GI Flybike
Gi FlyBike is a foldable electric bicycle that launched its successful crowdfunding campaign in 2015.[1] It can reach up to 20 mph on its full electric assistance.[2] Crafted from recyclable aircraft grade aluminum alloy, the bicycle is currently being manufactured with an estimated global delivery date on December 2016.
The GI Fybike is manufactured by Bignay Inc., a developing company based in New York City. Lucas Toledo, Agustín Augustinoy and Eric Sevillia are its co-founders.
Features
Gi FlyBike's features make the bike a sustainable, technologically-advanced and–perhaps most importantly–practical commuting option. Each of the following features are rooted in one simple question: how can a bicycle improve urban commuting?
- FlyFolding System: Folds in one single second, and in one simple motion.
- Electric Flight Assistance: Rides 40 miles (60 km) on a single LifePo4 battery charge.
- GPS System: Syncs wirelessly with iOS and Android.
- Solid, Anti-Puncture Tires: No more flats.
- Belt Drive: Maintenance free riding. No grease. No noise. Your pants are safe.
- USB Phone Charger: Stays connected and never runs out of battery.
- Smart Locking System: Locks automatically when you are 10 feet (5 meters) away.
- LED Smart Lights: Controlled remotely and automatically with the app.
- Sharing Program: Create a personal profile and share your Gi FlyBike with friends.
Gi FlyBike Mobile Application
The Gi FlyBike Mobile Application allows for full control of all the bike’s features including its electric assistance, GPS system, smart lock, and smart lights. On top of that, it has its own bike sharing program: loan your Gi FlyBike to a friend with a secure request access code; share your favorite routes over social media; and track your personal fitness statistics. The App was developed by both Bignay Inc and Santex, a global software engineering company.
History
While living and working in Argentina, the Founder’s of Gi FlyBike experienced a national strike paralyzed public transportation across the country. The strike inspired the Founders to delve into the kinds of problems commuters face, and to critically examine alternative forms of transportation.
During and even after the strike, we noticed that commuters wanted the kind of independence that is incompatible with public transit; they also wanted agility that cars cannot offer, with as little environmental impact as possible. This has been the inspiration behind the design of Gi FlyBike.
Further reading
- CNET: Electric boost puts e-bikes on the fast track
- Business Insider: The 5 most innovative electric bikes in the world
- Forbes: Gi FlyBike: A sleek, folding electric bike designed to improve your city commute
- Fast Company Design: This folding electric bike tries to include any feature bike commuters might want
- TechCrunch: The Gi Bike Is Electric Foldable And Looks Like The Future
- Gizmag: Gi Bike: The electric folding smart bike
- Inhabitat: Folding electric Gi Bike charges your cell phone and fits in any apartment
- Evening Standard: A new breed of ebikes are changing the way we commute and charging our smartphones at the same time
- Coolest Gadgets: Gi FlyBike electric folding bike
- Design:GI BIKE: SMART. LIGHT. CHIC.
- BritCo: Behold the world’s first keyless, foldable, app-connected bike!
- Architectural Digest: Kickstarter campaign to fund the first electric bike that folds in one second
- Uncrate: Unabashedly urban-minded, the Gi FlyBike is an ideal cruiser for city streets.