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


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Another Folding Electric Bike; The Capella


The Brammo Enertia Electric Motorcycle:


The Mission One EV Electric Motorcycle:


The Fastest Electric Bike:The KillaCycle which has been clocked at a top speed of 168 mph:


The Uno Electric Unicycle:


Purisme Carbon Fibre products:

The Victorinox 125th Anniversary Special Edition Airstream Trailer

Airstream, the proud manufacturer of the world's finest travel trailers, has combined creative forces with Victorinox Swiss Army to produce the Victorinox 125th Anniversary Special Edition Airstream.

This limited Special Edition 19 foot travel trailer is unlike any other Airstream ever produced, featuring Victorinox-inspired design elements coupled with Airstream's famous quality construction. The result is a stunning and unique travel trailer that represents the pinnacle of both design and functionality.

Like the legendary Swiss Army Knife, the details of the trailer are precise, clean and sure to last a lifetime. From the solid surface countertops, to the cutting-edge cabinets and hardware, to the luxurious custom bedding ensemble with embroidered wool blanket, and much more. And to ensure you're fully equipped, a collection of Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces, kitchen cutlery, Swiss Army Knives and accessories are included to enhance your camping adventures.

Only 125 have been made. And the cost is $59,000.00 USD







front to back:

bath:

bed:

dinette:

wall clock:

optional rear awning:


The special edition trailer also comes with all these fun Victorinox goodies:




floor plan:



BASIC SPECIFICATIONS
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 4,500 lb.
Sleeping capacity 2 to 4
Actual length 19'2"
Width exterior 8'
Height w/A/C 9'5''
Net Carrying Capacity (NCC) 700lb.
Unit Base Weight (UBW) 3,800 lb.
Hitch Weight w/o Options
or variable weight 580 lbs.
Water Heater (gallons)
w/Electronic Ignition 6
Gray water (gallons) 21
Black water (gallons) 18
Fresh (gallons) 23
LPG (lb.) 60
A/C (BTU) 13,500
Furnace w/Electric
Ignition (BTU) 16,000

about Victorinox:
The pioneering spirit of the company founder, Karl Elsener, as well as his love of his native Switzerland, have been the driving inspiration of Victorinox over the last 125 years. Today, that inspiration takes form in a full selection of Swiss Army Knives, professional-grade kitchen cutlery, beautiful, Swiss-made timepieces, fashionable, functional apparel, rugged travel gear and unmistakable fragrances – each embodies the spirit of the legendary Swiss Army Knife.

About Airstream:
In 1931, Wallace Merle Byam built a small camping trailer in his back yard in Los Angeles. He received so many requests from neighbors that he soon started a small company to build travel trailers that "cruised down the highway like a stream of air", and Airstream was born. The lightweight, aircraft-inspired design soon caught the imagination of a nation eager to explore the open highways and byways that beckoned.

For nearly 80 years Airstream has represented freedom and adventure, providing the perfect outlet for the wanderlust that still is central to the American spirit.

Other fabulous Caravan and trailer designs worth noting:


Tabbert's Paganini Caravan


Airstream's 75th Anniversary Bambi Trailer by Designer David Winick


The MINI and Airstream Trailer by Fritz Hansen.


The Mehrzeller Trailer You Can Tailor

Art Vespa 2008 Competition Winners Announced

Last week the 2007/8 Art Vespa Competition competition in South Africa came to an end.

The interactive email campaign, created by Vespa South Africa and advertising partner, Guerrilla Marketing, invited art directors and designers to embellish the two-wheeler with their concepts. Best of all, participants have the chance to drive home on a brand new Vespa LX.

The top three designs, judged by international designer Francesco Maffe from Piaggio, Italy, will be on display at the Design Indaba Expo from 23 February 2008.

The winners were announced on 25 February at 3pm.

Rory Allan from Ripe Design has won the 2008 Art Vespa competition with his ice cream design and will soon be zipping through the city on his deliciously personalised Vespa LX.

Allan submitted more than one design, but it was his striking Ice Cream creation that caught the eye of Francesco Maffe, international designer for Piaggio Italy, and judge of Art Vespa. The design took him three hours to complete.When asked what motivated him to enter, Allan replied “Our creative director presented the competition to all the creatives at Ripe Design and urged us to enter. It's an out of the ordinary canvas for designers that got my creative juices flowing almost immediately.”

The inspiration for his design was South Africa's hot summer afternoons. “I sat down and thought of why it's great to own a Vespa. The first thing that popped into my mind was the wind blowing through your hair on a sweltering afternoon. Almost as refreshing as an ice cream.”

To Allan, Vespa is synonymous with carefree living, summer holidays and good times with those who are important in your life. “It symbolises a laid-back lifestyle, where life is about more than work. It's about experiencing and being part of the world. And ice cream of course.”

First place winner Rory Allen of Ripe Design:



Second place winner Hazel Davies from Momentum, McCann:


Third place winner Mandi Brest from Penguin International:

A record number of 252 entries were received for the 2008 competition, a 40% increase from last year. Watch out for the 2009 competition later this year. You too could become part of the la dolce vita lifestyle and scoot around on your own Art Vespa in the near future.

For more information, go to www.vespa.co.za.