the kosynier boardtrack hides an ebike inside a 1920s motorcycle

the kosynier boardtrack might look every bit vintage from the outside but on the inside its components tell a different story. an electric engine concealed behind an antique-looking body makes this bike look like a stylish motorcycle from the early twentieth century.

images courtesy of kosynier

built by two brothers – marcin and michal bielawski kosynier – they are the founders of kosynier, a poland-based manufacturer driven by their interest in historical vehicles. they grew up in their grandfather’s smithy where they learned the basics of metallurgy. inspired by a childhood-turned-adolescence surrounded by classic cars, old polish motorcycles, and even a 1965 mustang convertible, the idea to create a vintage product was something that came naturally.

they decided to build an electric boardtrack inspired by the 100-year-old motorcycles made popular by the sport of the same name. originating in the united states during the 1910s and 1920s, boardtracks were racecourses composed of wooden tracks where on a mission for speed, riders removed everything they considered unnecessary even brakes. of course, it was all in order to be as fast and as light as possible.

whilst the kosynier boardtrack has the same look and feel as its vintage predecessors, fortunately this one has brakes. it also has an electric engine – 1000, 4000 or 5000W – instead of a combustion one, and is powered by a lithium iron battery giving it a range of 70km. the frame is made of chromium-molybdenum steel, with the seat and mudguards hand-made by experienced craftsmen. 

the vehicle is classified as speedbike/moped, which means that in the european union it can drive with the maximum speed of 45 km/h. the company offers the possibility to order custom-made kosyniers, with vintage-futuristic design. that means if you have a particular idea of how your bike should look like or you have a vintage or a contemporary car, the kosynier designers can draw for you a bike based on your car’s design.

the current: new wheels for the post-petrol age

this project is featured in the current: new wheels for the post-petrol age, an automotive book published by gestalten which explores a shift towards eco-friendly riding by profiling pioneers within the field.