Green Daily

The Magic Wheel is a bizarre new vehicle that is part-bicycle, part-scooter, part-skateboard and part-really, really nerdy.

But if you can get past the dorkiness factor, it seems like a fun way to zip around town- faster than walking, but not as cumbersome as a bicycle in case you need to hop on the bus or bring it into work. The design is simple: a road bike wheel in the front to gain speed, and a smaller wheel (like one you'd find on a library book cart) in the back to help turn. You rest your foot on the platform attached to the larger wheel, and use your other foot to push and gain momentum.

The only problem? There doesn't appear to be an efficient braking system. You brake by either jumping off or putting one foot down and immediately grabbing the handle so that it doesn't go flying down the hill and into an old lady/small child/tiny dog.

I love the innovation and the fact that it's really good exercise (and the eco-friendly factor, obv.) but judging by my previous attempts at mastering skateboards and scooters, I can pretty much guarantee that I would fall and crack my skull trying to maneuver the thing.

Has anyone tried this crazy contraption, or know someone who has one? I'd love to get some feedback, because even the riders on the video seem a little unsteady at times.