ipZine: The world’s first super light folding electric bike | YikeBike
ipZine: The world’s first super light folding electric bike | YikeBike:
This posted over at ipZine. ( The world’s first super light folding electric bike | YikeBike: )
Even cooler than the Segway, and multiple times as functional.
Give a look at this YikeBike. When you see this bike, you will say Yikes!
It is reminisce of the old High Wheeler bikes with the monster wheel in front, and no gears (1-speed). But with a twist.
The question to ask is this new bike a true invention? Is it innovation? Or is it both?
It won the Time Magazine’s intention of the year in 2009. Finalist in Nobel’s Prize for Sustainability.
Part of that question might be answered by how many patents the technology harbors.
The main international PCT patent (2008-2009) has been filed in about 8 countries and does not appear to be issued yet. There are other interesting patent technologies integrated into the design. Here’s the main patent WO2010007516A1 from the EPO.
It seems like a great alternative to the idea of our usual approach to jump into our SUV and drive a few streets to work or for a latte — 180 pound person being transported by a 2,000 vehicle using a 300-400 horse power motor.
This idea seems to solve several problems with the bike as a mode of transportation, some problems that we never really knew we had.
When you look at the product, you will wonder where the motor and the batteries hide.
How does it keep from falling over in 3 different directions?
What is a “farthing” and how can it possibly be considered a great selling point? Even if you call it a “mini-farthing”. Do we really need a secondary axis, orthogonal to the primary axis?
Can you take your YikeBike on your man bike (Harley) without being called out for having a “girlie-man bike”?
Where can you get a YikeBike? Apparently, they have free international shipping.
YikeBike comes with “the freedom to park wherever I DAMN please!”
Will people say, “Wow”, “Cool” and “hip”, or will they say:
“Yikes!”???
Translation to English: The Carbon Fiber Model C weighs 25 lbs. goes about 14 mph max with a range of 12 miles. The model V weighs 30lbs (or 34 for the 3-wheeled V version).
Colour means Color in English and pictures pretty much speak for themselves without translation. Bet they even drive on the wrong side of the road?!
