Biquattro
Electric-bike. When needed for shopping, the rear wheel can be split into two and the bicycle transforms into a tricycle with a loading surface. When on two wheels , it can be ridden like a bicycle making it easily manageable in cities’ traffic.

BIQUATTRO - STRIPPING DOWN THE CAR TO ITS BARE BASICS - From the functioning prototype "Biquattro" to the concept of an electric bike-car

IDEA
The concept behind the Biquattro is to stimulate some thoughts about alternatives to the car, now that in everyone's mind, it has become clear that our habits over the past century have contributed to exuberant levels of carbon dioxide emission and global warming. Transformation in the industries are happening as we speak: more hybrid or electro cars are on the market now, 'biofuel' is substituting the more pollutant gas and the clean development mechanisms guides all countries towards fulfilling the commitment of the Kyoto protocol.

The Biquattro concept responds to these necessary behavioral changes by servicing the needs for transportation through 'clean' solutions. It is a new interface to transportation, requiring no more than a battery pack that can bring the level of speed up to 22 km/h. It combines the sleekness of the bicycle and the functionality of the car. The 'less the better', using bicycle parts to create a car-like vehicle that is lightweight and safer than a car. The hybrid ‘bike-car' is versatile, a two-wheeler can change into a four-wheeler.

When driven on two wheels, it allows 1-2 persons to drive down a pathway, street or park. When a loading surface is needed, e.g to deposit shopping bags or luggage, then the back wheels can be split into 2 and opened up to create a trunk space of up to150 litres. Its versatility and solution to common problems encountered when using a car (environmental pol lution, parking space, garage fees, etc) makes it a viable alternative to the traditional means of transportation.

EASE OF MOBILITY
Biquattro is a prototype driven by the idea that one should be able to exercise full mobility, in cities, through traffic lights and in the parks, past traditional bikers.

VERSATILITY
The electric bike can be driven on two wheels or, as needed for shopping, on three wheels as the rear wheel can be spilt transforming it into a tricycle with loading surface. Up to 150 litres volume fits into the back storage space, more than the average trunk size of some cars (e.g mini, smart, yarts, etc).

THINKING GREEN is CHEAPER
It has peddles to assist the electric mechanisms. Its battery powered motor lasts 30 km per charge. Charging time is only 3 hours. The costs of charging the battery is 0.15 € per 100 km range. It uses a normal 110 - 240 V plug. The Biquattro can pick up speed of up to 22 km/h.

Awards

Red Dot Award 2009

International Bicycle Design Competition 2010