Innovation is a fabulous thing which most of us bikers are very grateful for, but you do have to wonder why some weren’t gently laid to rest early on. Here are two new invention stories from Bikebiz.co.uk – can you spot the goer?

Fed up with all that one-legged, shoe-wearing scooting? Alan Naylor has the answer. The Scoobike is a scooter with the running board ripped off and replaced by his own (no really) aftermarket treadle and chain kit to drive the rear wheel. You have the option of one treadle or two, and Alan even claims it’ll work on a micro scooter. “However, they are not designed for speed and it would defeat the object,” Naylor told Bikebiz.

He continued; “Everyone who has seen the Scoobike in operation are most impressed with its versatility and thoroughly enjoy riding it. However, after repeatedly approaching manufacturers I don’t seem to be getting through to them that this can become the latest craze if just given the chance.” We have to say we’re not surprised about lack of big company interest, but we wish Alan the best of luck with his cunning invention. For more info contact: [email protected].

Our other favourite type of invention is the one that “will revolutionise cycle design, rendering everything else obsolete in ten years time”, if only for the mental picture of a bald bloke sat in front of a huge TV screen stroking a big fluffy white cat.
Dahon are the latest company bent – or should that be bendy – on world domination of not only bike, but also motorbike and scooter suspension. The world’s biggest folding bike manufacturers are about to publish a ‘scientific paper’ on their new VAX system, while bikes will debut at the Taipei show. Here’s more from Bikebiz;

“According to Dahon’s Joshua Hon, VAX – it stands for virtual axis – features a pivotless design that can deliver almost any amount of travel; is lighter in weight than traditional suspension systems; has superior torsional rigidity; zero friction, zero stiction and zero maintenance.”

It certainly sounds good but we’re erring on the too good to be true side of cynical until we see what they debut in Taiwan.

We’ll let you know more on either project as soon as possible, and are fully prepared to eat our low maintenance, zero friction, torsionally rigid hats if we’re all riding round on VAX suspended treadle scooters in a few years time.