Foldable bikes are stowed aboard a few yachts, so why not a foldable electric bike? That’s what the Yike Bike is, and Superyacht Tenders and Toys thinks it will be a hit among the superyacht set.
Why? It entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011 for being the world’s most compact electric bike, folding to backpack size. It’s also said to be the world’s lightest, weighing in at just over 25 pounds (11.5 kilograms). First introduced in 2009 and named to Time magazine’s list of the best inventions that year, Yike Bike was initially targeted to people in urban communities as an alternative to being stuck in traffic and paying high fuel prices. Its top speed is about 14 mph (23 kph), which allows it to travel about six miles (10 kilometers) on a single charge. Charging the D.C. motor takes 55 minutes.
Superyacht Tenders and Toys’ founder Josh Richardson says it takes about 10 minutes to half an hour to learn how to ride the Yike Bike. One look at the Yike Bike, and it’s easy to see why some training is needed. It’s a bit odd, a cross between an old-fashioned penny-farthing bike and a motorcycle, with the handlebars seemingly awkwardly positioned behind the seat. But, Richardson says it’s “great fun,” plus the Yike Bike has electronic anti-skid brakes. LED lights on the handlebars also improve your visibility.
Yike Bike comes in two versions, one comprised of composite and aluminum, and the other comrpised of carbon fiber. The aluminum version costs €2,020, while the carbon version costs €3,600. Both carry a one-year warranty and will be available at Superyacht Tenders and Toys’ stand at the Monaco Yacht Show to test out. Superyacht Tenders and Toys can further customize the colors, graphics, and more to match your megayacht.
One important caveat: The Yike Bike may not be street legal in some regions. Best to check with local authorities whether electric bikes and/or the specifications of the Yike Bike comply with their laws. (For some insight into the product’s development vs. regulations, see the FAQ section on the Yike Bike website.)
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