A piece of chili, a keyboard’s spacebar, and a Zoomer inspired this retro-futuristic electric scooter design!

Inspiration for scooter designs sometimes takes shape in far-reaching, epiphanies, and big ideas, but then other times what’s right beneath our fingertips is all we need to get creative. Jakarta-based design studio Katalis, in collaboration with Kamengski, found such inspiration for their latest scooter concept on a laptop’s keyboard. Joseph Sinaga of Katalis says, “When we are typing on a computer or laptop, the way we open up space in between texts is by pressing the spacebar.” Both the act of and the need for creating space is what ultimately gave way to Spacebar, a compact and foldable electric scooter designed to weave in and out of the busy traffic on the streets of Jakarta.

Spacebar’s imaginative body and design are laden with retro-futuristic accents like its split, saddle-tan leather seat and off-road tires reminiscent of the chunky, rough, and rowdy scene from the 80s. In fact, generations both past and present helped conceptualize Spacebar. For instance, it seems the subtle stylistic parallels in common between Generation Z’s clunky outerwear and the 80s’ cassette-futuristic sense of fashion also helped drive home Spacebar’s visual concept. While Spacebar’s overall rogue look draws inspiration from varied sources, the aim of both design studios has always been to provide young people with a mode of transportation to reach previously inaccessible spaces. Whether riders are taking Spacebar off-road to some faraway mountain top, or just weaving between cars on a work commute, Julian Palapa of Katalis says, “Spacebar is able to maneuver through the busy streets of the capital city, to support its rider’s daily commute. Yes, it is small but fierce, like a piece of chili. We designed Spacebar specifically for youngsters who desire agility in their daily activities.”

Production for Spacebar’s full aluminum body, leather accents, decals, and paint job ended up being a two-city job split between Jakarta and West Sumbawa. Cool, white lights gleam from Spacebar’s headlights, and round, classic mirrors atop black steel rods provide riders with rearview access. Around the scooter’s backside, a circular brake light and adjacent turn signals are located just beneath Spacebar’s aluminum storage basket. Spacebar’s handlebar stem entirely folds down to meet the control panel, so that the electric scooter downsizes to the height of its seat. Constructed by one of Katalis’ engineers in Jakarta, Spacebar carries ten-inch wheels and a 1200W/48V lithium battery for a tiny, but powerful ride. Dubbing it, ‘their way of making way,’ Spacebar, inspired by a piece of chili, a keyboard’s spacebar, and a Zoomer, was designed by Katalis and Kamengski in anticipation for the design of future mobility solutions.

Designers: Katalis x Kamengski

This Japanese influenced e-bike perfectly pays homage to the past and the future!

A bike that embodies the essence of the past while retaining a very stellar futuristic appeal. Having all that while being gentle on the environment. Yes, this is an electric bike that looks, unlike any other futuristic ride. Calling for attention with its aesthetics more like a trimmed rectangular block of wood, the EV-1K/56 is a worthy evolution of the Katalis EV.500 electric motorcycle with its Japanese design influence.

This artistic interpretation is the work of cool apparel manufacturing unit Machine M56 and design firm Katalis Company, both Indonesia based companies. Taking a very niche approach towards electric bike designed by Julian Palapa (for Katalis Company) for eco-conscious riders who appreciate the right blend of futurism and subtle influences, the ride creates the instant first impression. The all-black body is complemented by hints of orange and white artwork that feels so upmarket. As rightly mentioned by Machine 56, the bike explorers the tug of war between the past and the future, “and between alienating and empowering technology effects,” as it envisions the future of mobility with an edge.

Ask any urban rider and he/she’ll approve of the signature Machine 56 design aesthetics bearing the Japanese influenced artwork, and of course, the covered headlights give it that mysterious aura. As for the performance, the bike impresses with a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of 70 km on a single charge with the onboard 1000 W hub motor, VOTOL M30S controller, and 48v lithium battery. All-in-all, a distinct bike design that speaks out so much, we don’t even have to mention it!

Designer: Katalis Company and Machine 56

This WWII fighter jet-looking electric bike blends futuristic design with Japanese details

Electric bikes usually have a futuristic aesthetic and its very rare that an e-bike evokes a sense of nostalgia while fitting within modern times. That is what makes the Katalis EV.500 electric motorcycle special, it is inspired by a WWII fighter aircraft that brings power without pollution. A dear friend described this design as ‘steampunk without the steam’ and we couldn’t agree more.

A Jakarta-based design and branding studio that has expertise in the field of mobility has designed this fighter jet-like electric bike in the middle of a pandemic. In fact, the pandemic influenced the people of Indonesia to be more mindful of their health and make changes in their lifestyle that made the environment around them cleaner – in terms of germs as well as pollutants. There were 3 core variables – 1) freedom in access to mobility 2) happiness 3) pollution-free vehicle. The Katalis is a custom build of a Selis Garuda electric motorcycle injected with the adrenaline of a wartime pilot. The aesthetics are unlike those of a traditional electric bike – the design team got rid of the existing frame and replaced it entirely with a new body made of series 6061 aluminum which gives it the military visual appeal highlighted with Japanese design details while being kind to the planet.

“We think it is quite rare to have an electric motorcycle design that has a metal body or shield,” says Julian Palapa, principal designer at Katalis company. “Furthermore, the rider of this electric motorcycle will also be spoiled by various retro-style yet functional instrument panels — from an analog voltmeter to the light switch.” Katalis hopes that building a custom electric bike while being in lockdown inspires more young designers to channel their energy into boosting their creativity.

Designer: Katalis Company