‘Conscious Commuter’ folding e-bike company launches in Portland

This is awesome and precisely a great example of how we’re going to rebuild the economy in this country.

Maybe I need to wait for the prototype, but from the animation I don’t understand how you pedal this. There doesn’t seem to be any drivetrain connection between the wheel and pedals. Is there some internal shaft-drive? Is it a scooter with an electric motor, or a electric-assist bike? Also, the straight seat post magically telescopes out of a curved seat tube, which probably is not physically possible. The folding mechanism does seem very compact though. Neat idea and I hope it goes somewhere.

It needs a handle and wheel so it can be pulled like roller luggage when folded. The concept is way-cool, though.

Maybe that is where the ‘conscious’ part of the name comes in? You pedal it with your consciousness. But seriously do they mean conscientious? Because at least for me conscious evokes it’s opposite: unconscious. I like the bike and the idea; the name just sounds like its borrowed from hip-hop–which could be a good move for all I know.

Gabriel’s a very talented designer, and is also guest blogging for Oregon Manifest’s Observation series. See his first posting here: http://bit.ly/m6jNmJ

Cool concept.

It is a pretty big leap from video to ridable prototype – does one already exist? If not, I am surprised at plans to produce it … hope they have a formidable R&D budget.
Getting folding bikes stiff – especially w/ EA – is notoriously difficult.

Good luck!

this actually seems pretty cool… hope we get to see a working prototype by next summer…

This is very art-heavy and engineering-light. The final product will look very little like that, if they can make it work.

I thought skateboards were already available.

We’re very excited that this kind of innovation and design is happening in Portland. Which is why we love Portland’s bike culture so much!

That rear hinge reminds me of the bob trailer, which has a limit of 75 lbs. Folding bikes are limited by the durability and safety of their hinges.

I have some serious concerns about the design. Without triangulation, that “noodle” in the middle is going to be under a lot of stress. When aluminum fails, it can do so catastrophically and without much warning.

I really want to see them succeed, but I think they have some major engineering work to do.

I am totally not holding my breath. And if I had any money, this is not where I’d invest. The concept is good, but… Also I don’t like the idea of public transit embracing folding bikes when they should be getting serious about real capacity for real bikes. Oh sure folding bikes work, so why isn’t N Williams full of them during rush hour? Anyway, I think if trimet “endorses” or whatever, the folding bike, that will leave it open to them saying “You *need* to have a folding bike to get on board. We’re not encouraging full-size bikes.”

Where’s the battery?