Expect to do a double-take next time you see businessman and entrepreneur Mike Swan out and about.

Because in the past few weeks he has been spotted riding a single-wheel personal transportation device.

The Veelr MX1 looks like a unicycle but has neither a seat nor pedals. It has two foldaway foot platforms either side of the wheel on which the rider stands.

It is powered by an electric motor that gives it a top speed of 11mph, and it has a range of 15½ miles over flat ground, and about half that distance over hilly terrain.

Learning to balance on the battery-powered unicycle takes about half-an-hour of practice, according to Mr Swan. An internal gyroscopic system aids balance. The battery takes between one and two hours to recharge.

Mr Swan hopes the device, and a few similar models, will catch the imagination of Bermuda residents and potential customers in the US.

“It would be good if people can use them on side roads here, wearing a helmet, as short-range transportation rather than a moped,” he said.

Whether or not the Veelrs will be allowed on public roads in Bermuda has yet to be established. Mr Swan intends to contact the Transport Control Department for guidance.

The entrepreneur has a keen eye for the latest trends in technology. He runs Encon, the energy efficiency branch of CF Batson Swan, and he is the founder of Coconut Rockets, which introduced flyboarding to the local watersports scene two years ago.

“I always have an ear to the ground and that’s how I stumbled across these. When I saw them, I said ‘Yes’.

“I did some research and I got in contact with the company Ninebot,” said Mr Swan.

The personal mobility devices originate from China.

“They are super popular in the Far East, and they are getting popular in Europe. The US is next. We are looking to sell them in the US.”

Mr Swan is preparing to launch a website to market and sell the Veelr devices. While he hopes to sell them in Bermuda, he also has a serious eye on the US market.

“We have a distribution point in the US, but I hope we can do something with them locally as they are fun, ‘green’ and safe,” he said.

The arrival of the Veelrs comes just ahead of the opening of Encon’s retail store Lighthouse, which is scheduled to open in April.

The Lighthouse, on Happy Valley Road, Pembroke, will sell a variety of energy efficient products, LED lighting and a selection of the Veelr range, including the MX2 which looks almost identical to the MX1. However, it has two wheels placed very close together making it more stable and easier to learn. Both weigh around 12.8kg and have foldaway carry handles.

The MX3 model has a central platform for the rider to stand on, with two small wheels at either end.

The three models sell for between $925 and $1,500.

There are also two larger models that have a similar appearance to scaled down Segways.

During the past month Mr Swan has been riding one of the devices around his local neighbourhood — and it has caused quite a few people to turn their heads and ask about his unusual transportation.

“It is incredibly relaxing to ride and is so quiet. It is like you are out on a walk but you are actually floating,” he said.

He believes the Veelrs could potentially be used by people going to and from Hamilton, or for younger users to cruise to school.

Mr Swan promoted the MX1 at the Bermuda Coldwell Banker Home Show last weekend. He had inquiries from a number of parents interested in their children using them to get around college and university campuses.

According to Mr Swan, the devices are used overseas by students and by people going to work or commuting to their local train station. The built-in handles allow the wheels to be carried when not in use.

“Businessmen use them, students use them,” he said.

Additional accessories can be added to the devices, including a headlight, kickstand and even a GoPro camera.

There are also smartphone apps to get information on distance travelled, motor status and such like.

Mr Swan hopes the Veelrs will attract interest in Bermuda, and has set aside a section of the soon to open Lighthouse store to display them.

Anyone with questions about the Veelrs can contact mal@enconbermuda.com or call 599-5972.