Over 150 years after the invention of the peddle cycle, a new version of the velocipede is being launched - making use of ultra-modern, high-tech materials.

The history of velocipedes

Today's bicycles have an extensive history. The first effective pedal bicycle came into being in 1865. Invented by the French, the "dandy horse" was a primitive and dangerous prototype of the bicycle.

Then, in 1867, the velocipede was unveiled at the Paris International Exposition. Ever since, cycling culture and design has been a mainstay of contemporary life.

The e-velocipede designers were inspired by this cycling history, and chose to explore what the first pedal cycle would have looked like if its inventors had had today's advanced materials.

The Concept 1865

In order to create this ambitious vehicle, BASF (the world's biggest chemical company) joined forces with the design studio DING3000.

The device was developed for "Rethinking Materials," a project which encourages designers to create unusual products, "outside of the status quo." The result was the e-velocipede "Concept 1865."

This prototype model is ready to ride and has an electric drive. It also employs an impressive 24 of BASF's innovative materials - including such catchy compounds as Ultracom, Infinergy and Elastollan.

Source: Yatzer

Concept 1865, photo © Rafael Kroetz