Tag Archives: Automotive

This utilitarian electric scooter is economical and faster way to move cargo in urban locales

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As businesses are shifting focus from more polluting and space-consuming cargo vans and cars to cargo-hauling bikes for the last-mile approach, there is a huge demand for better options. Tapping on the opportunity, a Vancouver-based startup is designing what it calls the Scootility – precisely a portmanteau of scooter and utility. A reasonable and compact alternative for last-mile delivery; the cargo-hauling Scootility is for now in the prototype stage with production to begin in the next 12 months.

Given its unique design, the Scootility is not another electric bike. In fact, it draws design inspiration from a segway with a column handle for maneuvering it. By virtue, however, it is an electric scooter that allows the rider to stand up and ride while the cargo remains intact in the covered box right in front of the eyes.

Designer: Scootility

In the design then, a lockable cargo box with a standard load-bearing capacity of 140 liters is the biggest takeaway. This weatherproof box becomes even more beneficial for the delivery guy with the swappable feature. The cargo box can be taken off and replaced with a swappable option on the fly minimizing time between pickup and delivery.

The e-scooter with its compact size and narrow footprint in the traffic, can also be used for delivering medication or supplies in affected areas where access to other forms of transport may be hindered. Interestingly, Scootility has full suspension and wheels measuring 16-inches on the front and 13-inches on the back. The smaller wheel size allows more space for a cargo box on this scooter with utility as its basis over a simple mode of commutation.

For the safety of the rider, it’s installed with LED lighting and has a small turning radius, the manufacturer claims. A foldable leg rest of the Scootility can double as a glove compartment, and the long steering column and handle can fold down for easy storage. Powered by a swappable lithium battery offering a 100 km range in the standard variant, the Scootility is easier to ride (no license needed) and more economical (as opposed to cargo e-bikes on the market).

Since Scootility is only raising funding for its utility scooter at the moment, there is no definite word on the retail price. Given its benefits of minimum parking space requirement, swappable cargo box and battery, and substantial drive range, we are sure many businesses already have their eyes out for the Scootility.

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80% smaller than the average car: This Compact EV seats 2 people and fits into tight parking spots

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Motorcycles are agile but don’t have the conveniences a car offers. Cars have roofs, storage space, and are more stable, but they aren’t as compact as motorcycles. Granstudio’s vision for Komma, a Swiss-based mobility startup, was to blur the line between the two. The Komma UMV is unique in that it borrows the best bits from a car and a motorcycle. For all intents and purposes, it looks and feels like a car, with four wheels, a roof, doors, and even a boot to store luggage. However, it’s no wider than a motorcycle, making it 80% smaller than most cars, run on 66% less energy, and have all the safety features of a car, from seatbelts to airbags.

Designer: Granstudio

The Komma UMV is entirely a new category of vehicle, borrowing the best bits from cars, motorbikes, ATVs, and even the Asian TukTuks. It prioritizes efficiency without compromising on mobility and rider comfort, and when it does make trade-offs, it does so in a way that really feels like features. For example, it might be smaller than a car, but its slim format allows it to weave between traffic and park in even the tightest spaces without breaking a sweat.

“In the studio, we focus on both designing cars and developing mobility plans for future cities. However, when we try to combine these two aspects, something doesn’t quite fit,” say the designers at GranStudio “This is particularly evident in Europe, where it is clear that the ideal city we envision for the future prioritizes the quality of public spaces and community values. It is a city where cars do not naturally belong and are out of context.”

In scaling the car down to this two-seater format, the math adds up to some real savings for both the rider and the planet. The Komma UMV is 80% smaller than your average car and has a 70% reduced ecological footprint. It consumes 66% less energy than a car, which translates to 70% lower operational and fuel costs than your regular gas-powered vehicle. All that really makes a difference in the grand scheme of things, making the Komma UMV perfect for single-person or two-person rides.

That being said, the UMV has all the benefits of a car. It runs on four wheels that employ a unique hydraulic tilting system for stability, but also enable tighter turns, just like a motorcycle. You’ve got a 4WD system, suspension, anti-collision protocols, and an anti-lock braking system. The car also comes with doors, a roof, seatbelts, airbags, and its occupants don’t need helmets. The windshield has airbags, and the UMV has storage space in both the front as well as the boot, offering much more storage space than a two-wheeler. Given its width constraint and hydraulic tilting system, it uses handlebars, which seem to be the only actual remnant left behind from the motorcycling world, along with the seating format where the passenger sits right behind the rider.

