Since their invention in the early 19th century, bicycles really haven’t been much more than two wheels and some metal tubing – but like everything these days, they’re getting a lot more complicated. Today’s cutting-edge bike designs transform the way you ride with electric motors, onboard computers, turn signals and designs that fold and unfold in surprising ways. Here are 15 fierce and fascinating bike designs and concepts.
Fliz Bike Fits Like a Harness
(images via: psfk)
This bicycle has no seat… and no pedals. So how do you ride it? Technically, you don’t – it rides you, as you run. The Fliz fits like a harness over your body with straps that secure it to your shoulders, rib cage and waist. You run to gain momentum, and then place your feet on special treads near the rear wheels to coast along.
Ridenpush Bike/Cart Combo
(images via: design boom)
Got a lot of stuff to transport? You can still ride your bike – if you’re able to get your hands on this awesome concept bike/cart combo from Seoul, South Korea-based designer You Ho Jeon. You ride the bike when navigating flat surfaces or going downhill, and when it’s time to face a hill, you simply collapse the front wheel to turn your bike into a cart. Imagine if stores allowed you to bring this thing inside – you could use it as your shopping cart, and just pop it back out into a bicycle when you’re done.
Transforming Chainless CERV Concept Bike
(images via: priority designs)
Adjustable bikes just make sense. This concept, the CERV, dynamically adjusts the position of the seat and handlebars based on the terrain, allowing you to get low to reduce your wind resistance or place more leverage on the crank to get uphill. All of the movements take place automatically while riding, so you never even have to pause.
A-Bike Folds Up Almost Flat
(images via: daka design)
The lightest bicycle in its class, Daka Design’s A-Bike weights just 12 pounds and takes just 10 seconds to fold and unfold. When closed, the bike barely takes up any room at all, making it ideal for carrying onto public transit or storing in small urban living spaces.
Jetson E-Bike
(images via: jetson bike)
The Jetson E-bike brings Vespa-like visual flair to the world of electric bicycles. Starting at $1,799, the E-Bike can go up to 20 miles per hour and has a 40-mile range per charge. It takes about four hours to charge on a standard 110V electrical outlet, and you don’t have to plug the whole bike in – you simply remove the battery.
Slick Black Demon Downhill Bicycle
(images via: yanko design)
Inspired by the classic Ridley Scott film Alien, the Demon Downhill Bicycle has a sleek and shiny black body in place of a traditional tubular frame, increasing its strength and making it look a lot more interesting.
World’s Tiniest Bike Fits in a Backpack
(image via: inhabitat)
This bicycle looks like a toy, and yet the video speaks for itself – it’s fully functional. Barely larger than the man’s shoes, the bike could fit into his pocket.
Smartphone Bike Charges Your iPhone as You Ride
(images via: designjoo)
Not only does the EcoDrive bike have integrated lights and turn signals, making riding a bike a whole lot safer for everyone on the roads, but it has a little niche for your smartphone – and it’ll charge it as you ride. Its placement just below the handlebars makes it easy for you to use its navigation capabilities without putting yourself in danger.
G2 – Greencycle
(image via: yanko design)
Made from renewable, bamboo-based composite materials, the G2 Greencycle has an extra wheel for stability when carrying heavy loads, and accommodates a wheelbarrow-like attachment that makes it easier to transport cargo. It even has a detachable passenger seat that can be used as an attachment point or to hang a basket. And when you want to ride it like a regular bike, the two back wheels come together like one.
Curvy Hidemax Cycle
(image via: yanko design)
The tubular steel frame most often seen on bicycles is replaced in the Hidemax by a curving, ribbon-like frame that enhances speed, looks, comfort, resistance and durability. The saddle of the bike can be adjust to left/right, and the handlebars go up and down. included in the design are twin shock absorbers on the back, to reduce bumps.
Marrs Cycles M-1 Hot Rod Bike
(images via: dvice)
So you want a bike, but you’re more of a hog enthusiast? Get both in the form of the M-1 electric bike from Marrs Cycles. Inspired by hot rods, it’s got a low, heavy frame and a mixture of high-end motorcycle, bicycle and custom-made parts. The smallest lithium battery pack option can carry a 175-pound rider up to 20 miles on one charge without pedaling.
Boda Boda Cargo Cruiser
(images vía: boda boda bike)
Now here’s a well-designed bicycle that’s not just a concept, but actually available for purchase – and affordable for most bike consumers. The Boda Boda Cargo Cruiser has an integrated rear rack and handles for carrying passengers or cargo and weighs just 35 pounds. It even has a hand hold for easy carrying up stairs.
Foldable Carrier Bike
(image via: design buzz)
It’s hard to decide whether the biggest perk of the Carrier Bike from Korean designer Shin Hyung Sub Shin is the fact that it folds up so small, or that it can carry a large amount of cargo while doing so. Two spokeless wheels fold into the round body, which contains a storage compartment. When folded flat, the handle bar can be used as a carrier handle to push your stuff around.
Sideways Bike by Michael Killan
(image via: sidewaysbike.com)
Why ride a bike sideways? Let inventor Michael Killan describe his motivations for creating the Sideways Bike in his own words: “The sideways bike is a two wheel steering bicycle with independently steerable wheels that travels sideways. This steering arrangement affords a unique and distinct motion that is both entertaining and graceful; much like the motion of a snowboard. the sideways bike is an instrument of fun and play and is best suited for children from age 7 and up. The sideways bike is recognizably a bicycle, but it is recognizably different.”
Aston Martin One-77 Bike Costs $39,000
(images via: jalopnik)
Based on looks – and price tag – alone, this is a bicycle worthy of James Bond. But it’s too bad that for $39,000, Aston Martin’s One-77 Bicycle doesn’t have any crazy gadgets incorporated into it. t does, however,r have an on-board computer that will tell you such things as how much power your left leg is producing. Only 77 of the bikes that were built.

