Germany-based design studio DING3000 and the chemical company BASF have rebuilt the 19th century velocipede as a modern e-bike with state-of-the-art technology. The e-bike draws reference from the year 1865, when BASF was founded and also when Karl Drais’ wooden “Dandy horse” was given its first pedals, which launched the bicycle on the road to global success. “Concept 1865” is an answer to to DING3000 and BASF’s question: How would the first pedal cycle have looked if the pioneers of the bike had had today’s advanced technology and materials to work with?
“Concept 1865”, an e-velocipede is a ready-to-ride prototype featuring an electric drive. The bike is developed with 24 high-performance plastics, speciality foams, epoxy resin and polyurethane materials from BASF. The bike construction features a bearingless all-plastic pedals made of ‘ultrason’ and puncture-proof tires made of ‘infinergy’.
“By implementing this design study DING3000 obviously does not intend to reinvent the bicycle, let alone the wheel. Under the slogan »Rethinking Materials«, the unusual e-bike is in fact an invitation to customers to join the company in developing new applications and product ideas utilizing advanced plastics. It is an invitation to question the status quo and create something new – just as the pioneers of cycling did in their time.”
Before you scroll down to the images, do check out the ‘e-velocipede in action’ video below:
Images © Rafael Kroetz
+ BASF