This Dirt Bike for Children packs a 1000W motor for ‘Parent-Approved’ Biking Thrill

Kids love playing grown-up. You’ve got toy cars, toy mobile phones, and toy bricks that you can build into a variety of things – the world is condensed down into playable toys that help kids learn, grow, and mimic the adults they see on a daily basis. The Z56 isn’t one of those things. Calling the Z56 a toy would be foolish, just because of how incredibly fleshed-out it is. Designed as a proper dirt bike, but for kids, the Z56 isn’t about mimicking grown-ups, it’s about literally stepping into their shoes, or their saddles. Imagined as a ridable vehicle for children aged 6-11, the Z56 is a concept that marries the nostalgia of traditional dirt bike aesthetics with the sleekness of modern design, all packaged into a two-wheeler that’s built for young riding enthusiasts.

Designers: Zukun Design Studio & Matt Barnum

One of the core design philosophies behind the Z56 is its blend of classic motorsport aesthetics with a modern twist. Unlike many futuristic concepts that diverge significantly from traditional design, making them less relatable, the Z56 strikes a balance. It retains recognizable elements of dirt bikes, such as their rugged, adventurous look, while infusing clean, streamlined design elements that are practically synonymous with electric vehicles today. “Current dirt bike design trends seem hell-bent on adding excessive styling lines and graphics, and many future-vision concepts alienate consumers by deviating so far from the norm that they sacrifice reliability,” the designers mentioned, highlighting their objective to stay away from such practices. “By blending classic motorsport style with sophisticated, modern lines and forms, Z56 points toward a cleaner, simpler, and more efficient future.”

At the heart of the Z56 concept lies its 10Ah 56-volt power source, a central feature that’s boldly highlighted rather than hidden, signaling a proud departure from the internal combustion engines of old. This design choice not only emphasizes the bike’s electric nature but also celebrates the shift away from petroleum dependence. The bike’s electric identity is further reinforced by its performance capabilities: equipped with a maintenance-free 1000-watt DC brushless motor, the Z56 promises ample torque and instant acceleration, ensuring a spirited yet manageable ride for young enthusiasts.

The battery life of this conceptual bike is impressive, offering about an hour of riding time on a single charge, with the added convenience of a one-hour recharge period. The possibility of swapping in a second battery for continuous, all-day riding is a thoughtful touch, showcasing the practicality embedded in this futuristic vision. The lightweight lithium pack not only contributes to the bike’s efficiency but also enhances its agility, making it easier to handle and more enjoyable to ride.

The bike operates noiselessly and emission-free, opening up new riding territories previously off-limits to gas-powered bikes. This aspect not only makes the Z56 a more environmentally friendly option but also a more versatile and accessible one, free from the constraints of noise and pollution regulations. The lack of oil and gas requirements further simplifies ownership and transport, underscoring the bike’s user-friendly nature.

The Z56 Dirt Bike Concept by Zukun Design Studio is more than a children’s toy; it’s a glimpse into a future where the thrill of motorsports coexists with sustainability and environmental consciousness. By marrying traditional design elements with modern, eco-friendly technology, the Z56 presents a vision of a world where fun, performance, and responsibility go hand in hand. Sure, it’s merely conceptual for now, but we’d love to see some prototypes test-driven by kids on the slopes. I imagine concerned parents would have an entirely different reaction, though…

The post This Dirt Bike for Children packs a 1000W motor for ‘Parent-Approved’ Biking Thrill first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Dirt Bike for Children packs a 1000W motor for ‘Parent-Approved’ Biking Thrill

Kids love playing grown-up. You’ve got toy cars, toy mobile phones, and toy bricks that you can build into a variety of things – the world is condensed down into playable toys that help kids learn, grow, and mimic the adults they see on a daily basis. The Z56 isn’t one of those things. Calling the Z56 a toy would be foolish, just because of how incredibly fleshed-out it is. Designed as a proper dirt bike, but for kids, the Z56 isn’t about mimicking grown-ups, it’s about literally stepping into their shoes, or their saddles. Imagined as a ridable vehicle for children aged 6-11, the Z56 is a concept that marries the nostalgia of traditional dirt bike aesthetics with the sleekness of modern design, all packaged into a two-wheeler that’s built for young riding enthusiasts.