Komma offers a transformative vision for urban environments, placing a strong emphasis on enhancing the quality of public spaces and nurturing community values. By reducing the dominance of automobiles (or at least the space occupied by them), Komma paves the way for a more harmonious coexistence with nature, creating abundant room for leisure pursuits, and fostering vibrant social interactions. This shift in perspective not only redefines the city but also revitalizes it, making it a place where people and nature thrive together.

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Lexus concept car displayed as a light sculpture in Miami exhibition

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When you’re visiting car exhibit shows, you expect to see nothing but cars on display. The brands have to figure out how to make it a bit more exciting and innovative since looking at cars can become repetitive and if you’re not really a car enthusiast, it can get boring. But when you’re displaying a car at an art and design exhibition, then you can expect a more non-traditional way to look at the vehicle.

Designer: Marjan van Aubel

An installation to celebrate the Lexus LF-ZC Battery Electric Vehicle Concept Car is now on display at the Miami Art & Design Week. The “sculpture” is called “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds” which is the time it takes for light to reach earth. So instead of the usual car display, what you get is a self-illuminating 3D skeleton of the concept car itself. It’s made from organic transparent photovoltaic (POV) sheets and is powered by solar energy. Each cell gives off a spectrum of color and movement and they are transparent to give off the maximum effect of light and patterns.

The EV Skateboard, which is where the engine will be located, is highlighted with an LED panel. It is the main feature of the car so this is where eyes will be drawn. Depending on where you’re standing, you’ll get a different perspective of the sculpture. There are also motion sensors which will let the car respond to those walking around, triggering a ripple through the LED light panels. You will also hear bamboo chimes since the concept car uses bamboo materials as well.

Every 10 minutes, you’ll get a crescendo of sound and light patterns. Since the sculpture is located in a garden setting, the color temperature also shifts along with the natural circadian rhythms of its surroundings. It’s a pretty interesting thing to see this in person and to experience a different kind of display for cars, even if it’s still just a concept car.

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Zero DSR/X Long-Term Review

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PROS:


  • Capable in all conditions

  • Comfortable and easy to ride

  • Practical layout

CONS:


  • Lacking range

  • Expensive

  • Confusing interface

RATINGS:

AESTHETICS
ERGONOMICS
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY

EDITOR'S QUOTE:

“In my initial review I called this bike a masterpiece, and now, at the end of this extended loan, I feel much the same way -- but with some important caveats.”

It’s been an up-and-down year for riding where I live on the East Coast of the United States. We’ve had good weather and bad, repeated wind storms and record-breaking amounts of rain. That’s the kind of unpredictability that keeps many motorcycles sitting inside the garage, sipping slowly from trickle chargers.

It’s also the kind of conditions that are absolutely perfect for the Zero DSR-X. I’ve now spent a full year living with this dual-sport electric motorcycle, covering miles through all seasons to find out just what this bike is all about. After the first few months, I called this bike a masterpiece, and now, at the end of this extended loan, I feel much the same way — but with some important caveats.

Design

It’s admittedly only been a year, but I find the look of the DSR-X just as appealing as I did 12 months ago. Maybe even more so. Its upright, organic shape is still a welcome sight to me as I approach it in a parking lot. Far from the razor-thin shapes most commonly seen on sportbikes, the somewhat bulbous fairing of the Zero gives it a more friendly appearance.

I still love the green, too, a somewhat muted hue that feels like a nod to the nature that this bike craves getting out and into.

Beyond the visual appeal, there’s a lot of practicality here, too. The generous front windscreen lacks power but is so easy to adjust with its pair of chunky knobs that you won’t mind the absence. At its maximum extent, the windscreen was a bit too short for me, causing buffetting on the top of my helmet, but I sit rather tall, so this won’t be an issue for most folks.

The saddle, at 32.6 inches in height, felt a bit tall at first, but I quickly got comfortable. It’s far wider and softer than most bikes with dual sport aspirations, making it a treat for longer days in the saddle. And, when you need to stretch those legs or get some extra airflow between them, wide and grippy pegs make it easy to stand up, even in the rain and the mud.

