Learning to ride a bicycle can be an intimidating process, which is why a lot of children start out on balance bikes. Well, now imagine how a child might feel about riding a motorbike for the first time. It was with this in mind that California-based company STACYC created the Stability Cycle – it's an electric balance bike.
Kids start with the Stability Cycle in unpowered mode, moving it along simply by striding with their legs on either side of it. As they gain skill and confidence, they can engage the throttle and pull their legs up off the ground. Should they need to, though, it's still simple enough to put both feet back on terra firma.
There are actually two models of Stability Cycle, for riders of different ages.
The 12EDrive, for 3 to 5 year-olds, starts out with the top speed set to 5 mph (8 km/h). As they progress, that upper limit is switched to 7 and then 9 mph (11/14 km/h). One 30 to 60-minute charge of its removable lithium-ion battery should be good for up to an hour of run time.
The slightly larger 16EDrive, for 4 to 8 year olds, also has three speed settings, although it tops out at 11 mph (18 km/h). It weighs 19 lb (8.6 kg), while the 12E tips the scales at 17 lb (7.7 kg). Other features of both bikes include a TIG-welded aluminum frame, pneumatic tires, and thermal protection for the motor and controller.
If you're interested in getting one, the 12E will cost you US$649, with the 16E going for $699. They can be seen in action, in the following video.
And if you're thinking that someone should make an electric balance bike for adults ... well, they did.
Source: STACYC