Driverless cars are already in existence. Would riderless motorbikes be a possibility?
鈥� Riderless motorbikes might be problematic. A motorbike is very stable travelling in a straight line at speed because of the gyroscopic effect of the rotating wheels. But to change direction, a rider has to lean into the bend to balance the force of turning. Initiating a turn involves briefly 鈥渃ountersteering鈥�: steering in the opposite direction to achieve the lean. The rider will increase or decrease this countersteer to maintain the lean appropriate for the arc, the speed and road camber, while dealing with such things as potholes and crosswinds.
Turning at low speeds also requires a completely different skill set because the bike is much less stable and much more likely to fall over when travelling slowly. Any passenger must lean appropriately and a rider needs to know when to put a foot down to stop the bike toppling over. In addition, motorbikes cannot reverse, so parking requires careful planning.
Advertisement
A computer might struggle with all of these variables. However, the main reason why riderless motorbikes are unlikely to succeed is that most motorcyclists in affluent countries ride because it is far more challenging and enjoyable than driving.
Hopefully, driverless cars will reduce what are known as SMIDSY 鈥� 鈥渟orry mate, I didn鈥檛 see you鈥� 鈥� collisions with motorbikes, which are a common cause of serious injury and death.
Geoff Sharpe, Lazonby, Cumbria, UK
And one reader asks a question of his own 鈥� Ed
鈥� Aren鈥檛 there more important transport issues to consider here? Trams are faced with much simpler choices, so can a driverless tram be built?
Michael Bell, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
We pay 拢25 for every answer published in 快猫短视频. To answer this question 鈥� or ask a new one 鈥� email lastword@newscientist.com.
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.
快猫短视频 retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.
You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, 快猫短视频, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.