Future Technology » Folding Bike

Urban Bicycle Concept with Folding Wheel System

TheFuture — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 06:20:24 +0000

The compactable bicycle concept was driven from the need of boosting urban space efficiency when it is not in use or being transported. The wheel is made of six modules, each with double pivot in their joints, allowing the wheel to be folded and become smaller. The spokes of the wheel are contained in the internal structure when you fold the bicycle and the spokes rotate to the system’s center where they attach with the center wheel. This bicycle is designed in a double triangle structure made of expandable modules with foldable ability. To keep the structure in position, the system has utilized a special X shaped component that aligns the modules to the exact position.

Victor says :
The Wheel is composed by six modules, each one has a double pivot in the joints, this allows the wheel to fold and become smaller, the spokes are contained in the inner structure of the wheel, when you unfold the system, the spokes rotate to the center of the mechanism where it attach to the center of the wheel.

The double triangle structure is composed by expandable modules, each one collapses to a smaller dimension and then this modules align by the rotation of the axis in the joint of the structure, to keep in position all the structure is used an special part in a form of an X that aligns all the modules to their position.

Designer : Victor M. Aleman

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

Stylish Zoomla Folding Bike for Quick Around-Town Transportation

TheFuture — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:44:36 +0000

Zoomla is a concept bike designed to ensure better alternative for quick, portable and around-town transportation facility. The single-pivot design of this bike has given it quicker, easier and more intuitive fold than any other bike and the unique L-frame eliminates the usual steering tube. The handle is cleverly integrated on the handlebar to allow Zoomla to be rolled when its time to pack it away. The pedal deck uses a compact inner drive system rather than traditional crank and pedals. You can take this bike with you to class or a grocery store since it weights 5 kilos only and the compact shape will let you store it in an average size school locker. Moreover, you can attach a backpack just below the seat to carry your required things in a stylish manner.

Designer : Eric Stoddard

Mercedes-Benz High Quality Folding Bike with Shimano 8-Speed Gear and Disk Brakes

TheFuture — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:57:20 +0000

Mercedes-Benz has recently launched a very smartly designed folding bike that can be folded in two different shapes. When fully folded, it becomes a very small package ideal for carrying easily using public transport and when it’s in the ‘shuttle’ position, users can push and steer it with great convenience. Completely folded Mercedes-Benz Foldingbike needs a very small space, only 80×80x30 cm, which allows the user to pack it up in the high-quality carrying bag supplied with the bike. As a result, you can easily store it in a camper van, car trunk, office or yacht. In fact you will find it as a good buddy who can go with you wherever you go.

The patented folding system is really easy to operate which requires no additional tools and takes only few seconds to folding and unfolding the bike. The aluminum frame includes 40 mm suspension travel at both front and rear wheel and this can be adjusted for individual riding soothe. This Foldingbike offers relaxed cycling with the Shimano 8-speed gear and disk brakes ensure supreme level of safety. This extraordinary bike includes a side stand, a variable luggage rack and protective metal cover, and is available in two different colors, silver and white.

Designer : Mercedes Benz

MODE Bike Features IF (Integrated Folding) Technology

TheFuture — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:40:31 +0000

The clean and prominent design of MODE, a foldable bicycle, has aimed to those travelers who never consider cycles as an option or transportation for various hectic reasons. This superb bicycle avoids complex tubes with unseen dirt traps, oily chains and the other messes of traditional bikes that deprive users from riding a bicycle. MODE from Pacific Cycles features integrated folding (IF) technology that features an automatic, single action fold without the help of any other tools. The IF technology is mainly based on a 4-Bar, 3-dimensional linkage that guides the wheels together automatically when you are trying to fold the bike. Once folded, MODE takes a shape of a convenient wheeled package that you can easily push around.

Designer : Ryan Carroll, Mark Sanders, and Michael Lin

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

IziBi Folding Bike by Renato Gschwend

TheFuture — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:43:47 +0000

When we saw IziBi for the first time in our inbox, we really like it. IziBi is a compact, stylish and portable mountain bicycle which is specially designed for extremists with single rear and front suspension. The frame is made of a reinforced carbon fiber polymer and the direct drive mechanism is made of aluminum alloy which is not only strong but also reduces the maintenance expenses. You will be able to fold the bicycle entirely by simply pressing the top and bottom switches on the frame and the front half slides in half of the bicycle. You can swing the back wheel around by detaching the latch below the seat and meet up with the front transforming into a compact and neat fold.

Designer : Renato Gschwend

Antares Lift Portable Track Bicycle

TheFuture — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:42:16 +0000

Antares Lift is an innovative foldable and space saving bicycle concept that was intended for the cycling lovers and green commuter. This concept bicycle is a step away from the traditional mechanical aesthetic and carries in some organic elements that are found in nature. The design gets the inspiration from the orchid leaf and the outline of a tear drop and some remarkable features includes single-speed drive, rear and front brakes and an integrated set of energy efficient LED tail and headlamps. You can fold the bike by simply lifting up the center frame, let the rear and front wheels roll in near each other and click.

(Click to view bigger image)

Designer : Hideki kawata

Fold Bergmonch Bike into A Backpack, Perfect for Camping or Hiking !

TheFuture — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 06:18:31 +0000

The Bergmonch bike is a unique device that is a compilation of innovation and utility. On the hills you can use this as an easy to carry backpack wherein in the valleys it is a multi-purpose vehicle that aids you to roam around here and there without an obstruction. It features a great color combination in black and orange. The wheels are having orange enhancements in black background match very well with the backpack portion. Two black handles provide the user with a firm and comfortable grip. This is a portable device that is adored by most of the mountaineers.

Designer : Thomas Kaiser

Rotation City Bike : Rotate and Fold Your Bike !

TheFuture — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:05:03 +0000

Designer Yirong Yang has brought forward a truly interesting bicycle design at International Bicycle Design Challenge. ‘Rotation’ is a city rotating and folding bike concept design which seems to be a combination of unicycle and bicycle. You can make a choice as to what you wish to ride and consequently you can fiddle with the axis to give preferred shape. Although unicycle is for adventurers and will be a challenge for a normal human being to ride still riders admire it for its unique design. Bringing out this concept on the city roads would amaze people with its style and looks. Once you are done with your riding, you can fold it and carry very easily unlike normal bicycle.

Designer : Yirong Yang via TheDesignBlog