Dymaxion Bike

RMIT University Industrial Design Elective

Designed to work in with the Melbourne 2030 Sustainable Transport plans, the Dymaxion bike aims to meet the needs of city commuters that live neither close enough to work to ride daily nor close enough to public transport systems for that to be an option. Looking at possibilities of combined cycle and public transport based trips. The large distance between the smaller wheels, the seat and handlebars on folding bikes are generally seen as their major design obstacle. But like all design problems when looked at the right way they become design opportunities, and few if any people have looked at the new opportunities in steering and carrying space that arise from this distance. As a result the majority of designs look like miniature bicycles with disproportionately extended handlebars and seats, that fold into a heap of wires and metal reminiscent of a road-side accident. Inspired by Buck Minster Fuller’s theories on dynamic material maximisation, the dymaxion bike’s unique folding mechanism allows it to fold to a neat package more appropriate for taking on public transport while maintaining a full riding position when unfolded.