When is a motorcycle not a motorcycle? The TECA Microvehicle.

Pic by Darren Jacklin

"TECA is a 'Microvehicle' concept aimed at improving the safety, convenience and efficiency of two-wheeled travel. The Aerodynamic shape should give performance improvements of around 35% and save fuel as well! The structure is a 'monocoque' (ie. the structural frame is on the outside) made from carbon fibre composite and honeycomb. It is light in weight and very strong. The outside structure will protect the occupant even when the bike is sliding down the road on its side.

Why do 45% of people in London travel to work in a car and only 1% use a motorbike?
Why are there no light weight efficient ‘micro-vehicles’ on the market today?
Why can’t lightweight efficient transport be safe as well?

Today’s problems of fuel shortages and environmental pollution issues are apparent to us all. Cars are, of course, a major contributor to global emissions and often a very inefficient way of using our limited fossil fuels, the technology needed to improve fuel efficiency and provide safe and enjoyable transport is already available.

The key to increasing the efficiency of a vehicle is to reduce the weight and improve the aerodynamics. With the use of modern composites, TECA provides a safe, comfortable and fun vehicle that goes faster and costs less to run. It also maintains the key benefits offered by two wheels such as beating the traffic-jams and parking."

Vintage 2004: Honda's Moped-EV.

via: treehugger

"If you are looking for a seated electric scooter, then you are going to love this!

The electric Moped-EV is designed specifically with in-city commuting, and designers kept its size down accordingly.

The bantam weighs only 44kg (just under 100lb) and employs an innovative nickel hydrogen battery to store 360 watt-hours of energy (compared to your digital camera's battery, which holds around 3.5 watt-hr). This gives the little seated scooter enough kick to climb a twelve-degree incline, and rocket off the line with acceleration and range comparable to a similar gas scooter.

In addition to the new battery style, the Moped-EV has a lever-based throttle system which is easier for novice riders (like us) to get a handle on. Even cooler, the electric motor allows for regenerative breaking, and battery re-charging when coasting down long hills. Honda hopes to further develop this concept with fuel cells in the future."

Andreas Martin's “Beema”

Via: vhxn

“Beema” this is a new name to the motorcycle market. This motorcycle concept is revealed by Mr. Andreas Martin. He has designed this motorcycle to take on any obstacle like Chairs, Banks. We can ride this motorcycle in two different modes, to overcome the distance in the city stunt-riding mode is used and the cruise mode is used to relax in well-seated position. This on going project is cooperated with BMW motorcycles.

The Morbidelli Project.

Via: npbka.com

"This drawing above is dated from June of 1968, at a time when the Bell Star helmet was unknown in Europe. My inspiration was... astronaut helmets! The bike is aerodynamically all wrong and would have caused massive lift, but the seat is virtually identical to the ones first used by Don Vesco at Daytona in 1972.

The design of this motorcycle was inspired by Ray Amm's 1952 Norton record bike for the position (kneeling rather than seated) but used a center-hub steering with a front swing arm, a solution later picked by Andre De Cortanze for the Elf-X motorcycle in 1978. De Cortanze was the designer of the Team Pescarolo Courage-C60 and also of the 1998-1999 Toyota GP-C, the Peugeot 905 LM of the ‘90s. This design also featured an aluminum monocoque chassis/fairing/fuel tank.

The exhaust is routed under a formed resting pad under the driver's chest. Also note the cast wheels at a time when there were only wire wheels available for motorcycles. This exact wheel design was later used by Yamaha beginning in 1975. This design led to the following and more elaborate artwork devised in 1973. Originally produced for the program of the US Grand Prix (Motocross) in Carlsbad, CA in 1974, it was later re-printed in the Yamaha International Magazine in 1975. It precedes the actual re-introduction of the mono-shock rear suspension by Yamaha (1975) and shows many features that were quite advanced at the time, such as advanced aero and inboard disc brakes, not counting the bell-crank rear suspension that was later adopted by Kawasaki and ultimately most other motorcycle manufacturers.

