This Chinese folding bike runs on hydrogen

The Chinese manufacturer Youon, specialized in hydrogen bikes, is launching a new model of the same genre, this time foldable.

While hydrogen aims to make its way into various forms of mobility, it still struggles to find legitimacy on bicycles. Only Pragma focuses on this technology for its bikes, aimed at professionals, but perhaps greater applications can be found in China. The country already heavily invests in hydrogen trains, hydrogen cars, and more sporadically in hydrogen bikes.

45 km while only emitting water

The brand Youon launched its first model, the Y200, at the end of 2021, as part of a station-based rental fleet, similar to Vélib. This bike found buyers, with 4,000 units sold in the cities of Shanghai, Changzhou, Xiantang, and Nantong. More modern, the Y400 followed, integrating the fuel cell and the tank within the frame. Now, the Youon Y600 offers a real innovation: a foldable hydrogen bike.

Few details are available, but it has an approximate range of 45 kilometers and weighs close to 20 kg. With a classic appearance, this bike with 16-inch wheels (similar to a Brompton) is nevertheless connected, with NFC unlocking (via card or phone) and geolocation. The display remains basic, providing essential info and 3 assist modes for the electric motor housed in the rear hub. When folded, the Youon Y600 measures only 80 cm long, 60 cm high, and 50 cm wide. Limited by hydrogen system constraints, it cannot be made more compact.

How to recharge the hydrogen bike and produce hydrogen?

While an electric bike needs to charge its battery, a hydrogen bike must recharge. Here, it’s done by replacing a tube containing low-pressure gas. A process that takes only about 3 seconds according to the manufacturer. The hydrogen “rod” weighs 2.5 kg on its own, and must be recharged at home via an water electrolysis module. The advantage of this technology? Longer lifespan, according to the Chinese company, and only water as waste product.

Youon offers a package including the machine, which looks like a dehumidifier, and the foldable bike, all at 9,288 yuan, approximately €1,270. The bike alone would cost 4,999 yuan or €682. Production begins in March 2023, but only for China.

Also read: Test of the Vello Rocky foldable bike: can it beat Brompton?