Concept 1865 Electric Bike

German design studio Ding3000 has used a nineteenth-century velocipede cycle as the model for this plastic electric bicycle. Ding3000 collaborated with chemical company BASF to create the Concept 1865 prototype bike, combining various plastics into a contemporary interpretation of an early bicycle. BASF was founded in 1865, the year pedals were added to German inventor Karl Drais' wooden Dandy Horse velocipede bicycle, so this provided the starting point for the new design. Pedals attach directly to the centre of the front wheel, which is much larger than the supporting back wheel. The electric motor is concealed beneath a blue disk on the back wheel, designed to protect it from water, dirt and stone chips. An angular seat protrudes from the long part of the frame, which connects the handlebars to the rear wheel. The battery is located in the seat, which can be detached and carried away with a handle so no one can ride off on the bike when its left unattended. The same graphic pattern used over the seat padding is found on the tyre treads and handlebar grips. Other details include pedals without bearings and LEDs integrated into the sections of frame located either side of both wheels. (dezeen)