ding3000 + BASF collaborate on the concept 1865 electric velocipede

all images courtesy ding3000

image © nordnord



created in collaboration with BASF, german design studio DING3000 has developed ‘concept 1865’, an e-velocipede. drawing reference from 1865 – the year when BASF was founded and when karl drais’ wooden ‘dandy horse’ was introduced to the public – the project sees the 19th century bicycle re-imagined as a modern e-bike using a selection of advanced materials. the ready-to-ride prototype features an electric drive and is made almost entirely of modern BASF plastics. only the brake, axles and motor are still made of metal. 24 different polymer applications, such as bearingless all-plastic pedals made of ‘ultrason’ and puncture-proof tires made of ‘infinergy’ — a closed cell expanded thermoplastic polyurethane — are featured in the construction of the ‘concept 1865′.

‘concept 1865’ e-velocipede

video by nordnord courtesy BASF



image © rafael kroetz

velocipedes were known for their enlarged front wheels that improved the transmission ratio. with the ‘concept 1865’, the present-day velocipede rider is assisted by an electric drive.

image © rafael kroetz

the frame and the fork unit with the stem and handlebar derive their strength from a reinforced continuous-filament of carbon fiber fabrics. BASF has two different matrix polymers – epoxy and polyurethane systems – available for these composites. these new, high-strength lightweight materials are produced by resin transfer molding (RTM). in this process, fabrics of carbon fiber are laid in a heated mold. after injection of the low-viscosity reactive resin system and the ideally complete wetting of all fibers, polymerization gets underway. the component can be demolded as soon as the reaction is over.

integrated LEDs and inlaid optical waveguides are concealed in the forks

image © rafael kroetz

the seat of the concept 1865 is detachable and contains the battery for the electric drive

image © rafael kroetz

image © rafael kroetz

for the tires of the concept 1865, BASF utilizes the properties of an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) – a light, durable and very elastic material. BASF has also used this innovative particle foam for the midsole of the adidas energy boost running shoe. the bright blue, semi-transparent tire

profile delivers unbeatable wear and abrasion resistance and very good resistance to cutting and tear growth.

image © rafael kroetz

a flexible solid profile of the highly transparent, non-yellowing material permits a uniform and energy-saving illumination source. this is facilitated by LED lamps integrated in the forks and printing on the rear of the profile that reflects the light.