Walking is a very beneficial activity for both physical and mental health, which is why health authorities recommend doing it as much as possible in large cities. But this becomes more complicated when the distance from home to work, for example, is not manageable. The logical thing to do is to look for another means of transport, such as a bicycle.
Until now, there was no other option than to choose one system or the other: either walking or pedaling. But someone thought that it could be very good to do both at the same time, and this gave rise to Lopifit.
Lopifit is basically an electric bike with five gears that, instead of pedals, is powered by a treadmill similar to those found in gyms. The user gets on it and just has to walk to start it. Thanks to this new transport system, it is possible to cover long distances on foot. It offers a walking pace of 5 km/h and can reach a speed of 25 km/h.
Its creator, the Dutchman Bruin Bergmeesterb, came up with the idea while working out at home on a treadmill. Driving to work every day had made him gain a few pounds, and he knew he had to do something. He first thought of cycling, but this was not practical because he arrived at work too sweaty. And the distance was too great (15 km) to walk.
But he liked walking, and it was a joyful feeling that he felt when he did so. “I wish I could take my treadmill out into the street,” he thought one day. “And why not?” So he started thinking about how he could combine his favorite activity with getting around in a more sustainable, healthy, and practical way. He began to make sketches and create the first designs. He found the solution by combining the two things: a bicycle, which was electric (so he wouldn’t get too tired or arrive at work sweaty) in which he would incorporate the treadmill so he could move it while he walked.
To make his idea a reality, he founded the company Bike BV together with two other partners, Mark Bergmeester and Herman Zoetendal. It started selling in Holland and is now distributed in several countries in the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as in Asia.
“Lopifit has been designed with urban mobility in mind,” the company explains, and offers, they say, “excellent maneuverability even on busy streets.” Thanks to its electric assistance, the user can achieve smooth acceleration and easy handling. “It is a little longer than a normal ebike, but it allows users to comfortably ride through narrow streets or bike lanes. Its driving is intuitive, even for those without experience with traditional bicycles.” And, they conclude: “It promotes an ecological and healthy lifestyle,” a way, they say, to combine fitness and practicality when traveling.”