The high positioning of the grips, too, makes it easy to operate the bike while standing. It helps for keeping good posture while seated, too. My only complaint with the controls is the rocker switch on the left. It’s used for controlling so many functions — toggling drive modes, heated grips, resetting the trip meter, etc. — that it’s easy to forget what to tap or press and when. A four-way rocker would have been less confusing and more intuitive.

My favorite part of the design can’t even be seen. It’s the cavernous storage compartment built into the tank. Though sadly not quite big enough for a helmet (at least, not one my size), it easily swallows all sorts of things. In my time with it, I’ve used it to carry food and drinks for meals on the go, a gallon of almond milk home from the shops, even a flower bouquet.

It also makes for a great place to keep your rain gear when not needed or to toss your gloves when the bike is parked up waiting for you. I only wish the cubby featured the kind of central locking you find on the Honda Goldwing or other high-end touring bikes. It must be unlocked with the ignition key, which often left me shutting the bike down, using the key to open the storage compartment, and then powering the bike back up again.

On the road

While I only spent a little bit of time trail-hopping this Zero, it proved itself to be an compliant and capable ride on loose gravel and dirt. That’s despite a set of tires that offer little in the way of tread for that kind of terrain.

It’s also despite a prodigious weight but the refinement of the controls in the DSR-X are what make it so sweet to cruise up a trail. Without a clutch to slip or a gearbox to manage, you simply worry about throttle and brake. More importantly, you’re free to enjoy the ride a bit more.

I confess I’m not much of a trail rider, so I didn’t get into too much trouble on the Zero, but it always felt willing and able to go adventuring.

That continued as the temperatures dropped. The standard heated grips are a delight on chilly mornings, helped by the brush guards that keep most of the wind from your knuckles. Meanwhile, that windscreen and fairing do a great job of keeping the worst of the weather from the rest of you, such that riding through the rain isn’t as soaking an event as it might be on other bikes.

Even so, much of my riding was in the dry on asphalt in various states of disrepair, ideal conditions for this bike. I found the traction control system subtle enough not to be a restriction, yet it smoothly and reassuringly cut power when needed to mitigate unwanted wheelspin on the road.

Likewise, I only experienced the ABS a few times, but it too smoothly kept the wheels turning and kept me upright during a few panic stops over the year, avoiding wildlife and wild drivers.

Bumpy roads did little to unsettle the DSR-X. At least, they didn’t once I got the suspension dialed in properly. The bike came to me with too much compression damping at the rear, which left everything feeling a bit too nervous over every little bump. But, after a quick consultation with the online manual, I had the rear shock dialed in for my weight. Everything was smooth from there.

Smooth is when I had the most fun on the DSR-X. Yes, it’s excellent in rough conditions, but Zero’s biggest bike is still a great corner carver on a freshly paved, twisty piece of asphalt. In these conditions, the Canyon riding mode is easily my favorite. That mode not only gives you the maximum throttle response with your wrist, but the maximum regen too. This means that you rarely need to reach for the brake lever. You can just roll the throttle on and off and swing through the twists and turns.

There are five separate on-road modes and five more off-road modes, plus a custom mode, all editable through Zero’s app. There’s an absolute wealth of configurability here, plus data management, making this among the most intelligent, most connected bikes out there. Data fiends will love the ability to download details from every ride. Perfectionists, meanwhile, will love being able to create a custom layout on the five-inch LCD gauge cluster.

Range and charging

If there’s one fly in this ointment, it’s the range. Though the DSR-X is rated for a maximum of 180 miles in the city, you’d have to rely on the most economical riding modes and keep your speed very low to manage it. I tried and couldn’t quite get there myself, at least not without feeling like a rolling traffic obstruction. If you’re exclusively riding on low-speed urban streets or crawling over trails, you might be able to manage that.

Me? I more often saw range estimates around 140 miles, but when I was feeling sporty (which, let’s be honest, was most of the time), I struggled to manage 120 miles on a charge. That is not a lot. Even if you exclusively head out on sunny Sundays for an afternoon cruise to your favorite taco shop, you may find yourself sweating that remaining range indicator on the return trip.

