Don't miss the latest stories
Advertise Newsletter
Network
  • The Bazaar
  • The Creative Finder
  • Deals
Shop

Follow

Share this

Automotive
Creativity
Sustainability
Innovation
Technology
Samsung
Donald Trump
More
  • Viral News
  • McDonalds
  • UI/UX
  • IKEA
  • AI Generators
  • Creativity
  • Amazon
  • Burger King
  • Balenciaga
  • Fashion
  • Microsoft
  • Music
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Technology
  • Samsung
  • Donald Trump
  • Viral News
  • McDonalds
  • UI/UX
  • IKEA
  • AI Generators
  • Creativity
  • Amazon
  • Burger King
  • Balenciaga
  • Fashion
  • Microsoft
  • Music
  • Apple
MENU
  • Advertise with us
  • Submit tip/feedback
  • Work with us
  • Subscribe to newsletter
  • Subscribe to RSS
Advertise here
Advertisement

Inflatable Motorcycle Can Take You Places While Packing Compactly Into Your Bag

By Mikelle Leow, 21 Jun 2021

Share on Facebook Twitter
Subscribe to newsletter
Like us on Facebook

Video screenshot via Sato et al

The grownup version of bouncy castles is way more imaginative—and infinitely more useful.

Last year, a group of researchers from the University of Tokyo and mercari R4D unveiled an inflatable, functional scooter to get you to your destination while being surprisingly portable. ‘Poimo’, short for Portable and Inflatable Mobility, is said to be the first “soft mobility” personal transportation device, allowing its user to compress its soft, lightweight components and carry the whole vehicle around.

When it was first presented in May 2020, the entire Poimo scooter, made from high-quality thermoplastic urethane, weighed just 17 pounds. Meanwhile, its body came in at only five pounds, SlashGear reported. The team has made a few upgrades to the mobility device since then, so this could have changed.

The following months saw the group imagining customizations for the Poimo, based on users’ desired riding postures. Apart from an electric scooter design, there’s now a motorcycle and wheelchair. All are powered by a small in-wheel electric motor.

Advertisement
Advertisement


Almost as quick as it takes to start a car, the structures can be inflated within a minute using a pump.

There’s still no word on release details yet, since the inflatable mobility device is still undergoing design, weight, and safety enhancements. As it is, though, the Poimo is already much more visible than a skateboard or bicycle, and expectedly less painful to knock into.







[via Mashable and SlashGear, videos and cover image via Sato et al]
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
If you’re enjoying DesignTAXI, please consider supporting our work with a contribution. Thank you. Cancel anytime.

Receive interesting stories like this one in your inbox
Advertise here

More related news

Advertise here
Also check out these recent news
WTF
Link to news page

Uber Eats Ridiculed For Listing Strange AI-Generated Images Of Food

Industrial Design
Link to news page

Mondrian’s Art Style Whips Up A Visual Feast In Chic, Modular Outdoor Kitchen

Tesla
Link to news page

Tesla Makes A $1,500 Cybertruck, But It’s For Six To 12-Year-Olds (So It Says)

Barbie
Link to news page

Barbie Gets Turned Into An American Girl Doll, Reminiscing Her First Form

Balenciaga
Link to news page

Balenciaga Hands Out Fake Energy Bars As Fashion Show Invitations