The 1930s Monowheel

A Vision of the Future, from the Past

The monowheel, a vehicle with a single large wheel that a rider sits inside of, is a bizarre and captivating invention from the early 20th century. While it may look like something from a science fiction movie, these unique machines were a real-world pursuit in the 1930s. The idea was to create a vehicle that was compact, fast, and visually striking, offering a futuristic alternative to the traditional motorcycle.

A notable example is the Dynasphere, a monowheel invented in England by Dr. J. A. Purves. The vehicle was essentially a giant, motorized tire with a small cabin for the driver, who would use their body weight to control the direction and speed. While it was an engineering marvel for its time, its impracticality—including difficulties with steering and braking—kept it from ever becoming a commercial success.

Despite its limited real-world application, the monowheel remains a beloved symbol of retro-futurism. It perfectly embodies the optimistic, inventive spirit of its era, showcasing a time when people were unafraid to dream big and build machines that were unlike anything seen before.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

A monowheel from the 1930s, a testament to bold engineering.