MobiBike - a Biofuel Assist Bicycle
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 01.11.07
Tipster Peter S. was equally bemused by our mention of the petroleum powered bicycle jetpack. So much so, he thought one good turn deserved another. Thus we’ve now discovered the MobiBke. Take one foldable full performance Dahon ZeroG mountain bike (13.8 kg or 30.4 lbs.) Strap on a Subaru 4 stoke 33.5cc micro-motor. Fill the tank with E85 blended bio-ethanol and you are take your transport woes for a 240 km or 150 mile ride before refueling. If E85 is not available at your destination consider your options. 1)Take 15 mins to convert the motor to accept standard petrol (gasoline). 2) easily remove the motor (3.5 kg or 8 lb) and you’ve reverted to purely pedal powered propulsion or 3) Fold the bike up and catch a taxi or train home. Mobisurf, the distributors of this curious vehicle aren’t proffering it as the answer to all our eco-transport needs, in fact they are refreshingly honest regarding what it can and can’t do. But at least they put the thinking cap on, followed by the action gloves, and for that alone they deserve credit. Basic model is €1,800, with a plethora of accessories available, including a surfboard rack! ::MobiBike. Thanks Peter.
Or, just buy a good touring bike for ~€800 and use the rest of the money to buy bananas. Oh, and the photos above don't show where the engine is when you fold it. What, do you haul it around in a bowling ball bag?
If Mobisurf really had their thinking caps on, why are there no damned fenders on this thing? Why no headlight(s)?
I hate being such a curmudgeon when it comes to power-assist bikes, but all of them are just such poorly thought-out compared to well-engineered and assembled regular bicycles.
This seems pointless.
Why can't we just all pedal?
My bike runs on Captain Crunch and orange juice. Now that's biofuel!