I never had any particularly close calls, but neither did I feel like pushing things. While charging is reasonably quick, the bike usually takes fewer than two hours to top up, that’s still too long to reasonably ride somewhere, enjoy lunch near a charger, and head home. You’ll need to do some serious route planning and budget lots of time for activities near plugs if you want to road trip one of these.

Pricing and Options

The bike you see here was priced at $24,495, with no options, and seemingly none needed.

However, were I buying one now, knowing what I know, I’d be tempted by either the faster charger or the bigger battery pack. Being able to charge faster or go farther would open this bike up to be the truly comfortable touring bike it’s otherwise capable of being. The only problem is that selecting either of those options fills up that tank storage compartment that proved so useful, but with generous mounting points on the back of the saddle, fitting a set of boxes wouldn’t be much of a chore.

For the 2024 model, the DSR/X actually becomes more attainable, with a starting price of $22,995. But there’s an even more affordable version with a smaller, 15.6-kwh battery and a starting price of $19,995.

At the end of 12 months, I’m still left enamored of the DSR-X. Its range meant my adventures were limited to those close to home, but then I live where I live because it’s an area full of adventure, and this Zero was always ready.

The post Zero DSR/X Long-Term Review first appeared on Yanko Design.

Flowcamper rolls out the first campervan built around the needs of our canine friends

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There is something exciting about having your dog hike with you during the day and sit alongside you at the campfire by night. This is why many adventurers prefer to have their dogs along on their campervan when they head out. And this is not just true for solo travelers, in fact, small families on long road trips prefer to travel with their dogs.

To make this adventure more suitable and comfortable for both the pets and their humans, Germany-based Flowcamper has come up with the Fellschnute: the first campervan built around the needs of our canine friends. Well, the campervan is customizable to make the road trip experience desirable for dogs, it does not at any point, compromise on the convenience and functionality of the people onboard.

Designer: Flowcamper

The Fellschnute dog camper designed for adventurous outings with dogs, has a customizable interior based on the modular floor rail system. This makes dedicated areas for the pet and humans possible, so each can have their spacious living area, yet stay at a safe distance from the other. To that accord, the configuration of the dog area in the rear of the vehicle is such that it can be accessed from either an interior door or the one facing the tailgate.

This space for dogs, which is way more than the little nooks dogs get to themselves on other campervans, can easily “accommodate one to four dogs,” depending on the choice of kennel layout the customer opts for, Flowcamper informs. Above the spacious dog area, the Fellschnute makes provision to mount a fold-out bed and if you have more than a couple of people lying over, the bed in the pop-up roof is usable.

The living area for humans comprises special seats that can track back and forth or be positioned in any orientation to create a more spacious living space. Here you also have a small corner kitchen behind the driver’s seat. The kitchen is laid out with a 30-liter compressor cool box, a two-burner stove, and a sink. The utensils and other kitchen accessories hide away in drawers while a table swivels out for dining and working needs.

Interesting part of the Fellschnute campervan is its 18-L fresh water system which is linked up to the kitchen sink and hand sprayer at the back to wash up a dirty dogo or clean up your gear. Flowcamper also offers a portable air conditioner that doesn’t help with the cooling of the campervan, instead is specially designed to keep the dog kennel(s) temperature down by almost 15 degrees. For human convenience, however, there is a dry separating toilet that can be hidden from sight or can be pulled out in the open to double up as a bench at camp. The campervan draws power from a 400-watt solar system onboard and retails for a starting price of $75,000.

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With its tactical accessories, this company plans to add value and substance to oddly-shaped Cybertruck

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After what seemed like a long time due, Tesla very recently handed over the first limited production units of the Cybertruck electric pickup. If you are one of the select few to have gotten your hands on the oddly-shaped truck, you have reasons to rejoice. Unplugged Performance, a developer of stylish and high-performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, has stepped up with a range of Up Invincible accessories for the Cybertruck that intend to improve every aspect, on and off-road – of the pickup’s driving and ownership experience.

The launch of the aftermarket accessories aligns with the Cybertruck’s delivery event last week, and steps up the customization game for the owners to give their purchase an even more exciting outlook. The range of accessories includes lift kits, steel bumpers, armor, carbon fiber panels, LED lights, and more. All of which individually or together (if your pocket allows) would put the already unique Cybertruck into a never-fatomed pickup category.

