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 11.2kg (24.7lb) 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.[1]
The YikeBike looks like a mini version of a penny farthing (mini-farthing). The YikeBike folds to 6* and weighs 24.61NaN1, 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 0.2kW electric motor and controller. The YikeBike has regenerative electronic anti-skid brakes. There are also built-in lights, indicators and horn for safety.
In September 2009, YikeBike was launched at Eurobike in Germany.
YikeBike was ranked 15th on Time magazine's 50 Best Inventions of 2009 list.[2]
YikeBike featured on Discovery Channel's Daily Planet show.[3]
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
Original model / Fusion