A Foldable Electric Bicycle for Your Urban Commuting Needs
source: http://www.popsci.com/gear-amp-gadgets/article/2009-09/foldable-electric-bicycle-your-urban-...
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- TommyTooThumbs
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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.
Riding in a high position with backward-facing handles might seem potentially awkward. But riders probably won't complain about the lack of a chain, gears, pedals, brake pads, cables, and levers.
"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.
With the YikeBike, urban commuters looking to minimize their carbon footprint can just fold up and go within 15 seconds -- but prepare to hand over $4,900 first.
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.
Riding in a high position with backward-facing handles might seem potentially awkward. But riders probably won't complain about the lack of a chain, gears, pedals, brake pads, cables, and levers.
"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.
With the YikeBike, urban commuters looking to minimize their carbon footprint can just fold up and go within 15 seconds -- but prepare to hand over $4,900 first.
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- groups:
- Tech, Green, Upstream, Green Transportation, 1 more
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sarahlane
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I don't like the idea of my upper body not being protected... looks like you could get out of control easily.
- 2 years ago
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sarahlane
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sfinfgeld2
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If anyone's interested, there are a lot more photos of the YikeBike and details about its features via this article: http://bit.ly/2YRIi
- 2 years ago
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sfinfgeld2
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JenniferMeredith
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Yikes! That yikebike is too expensive for my taste! Right now, I've got an electrical conversion kit on a commuter bike. I think I'll use that until the price drops somewhat. Awesome concept. Wish it could go faster.
- 2 years ago
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JenniferMeredith
