In the ever-thriving electric vehicle era, some startups understand that the field is crowded, and they need to find a way to stand out. Some of them choose to claim crazy electric range or sci-fi worthy technology while others focus entirely on the design side.
This is the case of a young Swedish company, STILRIDE, which is working on the development of an electric scooter with an elegant, origami-inspired design built out of folded metal sheets. The original inspiration was developed by the STILRIDE team in the historic days of style and comfort.
This new concept of personal mobility aims to revolutionize the manufacture of light electric vehicles through using robotic origami (LIGHT.FOLD) to fold structures from a flat sheet of metal true to the material’s characteristics and geometric nature. The LIGHT.FOLD technique enables the automation of the bending of steel sheets.
The company also claims that this metal folding method significantly reduces production costs and raw materials while being more environmentally friendly. STILRIDE estimates that the technology could save 20-50% on hardware and 25-45% on labor compared to traditional production.
In order to highlight the benefits of its process, STILRIDE has developed an electric scooter concept embodying this frame/body in stainless steel. The prototype is equipped here with an engine in the rear wheel, a priori limited in power. It is not known for the moment what type of engine and battery will use this scooter. On the other hand, its designers explain that they have chosen to equip it with fairly large diameter wheels and a front/rear suspension from the bike for better driving pleasure.
As promising as this project is, the road to a finished and marketable product still seems long and complex.
