Ford seems to have found inspiration in an unlikely source.

The auto maker this month earned a patent for a "self-propelled unicycle engagable with vehicle" — think the thick-wheeled Batpod detaching from the Batmobile in The Dark Knight Rises.

In Ford's case, though, you may need better balance: The self-propelled unicycle is assembled using only one of the vehicle's tires.

First spotted by Patent Yogi, the multi-modal invention would be integrated with the vehicle — press a button to release one of the car's wheels, fix it to an upper attachment, hop on, and feel the wind in your hair. All the while knowing your car is safely stored in a remote parking lot, where it sits inoperable while the unicycle is disengaged from the suspension system.

Equipped with a battery, electric motor, seat, and foot rests, Ford's device could be used to supplement the automobile, or as a self-propelled alternative to the vehicle's gasoline-powered motor. In the vein of foldable bikes, electric skateboards, and scooters, this invention aims to solve the last-mile problem many folks suffer on long, congested commutes, Road & Track pointed out.

But don't get your hopes up for riding Batman-style unicycle to work every day: It's unlikely this idea will make it to the production line any time soon.

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"As a technology leader, we submit patents on innovative ideas as a normal course of business," a Ford spokesman told PCMag. "Patent applications are intended to protect new ideas, but aren't necessarily indication of new business or product plans."

In the meantime, the Michigan-based manufacturer has pledged to spend $4.5 billion on 13 new electric vehicles by 2020. Ford is also testing autonomous vehicles in California, and is rumored to be teaming up with Google to build self-driving cars.

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