Designer: Unplugged Performance

According to the creator, some of the accessories in the Up Invincible range should be available starting this month, while most of them will only be launched in the first quarter of 2024. Nonetheless, while we are at it, the standard upgrades to tune the Cybertruck’s off-roading capabilities include the 2.5-inch lift kit which enhances the ground clearance to 19.5 inches without affecting the truck’s inherent air suspension and other elements.

Taking the word hardcore to the next level are the 20-inch beadlock wheels and the brake rotors. These are meant for off-roading but are legal for everyday commutes in the Cybertruck. While the lift kit is priced at $9,950, the beadlock wheel and brake rotors would set you back up to $2,290 and $2,390 respectively.

The Up Invincible is not only about enhancing the off-road ability of the already capable Cybertruck. In fact, the range of accessories that make the Cybertruck a road wonder includes steel front bumpers, front and rear carbon fiber fender flares, a front bull bar, and an underbody armor that provides ribbed protection for your truck. Additional excitements to retrofit the Cybertruck are a roof rack and a carbon fiber hood with Kevlar reinforcement that fits atop the steel hood of the standard Tesla truck.

What really makes a statement and adds to the umpteen usability is the Unplugged Performance’s fully enclosed and lockable rail-based bed storage system. The storage drawers here are more secure and have a sizable capacity. These are accessible via the tailgate or can be reached through the hatch doors from the top. This $100 system along with a 50-inch LED light bar gives the Cybertruck more flare and functionality.

The retrofit accessories generally add to the drag of a vehicle. How much will these mentioned accessories, and others in the range, affect that of the Cybertruck is not yet pointed out. But these are the first real upgrades to be available for the Tesla’s ambitious pickup truck after the Basecamp tent that we have discussed this past week since the Cybertruck production models have gone out.

 

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Morgan XP-1 electric trike redefines retrofuturism with handcrafted bespoke design and power delivery

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Marching towards an electrified future, iconic British automaker Morgan Motor has unveiled details about its latest creation, the Morgan XP-1 (Experimental Prototype 1). This electric three-wheeler marks a significant shift for the brand renowned for its classic design and combustion engine vehicles. The XP-1 promises to deliver an exhilarating 134 horsepower of good, clean fun, redefining the perception of electric vehicles in the automotive landscape.

Morgan’s commitment to embracing sustainable technology is evident in the XP-1’s specifications. The vehicle is part of the company’s broader strategy to transition towards electric power. The development vehicle embodies Morgan’s dedication to innovation while preserving the distinctive charm that has defined the brand for over a century!

Designer: Morgan Motor

The XP-1 represents a new era for Morgan, boasting a design that seamlessly blends modernity with the British motor car manufacturer’s timeless aesthetics. The three-wheeler prototype promises to captivate enthusiasts who appreciate the brand’s rich heritage while embracing the latest advancements in automotive technology. The XP-1 to that accord is not merely an electric vehicle it is a testament to Morgan’s ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to its roots.

The XP-1’s design is a harmonious fusion of classic Morgan aesthetics and contemporary styling. The three-wheeler maintains the brand’s distinctive charm while incorporating modern elements that define its electric identity. The vehicle’s exterior exudes sophistication, with aerodynamic considerations complementing its overall aesthetic appeal. Underneath its classic exterior, the XP-1 hosts a state-of-the-art battery system that powers its electric motor. The 33 kWh battery unit is placed under that cheeky nose, promising a range of around 150 miles which by industry standards is pretty little but we’ve to consider It’s a purist’s wild dream come true.

According to Morgan Motors, “the powertrain engineered specifically for XP-1, gives its engineers complete control of calibrations to create a range of driving modes featuring a mix of driving characteristics, providing the opportunity to define exactly how an electric Morgan should drive.” The retro-futuristic trike weighing just 1,543 pounds churns out 134 horsepower, delivering the power to the single rear wheel. The XP-1 comes with four drive modes that can be switched seamlessly, represented by a funny-looking chili pepper on the digital display.

