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TFL Bikeshare Network Concept with Foldable E-Bike and Electrical Modular Buses

TheFuture — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:29:30 +0000

The TFL Bikeshare network concept outlines an efficient and healthy way to realize the ultimate solution for commuters. This concept comprises a foldable e-bike that can be rode from the home and deposited to modular mobile hub, and board a bus. Upon arrival at destination, another hub will be there to rent another bike through using the unique Oystercard which can be availed by leasing the service on a per trip or monthly basis.

The E-bike has been designed with airless tires, robust tubular construction and shaft drive, ensuring durability, while the luminated front bar and dazzling graphics increase the visibility and safety for the rider. E-bikes have designed to be folded quickly and intuitively by the user and deposit it into the storage modules after arriving to a transit hub. RFID technology has been utilized to charge the users on their Oystercard according to the amount of E-bike rental time. When docked, E-bikes act as hub seating and get charged for the next renter.

Transit hubs optimize the traveler’s transitional experience between renting bike schedule called Bikeshare and boarding on a bus. The hubs provide real time transit schedule by allowing access to the Bikeshare. The Ionic modular design provides the concept with distinctive architectural identifiers all through the cityspace, increasing both the desirability and visibility of city public transit. During the time passengers board on a bus, its ultracapacitors get charged until next stop via a small arm extended from the hub. The busses collect and disperse E-bikes according to demand, effectively diminishing the need of third party distributors.

The electrical modular buses aim to optimize the needs of next generation commuters by providing ultimate convenience for public transit. The specialized interior space addresses the diverse needs of passengers. The compact and ergonomically bended seating arrangement provides a safer environment for seat occupiers and the standing passengers downstairs for short distant travel. On the other hand, long-distance travelers and tourists will be able to enjoy the city from panoramic second floor.

Designer : Gabriel Wartofsky

Switch Commuter Bike with Ability to Fold in One Smooth Motion

TheFuture — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:44:54 +0000

Robert Dumaresq has designed a superb bicycle named Switch Commuter Bike which is a high performance foldable bike keeping easy handling in busy places in mind. This bike was develop to attain the need for a full functional bicycle especially for commuter use and encourages people to utilize pedal power as their main mode of transport which will develop a healthier life style and environment. The main target users of this bike are those who would like to ride from here to there because of their employment. The added bonus is that this bike can easily fit at public places and can be stored in a small place at your home.

Designer : Robert Dumaresq

Shake MP3 Player Uses Kinetic Energy to Charge The Battery

TheFuture — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 08:06:13 +0000

Do you know the motion of your body can actually charge an MP3 player? Yes, it is something new and exciting. Shake is a design concept that makes use of kinetic energy in order to charge the battery. A person just needs to shake his/her body for recharging the battery. Just turn on the “Hold” button and start shaking and once the battery is charged, you can turn off the “Hold” button to play and pause the MP3 player. You must have heard of the pocket watch with same concept but giving life to an electronic device with your physical actions is unbelievable.

Kenneth says :
Shake is a mp3 player that can be charged by shaking when the HOLD function is on. With HOLD off, the user shakes the player for PLAY/PAUSE. The action of shaking the player to play or charge it is similar to shaking a pocket watch to wind it. The similar semantics provide an interesting yet familiar experience of giving life to an electronic device.The form of Shake was developed based on the language of a pocket watch, not only through the operation of shaking but also visually. Using the form from an established typology, Shake provides a comforting familiarity in a sea of electronics with foreign shapes and forms.

The use of kinetic energy to charge the battery not only solves an environmental issue, but also a more personal one. In situations like a long commute home, the user can enjoy personal audio without worrying about the battery dying out.

An electromagnetic coil is connected to the battery, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy that charges the battery. The player connects to the computer via a USB cable through the headphone jack, facilitating the transfer of songs as well as the conventional method of charging.

Shake would utilize kinetic energy generation technology developed by start up company M2E Power. M2E’s micro-generator technology delivers 300% to 700% more power than existing kinetic energy solutions (according to the company’s website), harvesting sufficient energy from normal daily and mechanical motion to power a wide range of mobile electronic devices.

This technology allows Shake to charge even in the user’s pocket while he/her is walking around.

Designer : Kenneth Tay

Ubicycle – Public Bicycle Service System

TheFuture — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:02:16 +0000

With increasing vehicular traffic on the road and resulting pollution each passing day, more and more emphasis is being given in finding alternate means of transportation. Obviously green fuel and the vehicles running on the same is quite a craze, but the same is in conceptual stage it would be a while before the same will be in mass production. But what about the good old bicycle? With the advent of cars and other motor vehicles it somehow went into oblivion. But not anymore. With Ubicycle-Public Service, an initiative which seems to bring the bicycle back in fashion.

There are many advantages that can be said about the usage of bicycles. It is environment friendly, no pollution, and the best part is that it is health friendly as well. The main goal of Ubicycle-public bicycle service is encouraging people to use bicycles as an alternative means to commute, thus providing easy-to-access public bicycles to and from transit or nearby home, school, and workplace.

The Ubicycle service provides Easy access a Key card- Charged or credited key cards which are not only used for bicycle service but also public transportation. An Installed Smart chip identifies the user and allows unlocking of the rack and bicycle. It occupies lesser space as a modular rack unit allows parking 14 bicycles within one car parking space. Self-solar power help running the unmanned secured bicycle service system. Also its unique shape and green color is useful for easy recognition and theft deterrent. There is a built in locking device and adjustable seat height which kind of completes the ease of maintaining one. So go ahead and start Ubicycling

Designer : Continuum

Modern Urban Folding Bike

TheFuture — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:00:03 +0000

Genius is a modern urban folding bike, ideal for commuters who need to travel short distances of 10 to 20 minutes between underground stations, the workplace and the home. It still rolls when folded and can therefore be comfortably used even in large congested cities. The compact design of the Genius ensures unlimited mobility. It can be carried, rolled or ridden, and with its well-thought-out functional and ergonomic design and release mechanism it is easy to handle. The aerodynamic look of the Genius makes it clear that this is not a child?s bike. Its three gears provide the necessary speed, and the bike can be unfolded and refolded within three seconds thanks to a convenient kick-bar and push-down / pull-up handle system. Made of aluminium (80 per cent) and stainless steel (10 per cent) it is lightweight, stable and 90 per cent recyclable.

Designer : da ? designers associes, Paris