by Larry LagardeEarlier this week at the Auto China 2010 convention, Volkswagen unveiled the Bik.e, a self propelled electric folding scooter with looks similar to a bicycle. Fold the Bik.e and it will fit into the spare tire hold of most cars (if the spare is removed).
Volkswagen envisions commuters driving part way to work in their VW's, then pulling out the Bik.e to ride up to the last 12 miles to the destination, avoiding traffic congestion in urban areas as well as the cost and time typically taken to park in most downtown areas.
Although the Bik.e looks cool, it's heavy for a scooter (44 lbs), has a short range (@ 12 mph), cannot be pedaled when the batteries run out, does not have a hot swappable battery pack and appears not to roll when folded. Besides these major drawbacks, availability or pricing info has yet to be made available.
My guess is that the Bik.e will retail for @ $2500 with some sort of discount if you buy it along with a new VW. For that kind of money, I'd prefer to have an IF Reach DC folding electric bike, which is similar in size when folded but has a much further range, cruising speed and hot swappable battery. And if some problem arises with the IF Reach DC's electric drive, you can always pedal.
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