It's like a riddle: What kind of bicycle has more than two wheels, and pedals but no chain?
The answer is the forthcoming CityQ e-bike, an electric four-wheeler aimed at those who'd like to avail themselves of the greener lifestyle of a cyclist, but perhaps don't feel comfortable on your standard two-wheeler. (The elderly come to mind.) The pedals aren't connected to a chain, but instead help charge the battery, which can otherwise be charged by plugging into an ordinary socket.
The bike can be configured for one rider and cargo space, one adult and two kids, or two adults sitting fighter-jet-style. The Norway-based developers are betting that staying out of the weather, while still being legally allowed to ride in bike lanes, will draw those who might not otherwise choose to cycle.
The CityQ won't be cheap; it's expected to retail for €7,450, or USD $9,053--and that's before taxes and shipping.
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One factor they may not have considered for the American market, is how hostile the occasional cyclist can be here. In NYC, for instance, I can picture riders yelling at one of these to get out of the bike lane.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
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Looks Like a Car, But Rides in the Bike Lane: The CityQ E-Bike
Looks very similar to Organic Transit's ELF (https://organictransit.com) whose owners are enthusiastic about it but whose business is now for sale.
With a 25 kph governor, the US market won't accept it. The Vespa Elettrica did not sell with a governor of 45 kph. They had to bump it to 70 kph to get US sales. If you bump this "bicycle" to anything above 25 kph, it will be a danger in the bike lane and at that point it should be put into the traffic lane.
a lot of anti-change comments in here. sounds like the Segway... pedestrians didn't want it in the sidewalk and drivers didn't want it in the road.
This needs to be nipped in the butt early. These do not belong in a bike lane. You ride a bike in bike lanes to avoid enclosed four wheeled self powered vehicles. Keep them out on the street.
This needs to be nipped in the butt early. These do not belong in the bike lane. These are accidents waiting to happen. You ride a bike in a bike lane to avoid enclosed four wheel self powered vehicles.