Beyond its impressive power and design, the Morgan XP-1 is likely to feature cutting-edge connectivity and driver-assistance technologies. As the automotive industry continues to integrate smart features into vehicles, the XP-1 is poised to offer a holistic driving experience that goes beyond the traditional bounds of a three-wheeler. That said the company wants to keep the vehicle experimental and after “’12 months of design and build, XP-1 will now embark on a comprehensive testing program over the next 18–24 months.”

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Inspired by the Ukrainian war, Life Chariot off-road trailer is designed to assist medics with rescue missions

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Dire situations bring out the best in humans. And war-torn Ukraine has been a reason for many lifesaving inventions that are not only helping here but also opening new avenues in places where the need may arise. One such creation is the Life Chariot: a lightweight offroad trailer for combat rescue and evacuation. Designed without typical emergency lighting and anything like the MEDEVAC vehicles, we usually see in evacuation missions, the rescue trailer is inspired by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its growing demand for healthcare and evacuation vehicles.

This Life Chariot is developed by Polish industrial designer, Piotr Tluszcz, who, recognizing the hardships of Ukrainian medics (trying to rescue lives from the war-shattered areas), wanted to build an all-terrain solution to help them with their evacuation missions. The Life Chariot is therefore made lightweight and comes with Da Orffo off-road suspension to make it easier and safer to rescue the wounded than in the truck, which the Ukrainian medics do at the moment.

Designer: Lodz Design

Given its novel, steel skeleton design and off-road suspension, this MEDEVAC-like trailer provides a convenient and smooth ride for the patient onboard. For this, the Life Chariot comes with an adjustable hitch to tow behind a capable vehicle and features a removable stretcher to accommodate one wounded person and two medics on either side, sitting stable on strapped seats with medical equipment overhead for easy access.

Riding smoothly over any terrain, the trailer helps medical evacuation teams in conflict zones and other challenging environments to help them carry out rescues briskly and with the least danger to any parties. When the injured person in need of medical assistance is strapped up to the stretcher, the medics can hop onboard and cover the protective steel skeleton body of the trailer with a fireproof tarpaulin and allow the stretcher into its stipulated mount through the side or rear.

The trailer, which is more like a steel-caged contraption at first sight, also has an additional stretcher mount on the supposed roof. Two such Life Chariots have already been handed to the Ukrainian military and one to a voluntary Polish medic unit for testing. The Life Chariot was recently awarded the James Dyson Humanitarian Award. The designer is looking to utilize the prize money and the feedback from Ukrainian and Polish units for the betterment of the rescue trailer.

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Top 10 Electric Bikes That Fuse Killer Speed & Dashing Good Looks Without Harming The Planet

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There is no automotive lover out there whose heart doesn’t start beating like crazy when they catch sight of a menacing and jaw-dropping bike! Now, make that bike electric, and you have the best of both worlds. They’re powerful, super-fast and not to mention a boon to the environment. And we’ve curated a collection of innovative electric bike designs that will blow your minds. From killer speed to dashing good looks to impenetrable safety standards – every bike in this collection has something fantastic to offer. From a cyberpunk-worthy electric bike to a shape-shifting electric bike – there is something in here for everyone. Enjoy!

1. Ayra

Dubbed the Ayra, this electric bike infuses the DNA of a city bike and a performance racer on steroids, to function as a lethal road legal machine. It features an aerodynamically tuned build with a robust mono-shock swingarm setup on the rear, while the front maintains the structural integrity of the bike while managing to lower the stance for a more sturdy and reliable ride setup.

2. ATHENA

Called the ATHENA, this shape-shifting electric bike features a translucent material that conveys the strength of the outer contour when seen from a distance. ATHENA’s shape-shifting ability is its focal point, as it allows you to raise or lower the whole saddle section. The whole module can be swapped with another one as well!

3. eZpin

This eZpin concept is designed as a retrofuturistic reinterpretation of this aerodynamic custom bike from Bandit9. It is quite similar to the teardrop-shaped 125cc rider but also has a few new traits to boast – an electric powertrain, a retro-inspired body featuring riveted sheet-metal panels, and an ultramodern set of hubless wheels.

4. BMW Motorrad x Nvidia Electric Bike

Meet a BMW Motorrad electric bike powered by NVIDIA guts! The designer has created an NVIDIA-powered architecture for electric motorcycles of the future, where old motorbike parts can be swapped with new ones. Although it does sound quite adventurous, if hypothetically everything does go to plan, we could have an automotive whose scope for modularity, personalization, and upgradability is incomparable to any other.

