YikeBike

The YikeBike mini-farthing is a type of folding electric motorcycle released on 2 September 2009 at EUROBIKE. It weighs 9.8 kilograms (22 lb) and when folded, it is small enough to fit in a backpack. The YikeBike was invented by Grant Ryan and designed by a team in New Zealand over 5 years. It is the smallest and lightest electric folding motorcycle in the world.[1]

Contents

Characteristics

The YikeBike looks like a mini version of a penny farthing (mini-farthing). The YikeBike folds to 6 x 23.6 x 23.6 inches (150 x 600 x 600 millimetres) and weighs 22 pounds (9.8 kilograms), so it can be carried around.

The vehicle has no chain pedal, gear box, mechanical brake, cables or levers. These functions are provided by a 1.2 kW electric motor and controller. The YikeBike has electronic anti-skid brakes. There are also built-in lights, indicators and brake lights for safety.

It is not believed to be street-legal anywhere in the world.[2]

Media appearances

In September 2009, YikeBike was launched at EUROBIKE in Germany.

YikeBike was featured in the Daily Mail, where it was test-driven by journalist Paul Harris.[3]

YikeBike was ranked 15th on Time magazine's 50 Best Inventions of 2009 list.[4]

YikeBike featured on Discovery Channel's Daily Planet show.[5]

Specifications

Original model / Fusion
Weight: 9.8 kg (22 lbs) / 14k g
Frame: Carbon fibre composite / alloy and reinforced polymer composite
Price: $2,000 USD - $3,000 USD
Drive: Electric Brushless DC motor
Brakes: Electric anti-skid, regenerative
Battery: LiFePO4 - 40 min re-charge
Speed: 25 km/hr
Power: 1 kW
Range: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Fold size: Compact 43 litres
Fold time: Under 20 seconds
User height limits: 163 cm - 193 cm
Wheels: 20" front and 8" back
Weight limit: 100 kg
Lights: Hi-vis built in LED[6]

References

  1. ^ "Kiwi Inventor Gives Bicycle Radical Redesign". Voxy. 2 September 2009. http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/kiwi-inventor-gives-bicycle-radical-redesign/5/22894. Retrieved 2 September 2009. 
  2. ^ http://www.yikebike.com/faq
  3. ^ Harris, Paul (September 2009). "Riding high: Bike enthusiast develops electric penny-farthing that travels up to 13mph.". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1210534/Bike-enthusiast-develops-electric-penny-farthing-travels-13mph.html. 
  4. ^ "The YikeBike : 50 Best Inventions of 2009". Time Magazine. November 2009. http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1934027_1934003_1933960,00.html. 
  5. ^ "YikeBike featured on Discovery Channel's Daily Planet show.". Discovery Channel. December 2009. http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/#clip245274. 
  6. ^ http://www.yikebike.com/faq/full-spec-sheet

{http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/5003415/YikeBike-pedalling-new-product YikeBike pedalling new product (Stuff NZ)]

External links