Folding bikes?

[Drunkskunk]

I've been considering a folding bike for a long time, but so far none have met my needs.

When I need a folding bike, its always at a point were space is very limited. Like as carry on luggage, or trying to take 3 people and a bike in a miata, or trying to wedge onto the train.

I've looked around, and it seems the smallest folding bikes are the Brompton, and the Strida. But neither of those can be a carry on.

My size limit is 22" x 14" x 9", the size most airlines have for carry ons. it might be possable to reach this using 16" tires, if you are willing to unmount the tires from the rim.

And the other problem. I want it to be electric, with at least a 10mph speed and 10 miles of range.

The only choice is going to be to build it my self. But designing it is the real problem.
Surely there has to be some clever way to fold or dismantel a frame to reach that size?

I figure there are enough creative people on here, someone has to have some ideas on how to make it work

 

[MattyCiii]

I ride a Dahon Jetstream P8. It folds down/back up in under a minute. The front & rear suspension mitigate the shortcomings of the 20" wheels.

After renting bikes when traveling and finding I'd rather have the bike I'm used to (they were good biked, but different), I looked around and found that some folding bikes will fit in standard (meaning "not oversized") suit cases. I bought a hard plastic suitcase recommended for a folder (A Samsonite, got it for ~$110) and sure enough, my folder will fit if I take the wheels and handlebar off (all attached by quick release) and lay them on top of the frame. It all fits in the suit case, including pannier rack, tool kit and a few other small items.

It takes about 20 minutes to pack the bike, 10 to unpack and reassemble. Bike with suitcase weighs about 40lbs, but it has wheels. I pay $25 for extra checked bag, but it's usually work paying actually. Well worth the hassle.

While I really like the Dahon Jetstream, take this more as an example that "larger" folders can be packed in a suitcase to fly - it just takes some effort.
I've also folded it to fit in a car trunk, back seat; taken it on trains and busses. It's pretty convenient.

 

[gerrypez]

I like the design of this folding bike. Not small enough for your space limited travel, but I'm considering it for travel to mountains.

http://www.emotoev.com/products/bicycles/mountain/ridge30/

 

[MadRhino]

Well, this one might suit your needs although it is not foldable, but I guess that it could be made so, and then fitted in a lunch box.

[youtube]tMR0LUHPWLM[/youtube]

 

[sk8norcal]

i remember the bike friday air claiming to fit carry on..

edit:
http://community.bikefriday.com/sites/default/files/AirBikeInstructionManual_0.pdf


there was another custom one using s&s coupling

edit:
http://www.sandsmachine.com/a_rod_004.htm

 

[Drunkskunk]

That bike Friday is a perfect example of the concept. If there was a way to make it fold instead of bolt together.

Those S&S connectors could be usefull on something like a Strida. 3 of those propperly placed could cut the folded size of one in half

 

[TylerDurden]

The only choice is going to be to build it my self. But designing it is the real problem.
Surely there has to be some clever way to fold or dismantel a frame to reach that size?
I figure there are enough creative people on here, someone has to have some ideas on how to make it work

Agree. Most current offerings are inadequate, IMO.

I would suggest a scheme that includes containers or bags that attach to each other to qualify and function as "one item", but also have the ability to separate for more convenient loading into small spaces.

 

[sk8norcal]

i wonder how the yikebikes are selling...

 

[USAEBIKECO]

Here is an electric folding bike that might meed your needs. You can put it in check baggage too.

http://www.velomini-usa.com

 

[sk8norcal]

voltitude
http://www.voltitude.com/discover/

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=22190

 

[sk8norcal]

[youtube]o0MfrPUNEEA[/youtube]

 

[ancientbicyclist]

I've been considering a folding bike for a long time, but so far none have met my needs.

When I need a folding bike, its always at a point were space is very limited. Like as carry on luggage, or trying to take 3 people and a bike in a miata, or trying to wedge onto the train.

I've looked around, and it seems the smallest folding bikes are the Brompton, and the Strida. But neither of those can be a carry on.

My size limit is 22" x 14" x 9", the size most airlines have for carry ons. it might be possable to reach this using 16" tires, if you are willing to unmount the tires from the rim.

And the other problem. I want it to be electric, with at least a 10mph speed and 10 miles of range.

The only choice is going to be to build it my self. But designing it is the real problem.
Surely there has to be some clever way to fold or dismantel a frame to reach that size?

I figure there are enough creative people on here, someone has to have some ideas on how to make it work

Hi Drunkskunk,

I see it has been years now since this request for a folding electric bike that can be carried aboard passenger planes either as carryon or checked baggage. Have you found an answer here on endless-sphere or anywhere else, as I have been looking for the same bike.