Yike Bike: To Revolutionize Personal Transport
Tuesday 2nd September, 2009
Designed and constructed in Christchurch, the Yike Bike is about to be launched on the world stage.
Its backers say this example of Kiwi ingenuity will turn urban transport on its head.
“We’re after world domination,” says inventor Grant Ryan.
He says the lightweight, fold-away “mini farthing” will revolutionise inner city transport.
“Most people live in tiny little apartments around the world, and work in offices, and they’ve got nowhere to store a bike,” he says, adding that the Yike Bike can even be taken on the train and up elevators.
Despite global economic woes, Tech NZ has stumped up $500,000 for research and development.
“It is probably a good time to invest in research and development – to keep you ahead of other companies around the world,” says Mark Gallagher of Tech NZ.
Before its official launch at one of the world’s largest bike shows – Germany’s Eurobike – 3 News was given exclusive access to a top secret test session.
There is great faith in its global potential.
“One of the things we look at is whether you can sell this in export markets and can you generate export revenue?” says Mr Gallagher.
“Our big, hairy goal – which is so crazy it is laughable – is to design something that could be the most commonly owned transport device in the world. At the moment, it is bikes,” says Mr Ryan.
Recharging the electric bike is as simple as plugging it in.
But they are not cheap – the carbon-fibre model will retail for more than $7,000, though other more affordable versions will be available.
A helmet will be required for New Zealand roads – but not the target European markets.
“As an inventor you want to see your idea propagate. So it would be cool in 10 to 20 years, if we were to see these buzzing around, and go ‘yeah, we had something to do with that’,” says Mr Ryan.
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