Also dated 1977 is this above sketch with annotations made on a restaurant napkin in Pesaro, Italy, during an intense conversation with Dr Giancarlo Morbidelli. The previously expressed general ideas are retained, but check this out: the front suspension is now a wide double A-arm system with a profiled cast-magnesium rigid fork incorporating cast-in brake calipers, the system adjustable for camber as well as trail and using a sophisticated inboard Koni shock. There is adjustable-ratio steering controlled by rods and Heim joints. Power is fed to the rear swing-arm axle by a constant-tension chain, a second constant-tension chain driving the wheel over a single-side arm."

Scoot - An electrifying bike for urban commute needs.

Via: the design blog

"When the concept of electric bikes had first hit technology - giants, accolades flew in from all directions. But yet they do not enjoy a major share of personal transport market, for reasons best known to consumers. However, Scoot seems to be a strong contender and will change the meaning of electric mobility. It seeks to cater the daily travel needs along with delivering a non-polluting and noise-free performance. It wouldn’t be looked down by style aficionados as the bike believes in connoting style and simplicity.


GRO design, TIM modelmakers and Korff & van Mierlo photographers teamed up to pool their top-notch specialist skills for this project.

A lithium ion battery will put the bike in get-up-and-go mood but the speed would be restricted to 30km/h for its nomenclature is of an electric bike, eliminating the hassles of helmet and number plate. It’s obvious for such bikes could be an easy pick for the bunch of bad guys, who can victimize pedestrians and abscond easily.


The eco-friendly would run easy on your pocket too since you could travel up to 50km with a price of 50 cents. You could park it anywhere without attracting any costs but the price tag of $2,777 might just dig a momentary hole in your pocket."

Michael Hansen's Mantis.

Via: tuvie

Designer Michael Hansen's Mantis motorcycle concept takes advantage of existing technology to create a more aesthetically simple design to the modern chopper style bike. The hubless wheels create a simple feeling to the bike that is continued throughout the whole design. Each piece of the bike is designed to flow together to create a bike that looks fast and sharp, even when the bike isn’t moving. Well, what do you think? We are still curious with the hubless wheels design, is it really possible ? Let’s see if this motorcycle ever goes into production."

The Futuristic travel-friendly Jednostopého concept vehicle.

Via: the design blog

"Created for the Swiss company Paraves Ecomobile, Jednostopého is a brand new concept vehicle (see Dalnik) that aims at taking civilian transport truly into the future. The brainchild of Design Brothers, the design draws upon the principles used by jet fighters with its frame focusing mostly on a stream lined figure that can offer both speed as well as fuel economy and efficiency. A lowered front wheel offers the driver a better view of the road ahead allowing him to better control the vehicle. The slim design bodes well for the traffic and parking situation as well while a straight-line seating arrangement allows both the driver as well as the passenger to gain a panoramic view of the surroundings. Aircraft seats offer greater comfort reducing fatigue and therefore make this vehicle an ideal long-distance traveler!"

Vintage 1979: Porsche Design's alternative motorcycle concept.

Via: homme star

"In 1979 Porsche Design developed this alternative Motorcycle Concept.
The concept´s goal: To highlight the advantages of the motorcycle in contrast to the automobile – with regards to increasingly limited energy resources, air pollution and traffic space.

Comfort, safety and protection from mud and water were prime considerations, not the usual fascination with speed:

The engine, running gear and wheels are carefully shielded by streamlined fairings to keep the rider clean and obviating the need for special clothing under normal weather conditions. The handlebars are heatable and adjustable. So is the seat, depending on the rider's size or requirements. In case of collision, integrated kneepads carry the rider over the obstacle. A supplementary luggage rack may replace the passenger seat."

Shane Crozier's Nissan Mori scooter.

