Dutch engineers have created an the electric bike which lets riders get about by walkin on a treadmill (pictured). Called Lopifit, it is a blend between a scooter, an electric bike and a treadmill.

Designed by Dutchman Bruin Bergmeester, the electric walking bike called Lopifit is a blend between a scooter, an electric bike and a treadmill.

According to Lopifit’s website, bike enthusiast Bergmeester came up with the idea while training in the gym, pondering: ‘How can I use the treadmill outdoors? What about a treadmill on wheels?’ Four years ago the initial concept was created in the Netherlands, now the Utrecht-based firm is distributing the bikes to several countries, including the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. The bikes use a motor to assist the treadmill, so using the bikes takes ‘no more effort…than a walk in the park’.

As the rider walks, sensors register the turning treadmill and kick the motor into gear to assist the movement and set the wheels in motion. According to its makers, the bikes can travel 30 to 50 miles on a charge and a selection of gears enable the user to change the walking pace from a leisurely stroll to a brisk walk. Depending on terrain, gear selected and how energetic the user is feeling, it can achieve speeds between 4–17 mph (6–27 kph). On downhill stretches a freewheel kicks in, so users don’t have to break into a sprint to keep up. Lopifit’s bikes come with a hefty pricetag, at $2,495 (£1,980) per bike. But bikers can customise their walking bike with a range of colours.