If you’re on the fence about self-driving cars, it may concern you even more to learn that self-driving motorcycles may one day be sharing the roadway with other drivers. In fact, some prototype models have already been created and manufacturers are working diligently to create a motorcycle that will have similar capabilities as that of a self-driving car. Here are a few of the models that currently exist but are not yet on the market:
- In 2017, BMW shared with the public its BMW C1, calling it “the world’s first self-driving motorcycle,” [Source: The Week]. This bike comes equipped with autonomous software, GPS, sensors, radio controls, and rebalancing technology. Oh, and did we mention it can operate without a rider? According to the news outlet, the BMW C1 has also become rather attractive to car manufacturers as they may be able to use this bike to help “train their driverless cars to interact with motorcycles.”
- Yamaha’s MOTOROiD- This bike uses artificial intelligence, or AI, along with self-balancing technology, however, it cannot drive on its own. The bike also uses “a facial recognition system that gives MOTOROiD the ability to respond only to its owner” and will be able to recognize gestures that will allow the bike to “respond to hand movements, such as using a beckoning wave or a raised palm to instruct it to start or stop moving.”
- Honda’s Riding Assist-e- Although this bike can’t be driven without a rider, it is a self-balancing bike, “which means it can shift the center of gravity without a rider doing anything.”
While the concept of a self-driving motorcycle may sound futuristic and appealing to some, the news outlet highlighted that it might not be to an avid motorcycle rider. Apparently, driving is one of the main reasons why individuals take up biking. And if they are riding on a self-driving motorcycle, what fun would it be for them if they can’t actually operate it?
Aside from that concern, there are others that have been brought to light which is why self-driving vehicles of all types are not yet available to consumers right now. Some of them are as follows:
- Self-driving cars have been linked to running red lights as well as being involved in fatal accidents which indicates more testing needs to be done.
- How will self-driving motorcycles “handle the unpredictable behavior of some drivers?”
- Who will be held accountable if an autonomous bike crashes into another vehicle and how will insurance companies handle this?
Because there are still some flaws in the technology and room for improvement, we likely won’t be seeing motorists all throughout the U.S. casually sitting behind the wheel of a self-driving car or behind the handlebars of an autonomous motorcycle for a few years. However, we can expect that more companies will try and keep up with the competition by manufacturing self-driving motorcycles of their own so that when they are available for purchase, consumers will have multiple brands to choose from.
Now, because our roadways continue to have distracted, reckless, and drunk drivers still driving them, accidents will continue to occur. And if you were recently involved in an accident in Jackson, MS and believe you should be compensated for the injuries you sustained, contact Ballard Law, PLLC: Attorney at Law to speak with a Jackson, MS car accident attorney who can determine how much your accident is worth.
You can visit or call Ballard Law, PLLC. at:
108 S. President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
