The 10 Strangest Bicycle Designs Ever Patented

Bicycles come in all shapes and sizes, but have you seen a bike that walks?

From the curious to the downright whimsical, the world of bicycle patents is a trove of creative—and sometimes odd—innovations.

Imagine pedaling a bike that looks like a moving piece of modern art.

Bicycling isn't just about getting from point A to B; it can be a spectacle of innovation and experimentation.

In this rundown, we'll unveil the 10 most peculiar bicycles that ever graced the patent office, each design more surprising than the last.

Trust us, we're as fascinated as you are.

Our deep dive into bicycle patents unearthed designs that redefine what it means to ride on two wheels—or in some cases, more.

With inventions like the Hubless Wheel Bicycle and the Convertible Bicycle, the creativity of engineers and cycling enthusiasts knows no bounds.

Their inventions are not only functional but also a testament to human ingenuity.

Articulated Steering Bicycle

Have you ever imagined cycling down the street with the same rush you get from swooping down ski slopes?

Well, the articulated steering bicycle brings that thrill to the pavement.

This quirky invention embraces the art of turning not with the usual handlebar twist, but with the lean of your body.

Think of how a skier carves through the snow – it's that kind of fluid motion, but on two wheels.

Here's how it works:

• The bicycle's frame is designed to be flexible, allowing it to bend in the middle.
• Instead of steering with the handlebars, you lean left or right.
• Your leaning action causes the bike to flex and the wheels to turn in that direction.

Sounds a bit like magic, doesn’t it?

But it's all rooted in clever design.

This mechanism offers several perks:

• A more intuitive riding experience: it feels more natural to many people.
• Potentially safer turns: excessive handlebar turning can lead to accidents.

Key features include:

• Flexibility: The key selling point, allowing smooth directional changes.
• Unique Design: Often turns heads and sparks curiosity among onlookers.

So, if you're craving a taste of the slopes on your morning commute, the articulated steering bicycle might just be your cup of tea.

Just lean in and enjoy the ride!

Hubless Wheel Bicycle

Have you ever seen a bicycle that looks like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie?

Well, it might just be a hubless wheel bike!

Hubless wheels, a fascinating twist on traditional bicycle design, ditch the center hub and spokes we're all familiar with.

Here’s a quick spin around what makes these bikes so uniquely cool:

• The Look: With an open center, hubless wheel bikes turn heads. It's like the bike is defying the laws of physics!
• The Mechanics: Fewer parts mean less mechanical drama. No spokes, no hub, just a sleek wheel that seems to float around the frame.

Benefits include:

• Less Clutter: The space where the hub would be can be used for storage. Imagine sliding your lock right into your wheel!
• Maintenance: With fewer moving parts, there's less that can go wrong. You're likely to have a smoother ride without the spokes.

Even though these bikes are not your average commuter's choice yet, their innovative design has earned a place in the cycling world.

Patented hubless designs by Reevo even boast impact-tested wheels and excellent longevity, free from the wear and tear that regular wheels face.

Curious about how it rides?

Riders report that once you get used to the absence of a central hub, these bicycles provide a smooth and responsive experience.

Although primarily appealing to design enthusiasts and gadget lovers, the hubless wheel bicycle may just be a glimpse into the future of cycling.

Will you give it a whirl?

Rear-Steering Bicycle

Have you ever thought of steering a bike from the back instead of the front?

The rear-steering bicycle turns that idea into reality!

Unlike the bike you might have ridden this morning, where turning is led by the front wheel, the rear-steering bicycle is guided by its rear wheel.

This quirky design took bicycles off the well-trodden path and into new territory.

It challenges your balance and coordination, as the dynamics are quite different from the bicycles we’re used to.

Intriguing Features of Rear-Steering Bicycles:

• Rear-Steer Mechanism: It flips the standard bike design on its head, making for a curious riding experience.
• Unique Coordination Required: You’ll need to retrain your reflexes — steering with the rear wheel feels odd at first!
• Historical Models: One historical example includes the 1898 Orient Rear-steering Tandem, which you could even ride solo from the back seat without the need for a front passenger.

Learning Curve:

• Challenging at First: It can be a little bewildering; you’ll likely wobble more than usual.
• Mastery Brings Thrills: Once you get the hang of it, it's exhilarating to defy the conventional bike design.

Have a giggle thinking about the surprise on friends' faces when you cruise by, steering from the back.

The rear-steering bicycles may not have taken over our roads, but they've certainly earned their spot in the anthology of unusual bike designs.

Who knows, with a bit of practice, maybe you'll see the rear-steering advantage — or at least enjoy the novelty!

