Bicycles

Japan's two-second folding bicycle

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While folding bicycles have been around for a while now, this new variation can be folded with a swiftness and elegance never seen before. The 2-second slide-folding bicycle was designed to be folded quickly while you are walking. Once folded, the rider can push the bicycle along with ease much like one would push a wheel-barrow.

This amazing little bike has a half-folding frame design that uses a swing hinge in the middle. And while this idea is not an original one (half-folded bicycles are nothing new), Mr. Asawa's has created a mid-fold variation that is a rare combination of compactness and convenience. The locked frame hinge is released by pulling a lever on the left handlebar, at which point you can swing the rear wheel forward in line with the front.

The bicycle's creator is Makoto Asawa, a retired man from Matsumoto City in Nagano prefecture. His intention was to create a bicycle that could fit in a small elevator. (Note: Keep in mind here that a small elevator in Japan is not much bigger than a large refrigerator!)

Folding bicycles have proven very popular in Japan, particular in urban areas where space is at a premium. Riders need to be able to store their bicycles in small areas at home or at the office. And if one intends to bring your bicycle on the underground, a folding bicycle is a must. Some of the more compact folding bikes can even be stored in train station lockers!

The 2-second folding bicycle is set to hit the streets in February, with a 24-inch version selling for 42800 yen (or approximately US$475).

Have a look at the news clip below (Japanese language) to see the 2-second folding bike in action.

Source: Live on.

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6 comments
JustinTime
Yikes! looks like he pulls the front brake lever to fold the bike. Could make for some interesting manoevers.
Gadgeteer
This could give the Strida a run for its money.
Leon Kdotcom
is it possible to get more info on this.
video was taken off. website is in japanese
Michael Crumpton
Check out the bike friday tikit on youtube.
wle
did it ever go public?
Larry English
so did this thing ever go public, is it for sale?