Luxury Urban Transport In The Form Of A Carbon Fiber Electric Folding Bike: YikeBike

A Carbon Fibre Folding Electric Bike Available For Pre-Order

The YikeBike is a a super high–end all electric folding bicycle made of carbon fiber that weighs less than 10 kg. Currently designed and assembled in New Zealand, the bike is available for pre-order now and the first 100 orders are expected to be delivered mid 2010.

Initially the YikeBike will be available in the UK, Germany, France, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, Belgium and New Zealand.

More information and FAQs after the following images.

hi-res photos below, please click to enlarge:

Answers to some of the important questions:

How fast does the YikeBike go?
The YikeBike is electronically limited to 20 kph, even down-hill. It accelerates to top speed in just a few seconds.

How long does it take to charge the YikeBike?
This depends on the amount of battery discharge, but a typical time would be 20 minutes for 80% charge.

How much does it cost to charge?
It depends upon your electricity supplier, but in most cities the cost to charge would be less that €0.10 equivalent.

How tall/short do you have to be to ride the YikeBike? Is the seat adjustable? Is there a weight limit?
The YikeBike can comfortably be ridden by anyone from 160cm to 195cm (5’3” to 6'5"). There is no need to adjust the seat because you do not pedal – your height relative to the seat is only important to how much your knees are bent when riding. The YikeBike can comfortably take a rider (and personal effects) weighing up to 100kg. Beyond this weight we do not warrant performance. Over time we may make different sized ones - particularly for children.

What is the battery life and cost of replacement?
The YikeBike has latest Lithium Phosphate (liFePO4) batteries that are good for at least 1,000 charges. We will share the exact details when they become available closer to the start of YikeBike production.

How quickly does it fold?
With a bit of practice, folding takes less than 15 seconds.

Can I have a colour other than black?
‘Carbon fibre black’ is the only colour that will initially be available for a YikeBike. After initial production has begun we will look at different colours and options to accessorise your YikeBike.

How heavy is a YikeBike?
The YikeBike weighs less than 10kg with a full battery and air in the tyres

What are the folded dimensions of a YikeBike?
The folded dimensions are 150mm by 600mm by 600mm. The total folded volume is 40 litres. The folded YikeBike is considerably smaller than a typical folding bicycle and the fact that all of the mechanicals are enclosed reduces the risk of marking or staining clothing or furniture.

How far can YikeBike go?
Currently the YikeBike can travel a distance of 9 - 10 Km.

How much will the Yike-Bike cost?
The price for the first YikeBikes will be between €3,500-€3,900. You can pre-order one now here with a deposit on your credit card.

for complete information, visit YikeBike.

About the inventor, Grant Ryan:

YikeBike founder, Grant is an addicted inventor and entrepreneur. He has founded a number of companies including GlobalBrain.net (sold to NBCi), RealContacts, SLI Systems (profitable fast growing SaaS search company) and Eurekster (North America Red Herring 100 in 2006). He is on the board of Canterbury Development Corporation and has also served on the board of the New Zealand Government's $140 million Venture Investment Fund and $430 million Foundation for Research Science and Technology.

Grant has a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a PhD in Ecological Economics from the University of Canterbury. The YikeBike perfectly combines his love of mechanics, environment and innovation.

YikeBike is a statement about using smart technology to solve the problems of our increasingly congested, polluted, stressful cities. It is the first commercial expression of the mini-farthing concept, created up by a bunch of successful entrepreneurs, engineers and dreamers. More on the history of the development of the concept can be found at www.minifarthing.com

all images and information courtesy of YikeBike.com

Related Posts:

Another Folding Electric Bike; The Capella