Remember, next time you see a bicycle with the rider piloting from behind, give a nod to those innovative designs that remind us the wheel is open to interpretation.

Want to give it a whirl?

The Tandem Unicycle

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to share the precarious thrill of riding a unicycle with a friend?

Enter the tandem unicycle, a bicycle design that cranks up the traditional unicycle's challenge by requiring two riders to sync up their balance and coordination.

Imagine the teamwork needed to keep upright on this wobbly invention!

• Balance: Both riders must work in harmony.
• Coordination: Synchronized pedaling is a must.

This quirky contraption was not created as a whimsical experiment but actually saw the light of day.

Although not widely adopted or commercially successful, the tandem unicycle is a testament to the playful ingenuity of bicycle designers.

Think of it as the circus act of the cycling world!

Curiously, the tandem unicycle hasn't been credited to a single inventor.

It seemed to emerge from the collective imagination of unicycle enthusiasts, with mentions popping up at unicycling events.

One particular instance of a home-crafted tandem unicycle was spotlighted at a mountain unicycling event in 2006, summoning both amazement and perplexity from onlookers.

So, what’s in it for you?

If you're feeling adventurous and have a like-minded buddy, the tandem unicycle might just be the next big thrill.

Just remember:

• Practice: It takes time to master.
• Patience: Don't expect to ride perfectly from the get-go.
• Protection: Safety gear is doubly important on a tandem unicycle!

This oddity may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's guaranteed to turn heads and spark conversations wherever it rolls.

Would you give it a whirl?

The Face-to-Face Tandem

Have you ever imagined a bicycle that lets you chat, face-to-face, with your friend while pedaling around town?

Enter the face-to-face tandem.

This unique design turns the traditional tandem on its head—quite literally—with riders seated opposite each other.

Why face each other?

Well, it's all about interaction!

Traditional tandems have riders one behind the other, which is great for aerodynamics but not so much for conversation.

The face-to-face tandem is built for the talkative duo who wouldn't let a bike ride interrupt their banter.

Here's the deal:

• Riders sit facing each other.
• The novelty is in the social interaction it fosters.
• You might wonder, how does it steer? Steering requires coordination, as each rider has a handlebar connected to the front and back wheels.

The face-to-face tandem is a quirky experiment in bicycle design, testing the limits of engineering and sociability on two wheels.

Remember, it's more about the shared experience than breaking speed records.

So, if you're up for a laugh and an unconventional ride, this might just be the one-off adventure you and a partner are looking for!

Even in a world where bike designs can seem endless, the face-to-face tandem stands out for its capacity to inspire connections, smiles, and perhaps the occasional playful disagreement over which way to turn next.

The Rowing Bicycle

Have you ever thought about rowing your way through the park?

Well, the quirky rowing bicycle turns that thought into a reality!

Invented by Louis S.

Burbank in 1900, this unusual bike ditched the standard pedals for a set of oars.

The Mechanics:

• Power is generated through a rowing motion, similar to what you'd find in a boat.
• Upper body gets a solid workout, contrasting with typical cycling that targets the legs.
• Mechanism consists of a special rowing handle and sliding seat, converting rowing to wheel rotation.

Wondering why the streets aren't filled with these gems?

While it was a brilliant attempt at innovation, this contraption didn’t quite catch on in the mainstream.

But here's what makes it interesting:

• No pedals: The usual foot pedals are replaced—imagine pushing and pulling while on the go!
• Full-body exercise: You get to work more than just your calves—your arms and back get in on the action too.
• Historical novelty: With patent number US 642,544, this design adds a notable chapter to bicycle history.

Imagine gliding down a trail, arms sweeping back and forth, giving your whole body a workout while turning heads with this odd yet ingenious design.

It's a conversation starter and a throwback to the times when the word 'bicycling' meant something totally different.

Whether you're into fitness, fancy something novel, or just want to delve into bicycle lore, the rowing bicycle is a patent worth paddling through history books for!

Just remember, it's part of the myriad of unique designs the cycling world has pedaled out over the years.

Keep on rolling, or in this case, rowing!

The All-Terrain "Walking" Bike

Have you ever been cycling and thought, "If only my bike could just walk over this rough patch?" Well, inventive minds took that challenge seriously!

Among the strangest bike designs ever patented is the all-terrain "walking" bike.

This is not your everyday two-wheeler.

It’s designed to quite literally walk over obstacles, combining cycling with an almost sci-fi flair.

Can you imagine pedaling an innovative contraption like this?

• Pedal Power: Instead of relying solely on wheels, the walking bike employs a set of mechanical legs.
• Terrain Challenges: These legs enable it to handle terrains that would leave conventional bikes stumbling.

