Take the forthcoming new Xiaomi QiCycle, pared right down to basics, but specced up to 20 inch wheels and fully compliant pedalec electronics, and to sell in China for the equivalent of $620.

It’s foldable aluminium frame is comparatively light, helped by the smaller battery hidden in the frame. It should be easy to fold up and hide away in the office or home.

All cables and wires are routed internally through the main part of the frame to provide a cleaner appearance, and built-in LED lights adorn the front and rear of the bike.

Up front there’s a light-sensitive digital display in the stem that adjusts brightness to the ambient light conditions.

The range is 40km, not high by today’s standards, but plenty enough to get to work and back each day, and actually amazing for such a small bike.

At this size, efficiency and convenience, it is more a device than a machine.