Via: yanko design

"Inspired by a chest of draws featuring simple interfaces. It can adjust to suit the rider, and all mechanical and maintenance issues are handled by an on-board computer. Why? -read Designer Shane Crozier's scenario:

Makiko has recently moved into her 1st apartment to be closer to uni and her part time job. Living outside Tokyo means she cannot rely solely on public transport, but she doesn’t have enough money for a car. An electric scooter would be practical, affordable and have less of an impact on the environment.

Although she likes current scooters, they are still a bit intimidating for Makiko, who wishes they were as easy to understand and use as her mobile. Nissan understands Makiko, and that there is a market in Japan for an electric scooter targeted at her demographic. With local automotive sales declining in recent years, Nissan is looking to expand its market by creating scooter that will capture this demographic for their 1st vehicle purchase.

The Bike in the Warehouse.

A cyberpunky three wheel bike lurks in a distant warehouse. By cg artist jeremy jozwik

Amit Zoran's linear electronic engine motorcycle concept.

Via: ecofriend

"Designed by Amit Zoran, designer and an engineer in algorithmic image process development, here is a project that began as an attempt to design a two wheel vehicle with wheels that have the mobility to move around the center mass, so that they can be parallel (like a Segway)or in a row (like a regular motorcycle). Each wheel is powered by a linear electronic engine installed in the inside part. The idea was to design an innovative vehicle enabling one vehicle to contain both possibilities. In the project, he dealt with the design of a complex vehicle regarding esthetics without providing a detailed engineering solution, based on the assumption that the idea is a complicated one from an engineering point of view, but applicable.

During the work on the project and the examination of the gain and difficulty in realizing full mobility, it became clear that there is no theoretical justification for such a motorcycle. In the end, he created a motorcycle with a different design derived from an original idea. However it’s true that there is creativity in finding solutions for original developments, with an emphasis on engineering and design innovativeness."

the Icare revisted.

via: wired By Stuart Schwartzapfe

"There are several not-from-this-world motorcycles in our midst. This most likely stems from the surge in sales that motorcycle-industry designers and executives are now savoring, thanks to all that madness at the pump.

To capitalize on this newfound popularity, why not innovate with, dare I say it, out-of-the-box approaches to design and functionality. To this end, there is a noticeable influx of radically different concept and production bikes hitting the scene. Each one challenges preconceived notions about motorcycles as we have come to know them.

Perhaps not as sci-fi as Deus Ex Machina or eco-conscious as Suzuki's Crossfire, but oozing with enough testosterone to please a female bodybuilder, is the Icare concept from Enzyme Design. If bad-ass had an older brother, Icare would be it.

Enzyme, a highly hip French design house that dabbles in everything from product design to contemporary art, says Icare is a "superlative motor bike" that would fill a currently vacant niche for top-of-the-range bikes. Enzyme should check out the Confederate line for some high-end examples to position Icare against. Nonetheless, the bike is designed like a piece of art with the thought that experienced and deep-pocketed motorcyclists would like something more exclusive than a Ducati. Enzyme says its design inspiration came from the greatest hits album for Bang & Olufsen, Apple, Porsche and Audi.


Much like Jaguar's new XF, the Icare has a pleasing start-up sequence. When you walk into the garage on Sunday morning, Icare is "fully clothed," as Enzyme puts it. Meaning that the bike is almost entirely encased in shimmering aluminum goodness from the seat forward. There are no exposed parts short of some dangling pipes hanging below.

Turn that puppy on, and the casing parts like the Red Sea to reveal a thoroughly cool cockpit and exhaust pipes that could have been designed by Salvador Dali himself. You will also notice that wheel count goes from 2 to 4. A nice touch, there is what appears to be an exposed weld running across the chiseled fuel tank. Its kind of like leaving the primer coat on your car and calling it a rat rod.

The 6-cylinder, 1800-c.c. engine is Honda-sourced and, like the rest of the concept, is larger than life. But why stop at a naturally aspirated 6 when there is plenty of room for a volumetric compressor (aka supercharger). Enzyme is still in the concept stage but says the technology showcased is realistic.