5. TRISO Electric Motorcycle

The TRISO Electric Motorcycle is an adaptable commuter that is targeted towards the younger crowd – those aged between 20-30. It is designed for them to showcase their passion for driving, while also being conscious and considerate of the planet. It has three riding modes – Eco, Road, and Explore – each one featuring a different shape and riding style.

6. Model-Z

Dubbed the Model-Z, this electric bike is designed for motorbike lovers who want to easily commute between cities without compromising on their riding experience. It is a lightweight bike designed for easy maneuvering in crowded cityscapes. The signature visual elements of the bike are inspired by BMW.

7. Polestar EV

The Polestar EV has an interesting geometric and edgy design. It features a high-riding position that is backed by a high-grade suspension system. The design ranks high in ergonomics and functionality, so the bike’s good looks aren’t simply for visual appeal, but also to provide a defined shape that is practical.

8. Hydra

Say hello to Hydra, an e-bike with a difference! Hydra utilizes an experimental solution – hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cells eliminate toxic battery acids that can cause damage to the environment if not disposed of correctly. The only by-products of pure hydrogen are heat and water, ensuring that the technology is zero-emission and a sustainable power source.

9. NUPO

Dubbed the NUPO e-sports bike, this two-wheeled bike is edgy, cyberpunkish, and dominating. It is quite similar to the Cybertruck and has simple surfaces rather than complicated ones. It features a cold and calculating light-strip headlight, and silver paint job giving the bike a truly sleek and futuristic appeal.

10. DATbike

The DATbike is an electric conceptual dirt bike designed by Vietnam-based Carota Design. It features an incredibly lean frame, with a heavy battery at the base, and a hollow ‘fuel tank’ that makes for a super interesting silhouette! It comes with a simple yet edgy aesthetic, accentuated further by the use of matte and satin finishes, and the grey and orange colorway.

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Pi-POP is battery-less e-bike which runs on rider’s pedaling power that recharges its supercapacitor

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E-bikes are still a hot topic despite their battery safety being a looming concern since inception. The lithium batteries used in e-bikes are sensitive to high temperatures and we have seen cases where batteries have blown up leading to severe damage to the bike, in odd cases, even to the rider. Even though, there is no dearth of new e-bikes hitting the market. Latest in the ranks is the Pi-POP, which on the exterior is an average bike, but packs a lithium-free supercapacitor, that allows the bike to run only on the power the rider generates: no other source is needed.

Designed and developed by French manufacturer Pi-Pop, the Pi-POP e-bike is an electrically assisted bicycle, only first of its kind in the world. It makes riders negotiate all accessible trails without battery or recharging woes. Just ride on with the power you create!

Designer: Pi-Pop

Made in an aluminum frame with white and green colorway, the bike is readied for now only in a single size. Its integrated supercapacitor energy regeneration system recharges with the rider’s pedaling and braking. The Pi-POP e-bike regenerates power as the user pedals on a level road and kicks in the most power when the rider goes down a slope or while braking. This allows the rider to benefit from constantly renewed assistance, only that the most energy is consumed, rather than regenerated when riding uphill.

The bike remains within European standards and has been tailored to hit the maximum speed limit of 25mph. The Pi-POP achieves speeds up to 25mph only on renewed assistance pedaling. The e-bike is designed to restore most energy to the supercapacitor when the brakes are applied, so the regeneration of power is least when going uphill as opposed to coming downhill. The supercapacitor can store and release the energy to the bike almost ten times faster than normal lithium batteries making the idea of Pi-POP more effective and less cumbersome.

Of course, the Pi-POP is not made for off-road sites, it is an interesting everyday commuter, especially if you are looking for an e-bike with a difference. This one is different but it is only available in France (at the Pi-Pop factory in Loire River, Olivet) for now. In spite of the exclusivity, it is priced competitively against its compatriots in the traditional e-bike market. It comes for 2,450 euros (approximately $2,600).

The post Pi-POP is battery-less e-bike which runs on rider’s pedaling power that recharges its supercapacitor first appeared on Yanko Design.