A-Bike Folding Bicycle

Light. Not to be taken lightly...Buyer beware.

This is a cross between a Totes umbrella and a bicycle. It is good at neither carrying people safely, nor at keeping people dry in the rain.

Its top speed is about half that of conventional bikes and well below that of the Strida. It is tiresome to ride uphill, but very easy to push (at 5 kg). If it was safe, such defects would be excusable; after all, it is so small and compact and fun that it fills a void. You cannot take a Strida on a crowded bus without bothering other passengers, but this tucks away neatly.

While getting used to the bike's balance, it is fairly easy to slide off the back (as can be seen in the video comparing this bike to the Strida, here: http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVgsQt1DK4).

After about a week on the bike, I had a serious accident. The front telescoping support collapsed under me, pulling my hands and arms down. I landed on my (helmeted) head. Result: compressed vertibrae, cracked rib, a week in the hospital.

Needless to say, if such an accident happens in traffic, the result will be pat? de cycliste.

While I cannot be sure whether I secured the quick-release latch before I took the bike, I believe I did. In any event, it is relatively easy for the rider to forget to do so and still to use the bike, and a failure (such as the one I experienced) could be very, very serious.

The manufacturer issues warnings. It notes that it is necessary to tighten all bolts and fasteners. This is especially true on this bike. Like every fourth ride or so. Not to be taken lightly.