In case you're interested, Enzyme is seeking partners to complete the project. The Enzyme site offers some 360 views. "

Volkswagen's 2028 three wheeler..

Via: faster and faster

"Volkswagen have launched their ‘Visions of the Future’ website, where they showcase the cars – and, it seems, trikes – they may be building twenty years from now. And the one thing that caught our attention was, er, the One, a rather cool three-wheeler concept.

While it still won’t be able to fly, the VW One will be able to communicate with other similar vehicles, ‘see’ traffic signals and respond to them, find parking space and then park itself automatically, and link up with other One trikes to effortlessly find its way through rush hour traffic."

Richard H. Arbib's mono scoot.

Via: paleo future

"This concept painting of a "mono-scoot" personal transportation device was done byRichard H. Arbib in 1965. It is featured in the excellent book Driving Through Futures Past by the Petersen Automotive Museum."

Igorstshirts Robotic Tokyo Taxi Concept.

Via: conceptrobots-a high definition flash-animation of the taxi in action can be seen here.

Enzyme-Design's Icare bike.

Via: automotto

"Enzyme-Design's Icare is the perfect picture of a high-end futuristic bike. With it’s unconventional looks, breathtaking design and an engine (Honda 6 cylinder flat engine and 1800 cm3) that is beyond the ordinary ones, the Icare shall surely keep you captivated. The bike looks more like an alien vehicle, from a different corner of the galaxy. The powerful body would make you feel more secure when riding along the notorious highways. This could very well be the superlative of a motorcycle."

Gert-Jan van Breugel's City Swing taxi.

via: trendhunter

"Now this is a fun way to zip around to explore a new city… weather permitting, that is. The City Swing is a hybrid motorbike cab painted a vibrant green to reinforce the fact that it’s evidently a more eco-friendly transit choice than a yellow cab.

The designer, Gert-Jan van Breugel, calls it “a more sustainable alternative for a fast and flexible travel.”


“The City Swing is a hybrid motorbike cab with seats for three people. Driven by bio-fuel or electricity, and by making use of bus-only lanes, the motorbike cab is faster, more economical and less polluting than present-day cabs.”

City Swings seat a driver and up to two passengers and are 65% smaller than a taxi, giving passengers more space between lanes and making it easier to weave between traffic."

Jamie Tomkins 2020 hybrid bicycle concept.

Via: slipperybrick

"Jamie Tomkins 2020 hybrid bicycle is a concept vehicle that came out of a GE Plastics Automotive competition. The design addresses China’s pollutions problems, since it would be constructed from cheap metals and plastics, plus the design should capture the hearts of Chinese motorists. You know, since it looks like a toy and all. It seems like a natural evolution. As a kid, you have your Big Wheel, then when you grow up you graduate to this two wheel version."

Suzuki Crosscage concept now a working prototype.

Via: hell for leather

"Images have been released of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered Crosscage being ridden on a closed course. Details are sparse, but either Suzuki or partner Intelligent Energy, also maker of the ENV, has apparently given European journalists an introductory ride. Reports are that the machine is extremely narrow and runs on specially developed Bridgestone tires with 17-inch alloy wheels.

The gauge cluster is completely digital and absolutely stunning, with an LCD analog-style speedometer located in the steering neck, as well as a second digital cluster on the handlebars. Not only are we speechless, we totally hate those nancy Euro guys because they got to ride it and we didn't."

The Art of Richard H. Arbib.

Via motortrend

"Richard Arbib's first in a series of commuter vehicles powered by motorcycle engines, the Cyclar combines the efficiency of a two-wheeled vehicle with the comfort of a weather-tight car. Because of its narrow body, the Cyclar could have been driven two abreast on standard roads. Though the vehicle looks spacey, the Cyclar's outrigger wheels had actually been seen on vehicles as early as the 1912 Scripps-Booth Bi-Auto-Go."