【2019 Archives】

019 Archivesmain problem with last-mile transportation options like scooters and bikes is, they're still really cumbersome to lug around even if they fold down.

Manufacturers are certainly pushing those boundaries. The Cubike is a crowdfunded foldable electric kickscooter that collapses into really small package.

I mean, really small.

Made by a Shanghai-based spinoff of an industrial electronics firm, the Cubike is a 6.8kg (15 lbs) scooter that is capable of going at 30 km/h (18 mph).

Best of all, the bike folds down into a compact size roughly about an A4 sheet of paper in width. That means it can go into small lockers or get carried around without getting in the way.

The little bike comes with several trimmings, such as a small grid of LED headlights in the front, and fairly decent four-inch treaded tires.

Cubike claims it's capable of around five hours of use, or to cover about 40km (24 miles) on a single charge. The bike charges from empty to full in about four hours.

The bike had raised 267209 yuan ($40,317) in January on a Chinese crowdfunding platform, more than double of its goal.

It's unclear how sturdy riding the bike is, although you probably shouldn't expect too much from something that prioritises a slim profile. Still, an early review online notes that the scooter is reasonably solid, with two wheels at the back to help with balance, and can carry up to a 100kg (220 pounds) load.

The company is now taking orders on its website, although it's just for domestic users for now.

It hits the market at just 2988 yuan ($450), so get ready to buy one when it reaches bigger ecommerce sites like Taobao or Aliexpress.

Hopefully, you'll also be able to buy these goofy handcovers, when it does.