On Tuesday in here in New York, Honda introduced to us the prototype of it’s new “personal mobility” device. The Honda U3-X is a compact one-wheeled device which features a folding seat and retractable footrests. Today is the last day you can catch a glimpse of the device, here at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. A second demonstration will be held April 13-15, at the 2010 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, Michigan.

The U3-X has a lithium-ion battery pack, that provides power for up to one-hour of use and can be recharged by plugging in to a conventional household or office 120-volt power outlet. The rider has the freedom to move in any direction by simply leaning slightly in the desired direction. It utilizes the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system (Honda Omni Traction Drive System), which utilizes a series of concentrically mounted wheels.

Let’s hope that this 22-pound futuristic unicycle doesn’t end up like the Segway.

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