Drawing on 70s-era motorcycles and contemporary bicycle and moped design, this nifty electric bike features rugged tires but a slim frame.

A thumb throttle lets you rev up to speed with your Super 73 while a disc brake system allows for quick stops. Cup holders and bottle openers are integrated for your cruise along the streets or beaches.

The bike employs a “highly-capable lithium-ion battery” and is a “modern machine with 20 mile range and comfortable cruising [speed] of nearly 30 mph (48km/h). For longer adventures, five pedal assist modes can be activated to increase or decrease motor power.”

The story: “The idea started in 2015 while our co-founder Jon Akers was finishing his Masters of Engineering at Lehigh University. We love bikes and our goal was to create a new kind of electric bike with cutting edge technology while looking at the past for design inspiration. Motorcycles, mopeds and mini bikes of the 1970’s drew our attention as durable, fun and timeless. Now located in Southern California, we’ve got a 4000 sq ft manufacturing space of our very own and are ready to crank out the Super 73′, our ebike inspired by the 70’s.”

The post Super 73 Lithium: Modern E-Bike Meets Vintage Motorcycle first appeared on Gajitz.

A classic kit-of-parts solution with modular twist, this conceptual bicycle is designed to be disassembled on the spot for maximum mobility, able to be shipped with ease, carried onto public transit or taken with a traveler indoors rather than locked up outside.

Lucid Design envisions this full-sized bike as something you learn to break down into its 21 constituent parts and pack to go with ease.

The frame is composed of hollow aluminum components that twist and lock together with a unique key making the completed cycle harder for a would-be thief to take apart. Aside from an aluminum frame, the bicycle features cork handles for easier grips and steel wheels for a sturdier ride.

The design is not yet at a point where it has been prototyped and potential critics have already pointed out some of the difficulties it might face in terms of balancing robustness with portability. Still, as an idea and the beginning of a design investigation, the product is certainly compelling.

From an interview with Dezeen, “Conventional bikes are awkward in every way except when you ride them,” says the company’s creative director Amit Mirchandani. “The Kit Bike was designed to make problems of shipping, traveling with and commuting with a bike, a thing of the past.”

The post Micro-Cycle: Kit Bike Packs Up into Portable Backpack Case first appeared on Gajitz.