Just when you think you’ve seen it all in the world of electric vehicles, especially from online marketplaces like Alibaba, something truly bizarre pops up. Move aside electric cars and funky scooters, because this week we’re diving deep into the peculiar world of the Treadmill Bike – a vehicle that’s as confusing as it is intriguing.
What exactly do you call a contraption like this? The vendor labels it an “electric treadmill walking bike,” which is descriptive, albeit clunky. It’s definitely electric, it incorporates a treadmill, and you do walk on it… but “bike”? That feels like a stretch. Scooter might be closer, but even that doesn’t quite capture the essence of this four-wheeled enigma. It’s certainly a far cry from the rugged US Army’s all-terrain electric scooter, which, let’s be honest, looked significantly more prepared for action.
Russian model showcasing the electric treadmill walking bike in an urban setting
But hey, that’s the beauty of unfettered creativity, right? When designers are allowed to dream without limits, we get inventions like a treadmill on wheels. And yes, those wheels are powered. As demonstrated by the model in the promotional shots, this thing can actually move.
Close-up of the treadmill belt and handlebars of the electric walking bike
Side view of a person riding the treadmill bike, highlighting its four-wheel design
This electric treadmill bike boasts a top speed of 20 km/h (or 12 mph). Now, imagine walking on a treadmill at that pace – it’s probably about as fast as you’d realistically want to go on such a device. Whether that speed refers to the belt or the wheels remains a delightful mystery, adding to the overall unconventional nature of this machine. In this realm of weird Alibaba EVs, anything is possible.
You might instinctively think the treadmill is powered by your walking motion, a self-sustaining exercise machine on wheels. Surprisingly (or maybe not, given its electric classification), it’s propelled by a dedicated electric motor fueled by a 550 Wh battery. So, you can operate it like a standard four-wheeled electric scooter, or you can engage the treadmill to squeeze in a workout while you commute… slowly.
Now, the obvious question arises: if you’re intending to walk to your destination, why not simply walk there in the first place? It’s a perfectly valid point. There’s no real counter-argument. This treadmill bike exists in a realm beyond logic, a testament to human inventiveness, even when that inventiveness leads down a slightly absurd path. We’re scratching our heads alongside you – the practicality isn’t immediately apparent.
However, prepare for a plot twist. Despite its head-scratching design, this treadmill bike comes with a surprisingly attractive price tag: just $680. In today’s market, finding a decent regular electric scooter for that price is a challenge. And a decent treadmill? Forget about it. Perhaps the low price reflects the fact that it might not excel as either a scooter or a treadmill, but it certainly wins points for affordability and sheer novelty.
The real entertainment, however, lies in the product demonstration video featured on the sales page. It’s a masterclass in showcasing… something. Let’s break down the highlights:
The video kicks off with six seconds of indecipherable titles, setting the stage for the delightful confusion to come. Then, the soundtrack hits – perfectly cheesy and utterly fitting for a product of this caliber.
What follows is a rapid-fire montage: nine clips in just four seconds, each offering a fleeting glimpse of the treadmill bike in action. If rapid cuts equal proof of concept, then this device is revolutionary.
By the 0:11 mark, the model appears to have abandoned the “bike” aspect altogether, opting to use it as a stationary treadmill. Perhaps the thrill of mobile walking wore off quickly.
Model using the treadmill bike as a stationary exercise machine in the demonstration video
Then, at 0:15, the stationary treadmill phase is apparently over, and she’s cruising around like a regular scooter, treadmill function completely ignored. Workout over?
But the pièce de résistance arrives at 0:16. A new hero steps in for an extended eight-second shot of the treadmill bike in actual mobile-treadmill mode. The catch? He looks like he’s wrestling with the steering, struggling to make smooth turns while walking at a snail’s pace. Maybe leaning into turns while simultaneously shifting your weight with each step on a moving belt isn’t the pinnacle of vehicular stability.
Man struggling to steer the treadmill bike while walking on the moving belt in the video
By 0:25, we’re back with the model, and the sheer absurdity of the situation seems to be dawning on her.
0:29 – Cut! Scene! And we’re left slightly bewildered but undeniably entertained.
Model looking amused and slightly confused while riding the treadmill bike
So, let’s add the treadmill bike to the ever-growing list of Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicles that, while fascinating, probably won’t be gracing my personal garage anytime soon. The $680 price is tempting, especially for someone with a penchant for electric rideables. But sometimes, even for the most adventurous tech enthusiast, things can get a little too… weird.
Still, who are we to stifle innovation, no matter how unconventional? If you’re feeling adventurous and have a burning desire to combine your commute with your cardio in the most unusual way possible, the treadmill bike awaits. And if you do take the plunge, give us a shout – we’d love to join you for a leisurely “jog” in the bike lane.
