Mygreenwheels

This has been described as the evolutionary offspring of a Segway and a penny farthing. The Yike Bike is an electric bicycle with a totally radical riding position, no exposed mechanics to snag your trouser cuffs, 'smart electronics' and a carbon fibre frame that keeps its weight down to less than 10 kg. No more chaining your bike to the nearest bollard when you reach your destination - you just zip it into its carry-case and off you go.

Yike Bike electric bike from New ZealandBiking purists are sniping at the Yike Bike's stability and the upright position, but I like the increased visibility you get with the height and the chance it gives you to jump off unimpeded in the event of a crash.

With a max speed of 20km/hr and range of 9km it's only for local commuting and makes quite a hefty purchase at US$3500-3900. So why not just ride a standard bicycle and keep fit at the same time?

Well, ask any inhabitant of Edinburgh, San Francisco or other hilly cities and they'll tell you how exhausting it can be to puff your way around on a pedal bike.

If you really can't be bothered moving around under your own steam you could always try this daffy device from Honda. This article asks "Ever wished you could zip down the street on a self-balancing electric unicycle?" I wonder if they really expected anyone to think "Why??? That's so me!"

Another Segway love child, Honda's U3-X only manages 3.7 MPH, so it's no use for urban users. In its wisdom the company suggests that it would be handy for elderly people to use around the home. I can just see Japanese grannies trundling out of their front doors and down the road on the U3-X in their jammies when they only meant to use the unicycle to get to the toilet.