Mini-Farthing - the evolution of the bike is unfolding

The basic bicycle design has not changed in 120 years because it is a truly fantastic design that is stable and safe to ride. The mini-farthing has been designed to make a form of personal transport that is better suited to a modern city. Rather than just take a normal bicycle design and squash it up, our aim was to see if there was another configuration that was more suited to the task.

So, we started with a blank sheet of paper and addressed some pressing questions:

When is walking, cycling or driving less convenient for either short-distance commuting or for commuters to link with public transport? For example, factors like: speed, effort, parking, lock and leave, area that can be covered?
What are the impacts of limited personal storage space in heavily populated urban areas? Including home and office.
What are the bigger trends in urban living as they relate to personal transport? For example: increasing urbanisation, decreasing personal space, pollution, development of cycle-friendly infrastructure, increasing emphasis on using mass public transport, hostility to the car.

In the mini-farthing we have come up with a novel approach.

The key advantages of the mini-farthing design are:

It is super-small and light so it can go everywhere in a city. The light weight means it is easy to carry up/down stairs, in the store or as part of a commute. The small folded size means it is easy to tuck away on a train or bus, in a car, in an elevator, in a closet, under a desk etc.
There is no parking hassle meaning it is faster to get from point to point. And because you can just take it with you, there is less risk of theft.
The mechanics are enclosed so it is both low maintenance and clothes don’t get damaged (particularly when carrying).
It is a stable platform with emphasis on safety. The shorter wheel-base makes it very manoeuvrable, the front wheel is a decent size for bumps and curbs, the upright riding position makes it easier to see and be seen in traffic and handle-bars are no longer a hazard in an accident.

All of these features mean that a mini-farthing can often be the most convenient and fastest way to move around congested cities - particularly when combined with public transport.

The mini-farthing cycle configuration can be used for all types of drive systems, from pure electric to pedal as well as pedal assist. The mini-farthing can be made from a variety of materials, from injection moulded materials to super light carbon fibre.

Click here to see the range of possible designs. The first licensee of the mini-farthing design, YikeBike, has created a super high–end all electric version that weighs
less than 10 kg.

Powerful, super-light, performance mini-farthing
Car integrated mini-farthing
Pedal only mini-farthing
Pedal assist mini-farthing
Mass-market mini-farthing
Children’s mini-farthings
Mini-farthing highways
High speed active cruise control mini-farthing