Key Design Features:

• Leg-Like Mechanisms: Attached to the wheels, these mechanisms replicate a walking motion, providing stability and maneuverability.
• Capability: You can take on anything from rocky paths to uneven stairs.

Ever heard about Theo Jansen's Strandbeest sculptures?

These bikes draw heavy inspiration from his dynamic art pieces, and inventors have been musing with this concept to revolutionize how we ride.

It marries the practicality of a bicycle with the adaptability of a walking creature.

Why it's Unique?

Imagine pedaling and instead of spinning wheels, you set a series of articulated legs in motion.

It’s not just a bike; it's a statement in motion!

So, while you might not be clocking Tour de France speeds on a "walking" bike, you'd certainly turn heads and be able to conquer terrains that regular cyclists would balk at.

Isn't that the kind of superpower we all wish we had on a rugged trail?

The Circular Bike

Have you ever imagined pedaling side-by-side with your friends, not on tandem bikes, but on a single bike that encompasses you all in a giant wheel of camaraderie?

Let me draw you a circle of innovation in the cycling world: The Circular Bike.

This isn't your typical two-wheeler.

The Circular Bike is a head-turner with a design straight out of a cycling enthusiast's daydream.

Picture this:

• Frame: A gigantic circular frame as the heart of it all.
• Seats and Pedals: Multiple, evenly spaced around the frame's circumference.
• Pedaling Mechansim: Simultaneous pedaling action from all riders, a real team effort!

What makes this bike unique is how sociable it is.

You'd literally be going around in circles with your friends, but in the most literal and joyous way possible.

Here's a quick peek at its features:

This circular contraption isn't just a spin on communal travel; it's a bold reimagining of what a bicycle can be.

Every pedal you push empowers a collective ride, turning your cycle trip into a cooperative adventure.

Are you ready to join in on the circular sensation that could redefine group biking for good?

While this design is certainly untraditional, it holds a charm for those looking for a shared, charming, and unique biking experience.

The Flying Bicycle

Have you ever pedaled down a hill and felt like you were about to take off?

Well, some inventors took that feeling literally and tried to turn bicycles into flying machines!

The world of cycling is no stranger to quirky inventions, and the idea of a bicycle that can soar through the skies certainly tops the list.

These designs often feature add-ons that seem more at home on an aircraft than on a two-wheeler.

Imagine a bike equipped with wings, or another with a propeller spinning at the back!

Sure, they promise the thrill of flying, but there's a good reason you're not seeing these at your local bike shop:

• Practicality: Just because something can be dreamt up and sketched on paper doesn't mean it'll soar.
• Safety: Adding flight capabilities to a bike involves significant risks, wouldn't you agree?

In fact, patents have been filed for these gravity-defying bikes, with each creator hoping to be the first to make a practical and functioning prototype.

Yet, these bicycles remain as whimsical as they are impractical.

They're a testament to the relentless human spirit to innovate and push boundaries, even when it comes to our beloved bicycles.

So, the next time you feel the wind in your hair while speeding down a track, just think: somewhere, someone has tried to turn that sensation into the real deal.

Who knows?

Maybe one day, with the right technology, we might just see flying bicycles become a reality.

But for now, they remain an amusing chapter in the book of cycling oddities.

Keep your wheels on the ground, and keep pedaling forward!

The Convertible Bicycle

Have you ever thought about how cool it would be if your bike could seamlessly morph into a scooter, or maybe even a tiny car, with just a few tweaks?

It turns out, some innovative spirits have landed patents for such versatile modes of transportation.

These convertible bicycles aren't just your everyday two-wheelers; they're like the Swiss Army knives of the bike world!

Imagine you're pedaling to work and suddenly the pavement ends.

No worries!

With a convertible bicycle:

• Whip out a hidden kickstand
• Shift some gears
• Voilà, you've got a scooter to coast over those rough patches.

But it gets even better.

Consider these transformations:

1. Bicycle to Scooter: You fold the pedals, twist some handles, and you're scooting.
2. Bicycle to Car: Add a frame, some fabric, and maybe even an engine, and you're driving a micro-car.

Sounds a bit like magic, doesn't it?

It's not magic, though; it's the ingenuity of designers who look at a bicycle and see so much more.

The concept pushes the boundaries of what personal transport can be—compact, eco-friendly, and incredibly nifty.

You've probably never seen one of these on the road, but they've definitely made their rounds in the patent offices.

Why settle for a regular bike when you could have one that adapts to your needs throughout the day?

The ideas are out there, they've been sketched, patented, and even prototyped.

One day, you might just unfold your bike and ride off in a whole new way.

Keep your eyes peeled; the future on wheels is looking pretty exciting!