The popularity of electric bikes is increasing due to growing urbanization and growing traffic-related problems. Many brands have come up with their electric bicycle models so far, and some bike-sharing companies are starting to use electric bikes instead of regular bikes. The growth of shared sidewalk based personal mobility systems can lead to a certain amount of effective personal mobility, but also many clogged sidewalks, injured cyclists and pedestrians, and questionable business models.
There are also other less dangerous and annoying solutions to the problem of the last kilometer. The latest one is the foldable electric bikes that have been under development at the University of Tokyo. It is called Poimo (POrtable and Inflatable MObility), which can be inflated using an air pump into a comfortable mobility system and deflated when you arrive at your destination.
Interestingly, they are small and compact, so they can even be stored in a user’s backpack. Poimo is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material and can be limited to bicycle use only. According to IEEE Spectrum, it takes just over a minute to inflate Poimo to an optimal operating pressure – the one that guarantees a stable and comfortable seat – to 40 or 50 kPa (6 or 7 psi).
Once complete, the user must install the main components such as wheels, a wireless controller integrated into the handlebar, brushless motors, and even batteries. The overall weight of this Poimo is 5.5 kg. The inflated structure is only 2.3 kg and maybe light in the future.
The creators of this bike share, more and more people will be using this foldable e-bike. Poimo has already been tested in Japan and received a positive response. When this prototype phase is over, Poimo will be cheaper, more modular, easier to carry, and more widely used. Further studies are also needed to determine both social feasibility and prices.
