Finland-based startup company 18 Wheels has posted some footage from the tests of its bizarre experimental off-roader, an 18-wheel quad bike alternative. The team behind the project claims no traditional quadricycle can match it in off-the-grid performance.
Each wheel is essentially a roller equipped with its own motor and suspension. The company claims that such an approach reduces unsprung mass by a factor of 10, making off-road driving much more comfortable than usual. Using 18 wheels instead of 4 also lessens the wear on the surface, meaning the ATV can be driven over lawns without damaging them too much.
Finally, per-wheel suspension means the vehicle can climb rocks up to 35 cm (~14 inches) tall and crawl over fallen trees, as well as ascend staircases without losing any speed.
The company is currently looking for investors to finance the project, as well as working on a production-close prototype.
