Electric bike folds up to 17 inches in height, can be carried around in a backpack

New to the electric bike market is an exciting collapsible model aptly called “The Impossible”, which is created by the even more appropriately named Impossible Technology company.

Powered by an on-board battery, this alternative means of transportation can fold up to 17 inches in height to fit into any standard-sized backpack. Weight specs weren’t released by the company just yet, but it did state that it can support riders up to about 180 pounds, with the goal being for the next model to be able to support up to 250 pounds. 

While the Impossible lacks pedals, riders can cruise around on the machine at a speed of 12mph for 45 minutes straight before needing a re-charge; those feeling a little daring can get the bike to go up to 15.6mph, if so inclined. A full charging of the unit’s ten 2900mah 10A 3.6V batteries takes approximately 90 minutes, and can be achieved via any standard wall outlet.

Braking is done vis-à-vis a button on the handlebars.

Right now the Impossible is on Kickstarter for another 30 days; this, despite the fact that the company’s already achieved its goal of $55,000 some five times over. Once the campaign’s over, the Impossible will go into full scale production by August 2015. 

Some of the company’s stretch goals for the unit are noteworthy and would make for an interesting model on the market:

$300,000: Bluetooth 4.0 functionality—Riders can use their smartphone to connect to the Impossible for the purpose of displaying a speedometer, odometer, and remaining battery life.

$700,000: GPS functionality—Riders can access routes – complete with estimated arrival times – via the connected smartphone.

$1,000,000: Added accessories—Buyers will be able to customize their Impossible on every level, from softer seats to different color wheel caps, and more.

If you’re interested in owning the bike, or contributing to the campaign in hopes that Impossible Technology hits one of its stretch goals, a pledge of $430 will reserve you your very own first-run of the unit.

To learn more about the Impossible, and to see it in action, check out the clip below:

Via Kickstarter