In the 1980s, Japanese toymakers invented the transforming robots that we, in the west, know as Transformers. Here in the 2020s, industrial designer (and former toy designer) Takamitsu Ikoma has designed a scooter inspired by the Transformers.
Called the Icoma Tatamel Bike, it’s an electric scooter that folds down to the size of a rolling carry-on.
In its suitcase form, the bike is meant to be wheeled, not carried; it weighs 139 lbs, so this is for those who live in elevator buildings.
Unfurled, it will carry a passenger up to 220 lbs. It has an 18.6-mile range, and can top out around 25 mph.
The side panels can be customized with graphics.
The bike is currently in production, with a 2-3 week lead time and an asking price of ¥498,000 (USD $3,300).
