ExoskeletonElectric motorcycle from the 3D printer
Airbus subsidiary APWorks demonstrates the possibilities of additive manufacturing: its electric motorcycle 'Light Rider' has an exoskeleton-like chassis from the 3D printer that weighs just 6 kg. Thanks to its material, the motorcycle is extremely stable despite its filigree design.
The ready-to-ride prototype of the Airbus APWorks weighs a total of 35 kg, of which the frame accounts for just 6 kg. Compared to other electric motorcycles in this class, this corresponds to a weight saving of 30%. The built-in 6 kW electric motor accelerates the bike to 45 km/h in three seconds. It can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and has a range of 60 km. The reason for the low weight and the unusual design: a mainframe computer used algorithms to determine the best possible structure to absorb the loads that occur during the ride. The frame is not only coincidentally reminiscent of ...