Motoruota: one wheel

The idea for the 'monowheel' dates back to the 1860s, when it was touted as a serious alternative to bicycles. Motorised monowheels - such as this 1927 Motoruota from Italy - took longer to materialise but disappeared more quickly (most likely in a spray of grazed knees). The Motoruota was, scarily, claimed to reach speeds of over 90mph.