YikeBike Unique eBike!

Grant Ryan's folding YikeBike EV

Kiwi’s Turn Electric Bicycle World Upside Down With Unique eBike!

The YikeBike is a unique folding two wheel EV that was created from the ground up by inventor Grant Ryan with urban commuting in mind. This electric vehicle is light weight and compact, but still able to handle bumps and curbs. The YikeBike’s upright riding position offers superior visibility and a natural comfort you won’t find on a typical bicycle. Some other safety related features include a short wheel base, which translates into better maneuverability, anti-skid brakes and non handle bar design would also be welcome additions during emergency stops or accidents.

Launched in August of 2009 in Christchurch New Zealand the YikeBike , that will be available for purchase by mid 2010 in most of the European Union (EU) and New Zealand for approximately 5000 USD.

The YikeBike is electronically limited to 12 mph (20 kph) and has a range of approximately 5.5-6 miles (9-10km).

It is designed to fold up in less than 15 seconds and it is relatively lightweight (less than 44 lbs (20 kg) so it to be easily carried in one hand from the street to the office, so finding a place to park or lock it up outside of the office is unnecessary.

The YikeBike is powered by Lithium Phosphate (liFePO4) batteries that are good for at least 1,000 charges and can be charged to a 80% level in approximately 20 minutes.

The bike can be ridden without any adjustments by anyone between (5’3” to 6’5″ (160cm to 195cm) and less than 220 lbs (100kg).

The only minor tradeoffs for the YikeBike is that it is not a hybrid and thus can not be peddled and due to the compact design one would have to use a backpack to transport anything other than personal effects. Currently the only color offered is carbon fiber black and children sizes are not yet available. The 6 mile range limitation could be effectively doubled if the EV can recharged while at the office. Since the YikeBike has a unique mini-farthing design repair issues other than tires are probably best accomplished at a company repair facility rather than the local bike shop.