Nowadays, everything from public transport to personal cars and even the process of buying and selling car in Dubai is so advanced, systematic and highly developed that it is strange to imagine the clunky systems of bygone times! Whether it was wacky ideas, failed technology or just simply bad luck, here are some forms of transport that are better dead than alive.
- The Beach Pneumatic Transit
Creepily resembling the catacombs of Paris (just without the skulls!), the Beach pneumatic Subway, powered by air pressure was invented by Alfred Beach. By 1849, New York had already become congested due to the hustle and bustle of commercial and industrial growth. That is what inspired him to take advantage of the advancement in pneumatics and build a Pneumatic Package delivery system. The problem? Due to lack of funds and maintenance costs, the tunnel was a half-finished, 300 ft. human-sized tubule that ultimately lead to a dead end and back! The completed ride was a little more than recreation for the public and with lack of civilian and government support, the 1873 stock market delivered the final death blow to the project.
- Monowheels
Now, looking good only in science fiction movies, monowheels look like the coolest death traps on one wheel. They are kind of like a powered unicycle – except the rider sits inside the wheel! Nowadays, they may look like motorized, super cool, fun machines, but they are also a ridiculous, impractical and pointless way to get around! Their history dates back to almost 150 years! Dr. J.H Purves wanted to popularize the idea back in 1932, but it’s a no-brainer why it failed again. Limited passenger capacity, simplistic design that comprises stability and of course the lack of potential for power and speed are just a few of the reasons why monowheels can only be upgraded to a dangerous curiosity and nothing more!
- Three-wheeled cars
Even though you might still see a tricycle grinding down a highway, three-wheeled cars are rare, though Tesla’s three-wheel car did make a hopeful appearance! Three-wheeled cars did offer a variety of advantages such as better mechanical stability and simplicity, lesser rolling friction and resistance, and better aerodynamics. But despite all of these pros they have never really captivated the public attention.
The oldest and most successful three-wheeled car was the Reliant Robin that was built in England between 1973 and 2002. It was well received because it provided better fuel economy and greater affordability due to a small, light engine body made of fiberglass. And the best part? You didn’t need a driving license to operate this colourful beetle! Even though, we might not be selling car in Dubai to buy a Reliant Robin soon, it is still the only enduring legacy left to date of the three-wheeled car!
It’s relief we live in a time and place where technology has evolved to a comfortably diverse point. Also, buying and selling car in Dubai is just a click away! Hop on to CarSwitch.com where you can easily buy and sell car in Dubai through a transparent, hassle-free process!
