Two Wheel Horse

The two-wheel horse (tuhyolmal) is a machine that allows a person with the proper skills to travel quickly from one place to another, sometimes nearly as fast as on horseback; although, only on relatively smooth roads. On rough roads, and even on smooth roads at times, those without proper skill can suffer devastating injuries from falls or collisions. It is also quite difficult to carry a load of significant size or weight, and they are quite unreliable, uncomfortable, heavy, and expensive. Because of this, the two-wheel horse is considered much less useful than a real horse or other beast of burden.
The two-wheel horse was invented in Da Therasti Okku by a blacksmith. One was then imported via caravan to Senyon. For a brief time, learning to ride the tuhyolmal was a source of entertainment among the Senyon Princesses and the Imperial Consorts of the Great Sacred Empire after they had viewed a performance by acrobats of The Unsurpassed Artists of Theatre Magique in which they performed tricks of great skill on their two-wheel horse. However, when Princess Yixing-Jiumin Jinsyo fell from the two-wheel horse and broke her wrist, Emperor Yixing-Jiumin Jinsen severely restricted its use, and the Princesses and Consorts were no longer allowed to ride it.
The two-wheel horse is still a novel toy, primarily for the wealthy and nobility, but some visionaries believe it will revolutionize transportation on Derkomai. As a purely mechanical device, it does not violate the Praxis Cogendi; however, the monks of the The Vestry of Valamarashe view it with suspicion, believing that it may lead to thoughts and inventions that do.

Power Generation

The power to move a two-wheel horse is supplied by the legs of the rider pushing pedals that directly drive the front wheel.

Propulsion

The two-wheel horse moves as the rider pushes the pedals which drive the front wheel to turn.

Additional & auxiliary systems

The rider of the two-wheel horse steers via a "handlebar" attached to the front wheel via a bearing that allows it to turn. The rider sits on a seat attached to a steel or bronze frame to which the front and rear wheel are attached via bearings. The seat is attached to the top of the frame, slightly forward of midway between the two wheels.

A Two-Wheel Horse by Peter Nelson (Zero Sum Games), modified open source image

A Two-Wheel Horse

Nickname

tuhyolyel (two wheeler)

Rarity

Two-Wheel Horses are quite uncommon. Only wealthy people can afford to have one made.

Length

Roughly six feet (2 meters).

Height

About three feet (1 meter)

Weight

Depending on size, about 30 - 40 lbs. (13.5 - 18 kg)

Speed

On smooth flat pavement, up to 20 mph (32 kph) by a very skilled rider

Complement / Crew

1 person

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

Approximately 10-20 lbs (4.5 - 9 kg) of goods may be carried in a basket attached to the frame