Icoma Foldable Electric Bike Inspired by Japanese Transformable Toys

The moment we saw this foldable electric bike, something awakened our inner child. We couldn’t quite put our finger on it bit it was a feeling akin to seeing a brand new toy in a toy shop. It turns out that the origin story of the Icoma Electric Bike is very much a part of many of our childhoods. It’s inspired by the transformer toys of the 80s and 90s. In fact, the creator is a former employee of the company responsible for introducing “Transformers” to the world.


advertisement


The company that makes the Icoma Electric Bike was founded in 2021 by Takamitsu Ikoma, an alumni of the Takara Tomy toy company and was responsible for the international division of the “Transformers” business. And ever since their founding, Icoma has been tirelessly working to bring their concept of a transformable electric bike to the market. This month they began taking their first orders.

The bike goes from a suitcase-sized square to electric motorcycle in a few seconds. Charge it for three hours, and it will zip you around for roughly 30 km (19 mi). The price tag is 550,000 yen (about $4000 usd) and you can read more about the specs, or order yours, here.


advertisement


3 Comments

  1. Huw Gwilliam

    May 6, 2023 at 6:08 pm

    Of course, it’s also obviously also ‘influenced’ by Honda’s 1980s ‘Fold up and keep in the trunk’ Motocompo scooter https://cdn-influx-wp.adrianflux.co.uk/uploads/2019/04/Honda-Motocompo_01.jpg

  2. Since when does ‘inspired’ mean…ripped off a previous design and applied a bullshit feel good story about childhood toys.

    Motocompo was a thing…Hell…Honda even did a design study for an electric one…in 2011 https://www.designboom.com/technology/tokyo-motor-show-honda-motor-compo-foldable-electric-scooter/

  3. Chill guys. In regard to design patent practice, the act of putting an electric motor on a bicycle is an obvious improvement. That you have had folding bicycles since the 1960s (before?) in Europe make even Honda’s offerings late to the game.

    That is, if they were relevant.

    Neither the 2011 Motor Compo, nor the preceeding 80’s Moto Compo were designed to be folded, nor brought into the house to be plugged in like an appliance.

    If you actually read the articles you’re quoting, you’d note that the 2011 iteration had a modular power pack that could be reused for purposes other than powering the bike.

    So the ‘transformable’ aspect, and the nostalgic connection highlighted by the writer of this article are notable, valid, and quite unique. It’s done well, and they’re actually taking orders for something that is more than a concept at a motor show.

    Kudos

Comments are closed.

© 2024 Spoon & Tamago

Up ↑

Design by Bento Graphics