"ThisWay" bike concept by designer Torkel Dohmers, really Cool! It is built of flax fiber and carbon fiber and includes a solar rooftop panel for assisted recumbent cycling. It has built-in LED lights front and rear(powered by its rooftop solar panel), and also a "luggage connector" at the rear that you can plug-in your luggage(briefcase, helmet box or rack for shopping bags).
"A comfortable pedal powered bicycle with weather protection. Emphasis is on automotive qualities in the design, to attract non-cyclists who currently rely on cars and motorcycles. Another selling point to attract more potential cyclists (particularly here in Europe) is weather protection - ThisWay has a roof.
Built from composite materials (carbon or flax fibre) and some hydro-formed aluminium, this vehicle is very lightweight (approximately 11-12kg). It has built-in LED lights front and rear, powered by a rechargeable battery obtaining its power from roof mounted solar cells. For minimum maintenance ThisWay's built-in belt drive is well protected and all cables are hidden within the frame.
The car-like ergonomics offer a riding position lower than a traditional bike to keep a low centre of gravity and optimal aerodynamics.
The design has simple controls for ease of use; a single hand brake lever and hub gears type Torpedo Duomatic providing Low and Hi gear.
The rear of the frame has a "luggage connector", where the user can plug-in his/her luggage (e.g. briefcase, helmet box or rack for shopping bags). The design also benefits from flexibility and comfort for riders of different sizes; the crank set and seat is adjustable in length and height. A "hybrid" version (pedal power/electric motor) is possible and additional battery pack plugged-in into the luggage connector will extend the range further.
Although this design is more expensive to manufacture compared to its traditional rivals, it is still just a fraction of the price of a car and virtually zero in running costs..." Click 2 enlarge! |
