If a Segway and a foldable scooter got together, they might hope to conceive something like the YikeBike mini-farthing. The foldable electric bike resembles a sleek, futuristic upgrade of the old high-riding bicycles, and it can fold up for easy storage under a desk or in a cupboard.
The YikeBike can accelerate to its top speed of just over 12 mph within a few seconds on its 1.2-kW electric motor, and the entire contraption weighs less than 22 pounds. A black carbon frame encloses all the mechanical moving parts inside to minimize maintenance, and also has features such as anti-skid brakes, brake lights, and indicators.
"After years of discussion and experimenting we have developed a new wheel rider position that is as stable as the current 120-year-old bicycle configuration," said Grant Ryan, the inventor of the YikeBike.
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Tags
Gadgets, Jeremy Hsu, alt vehicles, bicycles, bikes, electric, scooters, Segway, transportation, vehicles, YikeBike[via Gizmodo]
7 Comments
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Just abit expensive for a 12 mph scooter but the concept and design are very innovative.
this this a stand-up only deal here?
is* this...
way too expensive
ummmmm.....ok i don't get the point here- an electric bycicle that looks like a kid's toy, it goes 12 mph and costs 5k????? i mean, come on!!! a non-electric bike (mountain bike, etc.) costs a few hundred dollars, not a few thousand.....plus, you never have to worry about it breaking down AND it has a top speed of over 12 mph.....sorry folks but i give this one a thumbs down
sox all the way
This sure is a fancy electric bike, at a very fancy price!
Anyone truly interested in electric bikes need only
google electric bikes and you will find all kinds of bikes
and even kits to convert your old regular bike...you will also find folding electric bikes...What will not be easy to find are overpriced bikes that cost a mind blowing $5000.oo
while the bike in this article folds up to a very small package and is very light weight...There is no way that I see them selling very many of them at this price...Also most of the bikes I saw on google allow you to pedal and get a little exercise if you want or if your battery runs down you at least have an alterative to dragging or pushing this bike to the nearest electric outlet.
In any case I think that electric bikes are a great alternative to gas burning cars when all you need to do is get from point A to point B...In order to promote bikes like these there needs to be more secure bike rack areas
to lock up your bikes...this along with designated bike lanes where possible.
PunDaddy Punda
to meyaht, it appears that you sit with hands at your side to steer. the steering wheel attached to the wheel from under the seat
Wondering? how far does it go, seems like that should have been stated!