Last month, we introduced you to the eniCycle: electric unicycle for lazy circus clowns; today we want to show you the YikeBike: high wheel bicycle of the 21st century. And we are very serious about it: the YikeBike has been released at EUROBIKE on September 2, 2009 and this is a radical electric bicycle that just weighs 9.8 kilograms and folds to 67×56×12 cm to fit in a backpack. And it definitely looks like a high wheel bicycle from the Victorian era (the front wheel was huge in comparison to the back wheel).

An extract from the 'About' Section from the YikeBike Website:

YikeBike is a statement about using smart technology to solve the problems of our increasingly congested, polluted, stressful cities. It is the first commercial expression of the mini-farthing concept, created up by a bunch of successful entrepreneurs, engineers and dreamers [...] We were intrigued by creating something that could dramatically change urban transport, enabling city dwellers a fast, safe and easy way to navigate their environment. The result was the mini-farthing concept and its first expression, the YikeBike. It employs state-of-the-art technology, engineering and industrial design to create a new class of personal transport.

With a 9-10 km range, the YikeBike is capable of reaching a top speed of 20km/hr, seat is leather super comfort, weight is 9.8 kg (21 lbs), it uses a high power brushless electric motor (1.2 kW, 30min re-charge, battery: LiFePO4 - fast charge); it's a zero emission bike. Price is between €3,500 and €3,900 ($5100 and $5700) but big guys (and girls) be aware: the YikeBike only support your weight up to 100 kg.

Grant Ryan, YikeBike founder, can be proud of his electric bike. But we are torn between the eniCycle impressive one-wheel and this modern high wheel bicycle look-a-like. Let's have a look at the video below and let us know your preference: