ding3000 + BASF collaborate on the concept 1865 electric velocipede
all images courtesy ding3000
image © nordnord
created in collaboration with BASF, german design studio DING3000 has developed ‘concept 1865’, an e-velocipede. drawing reference from 1865 – the year when BASF was founded and when karl drais’ wooden ‘dandy horse’ was introduced to the public – the project sees the 19th century bicycle re-imagined as a modern e-bike using a selection of advanced materials. the ready-to-ride prototype features an electric drive and is made almost entirely of modern BASF plastics. only the brake, axles and motor are still made of metal. 24 different polymer applications, such as bearingless all-plastic pedals made of ‘ultrason’ and puncture-proof tires made of ‘infinergy’ — a closed cell expanded thermoplastic polyurethane — are featured in the construction of the ‘concept 1865′.
‘concept 1865’ e-velocipede
video by nordnord courtesy BASF
image © rafael kroetz
velocipedes were known for their enlarged front wheels that improved the transmission ratio. with the ‘concept 1865’, the present-day velocipede rider is assisted by an electric drive.
image © rafael kroetz
the frame and the fork unit with the stem and handlebar derive their strength from a reinforced continuous-filament of carbon fiber fabrics. BASF has two different matrix polymers – epoxy and polyurethane systems – available for these composites. these new, high-strength lightweight materials are produced by resin transfer molding (RTM). in this process, fabrics of carbon fiber are laid in a heated mold. after injection of the low-viscosity reactive resin system and the ideally complete wetting of all fibers, polymerization gets underway. the component can be demolded as soon as the reaction is over.
integrated LEDs and inlaid optical waveguides are concealed in the forks
image © rafael kroetz
the seat of the concept 1865 is detachable and contains the battery for the electric drive
image © rafael kroetz
image © rafael kroetz
for the tires of the concept 1865, BASF utilizes the properties of an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) – a light, durable and very elastic material. BASF has also used this innovative particle foam for the midsole of the adidas energy boost running shoe. the bright blue, semi-transparent tire
profile delivers unbeatable wear and abrasion resistance and very good resistance to cutting and tear growth.
image © rafael kroetz
a flexible solid profile of the highly transparent, non-yellowing material permits a uniform and energy-saving illumination source. this is facilitated by LED lamps integrated in the forks and printing on the rear of the profile that reflects the light.
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bad taste
Karl Drais introduced his Wooden horse in 1817. Pierre Michaux, a Frenchman, introduced the pedals to the bicycle around 1865. So there is no German connection to the design of this modern bicycle and the ones who came up with the story in this article didn’t do their homework. BASF has no history in early bicycle design so why trying to make this connection? And there is one other thing I don’t understand. BASF is known for making life more practical. So why do a remake of an inpractical bicycle design.
Just a note; Karl Drais invented the ‘laufsmachine’ in 1817, and Nicéphore Niépce coined the term ‘velocipede’ the next year, as he improved the design (and later invented photography!). The ‘big wheel’ bicycle, called the ‘ordinary’ or Penny-Farthing, appeared in the 1870s, and was made obsolete by the ‘safety’ bicycle, a design still dominant, in the mid-1880s.
They have done their best to make it ‘flashy’, but the construction and ergonomics seems to be very outdated, and unstable.
Watch both men cycling in the movie at ’47 and ’55. Looks to me like a two year old child on a tricycle…
Whats the advantage of this “old” layout over the modern one?
This pedaling position is probably the least ergonomic I have EVER seen