YikeBike Fusion Review

Yikebike Fusion Electric Bike Review 1
Yikebike Fusion
Yikebike Fusion Front Wheel Pegs
Yikebike Fusion Headlights
Yikebike Fusion Rear Wheel
Yikebike Two People
Yikebike Fusion Throttle
Yikebike Fusion Two Wheels Side
Yikebike Fusion Two Wheels Front
Yikebike Folded
Yikebike Fusion Electric Bike Review 1
Yikebike Fusion
Yikebike Fusion Front Wheel Pegs
Yikebike Fusion Headlights
Yikebike Fusion Rear Wheel
Yikebike Two People
Yikebike Fusion Throttle
Yikebike Fusion Two Wheels Side
Yikebike Fusion Two Wheels Front
Yikebike Folded

Summary

  • Ultra portable folding electric transporter that rides like a bike but doesn't use pedals
  • Folding and unfolding is extremely fast, folded size is just 1.52 cubic feet
  • Includes front and rear lights, turn signal and blinkers, horn and regenerative braking

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

YikeBike

Model:

Fusion

Price:

$3,495

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Commuting, Travel, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive

Availability:

China, France, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, UAE, United States

Model Year:

20132014

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

30.8 lbs (13.97 kg)

Frame Types:

Compact, Folding

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy and Composites

Frame Colors:

Black, Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, White

Pedals:

No Pedals, Aluminum Alloy Foot Pegs

Handlebar:

Hydro Formed Aluminum, Rear Wrap Design

Brake Details:

Regenerative Motor Brake

Saddle:

Foam with Water Resistant PU Cover

Seat Post:

Reinforced Fiberglass (Provides Flexibility for Comfort)

Rims:

Aluminum Extruded

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)

Accessories:

Included: Carry Bag, Shoulder Strap, Tool Kit with Valve Adapter (to Inflate Front Tire) and Allen Keys, LED Headlights on Bar Ends, LED Rear Lights with Flashing Turn Signals and Chirping Noise, Optional Double-Wheel Rear Platform ~$600, Optional Extender Battery Pack, Can be Wrapped for Custom Colors and Logos

Other:

Rear Wheel is Fiberglass and Plastic with 6 Ply Tire with Thorn Proof Tube, Maximum Weight 220 lbs, Folded Size 43 liters, Recommended Rider Height: Between 5'1" and 6'4"

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Front-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

200 watts

Motor Peak Output:

450 watts

Battery Voltage:

37 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

6.6 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

244.2 wh

Battery Brand:

Sony

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium Manganese

Charge Time:

4 hours (1.5 Hours with Optional 5 Amp Fast Charger, Standard Charger is 2 Amps)

Estimated Min Range:

7 miles (11 km)

Estimated Max Range:

10 miles (16 km)

Display Type:

LED Console

Drive Mode:

Trigger Throttle (On Right Bar)

Top Speed:

14.3 mph (23 kph)


Written Review

The YikeBike doesn’t exactly fit into the traditional e-bicycle category as you cannot pedal it… It’s more of a mechanized transport vehicle akin to a Segway, only more bicycle-shaped. Composed of two wheels held in a frame with one behind the other, it is steered with handlebars connected to the front wheel just like a bicycle. It resembles the penny-farthing or “ordinary bicycle” of the mid 1800’s that had a very large front wheel and smaller stabilizer in the rear. And just like these old fashioned bikes, the YikeBike can be a bit unstable at first. These old fashioned “bigwheel” bicycles could operate without a chain, leveraging cranks connected directly to the oversized front wheel. In much the same way, the YikeBike motor is built into the front wheel system which powers the vehicle and offers regenerative braking.

Riding the YikeBike is thrilling and a bit unstable at first. Thankfully, it doesn’t position the rider very far off the ground and the top speed is less than 15 miles per hour, greatly reducing the potential for injury in a fall. At any time during a ride you’re able to put your feet down on either side for stability. It operates much like a strider bicycles which has become a popular platform for teaching kids how to ride a bike. Once you’re moving forward, the bike becomes more stable and feet can be rested on two silver pegs extruding from the front wheel base. The real trick to riding this bike is gently squeezing your legs together on either side of the front wheel.

In my opinion, the YikeBike is all about enabling commuters. It makes getting to or from the subway, train or bus station more manageable. No more slow walks, no more sweating and best of all, no more oversized systems that are too heavy to lift. The Fusion is the heaviest YikeBike in the series and it still only weighs about 31 pounds! It folds down to the size of a large briefcase and can be lifted with one hand by grabbing behind the seat. It also looks relatively cool and won’t seem out of place leaning against a desk in an office. Taking just five seconds to completely fold or unfold, it’s a convenient ride.

