means that the OMO X can be configured for everything from daily duty to overnight trips. – Credit: Omoway
Because even though the OMO X may skew more scooter than motorcycle, it’s nevertheless an incredibly modular two-wheeler when you factor in the versatility of Omoway’s “multi-transformable module.”
Namely, it’s a feature that means the vehicle can be configured as a traditional step-through scooter, a sportier street scooter model and a distance-ready GT variant. Between the clever middle box design and the availability of added side and tail boxes, riders can equip it for everything from daily commutes to longer trips.
The bold geometric lines and minimalist surfaces also give it a distinctive visual treatment. However, it’s worth noting that Omoway envisions the OMO X architecture with a variety of possible looks and applications, so this angular bodywork is but one reflection of the vehicle’s many prospects.
The angular design is slick, but it’s just one of this modular platform’s many potential looks. – Credit: Omoway
More to come
At this stage, Omoway has only offered preliminary specs, with top speed for the electric urban runabout coming out to over 68 mph and range coming in at over 124 miles.
According to the company’s website, pre-orders for the Indonesian market are set to begin at the end of April and a full market launch is expected at the end of May.
Omoway OMO XAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.
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