Yike Bike - Urban Freedom

Discovery Channel via Yike Bike website ^ | 2010 | Disvovery Channel

[bigbob]

If you were among the millions who were disappointed by the hype of the Segway, take a look at this video. Could this 22 pound folding electric commuter bike actually be "IT"?

Unlike George Jetson's car, it doesn't fly, but it does fold up and fit into a bag you can carry in one hand.

[bigbob]

More info can be found at the main website: www.yikebike.com

Even the hardened anti-bike, anti-EV type will have to admit this is a pretty well engineered machine, and could be part of the solution for some commuters. I'd hate to climb hills or try to carry a sack of groceries on one though!

At 3,495EU ($4,700 USD), I think cheap clones will almost inevitably follow, as the patents on the pennyfarthing have been expired over a century now.

[Lazamataz]

You will pry the YikeBike out of my cold, dead crotch.

[LauraJean]

No thank you, I think I’ll just keep my car.

[JerseyHighlander]

That is pretty cool,
however I’d hate to ride that in NYC with Wheels: 20” front and 8” back. 8” back wheel! less than 4 inches of clearance at slow speeds, the potholes will eat the entire back wheel.

[martin_fierro]

If you were among the millions who were disappointed by the hype of the Segway

Slim's still a Believer.

[prisoner6]

Just like the Segway and it's clones...I want to see one of these go DOWN a Pittsburgh "hill!" These devices are always shown on nice, level, dry roads. On some of the hills near me you'd have to be leaning backwards at 45 degrees and even then you'd probably slide to you fate!

It's still cool though!

prisoner6

[SonOfDarkSkies]

Incredible idea...but what the h$ll does everyone have against exercise and good old fashioned bicycles.

A $500 bike can tow a baby or groceries and the user can get some exercise in the process.

[cavador]

No thanks! I wouldn't be caught dead riding one -It looks too japanese!( It is also ridden backwards) Give me a traditional two wheeler anyday.

This is the bike I use for shopping with!

[SMARTY]

When “O”s done with us we will ALL be riding these and living in gov’t housing (projects), shivering in the dark and starving. Can't wait!!!

[katana]

Kiwi Ingenuity is a cliche down under. Very bright and inventive people (and GREAT rugby - Go All Blacks!). Gotta love it.

[prisoner6]

my cold, dead crotch.

Laz, you know my wife?

prisoner6

[garyhope]

For $4700 you can buy a decent used pick up truck and not be as vunerable to getting hit and squashed by a bus. Plus, can carry your sweetie in a truck along with a sheet of plywood or drywall. Try that on a Yike!

How many Segway’s have they sold?

New Zealand is a very pretty and quaint little Island. Charming and so detached from the reality of the rest of the terrible world.

[SamAdams76]

Unfortunate choice of brand name. What self-respecting man would ever ride a "Yike Bike"? How uncool a name is that?

This has "dork" written all over it.

[Walkingfeather]

This is actually a pretty big leap in transportation. They have knocked out a hell of a lot of obstacles. They still need to bring the price down to 500-600, then it would explode world wide.

[prisoner6]

For half of $4700 you could buy a DECENT used motorcycle. It would be A LOT more comfortable and a lot less dorky.

prisoner6

[PGR88]

Great - just won’t be able to ride it from October-April in Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, etc. etc.

[PugetSoundSoldier]

I use my small electric bike to get around locally in Shanghai; it’s flat territory, crowded, and the commutes to the local grocery store are short. Works well in Shanghai, but would not be possible in my other home in Edmonds, WA (north of Seattle) - way too hilly, distances are further, and too much rain and wind.

Of course, I paid 1200 RMB for my electric bike (just under $200) and consider it a once-or-twice-a-week convenience for those quick trips to the grocery store or down to the bank. Anything more than that, and I’m in a taxi or the subway.

[lack-of-trust]

beautiful engineering and design.

looks like a sculpture.

great gadget for a dry climate.

or an excentric londoner in pinstrips and a bowler.

[bigbob]

Where I live (IL) I holler “YIKES!” anytime I get on the bike when the temperature is less than 50! Thanks for the interesting array of comments, obviously we’re not of one mind on this and that’s a good thing!

Three bikes, four motor vehicles, skis, snow shoes, and a canoe provide transportation here.

[prisoner6]

Oh I think it's cool...wouldn't mind having one. It just doesn't seem practical for where I live...sigh. I used to bicycle a lot on my Fuji road bike. Can't do that anymore. Tried to ride my youngest son's bike...some old thing he got out of the junk. (He DOES have a mountain style bike but he likes riding the junker...go figure.) IN any case I still enjoy riding whether it's a bicycle or motorcycle. Just don't get the chance much now.

prisoner6