Eco Factor: Zero-emission kick scooter designed as a daily commuter.
Skateboards are undoubtedly a green way for a thrilling experience, but the lack of brakes makes them impractical in a busy urban setting, and the tiny wheels are terrible on anything but smooth surfaces. They are, however, wonderfully easy to transport.
Industrial designer Ryan Mischkulnig has tried to bring all the features required to make kick scooters a means of daily travel in a machine he calls the Mk1 Kick Scooter. The Mk1 Kick Scooter combines these features in a package of minimalist function-first style. The deck is under slung so that it sits upright and balanced as soon as any weight is applied.
Steering is by leaning, but unlike a skateboard, the front wheels turn separately so that steering is smooth with no tire scrubbing. Drive comes from a quarter turn crank with a chain to the rear wheel, which is pulled back into an upright position by a small spring. Braking is by a second crank arm applying force to the top of the rear wheel.
Based on analysis carried out on the compact scooter, the cruising speed of the scooter is around 22kph, directly comparable to the cruising speeds of many amateur cyclists. Weight too, due to the relatively small wheels (12″) and the 2D frame is only 9kg, using mild steel to minimize costs, far lighter if an alloy is used for the frame and rims.
Most importantly, the scooter is designed so that all components, every bolt and bearing except for the frame and cranks, are stock standard bicycle components, minimizing the scooter’s build cost and opening the door for kit-form building which would provide the opportunity for enthusiastic owners to recycle unloved bicycle components in the scooter’s construction.
Thanks: [Ryan Mischkulnig]
