The electric two-wheeler that's made from an ash tree


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Cyclists are by nature an environmentally friendly bunch and now one inventor has taken things a step further by producing a bike made entirely of wood.

The bike, produced by German designer Matthias Broda, also has a rechargeable electric motor which helps with pedalling making the bike popular with commuters.

However with a price tag of £3,000 workers inn Britain may not be switching to pedal power any time soon. 

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Speedy: A German inventor has developed this wooden bike which is currently being tested in Berlin

Speedy: A German inventor has developed this wooden bike which is currently being tested in Berlin

Power: The cycle also has an electric motor to help riders pedal - making it popular with commuters

Power: The cycle also has an electric motor to help riders pedal - making it popular with commuters

Pricey: But with a price tag of £3,000 it is unlikely that commuters will give up their cars any time soon

Pricey: But with a price tag of £3,000 it is unlikely that commuters will give up their cars any time soon

Rather than traditional metal or carbon tubing, the frame of this ebike is made entirely of ash, the only exception being the wheels, motor and wiring. 

The development team, which included students from the University for Sustainable Development Eberswalde, now have a working prototype together which they are testing in Berlin. 

While the bike does look stylish, the all-wood seat could become uncomfortable on long rides or over bumpy roads.

There is also no mention of how the bike will be protected against the rain, which could warp or twist the frame out of shape.

 Trend: Ebikes are becoming hugely popular in Germany, with postal workers using them to help on rounds

 Trend: Ebikes are becoming hugely popular in Germany, with postal workers using them to help on rounds

Painful: With a wooden seat and no suspension, riding over bumps could be rather uncomfortable

Painful: With a wooden seat and no suspension, riding over bumps could be rather uncomfortable

On a different planet: The designers said they wanted to create a bike with a lower carbon footprint, but ended up with a vehicle costing more than £3,000

On a different planet: The designers said they wanted to create a bike with a lower carbon footprint, but ended up with a vehicle costing more than £3,000

The designers said they set out to make a new vehicle which would significantly reduce the carbon footprint of more traditional, metal bikes.

Motorised ebikes have become increasingly popular in Europe, and particularly in Germany.

While regular bike sales were down 5.5 per cent last year, sales of more expensive ebikes were up 8 per cent.

Wood you? While key components like the pedals, brakes, wheels and wiring are made of metal, the frame and handlebars are made entirely of ash

Wood you? While key components like the pedals, brakes, wheels and wiring are made of metal, the frame and handlebars are made entirely of ash

The German postal service - Deutsche Post - has 6,200 of them for its staff to use on their rounds.

The bikes are particularly popular with commuters who don't want to get sweaty on their way to work, and older people. 



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