Designers: Zukun Design Studio & Matt Barnum

One of the core design philosophies behind the Z56 is its blend of classic motorsport aesthetics with a modern twist. Unlike many futuristic concepts that diverge significantly from traditional design, making them less relatable, the Z56 strikes a balance. It retains recognizable elements of dirt bikes, such as their rugged, adventurous look, while infusing clean, streamlined design elements that are practically synonymous with electric vehicles today. “Current dirt bike design trends seem hell-bent on adding excessive styling lines and graphics, and many future-vision concepts alienate consumers by deviating so far from the norm that they sacrifice reliability,” the designers mentioned, highlighting their objective to stay away from such practices. “By blending classic motorsport style with sophisticated, modern lines and forms, Z56 points toward a cleaner, simpler, and more efficient future.”

At the heart of the Z56 concept lies its 10Ah 56-volt power source, a central feature that’s boldly highlighted rather than hidden, signaling a proud departure from the internal combustion engines of old. This design choice not only emphasizes the bike’s electric nature but also celebrates the shift away from petroleum dependence. The bike’s electric identity is further reinforced by its performance capabilities: equipped with a maintenance-free 1000-watt DC brushless motor, the Z56 promises ample torque and instant acceleration, ensuring a spirited yet manageable ride for young enthusiasts.

The battery life of this conceptual bike is impressive, offering about an hour of riding time on a single charge, with the added convenience of a one-hour recharge period. The possibility of swapping in a second battery for continuous, all-day riding is a thoughtful touch, showcasing the practicality embedded in this futuristic vision. The lightweight lithium pack not only contributes to the bike’s efficiency but also enhances its agility, making it easier to handle and more enjoyable to ride.

The bike operates noiselessly and emission-free, opening up new riding territories previously off-limits to gas-powered bikes. This aspect not only makes the Z56 a more environmentally friendly option but also a more versatile and accessible one, free from the constraints of noise and pollution regulations. The lack of oil and gas requirements further simplifies ownership and transport, underscoring the bike’s user-friendly nature.

The Z56 Dirt Bike Concept by Zukun Design Studio is more than a children’s toy; it’s a glimpse into a future where the thrill of motorsports coexists with sustainability and environmental consciousness. By marrying traditional design elements with modern, eco-friendly technology, the Z56 presents a vision of a world where fun, performance, and responsibility go hand in hand. Sure, it’s merely conceptual for now, but we’d love to see some prototypes test-driven by kids on the slopes. I imagine concerned parents would have an entirely different reaction, though…

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Lexus Unveils Luxury EV With Prismatic Batteries that gives it a Stunning 620 Mile Range

Lexus unveiled new EVs and tech at the Japan Motor Show… but its LF-ZC concept stole the limelight with its whopping 620-mile range thanks to Lexus’ latest innovations in Prismatic Battery Technology. That’s DOUBLE the range of the Tesla Model 3, giving you an EV that you can practically drive from New York to Detroit on a single charge.

The Lexus LF-ZC, which stands for “Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst,” is a four-door luxury car that the company plans to use as a basis for its future cars. Underneath the LF-ZC’s hood is Lexus’ highly anticipated solid state ‘prismatic’ battery technology which will make its way into Lexus’ automobiles as early as 2026, with lofty promises of a 1000-kilometer range on a full charge.

Designer: Lexus

The LF-ZC showcases a sleek, low-hanging roofline that gracefully flows from the hood to the rear, culminating in a design that blends elegance with modernity. The elongated windshield stretches over the front passengers, granting them an expansive field of vision. Remarkably, the LF-ZC shares a similar length with the iconic Prius from Lexus’ parent company Toyota, measuring 187 inches, just a whisker longer than the Prius at 181.1 inches.

In terms of size, the LF-ZC also falls in line with the Tesla Model 3, making it a true competitor in the segment. Its range and size aside, the LF-ZC’s eye-catching faceted design is sure to turn heads and elicit a couple of wows and more than its fair share of selfies. Its aesthetic appeal, combined with Toyota’s new battery tech, places it firmly in the spotlight.

The underlying Prismatic Battery tech’s impressive range is also vastly enhanced by just how aerodynamic the LF-ZC is. With an impressive approximate drag coefficient of 0.2, the LF-ZC outshines its electrical rival, the Model 3, which has a drag coefficient of 0.208. This bolsters the LF-ZC’s efficiency and ability to glide smoothly across roads with zero range anxiety. Toyota’s DIRECT4 AWD and smooth Steer-by-Wire systems further enhance the LF-ZC’s driving capabilities.

Beyond its striking design and aerodynamic prowess, Toyota is implementing its Tesla-beating gigacasting method to lower production costs, and the LF-ZC will be powered by the all-new dedicated “Arene OS” software platform. This platform not only facilitates advanced safety features but also enables seamless over-the-air updates. The spacious infotainment screen, strategically positioned for passenger convenience, hosts a myriad of multimedia features.