Driving the YikeBike is a 450 watt motor built right into the front wheel. You can’t see it but you do hear it whirring as you squeeze the hand throttle on the right grip. 450 watts is quite a lot for such a small, lightweight system. The battery driving it offers 37 volts of power and 6.6 amp hours of range. Overall, this is quite good and the bike feels very capable riding around on the flats. Even though the range and ride time is a bit more limited than full sized ebikes, the charge time is significantly less at just 1.5 or 4 hours depending on if you use the quick charger. If you left one charger at the office, you’d have no problem topping the YikeBike off before riding home or taking it out for a snack mid day.

The primary downsides to this system are the learning curve to figure out how to ride it and lack of shock absorbers or suspension. Given the lower top speeds and primary use of sidewalks or bike lanes however, it rides well enough and isn’t that uncomfortable. The tires offer a bit of give along with the seat and I found that pushing myself up using the foot rests reduced the shock of larger bumps. Overall, it’s a quirky but functional machine that does its job well. One of the big up-selling points from the Fusion to the higher end Synergy or Carbon is the locking mechanism for the rear wheel shown below. It’s a bit higher quality and easier to manage with the higher models.

A lot of thought has gone into this very custom electric vehicle from New Zealand. It’s got headlights, tail lights, turn signals, flashing hazard lights and even a small chirping horn. It’s definitely a head turner, something you’d expect to see in a science fiction movie. I remember when the Segway came out, it got a lot of questions at first but eventually found a niche with security personnel and city tours. The YikeBike addresses the needs of a much larger audience on a more practical level. It solves that “extra mile” stopping so many people from commuting to work with more efficient, sustainable public transportation options.

Pros:

  • Folds and unfolds very easily and quickly
  • Gets extremely compact when folded, just 1.52 cubic feet – the size of a large briefcase
  • Weighs just 30 pounds, liftable with one hand
  • Large and powerful 450 watt motor driven by 37 volt 6.6 amp hour battery pack
  • Features regenerative braking to extend range and smooth out stops
  • Includes front and rear lights, turn signals, hazards and an electronic horn
  • Optional “training wheel” system makes balancing easier and enables two riders but becomes annoying at higher speeds
  • Can be skinned for branding or promotional purposes

Cons:

  • Takes a bit of practice to learn the best riding technique (squeeze front wheel with legs for stability)
  • No shocks or major cushions, still rides pretty well
  • Rides for less than one hour at full speed, can still travel ~10 miles per charge
  • Horn isn’t especially loud, mostly used like a bell to signal to pedestrians and other riders
  • Heavier than the two higher models, different frame that doesn’t look quite as cool or unfold quite the same way

Resources:

More Yikebike Reviews

May 17, 2016

YikeBike Model V Review

  • MSRP: $4,995
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

A light weight, ultra-compact and folding, last mile electric transporter solution that looks kind of quirky and doesn't come cheap. Designed in New Zealand and available internationally, the Model V comes standard with the traditional…...

October 7, 2013

YikeBike Carbon Review

  • MSRP: $4,995
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013, 2014

Ultra portable folding electric transport that rides like a bike without pedals, this is the utlra light weight version made with Carbon fiber. Folds to just 1.52 cubic feet, weighs less than 25 pounds and can be lifted…...

October 6, 2013

YikeBike Synergy Review

  • MSRP: $3,495
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013, 2014

Ultra portable folding electric transport that rides like a bike but lacks pedals. Folds and unfolds very quickly and easily, folded size is just 1.52 cubic feet...


Comments (6) YouTube Comments

10 years ago

can you also get it in spain

 
Court Rye
10 years ago

I’ve reached out to YikeBike and they shared the following: Yes the YikeBike is available in Spain, we have 2x partners who are able to assist you, please feel free to contact them at any time:

– Navarra: YikeBike Navarra
– Valencia: http://www.valenciaelectricbikes.com/
– Barcelona: http://ecologer.com/

 
10 years ago

where can you buy it in spain

 
10 years ago

can you buy it somewhere near sotogrande

 
Court Rye
10 years ago

I reconnected with the rep from YikeBike, he said “These are the nearest partners who may have stock. They can ship directly. OR you can contact the Austria distributor by emailing office (at) yikebikeaustria.com or calling (+43 664 910 12 97) and they have stock available for immediate dispatch.”

I hope this helps you Anonymous, if you leave another reply, please add your email address so I can help you directly. Your address will be kept private and I will only use it to help you out if needed. Otherwise, good luck with this info!

 
Ted
8 years ago

My internal battery doesn’t charge anymore where can I buy one can any one let me know I leave in Canada vancuver thank you.

 

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published.