5 bikes that are bound to grab everyone's attention
European Bicycle Day (3.6.) will focus on the advantages and risks of this popular means of transport. The bicycle might have turned 200 last year, but the vehicle has taken unusual forms throughout its history.
The high wheel
Also known as the penny-farthing, it was the first machine to be called a "bicycle." Swedish architect Per-Olof Kippel developed his own high wheelers in 2013. He says most of his clients learn how to ride them within an hour. Any advantages over a normal bike? Not really – except you get to look into truckers' windows and see over hedges. And you'll stand out in a crowd.
The Kwiggle
It weighs 8.5 kilos (18.7 pounds) and is half the size of a normal folding bike.The Kwiggle claims to be the world's most compact foldable bike. It can even fit into carry-on luggage. This bike's target market is clear: commuters. The riding position is somewhat unusual – standing on the pedals – but office workers sit way too much anyway.
The Halfbike
You also stay in a standing position to ride this bicycle-skateboard hybrid. The handlebar is not used for steering; to turn, you rather need to shift your weight in a given direction. It requires balance but its wheels make it easy to maneuver. The creators of the Halfbike, Martin Angelov and Mihail Klenov, are two architects and passionate cyclists from Bulgaria's capital, Sofia.
The bed bike
This bulky model is not one that can be bought for private use, but you can book a tour on it in Berlin. A red double bed has been built onto a cycle rickshaw. Tourists visiting the city can lie down and let the bed bike rider rock them around its landmarks. An extra feature: You become one of Berlin's objects of interest as well.
The Lopifit
Should you cycle or walk? With the Dutch Lopifit, you get to do both - and you're twice as fast. You get it moving by walking on a treadmill that propels an electric motor. With it, you can pass by any cyclist by walking at a comfortable pace. The brakes are on the handlebar, but you can also simply stop walking and the Lopifit will gently come to a halt.