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Strap yourself in, put your feet on the ground and begin running. While you may think this description would apply only to a Flintstones-style car -- or the iconic Little Tikes red and yellow Cozy Coupe -- German designers have unleashed a prototype for the bike version.
Fliz, as it's called, allows for "freedom running," which is described as a "very gentle way of moving."
The name is derived from the German for "flitzen," meaning to whizz or dash. The bike, according to the designers' website, represents "an expansion of urban mobility for different users."
Fliz consists of the traditional handlebars with brakes and wheels but instead of a frame and seat under the body, the support system of the bike extends over the rider's body with a harness to keep them in place. The frame is glass and carbon fiber ergonomically designed and combined with a 5-point harness the lets the rider "buckle up and hang there."
"The frame integrates the rider due to its construction and it works [both] like a suspension and like a top carrier, whereas the belt replaces the saddle and adjusts your position," the website states.
Given that the elements of steering the bike remain the same, the developers believe driving it will be intuitive for users.
Watch the concept design in action (Note: Worth mentioning is this video was posted in early August and clearly gained some interest as it has more than a million hits on YouTube):
The Fliz engineers believe this style of bicycle would be good for rehabilitation patients or in exercise therapy as it relieves pressure on joints, distributing body weight over a larger area.
"People with limited movement patterns remain able to enjoy the mobility of a bicycle" while strengthening their legs gently, the website states.
Ubergizmodo points out the bike seems like fun when it comes to downhill transportation, but uphill courses may prove difficult.
Core 77 noticed the bike at a conference in Munich in March. In addition to the unpleasant thought of running the bike uphill, Core 77 writes another reason the concept may not take off is that it looks "awkward."
Learn more about the bike and see more concept images on the Fliz website here.
(H/T: Daily Mail)
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