The fastest folding bicycle in the world – and it’s full-sized, too

It’s not as small as a Brompton, as light as a Dahon or as finely engineered as a Moulton but a new design by Makoto Asawa promises to be the fastest-collapsing bicycle on the market with a folding time of two seconds.

The full-size is designed to be folded as it is being wheeled along by Japanese commuters in a hurry. The frame hinge is released by pulling a lever on the left handlebar and once folded the bicycle can continue to be wheeled.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “This clever design combines the handling of a full-size bike with the practicality of a folder making it ideal for storing at home or taking onboard a train.”

The 2-second folding bicycle goes on sale in Japan this month for the equivalent of £340.

Discounted cycle insurance for folding bikes

The ETA offers a 40 per cent discount on cycle insurance for folding bicycles. Every cycle insurance policy from the ETA covers against theft, vandalism and accidental damage (even at race events) and includes third party insurance, personal accident cover and bicycle breakdown cover.