This invention provides a stabilizing
system and method for two-wheeled vehicles that affords the rider no restriction on the full range of movements (banks, leans, etc.) common to bicycles, but that provides greater stability during turns and other maneuvers so that an unintentional
bank or tilt (potentially causing a fall) is less likely, even at relatively slow speeds and startup. A rotating
mass of predetermined
mass-value and radial
mass-distribution is provided coaxially with the front axle. The mass is supported on bearings so as to
freewheel with respect to the rotation of the front wheel. As such it can be induced to spin significantly faster than the front wheel thereby generating a gyroscopic effect at the front wheel about the axle. This gyroscopic effect influences the steering of the wheel by the rider. Due to
precession, the wheel tends to follow any excessive
bank by the vehicle, ensuring that the rider can “steer-out-of” an unintended tilt or
bank. Likewise, the gyroscopic effect limits the rider's ability to execute excessive steering, thereby preventing jackknife movements. The mass can be an electric-motor-driven
flywheel within a shell housing that includes a battery,
control system and
drive motor. The
drive motor engages a surface of the
flywheel with a drive tire in a resilient manner to reduce potential damage to the motor.