Think small with the YikeBike
That's New Zealand's own YikeBike. It now looks to be available in the U.S. for around $3,600, which may be a low enough price to draw at least a few curious buyers to purchase one.
The YikeBike Electric 'mini-farthing' a self-described new class of bikes, also known as a mini electric penny farthing exists somewhere between an e-bike and a Segway. Upon encountering traffic, the owner of said device simply unfolds the lightweight, 22 pound frame, climbs up on the wheel-mounts, leans back, and away she goes for 6.2 miles on a charge, courtesy of the electric motor.
While we applaud the innovative design thinking, we're with Wired's Gadget Lab in wondering whether the high center of gravity, larger front wheel and handlebars-behind-you design doesn't add up to an urban faceplant waiting to happen. One reason this device might be more appropriate on the sidewalk, like a Segway, say, rather than braving the street like a bike.
With some interesting features we expect at least a few folks to be interested in the YikeBike, if only for the sheer novelty of riding on their own handlebars.
Related News
Ermineskin First Nation soon to become major electricity generator
RED DEER - The switch will soon be flipped on a solar energy project that will generate tens of thousands of dollars for Ermineskin First Nation, while energizing economic development.
Built on six acres, the one-megawatt generator and its 3,500 solar panels will produce power to be sold into the province’s electrical grid, providing annual revenues for the band of $80,000 to $150,000, depending on energy demand and pricing.
The project cost $2.7 million, including connection costs and background studies, said Sam Minde, chief executive officer of the band-owned Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc.
It was paid for with grants…
