‘Halfbike’ Can Be Shipped From Bulgaria, Goes Up To 40km/h & Supports Weight Of 100kg
Cycling is a popular activity in Singapore, judging from the number of cyclists on our roads.
It’s also one of the public activities that you take part in without a mask, so it’s just getting more popular.
One of the drawbacks of cycling for some, though, is the butt pain that can result.
Cyclists with such issues may consider getting a “Halfbike” – i.e. one without a seat.
They can now be shipped to Singapore for up to S$1,300.
Check out this video to see people actually riding them:
Netizen shares photo of Halfbikes in Singapore
On 7 Mar, a netizen shared a photo of his Halfbikes at Marina Bay in the Singapore Folding Bike Facebook group.
The photo prompted many questions from curious netizens.
Halfbike shipped from Bulgaria, costs up to $1,300
Among them, of course, was how to order one and how much it would cost.
To that, the OP replied that it has to be shipped in from Bulgaria. That would cost up to $1,300, depending on “rate” – presumably he meant the currency exchange rate.
In an earlier post in Feb, he shared his invoice with the group.
According to the bill, he paid about S$994 (US$739) in total for 1 Halfbike, including S$20 (US$15) for fenders and S$100 (US$75) for shipping.
That price would probably vary according to the prevailing exchange rate, bike model, add-ons (like a bells, lights and fenders) and shipping costs.
Halfbike goes up to 40km/h
In response to another question about how fast a Halfbike can go, the OP replied that it could go up to 40km/h.
It wouldn’t be stable at that speed, though.
The commenter then replied that that’s quite fast.
Website FAQ answers more questions
The Halfbikes can be ordered from the company’s website, which has a Bulgarian contact address.
The website FAQ also addresses some questions people might have about this revolutionary contraption:
1. How heavy can a Halfbike rider be?
Answer: the maximum weight is 100kg (220 pounds). However, some heavier riders have reported no problems.
2. How heavy is the Halfbike itself?
Both models of the Halfbike weigh over 9kg, but not more than 9.5kg.
3. How does one ride a Halfbike?
Answer: The 2 rear wheels are used for steering, so riders need to use their whole body to turn the bike.
As there’s no seat, riders are standing up and making a motion similar to running – an experience totally different from riding a normal bike.
Since your whole body is involved in controlling the bike, riding it will also improve your balance and reflexes.
It’s a skill that has to be learnt, so if you’re game for picking up something new and having a whole-body workout, you can give it a try!
4. Is the Halfbike foldable?
The Halfbike can be folded down in seconds, due to its collapseable handlebar.
It also fits nicely in the boot of a car.
Thus, there shouldn’t be any problem folding it up to take the MRT or bus either.
Similar bikes can be found for cheaper on Lazada
If you think it costs too much to import the Halfbike from Bulgaria, perhaps you may want to consider a cheaper option.
A search for “Halfbike” on Lazada Singapore reveals a range of similar bikes under the “Bowqi” brand. They’re all imported from China.
The cheapest costs $275.80, not including shipping, while the most expensive is almost $500.
However, we can’t vouch for the quality or safety of these bikes.
A new hobby for the sporty-minded
Even if you don’t experience butt pain when riding a normal bike, the Halfbike may interest you if you’re looking for a different way to get around now that PMDs are more or less banned.
That also goes if you’re simply looking for a new challenge and hobby, and don’t mind paying for it.
If you’re interested, watch this video to find out more about riding a Halfbike.
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Featured images adapted from Facebook and Facebook.