While passengers revel in the entertainment, the driver’s domain is equally impressive. Control screens on both sides of the steer-by-wire yoke provide intuitive command, complemented by an instrument panel and heads-up display. Furthermore, the LF-ZC introduces an AI-powered “butler” that responds to voice commands, offers directions, and adapts the drive mode based on driving patterns and mood.

The LF-ZC also boasts sustainability features, such as the Bamboo CMF (Color, Material, Finish) concept, which combines fast growth, significant CO2 absorption capacity, and enduring beauty. It’s a nod to Toyota’s commitment to eco-conscious design.

In addition to the LF-ZC, Lexus has teased an LF-ZL SUV concept, which is expected to be the pinnacle of its electric vehicle strategy. While the release date remains a mystery, it’s clear that Toyota is making bold strides in the world of electric mobility.

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This all roader DeLorean packs power with 4×4 drivetrain and kills with its sharp looks

DeLorean DMC 12 is a cult favorite even after so many iconic cars have made their presence felt and then faded away eventually. The rear-engine two-passenger sports car spiced up the early 80s with its futuristic appeal but couldn’t manage to survive in the closely contested power domination landscape owing to its underpowered engine.

The company revived this nostalgic ride after decades of anticipation as an electric avatar last year with production promised for 2024. That gives concept designers yet another chance to muster up their imagination of a DeLorean with a refreshing new perspective.

Designer: Jeremy Dodd

Look at this imaginative concept that pits the sports car against the rugged terrain with a makeover. Dubbed the DeLorean All Roader, this is also an electric version but with some modifications to the original’s blueprint to appeal to the adventurous kind. The 4×4 drivetrain makes it capable enough to venture on the dirt tracks, but the ride hide makes me believe otherwise.

Jeremy has reinterpreted the original to have roof rails for carrying your skis in winter or loading other adventure gear that fits. The engine sits on the rear and the front hood has ample space to stash luggage and trip essentials so that the interiors can be used just for relaxing when parked. That rear windshield flows down to make space for an extra wheel carrier, and to be frank, it adds character to this DeLorean’s rear profile.

The front grille section has been modernized with sharp LED headlights and the rear follows suit with peppy taillights. Overall aesthetics have the sharpness balanced down by the white paint job. The black rims add contrast to the look, but as I earlier, the ride height needs to be increased with dampers if you want to confidently take it on rough roads.

Compared to the upcoming Alpha 5 – that’s got a very boxy, contoured profile – this one retains the original’s DNA in a subtle way. I would any day choose this personality of a DeLorean over the inevitable Alpha 5 that’s going to look like any other sports car out there.

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Nissan 20-23 concept is an electric hot hatch for city speed demons

Making an electric car boxy without drifting away from the idea of lending it a futuristic look takes a special skill set. That’s what Nissan has achieved with its new Concept 20-23, designed to be a fun city electric car that you’d want to “drive every day in London,” as Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan’s senior vice president for global design, put it.

He also emphasized the fact that the concept is inspired by the online racing world. To sum it up, the electric hatchback is the perfect intersection of modern city living, online gaming and zero-emission mobility. The car is a true reflection of the “Nissan Ambition 2030 target of introducing 27 electrified vehicles by the year 2030. THe Japanese automotive giant also plans to have solid-state batteries in all its EVs by 2028, thereby achieving a 65 percent reduction in the cost of energy storage.

Designer: Nissan

The electric hot hatch, crafted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nissan Design Europe, is fitted with an all-electric powertrain with the option to drive it in both urban and sporty modes. Formula-1 influence of the Concept 20-23 is evident as soon as you step inside via the scissor doors. White bucket seats and the square steering wheel mounted on a carbon fiber column indicate Nissan’s intent to pitch the EV to speed addicts. The minimalist interior enhances the concept’s distraction-free aesthetic, focused on just pushing the foot to the metal.

The aggressive aero styling radiates the sporty character of the concept amplified by the semi-circular dissected headlights and the taillights. Sporty elements like the huge rear lip spoiler, wide arches and the roof scoop feeding air add cool factor to the cute little sexy thing. If ever Mini Cooper would ever get some serious competition from an EV or any hatchback, this would be it.

For now, Nissan has no plans of pushing the Concept 20-23 into the production lines. However, we want to see this baby roll on the streets, given its killer sharp looks fused perfectly with the sumptuous contours where required. Hone its torque, gear ratios and power delivery capabilities, and motorheads have got a winning hatchback in proposition.

