The electric vehicle is a cool idea too often poorly executed. Today’s batteries don’t have the oomph or range to be practical — unless you drop 100 grand for a Tesla. That’s why Brammo’s gearheads started with motorcycles. They’re so light that even readily available batteries can make one commute-worthy. The 285-pound Enertia is proof of that. At its heart is a lithium-iron-phosphate power cell designed to be as safe as it is efficient. “A plasma fire is not something we want to see,” company founder Craig Bramscher says. The Enertia charges in just over three hours and is good for 45 miles. The 13-kW motor silently propels the electro-cycle to 30 mph in 3.8 seconds — quick enough to beat that cab away from the light — and to a top speed of 53 mph. Brammo hasn’t created a highway-ready monster (yet), but Bramscher takes heart in what his creation can do: The electric motor’s instantaneous torque is perfect for wheelies.

producer: brammo
material: aluminum
period: 2000s

You can’t help it. It’s a reflex. You stick out your hand when you fall — it’s better to stop the descent with your palm than your face, right? That’s fine when you’re ambling down the street, but add an extra 80 mph and the weight of a motorcycle to the momentum equation and the bones in your paw might not take the strain very well. They could shift, buckle — even snap. What you need is an exoskeleton. If you know Tony Stark, you might be able to get something custom. For the rest of us, there’s the Knox Handroid, a Kevlar-, kangaroo-hide-, and, yes, exoskeleton-reinforced motorcycle gauntlet. Thermoplastic urethane spines run down the outside of each finger and flex with your digits. To keep the armor in place, a ratchet system cinches 19 strands of stainless steel wire, spreading the pressure across your entire forearm. Then, when the pavement tries to persuade your bones to move beyond their comfort zone, the Handroid answers no. That’s the reflex you’re looking for.

Specifications:
# Knox Handroid live exoskeleton finger and knuckle protection on all fingers and thumb
# Knox metapod protector
# Knox Sport styled Scaphoid protection system
# Knox wrist slider
# Knox cuff slider
# “Dialled in” Boa lacing system
# Kangaroo leather palm
# Amara grip pad with silicon print for improved control
# Japanese race quality drum dyed Aniline leather
# Japanese polyester high tenacity thread
# Superior fit and comfort

producer: knox
material: leather
period: 2010s

The PiCycle is a light, electric-hybrid bicycle equipped to travel a max of 20 mph. The combined 500 watt-36 volt DC motor emits less than 200 lbs. of carbon dioxide throughout the manufacturing process. It is considered a “green machine” for its 1,250 mpg achievement. The frame comes complete with a lifetime warranty, while the battery and electronics have a yearly lifespan. The PiCycle requires 3 hours for charging, and performs for the same amount of time. Made in the USA, the cherry-red PiCycle can accommodate most sizes and shapes, carrying additional accessories for differing needs. PiCycles range in price from $2,999 to $4,999.

designer: marcus hayes
producer: pimobility

The Michael Young City Speed RS is a fully functional, stylistically- balanced bicycle. Stream-lined, yet sporty, this lightweight bike is designed with a thoughtful array of components well suited for daily use. The chic alloy bicycle features a sturdy rack for carting your goods. Front and rear lights allow for safe evening travel, rain or dry. Shimano 105 20 speed shifting, and Shimano M486 hydraulic disc brakes. Recommended retail of $2799.00

designer: michael young
producer: giant

trek lime is no lemon. here’s why. the people have spoken. after one month of online voting, 198 finalists, the Trek Lime wins the 2009 people’s design award—the fourth annual cooper-hewitt design museum competition. Introduced as the answer to the millions of American adults who do not ride a bike, the Trek Lime bike was […]

Do you feel bit dorky sporting a bicycle helmet? I do: an aesthetically dis-pleasing, strictly utilitarian experience. Helmets seemed made to be ripped off as soon as possible. That was before I purchased my new “Nutcase”. A Portland, Oregon company comes up with stylish helmet alternatives to go with your other cool gear. Gigantic daisies […]

An Israeli design student, was shocked to see how kids with disabilities were deprived of the simple pleasure of pedaling around on a tricycle.

So he created an ingenious new version that’s far easier to ride for kids with motor-function disabilities. Rather than the two wheels in back, he moved these to the front, making the trike easier to get on. For stability, there’s a chest plate that the kid can balance on, thus eliminating the need for straps to hold a child upright. And finally, the wheels themselves can be locked using the pedals, providing an extra safety feature.

Designer: shabtai hirshberg

PUBLIC bikes have been designed around the style and principles of the classic European bike. They encourage an upright posture and better visibility. We have two frame styles, both unisex, both made from strong, lightweight steel. Our bikes will come in four colors and three gear configurations (1, 3, 8-speed) all using internal hubs.

All PUBLIC bikes come with a comfortable seat, chain guard, fenders, kickstand and reflective stripes on tires for safer night riding. Prices will range from $650 to $1,200.

PUBLIC bikes will be available for sale when our full online store launches in early May 2010. Call or email us if you’d like more information.

Come By For A Test Ride
If you live in or are visiting the Bay Area, you are welcome to visit us at 123 South Park in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood to test ride a PUBLIC bike. All PUBLIC bike models are available now for test riding in San Francisco. Give us a call at 415-896-0123 to make an appointment.

If you live in or are visiting New York City, we’ll have our PUBLIC bikes available for test rides at the Tretorn Store at 150 Spring Street in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood in mid-May 2010.

Producer: public bikes

Mission Motors builds the world’s fastest electric production motorcycle, Mission One.

Designed for Mission Motors, the bike was unveiled at the TED 2009 conference at Long Beach, California, today.

The announcement formally debuts Mission Motors, a San Francisco-based company geared to redefine the world of performance motorcycles. The company was founded in 2007 by entrepreneurs Forrest North (CEO), Edward West (President), and Mason Cabot (VP of Engineering).

Building on their backgrounds in engineering, a desire to develop clean vehicles, and a passion for motorcycles, the Mission Motors founders developed a proprietary high energy lithium ion battery pack that could provide both the range and acceleration needed for a high performance sportbike. The company (named Hum Cycles at the time) placed second in the transportation category of the 2007 California Cleantech Open, the largest cleantech business plan competition on the West Coast.

Designer: Yves Behar of fuseproject
Producer: Mission Motors
Design award: brit insurance design award 2010

These bicycles are from Freiburg in the Black Forest, Germany’s so-called “green city.” Designer, Marcus Wallenberg Meyer, 32, built his award winning prototype in 2006. The prototype, the wild-Bike 2007, won the Brand New Award at ISPO, greatest sporting show in the world. Wooden frame. Carbon fork and wheels. Truvativ crank, stem, and handlebars. Now […]