The Suitcase Bike: It's Real!
by Justin Thomas, Virginia 
on 04.26.07
From China comes this bike that can transform itself into a suitcase. There was some doubt whether this bike would actually be produced, but now we've heard that it's in production (see photos below) and will be available sometime later this year. A prototype of the bike was on display last week at the Canton Fair in China. The prices will probably be $399 USD. Here's a video demonstrating the bike opening and closing:
The Suitcase Bike is similar to the A-Bike and Gosha Galitsky's suitcase bike design that Warren wrote about last year.
Here's a picture of bike under production in a factory:
:: Via: Ride This Bike! (Thanks to Larry Lagarde for the tip!)
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I think this looks like a flop. It's somewhere between an A-bike (ultra-compact tires and size) and a 'regular' folder (better geometry, sturdier build... pop-off cranks? Come on.), with none of the benefits of either. The shell seems to be wasted space; if they managed to put a motor in that case, then they'd be getting somewhere. But it looks very slim, and if it weighs less than 20lbs, there might be something to it. $399 can probably buy you a better bike elsewhere.
The "Ahhhhhh" singing in that music and the hokey sound effects are awesome.
Buxwell,
The soundtrack was elite..
Justin
It looks really uncomfortable; the video should have shown someone actually riding it. The fact that the video was all animation makes me think that it's not actually rideable.
But maybe it would be ok for kids?
Challenge Bikes just announced their foldable "travel" Mistral model, with a suitcase that can transform into a trailer
http://www.challengebikes.com/html/index.php?taal=en
They should have watched more Transformer videos then perhaps they would have got the folding geometry right. Nice idea, bad execution
Oddly enough, there is a niche in the market for this type of bike because here in the UK they have banned bikes from many commuter trains (and many conducters/train managers have extended this declaration to include folding bikes). So, a bike that can "hide" inside a suitcase would be able to make it on the train, while a normal folder would get left on the platform!
okay, it is a bicycle, it's functional. but does the suitcase also work as a functional suitcase?
Looks like a bad joke to me, especially compared to an actual bike, made by an actual bicycle maker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQscBxx7wLE
I don't see why car/bike/motorcycle companies can't think outside the box a bit. A small, foldable fuel cell powered cycle would be perfect for commuters in large cities or countries with good mass transit like Japan.
Also for travel within cities.
You don't need a fast vehicle or be able to carry 4, just something small for one or two
I've read the book 'eco design' by Alastair Fuad-Luke and their is an extremely similar bike on it. This book was published about 5 years ago. The bike in question is called Skoot and is made by Skoot International. Click on the link to view patent filing
http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=1999/43538
Their website doesn't work. I presume it did in the past.
I have a feeling that Sun's bike is another example of the repeted patent infringement role played by Chinese companies. They should not be getting the media hype that they are getting. Hope someone can give some more info on the subject.
Hey ppl!
I am the guy who designed the Suitcase bike featured here about a year ago.
It is now being developed into a mass-production prototype, hopefully it wil be produced some day soon!
Nice to see this project too.
The bike you were talking about is called Skoot, i think the designer is American. I saw it on sale in New York two years ago for 200$, but now it is out of production for some reason.
There's something inherently flawed about the concept:
They are two very different utilitarian items combined to ultimately ruin their utility.
Wouldn't it have made more sense to make a bike with more innovative use of storage while not affecting it's mobility?
I suppose it would be possible to do further experimentation with product design...let's say a toothbrush-chainsaw!
Similar application of the previous concept.
It could be done...
The difference is that someone along it's road to production would have the discretion to say NO.
The bike is novel, though. Kudos.
;-)
Great idea ... but it's so ugly!! Sort of a Sponge Bob Square Pants with squatty wheels. It doesn't know what it is ... a suitcase or a bike? It looks like agony to ride. You'd be peddling like a lunatic. But good effort. Keep trying. Go back to the drawing board.
The Skoot was a british bike buitl by Vince and Vaughan Fallon from Colchester England . It retailed for around 895 GBP but was a well designed little bundle. It's similar, but not identical to this unit. It weighed about 14kg and you could put a slim briefcase into it when it was unfolded.
wouldn't it be easier to just walk?