DESIGN NAME: ICON E-Flyer
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Electric Bicycle
INSPIRATION: Vintage design detail has always been close to my heart, although I have little patience for the archaic mechanicals. ICON is focused on revisiting classic transportation design in a modern context, fusing the best modern content solutions with timeless vintage design. We use a range of innovative solutions, from turn of the century English Wheels to the highest technology in CNC and laser scanning. We also offer a range of production four wheeled vehicles based on the classic trucks, plus a one-off division building custom vehicles.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Inspired by the dawn of the motorcycle, each ICON E-Flyer is equipped with an EV system good for up to 35 miles of sustained propulsion on a single charge. Features include regenerative braking, range LED, LED headlamp, rapid charging.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: We studied the early motorcycles of the Gilded Age. We studied the current offerings in the electric bicycle market, and identified two opportunities. One; the packaging of the EV elements looked like a science class project. Two; the price point was high. So we fit our bike with quality EV systems and achieved a more interesting and fluid integration of the technology. The cast aluminum center housing hides the battery and controller, with external USB input for programming and charging. The ICON Lizard is cast bronze.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: This bike was developed and created over a six month period in California, from physical start of the process. Add a year of research and pondering options to that!
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: David and I met at an event during the Pebble Beach car week. He was just showing his first prototype electric bike. I was inspired by his idea and we struck up a conversation. Turns our he was a huge fan of my brand and design work, and an instant friendship was established. Eventually and organically, he and I decided to co develop this bike.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Hydroformed aluminum frame
Billet aluminum and steel forks
Brooks England LTD leatherwork
Avid BB7R brakes
CREE LED Headlight
20mph in street legal mode or 36mph in race mode
Up to 35 miles Power: 750 watts in street legal mode or 3,500 watts in race mode
52v 12.5AH 1000 cycle battery
3,500 watt Brushless DC Hub-Motor
2 hour recharge with included charger
ICON Rocky Mountain Gray Powder Coat Finish
Brushed stainless, nickel, and brass finishes
57 pounds
TAGS: ICON 4x4, vintage electric, ICON E-flyer, icon electric bike
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: We studied the early designs of motorcycles from the 1890-1920 decades.
We studied the pro's and con's of electric bikes on the market.
We discussed design priorities with several target customers.
We developed a test mule to refine the performance, reduce the weight. We produced several versions of the cast engine section, and played with several surface finished ranging from ceramics, PVD plating, and paint. In the end, we used a powder based coating.
CHALLENGE: Project goal was to manufacture an electric cycle embodying the essence of American ingenuity and design, all strengthened by the best of today’s technology.
Perhaps the most difficult part of the process, was packaging. David and I both wanted to keep the classic aesthetic, yet make sure to integrate the best EV content and features such as LED charge status indication, regenerative braking, LED headlight, ease of charge and service, and more.
ADDED DATE: 2013-11-13 11:51:47
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Jonathan Ward and Andrew Davidge
IMAGE CREDITS: Jonathan Ward & Andrew Davidge , 2013.
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