BIQUATTRO by Valentin Vodev from austria

BIQUATTRO

STRIPPING DOWN THE CAR TO ITS BARE BASICS - From the functioning prototype "Biquattro" to the concept of an electric bike-car

IDEA
The concept behind the Biquattro is to stimulate some thoughts about alternatives to the car, now that in everyone's mind, it has become clear that our habits over the past century have contributed to exuberant levels of carbon dioxide emission and
global warming. Transformation in the industries are happening as we speak: more hybrid or electro cars are on the market now, 'biofuel' is substituting the more pollutant gas and the clean development mechanisms guides all countries towards
fulfilling the commitment of the Kyoto protocol.
The Biquattro concept responds to these necessary behavioral changes by servicing the needs for transportation through 'clean' solutions. It is a new interface to transportation, requiring no more than a battery pack that can bring the level of speed up to 22 km/h. It combines the sleekness of the bicycle and the functionality of the car. The 'less the better', using bicycle parts to create a care-like vehicle that is lightweight and safer than a car. The hybrid _bike-car' is versatile, a two-wheeler can change into a four-wheeler. When driven on two wheels, it allows 1-2 persons to drive down a pathway, street
or park. When a loading surface is needed, e.g to deposit shopping bags or luggage, then the back wheels can be split into 2 and opened up to create a trunk space of 150 litres. Its versatility and solution to common problems encountered
when using a car (e.g environmental pollution, parking space, garage fees, etc) makes it a viable alternative to the traditional means of transportation.

USE & BENEFITS
EASE OF MOBILITY
Biquattro is a prototype driven by the idea that one should be able to exercise full mobility, in cities, through traffic lights and in the parks, past traditional bikers.
VERSATILITY
The electric bike can be driven on 2 wheels or, as needed for shopping, on 3 wheels as the rear wheel can split into two, transforming it into a tricycle with a big loading surface. Up to 150 litres volume fits into the back storage space, more than
the average trunk size of some cars (e.g mini, smart, yarts, etc).
THINKING GREEN is CHEAPER
It has peddles to kick-start the electric mechansism. Its battery powered motor lasts 30 km per charge. Charging time is only 3 hours. The costs of charging the battery is 0.15 £ per 100 km range. It uses a normal 230 V plug. The Biquattro can pick up
speed of up to 22 km/h.