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Honda reincarnates 80s Motocompo into electrified Motocompacto for modern city dwellers

Remember the cute little Honda Motocompo from the 80s designed to fit in the boot of a hatchback? The scooter is making a comeback in electric form and it’s called the Motocompacto.

In the folded configuration, the ride looks nothing more than a suitcase with wheels, measuring just 29 inches in length and 21 inches in height. Probably, the reason it was hugely popular even though it had a very short stint at the Japanese automotive production lines.

Designer: Honda

For the 21st century, the peppy commuter targeted at urban users comes with some improvements and maintains the same lightweight frame as its predecessor. To be precise, the Motocompacto weighs 41 pounds, the same class as regular bikes. That small and compact form factor comes with its set of limitations such as the measly range of 12 miles on a single charge of 3.5 hours. The silver lining though, it has a charger-ready 110V outlet, so you can plug it into any household outlet.

The ingrained idea of a Motocompo is to take it along in your car’s boot and only use it for short trips. The front-wheel drive motor of the Motocompacto delivers 490W, making the last-mile ride capable enough of climbing hills. The top speed of 15-18 mph isn’t top-notch when compared to other electric scooters, but it solves the purpose nonetheless. On the dashboard, there are two power levels, a digital speedometer and battery level indicators.

Nick Ziraldo, project lead and design engineering unit leader at Honda Development and Manufacturing of America, “Motocompacto is easy to use and fun to ride, but was also designed with safety, durability, and security in mind. It uses a robust heat-treated aluminum frame and wheels, bright LED headlight and taillight, side reflectors, and a welded steel lock loop on the kickstand that is compatible with most bike locks.”

The Motocompacto is going to be priced around $995 and will be available in November. Interested buyers can either place the order online or buy via the Honda or Acura dealerships.

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This Gen-Z electric scooter has ultra-customizable skin and community driven NFT art

Designed in close association with BMW Designworks Munich, Germany, the electric scooter is heavily centred around the likes and aspirations of Generation Z. The commuter is crafted with the bottom-up approach, addressing the communication element with the ride, and providing the tools to shape up their own culture.

The designers of this thorough concept decided to go with RTFKT as the co-brand since they are known for unique experiences when it comes to phygital fashion, sneakers and digital artifacts in the metaverse and NFT realm. What RTFKT wanted them to pursue is the idea that “the most personalized is the most unique.” This coincides with the desire of Gen-Z to be themselves.

Designer: Yejin Lee, Junguk Cha and Haesung Cho

The starting point was the creation of NFTs and the collection of personalized digital identities, with the best representation of the two-wheeled mobility in their subconscious. One highlight of this is the ability of Omini electric scooter to change the colors and graphics in real time. This is done from the dashboard of the vehicle itself, and the users can toggle it to any pallet they desire depending on the mood, likes and place. Everything right from the body frame to the wheels of the electric scooter has a color-changing surface for extreme customization.

The next trending look popular with users can also be imported and applied in an instant on the smartphone. Thus, giving the Gen-Z another way to showcase their lives and express themselves. The owners can share their designs with the community or pin them to their mood boards to create a personal collection. With this process, the next generation gets the opportunity to interact with others in the online world. Eventually, the active community begins to value the NFT art and rankings start to increase, making it monetarily desirable for those who want to apply it on their own Omni.

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Meyers Manx’s Restorer NEV electric buggy for off-road adventures has a detachable roof and trailer hitch

Last year we were awed by the Manx 2.0 EV inspired by the original dune buddy created by Bruce Meyers. Now, the electric buggy has graduated to being the Restorer NEV capable of any urban adventure or hill climbs you throw at it. The chick four-wheeler has got spacious interiors for a family of four and looks to turn eyeballs.

The guts of this zero-emission urban ride are powered by a twin-electric motor drivetrain fed by pouch-cell lithium-ion batteries. This makes it capable of reaching a top speed of 25 mph to meet the NEV (Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle) standards. Restorer was revealed during the motorsports gathering at The Quail.

Designer: Meyers Manx

As per Phillip Sarofim, Chairman of Meyers Manx, the Restorer NEV is their ticket to elevate the segment by “introducing an unparalleled, well-engineered vehicle with the timeless Meyers Manx aesthetic. Our blend of premium design, craftsmanship, and a commitment to fostering exploration of one’s surroundings sets Meyers Manx apart from the competition”

The all-new Meyers Manx dune buggy gets aluminum monocoque chassis foldable windshield (just like the classic Meyers Manx buggy) and detachable roof to enjoy the open-air skirmishes. The EV is going to boast a dual electric motor setup to make it possible to haul a tow trailer, climb hills with ease or go off-road without much fuzz. It’s fitted with a four-wheel independent wishbone suspension, regenerative braking system, power steering and the option to hook it onto to a trailer courtesy of the trailer hitch. On the inside, things are kept basic with a backlit center-mounted speedometer and toggle switches to toggle the features. There are standard electric air conditioning and heating to keep things comfy for the riders.

