Volkswagen rolls out foldable 'Bik.e' electric bicycle concept
By Donald Melanson 
posted April 29th 2010 7:51PM
posted April 29th 2010 7:51PM
Well, it looks like it's the season for automakers to show off electric bicycle concepts, with Volkswagen now following Lexus' lead with its own "Bik.e" concept. Unlike Lexus' hybrid concept, this one is a full-fledged electric bicycle (sans pedals), and it boasts a few innovations of its own, not the least of which is that it's able to fold up and fit where you'd normally store a spare tire. It's also apparently able to be charged using your car's DC current in a pinch in addition to a standard AC outlet at home, and it promises to deliver a range of 20 kilometers on a full charge, along with a top speed of 20 kilometers per hour. What's more, it seems like Volkswagen is actually looking at commercial possibilities for the Bik.e, although it's not making any firm commitments just yet. Head on past the break for a quick look at the bike in action, and some dancing.
@goseki hmm .. I see Even engadget managed to cover it .. http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/28/lexus-shows-off-hybrid-bicycle-wont-sell-you-one/
Lexus is 10 times better, 12 mph sucks.
@Agent007
The Lexus bike goes 120mph?
What happened with the naming scheme, exactly?
Did they try to name it "Bike." and just MISS?
Is this some kind of "Bik" that is also electronic? Come on.
In protest, I refuse to pronounce a name this stupid in any way that's less cumbersome than "Bick-dot-eee."
Also, I won't be talking about this ever, really, so... moot point.
here is an idea for all your foldable bike designer:
make the wheels smaller!
Nice. I assume you'd buy it as an option when you buy the car, which would make the probably too high price more invisible since you'd pay it off over 5 years or whatever. Assuming you have to buy runflats when you option this in, it hides in the trunk and is always kept charged, it would be quite useful for commuters who might have to park some blocks from where they work, etc. Also of course there for you if the car breaks down. How you would carry the spare gas tank of course...
@Fanfoot
Thats exactly what I was thinking. If it replaces your spare, then what? The idea may fly as you described - long-term financing - but it would be better if manufacturers approached this as fulfilling their environmental duties in part. I, personally, wont pay extra for it.
I was thinking "I'm gonna get this if it comes in the GTI" and the ending did just that!
Wow!!! That is so Cool.
If they could just increase the capacity of the battery so they could get a 50Km distance going 40kmph at a price around $500... I would so buy one!
It would be the perfect backup mobile transportation vehicle to come with all vehicles in the future. I love the idea!
The dancing did strange and wonderful things to my special spot. Like when I ride a bike without the seat. Oh smurf ladies.
@poorkid
You've chosen your nickname wisely.
sweet!!
- karedia
Great, now wel have even more lazy overweight bums in America....
Transexuals no longer need estrogen supplements, they can just ride that bike.
Who do i make the cheque out to?
I WANT ONE OF THESE
I am content with my Trikke CVs (electric and non) for the markets this targets.
Other items on my list above the Bik.e: Mundo V3 Cargo bike, StreetStrider, elliptiGO. (none of which are under $1000)
But can u take it on the bus?
If it has a motor and no pedals it's a scooter or motorcycle. If it has pedals and an electric motor it's an electric bike. If it has pedals and no motor it's a bike.