Bicycles

Gi electric bike folds-up and charges your phone

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Gi has announced an electric folding smart-bike called the GiBike
Gi has announced an electric folding smart-bike called the GiBike
Gi says the GiBike is "the lightest, safest, folding smart eBike"
The GiBike features an automatic locking system
The GiBike connects to the user's smartphone to provide directions and connect to social networks
The GiBike has been designed specifically for city-use and commuting
The GiBike measures 5.5 ft (1,700 mm) long by 3.3 ft (1,020 mm) tall
The GiBike can be folded in 3 seconds and measures 3 ft (900 mm) by 2 ft (660 mm) when folded
The GiBike has been designed to minimize required maintenance
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Bikes are an area of constant innovation, with their simplicity and popularity making them ripe for adaptation. But how much functionality can you squeeze into one bike? Cycle firm Gi has tried to find out by creating what it says is "the lightest, safest, folding smart eBike."

Gizmag has featured a number of folding electric bikes, such as the Voltitude V1 and the BigFish Line+, but Mariano Bossana, COO of Gi, says that the GiBike was created to fill another gap in the market. "GiBike is a result of our own necessities," he explains to Gizmag." We couldn't find a bike which identifies with us, which represents our feelings as cyclists."

Those necessities include portability (with the GiBike claimed able to be collapsed and readied for carrying in three seconds), powered assistance (giving the bike a range of 40 miles/64 km and a top speed of 15 mph/25 km/h), and smartphone connectivity that allows it to provide directions, connect to social networks and charge the user's phone.

The bike also features an anti-lock system that automatically secures it when the user moves more than 10 feet (3 m) away and can be controlled remotely via a smartphone app. Built-in wheel LEDs cater for visibility when cycling in the dark and carbon drive belts aim to reduce maintenance and help prevent dirty clothing.

The GiBike can be folded in 3 seconds and measures 3 ft (900 mm) by 2 ft (660 mm) when folded

There are actually two version of the GiBike. The electric-assist model, weighing 37.4 lb (17 kg), and a standard pedal-only model that weighs 26.5 lb (12 kg). When folded, the GiBike measures 3 ft (900 mm) long by 2 ft (660 mm) wide and, when set up ready for use, it measures 5.5 ft (1,700 mm) by 3.3 ft (1,020 mm). It rides on two 26-inch wheels.

According to Gi, the bike was designed specifically with city-use and commuting in mind. "Our aim is to give people the chance to not worry about bike maintenance any more," says Bossana. "The Gi uses a toothed belt, with no maintenance required, no more dirty or ripped jeans [and LED system lights integrated on both sides] to ward off lateral accidents."

Bossana explains that the team looked at hundreds of different designs during the development process, ultimately settling on one that looked minimalist, but still featured a mono fork and a fast folding frame. The team also placed a high priority on ensuring quality and durability during the design and development process.

The GiBike is currently at the prototype stage and Gi is planning to launch a Kickstarter campaign in early April to fund its production. Should the fundraising target not be met, Gi plans to examine feedback gathered and make a decision as to whether the project remains feasible. "If the Gi is a good product for people, we will produce and sell the GiBike anyway," he says.

No price details have been released as yet.

Source: GiBike

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7 comments
Keith Reeder
Dammit, why does just about every E-bike have to look like something Queen Victoria would've been happy to ride?
Gadgeteer
A few days early for April 1. This isn't a prototype. It's a fantasy. There's no way this thing would hold up to the rigors of everyday riding, structurally speaking. It's something designed by people who aren't actual, serious cyclists. The biggest example of this was the Yankee bike designed by Royce Husted. He had good ideas with his brake and transmission designs, but when he tried to tie it all together with a bike that was supposed to fit most people, it just didn't work because he didn't know the rules of bike fitting.
Mel Tisdale
Ride it in the rain and it'll give you a free shower, albeit with dirty water. However, can't have everything, can we?
SLB
Radial spokes on both wheels? Is that a good idea??
nanobossana
First of all, thanks to Gizmag for the article and thanks everyone who is making questions and suggestions.
The Gi Bike prototype has really been tested and retested not only by engineers, but also by people who has used it on the street as regularly do to commute their work or just for pleasure. This one is going to be a urban bike, but not a one for competition or for use in mountains. There are a lots of them in the market already, we know that our project is unique and every part of the GiBike was detailed thought before put into it.
Regarding to Mel's question, we are going to offer accesories too, between them will be the fender.
Thanks all for your questions.
For more details or pictures please visite our website, www.gibike.com and take a look our press kit. https://vimeo.com/89634339
Best, Mariano
Larry English
40 mile range.. no - doubt that
it also looks very weak and wobbly
wle
unklmurray
I like it,.....it sure is pretty.......Wonder what it will cost??.......If I rode bikes I would ride one,....I'm a Trike man,I used to ride bicycles but now have too much gear,and if I fall ,I need help getting up even if it is in my living room. I've been in the ER 6-7 times in the last 6 years......LOL :-)