By Scott Kramer
I can understand the attraction of a fold-up bike. In its smallest footprint, it can store easily in a small apartment or office, pack into in an RV for a camping journey, be carried onto a commuter train to get to and from work, or be easily transported in a car trunk to a more convenient bike-riding location. It’s all about the portability.
And that’s why I really looked forward to trying the Vika+ folding electric bike from four-year-old company Blix. It’s a cool concept. The 49-pound bike has fold-up pedals, handlebars and frame — reducing its footprint to about half of its regular size. The manufacturer says that it folds to 34” x 27” x 20”. Folding and unfolding it are rather quick and simple processes — the frame simply requires a latch to be unhinged. No tools required. When the folding is complete, strong magnets hold the front and rear sections together, allowing you to easily carry.
And as an e-bike, it doesn’t lack any features or power. The Vika+ travels at a listed top speed of 18 miles per hour, although I was able to exceed that going downhill. Its lithium-ion battery gets up to 55 miles per charge — its range of course depends on the terrain and if you’re riding into a headwind. The seven-speed unit can ride in four pedal assist modes (or with pedal assist off) or with a thumb throttle. It comes equipped with a nice-and-quiet 350W rear-hub motor; LCD display showing off speed, range, trip meter and odometer; V-brakes; back and head lights; and Shimano Acera gears. The leather seats and handlebars are comfortable and upscale.
Now where I think it’s a little funky — maybe I’m just not used to it — are that the tires are relatively small at 20” wheel sizes. That’s in part so that the bike can be folded up so small. When I first took Vika+ out, I felt the need to pedal it twice as much. I’m guessing that was all in my head, because of the smaller tires that I’m not used to. My friend took it out for a spin and felt the same way. Regardless, acceleration and deceleration were very smooth and easy — as was the ride. And maneuvering was responsive. It was just all an adjustment from the full-size bike I’m used to riding.
Going uphill into the wind was a bit of a struggle for the Vika+. On a steep hill I usually take, my own e-bike up throttles at 10 mph. The Vika+ topped out at a noticeably slightly-slower speed. That said, when I took the Vika+ to our local downtown area that’s about six mildly hilly miles from the house, it handled like a pro — much smoother than my own model. That may be because its battery compartment is centrally located in the low-step frame, for a low center of gravity and stable experience.
I think it would take a short time riding Vika+ to get used to its smaller size. But folding it up for storage in my overstuffed garage is something I could like immediately.
Scott Kramer is veteran, Southern California-based writer primarily versed in golf and personal technology. Studying Computer Sciences in college, and then working as a programmer/software engineer for about a decade, triggered my passion for today’s high-end, high-tech gadgets. I can’t help myself whenever I see any kind of cool new personal technology. I feel compelled to further check it out and see what it’s all about. And even if I have no use for it personally, I’m always thinking who it might best suit. There are exciting new innovations emerging daily that are shaping the future and simplifying life. And I hope to be your eyes to that world, through the words of this column.