Everyone is familiar with the modern car, the train or the plane. However, there are some places in the world that depend on other rather unusual modes of transport.

Suspension Railway - Wuppertal, Germany

This one is for those who like a little adrenaline. The German city of  Wuppertal  operates a 13.3 km long overhead train network, about  8-12 meters above ground.

Built in 1901, it is the oldest elevated electric train in the world. Despite its uniqueness, the railway is not just a tourist attraction as many residents use it every day for their travels. Its trains carry over 65,000 passengers per day and nearly 24 million per year.

The entire trip takes about 30 minutes and has beautiful sights of the city



 

 

Toboggan Run - Madeira,  Portugal

The wicker sled provides a quick descent from  Madeirense  Monte to Livramento, Funchal. The route itself is two kilometers long.

 

 

 

 

It is made with basketry and operated by two drivers - trackers. Standing at the back of the sleigh, they use their feet to push and maneuver the vehicle. Top speed can go up to 38 kph (almost 24 mph).

The toboggan originated in the 19th century, when it was a popular downhill public transport mode. Nowadays it is mainly used as a visitor attraction, offering beautiful views of the Madeiran landscape.

Cocotaxi - Cuba

Auto-rickshaw began in  Havana  in the 1990s.  Today, all the major cities in  Cuba  make use of them.

It owes its name to its shape as it resembles a coconut. These gas powered scooters are made with a Cuban fiberglass hull and seats welded to it. Their speed of about 50 kph (30 mph) may be slower than an average car, but they are small and able to squeeze through heavy traffic.

 



 

Essentially, there are two types of cocotaxi. Blue is for locals and yellow is for tourists who offer a fun way to explore the city.

bamboo train - Cambodia

A Norwegian, also called a bamboo train, is a makeshift rail vehicle in southwestern  Cambodia  .

Despite its primitive appearance and lack of brakes and safety measures, the train is the preferred means of transport in the area. It has gained its popularity due to the fact that the scheduled train service is irregular and slower.

 



 

Nowadays, the train can go at speeds of 40 km / h or more thanks to small engines that have replaced hand use.

Maglev -  Japan

The Japanese maglev is a magnetic levitation train that uses magnetic attraction, which makes it levitate above the tracks.

It is also the fastest commercial high-speed electric train in the world. In 2015 it recorded 603 kph (375 mph) breaking the previous ground speed record for rail vehicles  .

 



 

Japanese authorities decided in 2009 to start operating the train on their railways. The country is currently building a connection between  Tokyo  and   Nagoya   - to be completed in 2027 - and  Osaka   - to be completed in 2045.

London Underground Train - Isle of Wight, UK

The train across the  Isle of Wight  may not seem so unique at first. However, its true peculiarity is that the 8.5 mi. (13.7 km) of railways between Ryde Pier Head and   Shanklin.



 

Since 1989, Isles rail service has been using British Rail Class 483 trains for this part of the train.  Since 1983, these electric trains were operated by    Metro  London  until the Isle bought them in the late 80s.

The 483 are not the first underground trains the island purchased. However, these trains continue to age due to the islands high salinity and humidity.

Party bike -  Amsterdam  , Netherlands

The purpose of the party motorcycle is not necessarily for transportation as such. The vehicle serves more like a refreshment cart  - the refreshment usually being alcohol - circulating through the city streets.

 



 

The origins of the beer bike date back to the  Netherlands  in 1997. The multipurpose passenger stroller has become a popular leisure activity for tourists, as well as personal and bachelor parties. Generally, the design resembles early 20th century stroller trolleys, with side seats for the pedals.

Since its invention, the party motorcycle has ventured into several  European countries   and the  United States  .

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