Pricing for the Restorer electric buggy by the Californian automaker starts at $49,000, as a $500 deposit secures your unit for delivery sometime in the future. That’s far less than the $74,000 Manx 2.0 that’s more oriented towards longer travel routes with a range of 300 miles with a bigger battery pack, power output of 202 horsepower and ability to go from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. Restorer on the other hand is more tailored for short exciting rides, so don’t expect a better range!

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This Vespa dupe has the retro-modern looks to kill but disappoints with underpowered electric motor

Cargo e-bikes and e-scooters are a good option to go around town, but if you get something better, then why not go for it? Meet Lampago, a trike with vintage styling and modern features, carrying a Vespa-like charm for keen motorists. The two-seater city commuter is the work of the Turkish design trio – Yavuz Cinkaya, Osman Colcak, and Selen Sarkaya.

So far, electric trikes don’t have much to brag about their looks, but this one is different. It comes in 9 different color options including Ivory White, Ocean Blue, Sunrise Yellow, Lake Cyan, Stormy Grey, Desert Gold, Volcano Red, Forest Green, and Sunset Pink. So, there’s one for everyone out there. To top it off, the electric trike will come with the option to customize the body, front section and the fabric color used in the interior.

Designer: Lampago

The personal mobility vehicle’s name is inspired by the Spanish word for lightning, which is in a way ironic as it is only capable of hitting a top speed of 28 miles per hour. That however is understandable since trikes can become unstable at high speeds around corners and lower speeds mean more safer riding. On the brighter side of things, the Lampago doesn’t require a motorcycle license in Europe where it will be sold initially. Rather it needs a class AM or A1 license meant for trikes or two-wheelers having a 50cc or lower powered engine. So, calling it a moped would not be wrong.

The two-tone color scheme instantly gravitates attention and the diminutive left-side door is a good addition. Chesterfield leather upholstery for the seats adds to the retro appeal of this lovechild of a Vespa. Vintage accents are highlighted by the inclusion of a rear storage bag and spare wheel cover. All this embellishment more than makes up for the underpowered belly of the e-trike.

Talking of the specifications, Lampago gets an average 30Ah Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1.8 kWh churning out just 60V power. The total range on a single charge is also average at around 25-45 miles depending on driving habits. While the 1,000W electric motor leaves a whole lot to be desired, the e-trike has an innovative tech-powered riding system that needs to be tested in real-life conditions before drawing any conclusions.

Lampago is positioned as a fun proposition for city driving with a total weight carrying capacity of 200 kg. How it will fair on hilly roads is still questionable given it has less power than an electric bicycle!

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A DIY enthusiast built this micro electric camper on tank treads to strolls and live in the woods

Electric camper vans are a need of the hour as the adventure industry inclines toward a sustainable and efficient way of living a nomadic life. While discerning adventurers and industry leaders rely on a Mercedes Sprinter or a Ford Transit to build their campers, here is a guy doing it effortlessly by building an electric camper from scratch, spending the least possible to fuel his passion.

This DIY electric camper is created around a wooden bed with its tank trails (for the rear wheels) being the standout aspect. We have over time seen some incredible DIY campers, which look more refined; the micro electric camper by YouTuber Quiet Nerd stands out as a worthy electric camper anyone with basic DIY skills can build at home.

Designer: Quiet Nerd

Completed as an electric camper we wouldn’t expect, it was created in under four days. An interesting exemplification of electric power mobility, this is billed as an off-roading camper, but with its ground clearance and fragile structure, I’m not sure of that claim!

To test the camper, the builder however took it over a levelled-up jungle trail to relax and camp within overnight. And for camping convenience, the camper is covered with a greenhouse – trampoline overlay to shade from the sun – and has a camp kitchen and some storage options within.

Powered by an electric motor, the camper has lawn mower wheels on the front and tank treads attached to the rear axle, which is connected via a chain to the motor. The camper’s 24V motor runs off a 12V battery – connected to a boost converter to double the voltage – and is steered using an installed go-kart steering kit. The camper is finished with LED lights on the front and rear, and it can run 2.5 hours on a single charge.

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