Urban Transport

Electric scooter channels the spirit of the penny farthing

Electric scooter channels the spirit of the penny farthing
The SnikkyBike splits the difference between large and small wheels
The SnikkyBike splits the difference between large and small wheels
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The SnikkyBike's short wheelbase lets it stay nimble and maneuverable, as it needs to be in urban environments
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The SnikkyBike's short wheelbase lets it stay nimble and maneuverable, as it needs to be in urban environments
The SnikkyBike splits the difference between large and small wheels
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The SnikkyBike splits the difference between large and small wheels
The SnikkyBike's top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), with one charge of its removable 36-volt lithium-ion battery allowing for a range of about 20 miles
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The SnikkyBike's top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), with one charge of its removable 36-volt lithium-ion battery allowing for a range of about 20 miles
View gallery - 3 images

In some ways, it makes sense to put small wheels on electric scooters – they accelerate quickly, and allow the vehicle to remain on the small-and-portable side. On the other hand, they can also easily get stuck in potholes, causing the rider to fly over the handlebars. A group of Montreal-based entrepreneurs have created what they see as a good compromise, in the form of the SnikkyBike.

As can be seen, although the scooter has a li'l 16-inch motorized wheel in the back, it has a full-size 700C bicycle wheel in the front. This arrangement is claimed to combine the fast acceleration of a small drive wheel with a larger front wheel's ability to roll over obstacles instead getting stopped by them.

Additionally, the short wheelbase lets it stay nimble and maneuverable, as it needs to be in urban environments. The handlebars and footboards likewise fold up when not in use, making it easier to carry and store.

The SnikkyBike's top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), with one charge of its removable 36-volt lithium-ion battery allowing for a range of about 20 miles
The SnikkyBike's top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), with one charge of its removable 36-volt lithium-ion battery allowing for a range of about 20 miles

Its top speed is 20 mph (32 km/h), with one charge of its removable 36-volt lithium-ion battery allowing for a range of about 20 miles – regenerative braking helps it reach that figure. A full recharge takes approximately two hours.

The SnikkyBike is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, where a pledge of US$1,050 will get you one, when and if they reach production. The planned retail price is $1,199.

Check out the video below, to see the scooter in action.

Sources: SnikkyBike, Kickstarter

SnikkyBike Kickstarter Youtube

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5 comments
5 comments
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really neat. I hope they get the funding to make it. I think it will sell better at a slightly lower price.
yawood
It looks great but I don't see why it couldn't have an optional seat. You could still stand up for some manoeuvres if necessary.
mediabeing
I like the idea and basic design. I'll be waiting for version 2 with suspension front and rear and a clever minimalist foldaway seat with telescoping seat tube. Certainly, lights all around.
Buellrider
Pretty neat. Needs at least a rear suspension so that the little wheel will survive longer and so that a bump or pothole doesn't bounce you right of the floor boards. Also needs an onboard cable locking device so that it can be locked to whatever is available.
unklmurray
As others have already stated''it needs more than it has now,a seat,a rack or 2, I like the basic design and all but it is just another expensive toy.......LOL :-)