Source: Autoblog Green

Volkswagen introduced a new concept at Auto China of the 2-wheeled kind: an electric bike capable of folding into the spare wheel well of your car. It's called the Bik.E, and although it's already been all over the blogs I feel it's a significant acheivement in elegant design. More importantly, however, it signifies a trend in more automakers pursuing light electric vehicles that integrate into conventional cars for enhanced urban mobility. Ulike an electric-assist bicycle, Bik.E has no pedals or chain, relying on pure battery power and contributing to its refreshing simplicity. Because it is designed specifically to augment the car, it only needs a 12 mile range, permitting an extremely small and lightweight battery. Another great example of a "personal mobility product." Check out the recent article on Autoblog Green which includes a video.

Honda has also been experimenting with enhanced mobility using LEVS, incorporating a version of its U3-X personal mobility vehicle into the door panel of one of its recent concept cars, the EV-N. Beyond this, folding bikes make a lot of sense in many situations where parking on-site is difficult or cost prohibitive.

Source: Autoblog Green

Source: Autoblog Green

Autoblog Green reported today that Aptera is moving ahead with plans to produce the 2e electric vehicle, unveiling a new, more production-ready prototype in Carlsbad, CA. The Aptera is something I've been watching for awhile now, because it represents a fundamental shift in the way cars can be designed and built. Unlike the Tesla Roadster and many other electric cars that merely modify the traditional automotive architecture, the Aptera is designed from the ground up to take full advantage of the opportunities that electric vehicles have to offer. It's a true synergy of form and function, utilizing pure aerodynamics, light weight and low rolling resistance. Read the article to find out more.

PUREcycle by Tom Eaton (c) 2004

Source: Mark Sanders

Bicycledesign.net and bikeradar.com recently posted articles and comments about the 'Bicycle as Consumer Product' proposed by Mark Sanders, designer of the Strida and IF Mode folding bikes. During the Taipei Cycle show I had a chance to attend the 2010 Bicycle Design Trends Forum, hosted by IBDC jurors Han Goes and Mark Sanders, as well as Shikuan Chen, VP of  Compal Electronics. I got to hear Mark's presentation firsthand and participate in the ensuing discussion with the panelists and the spectators, and some interesting issues were brought up.  

The basic premise is this: "Imagine there was no bicycle industry as we know it. Now imagine that Apple, Samsung, Phillips or Ford introduce a 'Consumer Product for Personal Transport' that is small, lightweight, and takes less effort than walking, yet travels 4 times the distance. It would be beautifully designed, well made, easy to use and affordable." The proposal goes on to say that this new vehicle would connect people with busses, trains, and taxis, while being portable for complete door-to-door urban transportation that transcends the need for cars and scooters for most people. This is Mark's proposal to reach the "Blue Ocean" of potential cyclists, the 80% or more of the population who are non-cyclists. The cycling industry as we know it is currently dominated by competition in the "Red Ocean"...Sporty male cycling enthusiasts who make up a small, specific and saturated part of the market.

Aside from the shortcomings of most entry level bikes,  many reasons were brought up for why most people prefer other means of transportation: 

• People don't like to pedal or balance on 2 wheels.
• People don't like to be exposed to the elements and arrive dirty and sweaty.
• Most bikes are uncomfortable for long distances.
• Most bikes are unsuitable for hauling cargo.
• People feel unsafe on bikes, especially in areas where bikes and cars share the road.
• The bicycle retail experience is too intimidating for the casual rider, favoring "sporty male" enthusiasts.
• Bicycles are considered by many a "lower" form of transportation and convey low status. High status only exists in high end bikes among hardcore enthusiasts.

Everyone agreed that improvements in both bicycle designs and cycling infrastructure would go a long way toward changing the mindset of the casual rider, but after the discussion I began to think of ways the 'Consumer Product for Personal Transport' could be an opportunity to completely rethink how we attack the problem. Reading again the original premise, you might envision a vehicle very different from a typical bicycle:

• Does not need to be balanced. Perhaps it is lean-steering or self-balancing. Does it have 1,2,3, or 4 wheels?
• Electric powered, electric assist or alternative human powered drive system.
• Comfortable and easy to enter/exit, while providing weather protection and secure cargo capacity.
• Seamlessly integrated with existing forms of transportation, including cars, buses, trains and planes.
• A feeling of safety and security in any traffic condition.
• Affordable (Does that mean cheap as a bicycle?)
• An entirely new retail experience.
• A fresh, "gotta have it" appeal that attracts people emotionally and conveys status. "Fun to ride" factor.

While I am enticed by the idea of the bicycle as consumer product, I believe the Consumer Product for Personal Transport represents a whole new challenge for designers: Who said it has to be a bicycle?

The auto industry has been experimenting with some very interesting new concepts in personal mobility that shatter the conventional notions of cars, scooters or bikes. Honda's U3-X and GM's EN-V concepts represent very different takes on the possibilities in personal urban transport.

Source: Autoblog

Source: Autoblog

Source: Autoblog

On March 24th, GM unveiled 3 new concept vehicles based on the P.U.M.A. prototype developed jointly between GM and Segway. Basically a larger Segway with seating for two and an enclosed cabin, each of the three concepts were developed at a different styling studio in GM's global empire to show the styling flexibility of the basic platform. This could represent a major shift in how we experience personal urban transportation. More photos and details can be found at  Autoblog.com