Yikebike

Honda’s UNI-CUB β deduces its instructions using a combination of complex though known technologies, but the experience of riding it is one of telepathically controlling the tiny transportation appliance. It seemingly possesses a direct vehicle-brain-interface, with a “degree of difficulty” of ZERO.

The race is on amongst the mobility companies for the missing link – the smallest, lightest manpackable form of transport man can conjure and the Yikebike stakes its claim.

The ongoing development of vehicles offering two modes of transport was a key trend evident at Auto China last week. Personal transportation needs are changing and Geely and BMW are the latest to demonstrate cars with inclusive last-mile transport.

The Yikebike, updated for 2012, is a miniature electric penny farthing capable of 25 km/h (15 mph) with a folded up weight you can fit in a backpack.

The Yikebike Fusion weighs 3.2 kilograms more than its Carbon Fiber cousin, but costs just US$2000 instead of US$3800. It goes for just as far, at the same speed though.

The carbon fiber Yikebike minifarthing weighs 10 kg, folds so small it can fit in a backpack and will reach 25km/h but has a limited range of just 10 km. A new extender battery pack enables you to add 10 km increments to your Yikebike's range

There were many wonderous things at this year's Intermot Motorcycle Show, but few will capture your imagination as much as this home-made Ducati V8.

The YikeBike looks like a small Penny Farthing but is powered by electricity and folds up to fit in a bag.