Transport design company Kolelinia has launched an updated version of its Halfbike – a three-wheeled vehicle similar to a pedal-powered Segway (+ movie).
Kolelinia founders Martin Angelov and Mihail Klenov unveiled the first low-tech version of the Halfbike last year and have now launched a new iteration with a curved aluminium frame on Kickstarter.
Halfbike II users stand up while pedalling, shifting their bodyweight left or right to change direction while holding a vertical handle.
The aim is to improve the rider's balance, while offering a fun way to navigate city streets.
"We set out to create a vehicle that awakens your natural instinct to move," Kolelinia co-founder Mihail Klenov told Dezeen, "a vehicle that trains your balance and reflexes in a new way."
The Halfbike II has a curved aluminium base frame, rather than the chevron-shaped support of its predecessor. The frame connects a plywood handlebar, large front wheel, pedals, a cog and chain mechanism, and two smaller rear wheels.
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As another change from the previous design, the handlebar now sits above the front wheel rather that connecting to a frame at the cog axis. It is now also available as an all-black model.
To drive the Halfbike, the rider holds on to the fixed-height handlebar for balance while pedalling and steers by leaning into corners.
By shifting bodyweight, the user alters the balance between the front and rear axles, resulting in a change of direction.
"The standing rider position is very close to walking," explained Klenov. "It allows the rider to control the Halfbike using his or her whole body instead of just the hands like on a bicycle."
"Furthermore, the spine stays straight and the chest is not constrained between your hands like it is on a bike, which makes using the full capacity of your lungs easier," he said.
The pedals are connected to a large front wheel by a chain that converts power into forward momentum, while two smaller wheels at its rear provide stability.
Springs fixed to a rod connecting the rear wheels and the main frame cushion the rider from bumps in the road.
The handlebar can also be folded down to rest on the front wheel when not in use, making the vehicle easier to store. A handle located beside the hinge allows the bike to be pulled along on its rear wheels like a travel suitcase.
"Collapsing it down can be done in a matter of seconds," said Klenov. "That's quite handy if you need to take it on a bus, put it in the trunk of your car or under your desk at work. Basically, a Halfbike would fit into most spaces too small for a regular bike."
Halfbike II has already reached its funding goal of $50,000 (£33,000) on Kickstarter, raising $95,000 (£65,000) so far. Shipping to customers will begin in July 2015.