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Pi Electric Bicycle with Semi-Automatic 8-Speed Transmission

TheFuture — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:00:32 +0000

The Pi electric bicycle uses a semi-automatic 8-speed transmission to downshift into a lower gear for climbing hills, then up shift for rapid acceleration to a maximum of 20 mph on flats and allows you to pedal normally because the motor automatically disengages when not in use. Powered by a 750-watt electric motor housed in the horizontal chain and motor assembly, the Pi electric bicycle is capable of three modes of operation: electric motor power, human power, or the human-electric hybrid power combination. The electric motor and rider utilize the same 8 speed semi-automatic transmission making rapid acceleration from a stop or lower gears available for steep inclines possible (but with slower acceleration.

The motor automatically disengages from the pedals when desired so as to preserve battery life. Construction begins with a 12’ foot straight piece of 3⁄8-gauge, aircraft aluminum 6061 alloy that is roll-formed and annealed for uniform wall thickness into a complete 6′ diameter circular tube with a 4″ exterior diameter (the NiMH batteries reside within the tube from the front fork to the seat), which is then bisected to make a 6′ long arc for the bicycle’s frame. The sturdy frame supports riders up to 300 lbs.

The top of the arc provides a 26″ stand over height, allowing you to place both feet on the ground. The padded ergonomic gel seat provides for comfortable, relaxed riding. It attaches to the frame via a gas strut assembly that raises and lowers like a pneumatic office chair, accommodating riders between 5-7′ tall in a semi-recumbent position for ideal pedaling or powered coasting. A dynamo in the front wheel’s hub provides power for auxiliary lighting.

The bicycle has a range of up to 30 miles at 20 mph before requiring a five-hour re-charge from its AC adapter. Precisely tuned hydraulic disc brakes provide sure stops, and the wheels are made of dual-walled aluminum alloy and stainless-steel spokes; the 26″ semi-slick tires are ideal for roads or paved trails and use Presta valves. The bicycle is wet-painted in Rossa Corsa red using the same PPG color specification as high performance sports cars and treated with a clear coat finish for a luster that will last.

Designer : Marcu Hayes

Hybrid Individual Transport for China in 2020

TheFuture — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:17:30 +0000

Jamie Tomkins was challenged to create non-emission vehicle for this high and increasing populated country that meets the needs of urbanites as well as complying with Chinese government policy. After a research trip to China, Jamie developed vehicles based on a future concept of the city – the Beijing Boom Tower which is designed into three tiers or social classes. On the top tier live the wealthiest residents, in the center are the middle-classes, and at the bottom live the working class. A vehicle for each level was designed.

Jamie Tomkins took on the bottom level and looked at the ubiquitous Chinese bicycle as a starting point for his design. His hybrid bicycle has a metal and plastic frame with plastic detachable parts that can be changed to create a unique style. The use of plastic means the hybrid is lighter and with interchangeable parts it is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Designer : Jamie Tomkins

Hi-CT Hybrid Car Concept from Toyota

TheFuture — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:59:19 +0000

First impression at Toyota Hi-CT car might not make you say “wow”, well we agree that the design is somehow not as stylish as we expect it. On the other hand, Toyota’s team of you Japanese and European designers claimed that Hi-CT is a reflection of what a cool and great vehicle should look like, they want to create something that make people stop and take a good look.

The Hi-CT is a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5L motor and uses lithium-ion batteries, which are located underneath the floor of the vehicle in order to maximize the interior space of the car. While it looks quite boxy and big, it is in fact quite small. The entire vehicle is 3.3 meters long, 1.6 meters wide and 1.7 meters high. It is, effectively, a cube on wheels. Due to the tiny size, it can only carry two persons. However, being a “lifestyle” car, there’s enough space inside it for everything that an active user or two could need. The rear trunk can be modified so that surfboards, bicycles and camping equipment can be carried around for those days where you need to get out to nature.

Looking at inside of the car, we might hear you say “wow” because of its futuristic design, the exterior now doesn’t seem to matter anymore.

Source : IGreenSpot