Cycling

Are these bike designs the future of cycling?

Concept designs, a trike with a roof and even a flying bike. The future is here.
9.15am, 5 Jan 2014
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BETWEEN COMPANIES LIKE Tesla and ZipCar and any number of other transportation-related startups, the way we get from A to B is changing.

But the bicycle is still around, and it only takes a quick walk around most major cities to see that it’s thriving.

Of course it’s come a long way since the iconic penny farthing – the old-timey bike with a huge front wheel – but a number of designers are at work to teach our pedal-powered friends some new tricks.

Newer, better bikes are being conceived all the time. Electric motors for expanded range, windshields for comfort, maybe even make it a foldable design for easy transport.

Let’s take a look at the future of pedal-powered transportation.

Are these bike designs the future of cycling?
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  • Concept bike designs

    This electric bike was designed by Audi as part of the Worthersee Tour, a big car event in Austria. It combines an electric motor with your own pedal power. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/concept-bicycle-designs-2013-11?op=1#ixzz2lefO2mtM

  • Concept bike designs

    This heavy-duty trike looks ready for some off-road rides – three wheels instead of two make for a more stable ride. It even folds down small for carrying it around.

  • Concept bike designs

    This recumbent design, called a City Speeder, might carry you to the office. It keeps your legs dry in bad weather and has a storage compartment in rear. Designed by Roel Verhagen Kaptein, it's unfortunately not due for production any time soon.

  • Concept bike designs

    Maybe you want to forgo pedals entirely. This design, called FLIZ, works like the Flintstones' car – by pushing it along with your feet.

  • Concept bike designs

    For those who want a full-size bike that still keeps a folding design, you'll want to take a look at this design by Samantha Kay Schulz. Despite the standard size, it too folds up for portability's sake.

  • Concept bike designs

    How about a bike that doesn't have a rear hub? Designs like this will be adapted to carry luggage where the hub used to be. By storing things below the bike's center of gravity like this, it makes for a much safer and steadier ride.

  • Concept bike designs

    If you'd rather not touch the ground, the Paravelo is a bicycle that flies with help from a giant fan and parasail. It was unsuccessful in meeting its Kickstarter goal, but is regrouping and staying at it.

  • Concept bike designs

    This stylish set of wheels by Peugeot includea an electric motor. It's called the Hybrid AE21, and it's on its way to production.

  • Concept bike designs

    If you want something built for speed, check out Ilya Vostrikov's design. It's a reimagining of a bike by Specialized called TT, and the dropped handlebars keep your body in a position optimized for speed.

  • Concept bike designs

    A British industrial design student designed this – a recumbent trike with a windshield, far more and comfortable for a longer commute.
  • This electric bike was designed by Audi as part of the Worthersee Tour, a big car event in Austria. It combines an electric motor with your own pedal power. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/concept-bicycle-designs-2013-11?op=1#ixzz2lefO2mtM
  • This heavy-duty trike looks ready for some off-road rides – three wheels instead of two make for a more stable ride. It even folds down small for carrying it around.
  • This recumbent design, called a City Speeder, might carry you to the office. It keeps your legs dry in bad weather and has a storage compartment in rear. Designed by Roel Verhagen Kaptein, it's unfortunately not due for production any time soon.
  • Maybe you want to forgo pedals entirely. This design, called FLIZ, works like the Flintstones' car – by pushing it along with your feet.
  • For those who want a full-size bike that still keeps a folding design, you'll want to take a look at this design by Samantha Kay Schulz. Despite the standard size, it too folds up for portability's sake.
  • How about a bike that doesn't have a rear hub? Designs like this will be adapted to carry luggage where the hub used to be. By storing things below the bike's center of gravity like this, it makes for a much safer and steadier ride.
  • If you'd rather not touch the ground, the Paravelo is a bicycle that flies with help from a giant fan and parasail. It was unsuccessful in meeting its Kickstarter goal, but is regrouping and staying at it.
  • This stylish set of wheels by Peugeot includea an electric motor. It's called the Hybrid AE21, and it's on its way to production.
  • If you want something built for speed, check out Ilya Vostrikov's design. It's a reimagining of a bike by Specialized called TT, and the dropped handlebars keep your body in a position optimized for speed.
  • A British industrial design student designed this – a recumbent trike with a windshield, far more and comfortable for a longer commute.

Read: Is this the best cycling invention ever? The invisible bike helmet is here

Read: Real life hero confronts bike thief and wins

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