Does anyone know if this is legally a bicycle?

[almostvegancyclist]

lol - so true

Rightly or wrongly every time I see a grown man on something like this I can't help but think "bellend" - surely an actual bike would be a far more efficient way to travel...?

I'm intrigued by this "kickbike". There's a video on Youtube of someone "kicking" across Sweden on one of these. That not what I'd use it for, but efficiency doesn't matter if you're not going far.

 

[almostvegancyclist]

Hoping OP has an answer, just out of academic interest (as I won't be getting one) what are these classed as (eg per Highway Code/regulations/etc.):

ElliptiGO® https://www.elliptigo.com/bike-family/#sec-elliptical-bikes​

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I think I saw one in this year's LEL. Definitely a bike.

 

[Psamathe]

I think I saw one in this year's LEL. Definitely a bike.

Few years ago I came across several in a group when cycle touring in France. Group of 3 US diplomats based in France. Using hotels and wives in cars carrying luggage between overnight hotels. Stopped and chatted. Found the idea interesting but I've never been a runner so doubt I'd get on well with one for any distance.

I'm not fast on my camping gear laden bike (DF upright that tour) and one of group a lot faster than I was, another a bit faster and one same or slower than I was so I assume a lot depends on rider fitness/stamina.

nb I hope OP feels their question answered as I feel I've somewhat taken thread off on a tangent. Sorry.

 

[Ian H]

There was one ridden in a Paris-Brest-Paris, either 99 or 2003, I think. Subsequently ACP changed the rules to require a chain-drive.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have recently given my Kickbike away to a neighbour so his dog can pull him , while he kicks.

 

[Drago]

I have recently given my Kickbike away to a neighbour so his dog can pull him , while he kicks.

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You'd need a steady aim to hit that urinal.

 

[Punkawallah]

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I'm curious if this is legally not a bicycle so can be "ridden" on pavements??

In the UK, a bicycle has to be ‘two-wheeled, human powered, by pedals’. So no.
However, while ‘pavements’ along the side of roads are apparently part of the road (hedge-to-hedge), and so using such for ‘carriages’ (bicycles and prams) is fine, ‘foot paths’ not attached to roads are for pedestrians only unless designated ‘dual use’.
Phew.

 

[almostvegancyclist]

However, while ‘pavements’ along the side of roads are apparently part of the road (hedge-to-hedge), and so using such for ‘carriages’ (bicycles and prams) is fine, ‘foot paths’ not attached to roads are for pedestrians only unless designated ‘dual use’.
Phew.

I haven't heard this before. Are you saying there's a special class of pavements you're allowed to cycle on?

 

[wafter]

I don't think I've ever seen anyone on one of those. I know they exist, and I've read about them - but I don't recall ever seeing one.

Yes I've seen plenty of the small wheel ones but I'm not sure I've seen one like the one illustrated.

Same here; I was referring generally to "adults" on scooters in general. If one must use one on the path I guess the smaller ones are a bit less antisocial.

Not sure what it is; no issue with skateboards, longboards, roller skates, whatever permutation of bike (dodgy ebikes notwithstanding, obviously) but seeing a grown up on a scooter instantly removes any respect I might have for them. Perhaps because the action of operating one is so tied in my mind to the behaviour of toddlers...?

Each to their own and all that but I suppose it's similar to seeing grown folks immersing themselves in other child-focussed interests (Harry Potter, Pokemon etc) - IMO screaming "I never grew up really isn't a good look; even though some of us might still feel like that inside.

 

[wafter]

I'm intrigued by this "kickbike". There's a video on Youtube of someone "kicking" across Sweden on one of these. That not what I'd use it for, but efficiency doesn't matter if you're not going far.

Yeah, sod that

Does make me wonder how much faster / more practical they actually are in real-world settings compared to just walking. I expect a proper bike pretty much blows them into the weeds in every respect under most conditions.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Yeah, sod that

Does make me wonder how much faster / more practical they actually are in real-world settings compared to just walking. I expect a proper bike pretty much blows them into the weeds in every respect under most conditions.

I always thought that the original small wheeled scooter from a while ago - which folded up and has a strap to carry it easily over your shoulder

was a great commuting idea for the trip to the train station/bus stop and the the same onto the office
and small enough to just have under your desk

and I remember an original one that was marketed for just that

but then it became a kids thing for the extra sales and that was the end of that looking sensible!

it was a very yuppie thing anyway


we actually have one in the shed - found it when I moved in - the previous people had left it behind!

 

[Punkawallah]

I haven't heard this before. Are you saying there's a special class of pavements you're allowed to cycle on?

Neither have I :-)
Being a curious soul, I looked up the definition of a bicycle, and the definition of a footpath. It seems a footpath has a definition, which is different from a pavement. A pavement is the paved area at the side of a road. A road extends from ‘hedge to hedge’. A ‘pavement’ is part of the road, but you cannot drive on the pavement (Highways Act 1835), but you can cycle on it at the discretion of the police, even though it is illegal under the Highways Act. But prams can use the pavement, because they are not defined as a ‘carriage’. Hope that’s clear :-)
A ‘footpath’, however, can not be cycled on - I assume this means keep your bike on the bridle way.

 

[steveindenmark]

lol - so true

Rightly or wrongly every time I see a grown man on something like this I can't help but think "bellend" - surely an actual bike would be a far more efficient way to travel...?

There is the opinion of a man who has never tried it. Of course a bike is a more efficient option. But thats easy.
50km on a kickbike is a challenge. But I know guys who completed the TDF course on Kickbikes. There are times in winter when it is snowy and icy, when I am the only one out riding.

 

[almostvegancyclist]

There is the opinion of a man who has never tried it. Of course a bike is a more efficient option. But thats easy.
50km on a kickbike is a challenge. But I know guys who completed the TDF course on Kickbikes. There are times in winter when it is snowy and icy, when I am the only one out riding.

I can see a foldable version of this (which there are some) with 16 or 20 inch wheels being actually practical for mixed mode commuting, shopping etc. (jumping on the bus, trams). Hence why I asked if I can use it on pavements, which would make this very flexible. Road when it's quiet then back on the pavement if that's a better option then hop on the bus, tube etc

 

[classic33]

The company behind them call them scooters.
In the case of one, they called them scooters. They went into liquidation earlier this year.