Urban mobility is changing; commuters and urban explorers have been forced to consider more personal transport solutions in crowded and built-up environments around the world during the past few months. This has resulted in a rediscovery of more exhilarating ways to move around with a surge in cycling and private vehicle ownership.
SAIC Design Studio has revealed a vision of future mobility that explores the boundaries between urban mobility and wearable technology. A “fusion between a car and a motorbike,” the R RYZR concept – developed for SAIC’s EV-only ‘R’ brand – is the “ultimate symbiosis of man and machine; a car that you actually wear.”
The concept features a jacket and a vehicle that interlock to start it, with no need for a key. Designed to recognize the shift away from crowded public transport and the need for more instinctive experiences, it offers an escape from crowded spaces by combining cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality.
The R RYZR concept presents an open-air design with two more open front wheels and two rear wheels located in the center, with a driving position on the left side and leaving the right for the co-pilot. In addition, the open-wheeled configuration gives full visibility and spatial awareness crucial for a thrilling yet safe urban experience.
But the most striking point is the user could connect and interact without the need for a key or even making physical contact. The RYZR Smart-JKT is the key. It connects to the car simply through the motion of sitting in the seat, allowing control and giving the user access to an exclusive mobility club.
The concept blurs the boundaries between a bike and a car gave the designers an opportunity to explore an architecture that is truly unique and features a central spine architecture with twin seats suspended over either side, offering a view on the road that is unparalleled. The vehicle would have the ability to pivot on the front and rear arms, twinned with a hubless front wheel design. The innovative centrally mounted steering is configured to allow access for both drivers. Drive-by-wire technology means that the controller operates regardless of his position. The designers have not given more technical data beyond the fact that it is a 100% electric model.
