Electric bicycle designers are continually coming up with new ways to fold the humble bicycle to make it easier to carry when not being ridden. The latest to catch our eye is the VeloMini, a light-weight folding electric bike featuring a 180 watt brushless hub motor that will transport a person from eight to ten miles at speeds of up to 12 mph (19 km/h). When it’s not being used it folds down to a compact form 18-inches tall that fits into a carrying case roughly the same size as a guitar case.
VeloMini is powered by a 24v, 6AH lithium-ion battery that can be charged up in under three hours and is hidden away inside the bike’s anodized aluminum frame. It gives riders three riding modes selectable via a control on the handlebars: standard pedal power; using the throttle like a moped; or using pedal assist mode to amplify the pedaling of the rider.
The bike itself weighs 31lbs (14kg) and can carry riders weighing up to 210lbs (95kg). It comes with a toolkit that is used to fold up the bike, which the company says takes just a few seconds. While it doesn’t fold up to a size smaller than the A-Bike, or faster than the 2-second folding bicycle, it’s definitely manageable enough for commuters who combine public transport with a bike ride on their travels. The bike’s included case also converts to a backpack when not carrying the bike.
The VeloMini is available for US$995 with case, strap, toolkit and charger. A non-electric version called the VeloMini Lite that does away with the battery and motor is also available priced at $499 with case, strap and toolkit.
