The modern hobby horse bike

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The James Dyson Award (he of the Dyson Vacuum cleaner fame) is an annual design competition that runs in 18 countries. Run by the James Dyson Foundation, its mission is to encourage the next generation of design engineers to be creative, challenge and invent.

The brief is simple: “Design something that solves a problem”

The Fliz

A German entry called Fliz caught our eye as it is a take on the Draisienne/Hobby Horse, the very first bikes from the early 1800s. These bicycles didn’t have pedals and required a person to effectively run or walk while sitting on a wooden frame.

Fliz is different in that there is no seat or frame to sit on. Instead you’re harnessed in to a top frame with a belt keeping you fastened it. You use your feet to generate speed and steering is like a normal bike with a handlebar driving direction.

The inventor claims the Fliz provides a “comfortable, ergonomic ride between running and biking.”

As you’ll see from the video below, the concept isn’t as wacky as it sounds and it does look like you could derive some pleasurable experience from riding or should I say running on it. We particularly like the fact that there are special treads at the rear of the frame near the back wheel to place your feet. This allows you to bomb down downhill or glide if you want.