Ultimate bicycle inflates its own tyres

A new type of bicycle does away with the need for a pump, a lock and even the need to pedal, but the labour-saving features come at a high price – the new Boardman road bike costs £500,000.

The futuristic-looking machine is made from lightweight carbon fibre and features puncture-proof, self-inflating tyres, a battery motor and sound system powered by solar panels and an in-built lock and cycle computer.

The bicycle is designed by former racing cyclist, Chris Boardman, who won a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics.

Mr Boardman estimates that a production model would sell for around £2,000, but predicts it may take up to 20 years for people to become comfortable with such a radical-looking design.

‘Unbreakable’ cycle lock

The bicycle’s in-built locking device is described as “unbreakable” and replaces the need for a key with fingerprint recognition technology.

The more valuable the bike the more effort that a thief is likely to invest in stealing it. No matter the standard of the lock, bicycles remain vulnerable to theft. There is no substitute for cycle insurance , the best examples of which now include at no extra cost new-for-old replacement, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover, breakdown for you and your bike and race event cover. Compare what you are paying with a quote.

The future bicycle

The bicycle has undergone remarkably little change since the Safety bicycle of 1885. Individual components are now lighter and there is a choice of styles top choose from, but the 1885 bike would not look as out of place on the road as a Ford Model T car.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The bicycle is an object of such exquisite simplicity and efficiency that there is perhaps no room for further development. The Boardman bicycle is likely to suffer the fate of most other type of concept vehicle, with slim chance of it going into production.”