The YikeBike mini-farthing is a type of folding electric motorbike released on 2 September 2009 at Eurobike, going into production mid 2010. It weighs 11.2 kilograms (24.7 lb) and when folded, it is small enough to fit in a carry bag, so it can be transported in an urban bus. The YikeBike was invented by Grant Ryan and designed by a team in New Zealand over 5 years.
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Characteristics
The YikeBike looks like a mini version of a penny farthing (mini-farthing). The YikeBike folds to 6×23.6×23.6 inches (150×600×600 millimetres) and weighs 24.6 lb (11.2 kilograms), so it can be carried around.
The vehicle has no chain, pedals, gear box, mechanical brake, cables or levers. These functions are provided by a 0.2 kW (0.27 hp) electric motor and controller. The YikeBike has regenerative electronic anti-skid brakes. There are also built-in lights, indicators and horn for safety.
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.
YikeBike was ranked 15th on Time magazine's 50 Best Inventions of 2009 list.
YikeBike featured on Discovery Channel's Daily Planet show.
YikeBike featured on A&E's Storage Wars. A yikebike was found in a storage locker in Season 4's Episode 2 (Series show #74, The Young and the Restless).
Stephen Fry tested the YikeBike in season 1, episode 1 of Stephen Fry's 100 Greatest Gadgets
Specifications
Original model / Fusion