Jeff Oakie sits among a number of footbikes at the Henderson Pavilion on Oct. 20. Similar to a regular bicycle, on a footbike you must use your feet to propel the bike forward instead of pedals. Just gaining momentum in the U.S., Oakie has recently acquired the rights to promote the sport in North America.
Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 | midnight
The Footbike
Jeff Oakie, of Henderson, is promoting the sport of Footbike in the United States.
Jeff Oakie propels his footbike at Henderson Pavilion. Similar to a bicycle, foot power moves the vehicle but without pedals.
Jeff Oakie inspects his new brand of Footbikes.
A new mode of transportation is gaining popularity in America, and it started right here in Green Valley.
Footbike, which resembles the offspring of a bicycle and scooter, has sold more than 600 units in the United States in about one year of availability on the Internet. It also became available in major cycling stores across the country last month.
Jeff Oakie, the president of Footbike USA, the company that has rights to produce the product in North America, has lived in Green Valley for four years.
A Footbike has the same size front wheel, handle bars and hand breaks of a regular bicycle. But gone is the typical chain and saddle in the middle. Instead there is a foot deck similar to a scooter and an 18-inch back wheel. A rider propels himself with by kicking like a scooter, only speed, steering and maneuverability is greatly increased with the Footbike’s bicycle-like front.
“It simulates a large stride, a downhill sprint and a jump out of the blocks all in one,” Oakie said. “It’s more of a non-running machine than a bike in its full capacity. The greatest reference we’re able to use is it reminds people of roller blading except it’s one big roller blade.”
Oakie laid eyes on his first Footbike during a trip to the Netherlands three years ago. Fascinated, he imported five of them home and sold them immediately to his friends. He later imported 55 units and sold those quickly as well. A Footbike sells for $300.
He then realized the potential business in Footbike could be something bigger than selling them out of his garage. He later gained the rights to sell them in North America in October 2007.
“It’s an exceptional tool for negotiating traffic and children,” Oakie said. “It’s easy to step off and negotiate your surroundings. We look at it as a training, fitness and recreation tool.”
Oakie said the first time someone steps on a Footbike he or she should be able to travel twice the rate of walking speed, about 6 to 8 mph. Riders looking for a workout may travel 15 mph, and racing may occur at as fast as 21 mph.
Hiro Sasaki, a Green Valley resident, has had a Footbike for more than a year. Sasaki, who participates in triathlons, said he uses his Footbike two or three times each week.
“With triathlons you’re always running, swimming or biking, so I do Footbike on recovery days for a workout and to have fun,” Sasaki said. “It’s like a razor scooter, but you can go a lot faster and it’s a lot more stable. You can ride it in crowded places where you normally couldn’t go on a bike.”
Oakie said he has gotten a very positive response from families, as both parents and adults enjoy the entertainment Footbikes brings while also providing exercise.
“When you see this machine, you want to ride it and you get this sort of ridiculous smile on your face,” Oakie said. “A workout that is fun is a cliche, but in this case, it might remind us of being 6 years old.”
Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].
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