The Helix is a Folding Bicycle, invented by Toronto's Peter Boutakis, that is claimed to fold smaller than any other bike, thanks partly to its jazzy lightweight titanium frame.
The Helix pivots on helical hinges, while its two 24-inch wheels fold in against either side of the single-piece frame. When the handlebars are folded down, the seat lowered and the pedals flipped inwards, the end result is a folded package that measures just 23 x 25 x 9 inches. Incredibly, the wheels still turn when the bike is folded, making it easy to be carted along like a piece of wheeled luggage. At 21 pounds, the Helix is also among the lightest folding bicycles around.
The Helix folding bicycle is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, with a pledge of $1,199 getting you one.
Helical Folding Bicycles
The Helix Bike Folds Smaller Than Any Other Folding Bike
Trend Themes
1. Lightweight Folding Bicycles - The trend of lightweight folding bicycles offers an opportunity for innovative designs and materials to create smaller and more portable options.
2. Compact Folding Mechanisms - The trend of compact folding mechanisms in bicycles presents an opportunity for engineers to develop innovative folding systems that can reduce the size of folded bikes even further.
3. Functional Foldable Designs - The trend of functional foldable bicycle designs opens up opportunities for designers to create bikes that are not only foldable but also offer practical features and functionality.
Industry Implications
1. Bicycle Manufacturing - The bicycle manufacturing industry can benefit from these trends by investing in research and development to create cutting-edge folding bicycles that are lightweight, compact, and versatile.
2. Materials Engineering - The materials engineering industry can explore new lightweight and durable materials to enhance the design of folding bicycles and improve their functionality.
3. Travel and Transportation - The travel and transportation industry can embrace the trend of compact and portable folding bicycles as a sustainable and convenient mode of transportation for cities and urban areas.