Imagine watching an ad campaign showcasing frustrated drivers sitting in traffic. Confronted with another parking ticket, battling for a parking space and facing high prices at the gas pump are all situations to which you can relate. Throughout each reenactment is a quickly passing image of a person dashing through the scene on some mode of transportation. Is it a bike? Is it a scooter? Is it a skateboard? It's certainly not a conventional automobile. Welcome to the world of the YikeBike.
At first glance, the YikeBike looks like a cross between a traditional bicycle and a scooter. However, there is one major difference – the handle bars aren't where you'd expect them to be. Visually, the YikeBike is reminiscent of an old-time bicycle with a large wheel in front and a much smaller wheel in the back. However, you can leave your bowler hat at home. This spiffy, cutting edge invention has taken all the stability of a traditionally designed bicycle and made it lightweight, portable (you can actually fold it up and tuck it into a carrying case) and motorized.
Inventor Grant Ryan's dream was developed and perfected over five years before making the YikeBike a reality. The YikeBike provides a smooth and stable ride for up to six miles with each 30-minute charge. It's perfect for the city dweller, since it weighs only about 21 pounds and can be stored just about anywhere once folded.
As you rest your legs comfortably on the footrests of this clever, pedal-free, battery operated transporter, your hands steer the carbon composite frame from a position near your hips. The YikeBike's Lithium Phosphate (liFePO4) battery is good for at least 1,000 charges. With a maximum speed of 12 mph, the YikeBike is great for people who are interested in the power and convenience of a battery powered bike but not ready to commit to the greater speeds of a scooter.
The YikeBike is the first licensee of Mini-Farthing. Basically, Mini-Farthing took all the tried-and-true design aspects of a traditional bicycle and reengineered these qualities to be better suited for the challenges of living in an urban setting. The most compelling characteristic is the fold-ability and portability of a Mini-Farthing design. Since the mechanics of the YikeBike are enclosed within the frame, you don't need to worry about getting dirty every time you fold it and pack it away in its handy carrying case.
With the initial release in early-to-mid 2010, the YikeBike will be available to consumers in several European countries, the United Kingdom and New Zealand, sporting a price tag of approximately $5,000 to $6,000. For more information, or to reserve a YikeBike, visit www.YikeBike.com.
