A folding electric bicycle that was designed to work in tandem with a new generation of Routemaster bus may yet give big brands like Dahon and Brompton a run for their money.
The competition to re-design the Routemaster may have closed, but Gabriel Wartofsky’s e-bike can be used in tandem with any type of bus.
The idea enables doorstep-to-destination journeys by transforming bus stops into docking/recharging stations for electric folding bikes.
In theory, privately-owned e-bikes could operates alongside those that were part of a mass cycle hire scheme – like an electric version of London’s Boris Bikes.
Sales of folding bikes in urban areas continue to boom because they are easy to store, can be carried on trains and are eligible for a 40 per cent saving on cycle insurance premiums policy
| Bus and bike | Inter-modal e-bike |
|---|---|
| The e-bike owes its sleek appearance to its front hub-mounted electric motor, hidden batteries, shaft drive and discreet hinges. | |
| The Routemaster designed to work in conjunction with the e-bikes |  |
Buying a folding bike – how much should I spend?
Folding bikes can seem expensive, but as with so many other things it can be false economy to go for the cheapest models. Brompton have the neatest folding mechanism and Dahons boast 20” inch wheel that offers a stable ride, but much of what separates the major brands comes down to personal preference. Good quality folding bikes keep their value, but it’s possible to save hundreds of pounds by scouring eBay for shops clearing stock. Finally, lightweight folding bikes with titanium frames are rarely worth the extra money.
Great value insurance for folding bikes
Cycle insurance from the ETA offers a 40 per cent discount for folding bicycles of all kinds. Every policy includes new-for-old replacement and accidental damage, £1m third party insurance, personal accident cover and worldwide cover.
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