The automobile has made breathtaking mobility possible for everyone. At the same time, we are stuck in traffic jams with huge vehicles, wasting resources and fueling climate change with our exhaust fumes.
If we were consistent and sensible, we should only walk or cycle. The bicycle is of course unbeatable in terms of efficiency and sustainability. It is light, takes up little space and promotes our own mobility. The disadvantage: it is slow, unprotected and has a high air resistance.
This concept vehicle combines the advantages of a bicycle and a car: Powered by the sun and pedal power, it requires a minimum of energy due to its super-light, streamlined and low-slung shape. On flat terrain with medium physical effort, the Minolo should make battery-neutral progress in good weather. As long as it is in the light, it is always charged.
To make the basic design as light as possible, the maximum speed is 60 km/h, fast enough to get from A to B. Enjoying the journey becomes more important than getting there. The open and lightweight design (200 kg) with a high torque (from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds) nevertheless creates a very sporty driving experience. The range is between 300 and 500 km, depending on physical effort and the weather.
You can do your workout on the way home on the Minolo. The Minolo is powered by three lightweight hub motors that are controlled purely electronically via sensors. As with a pedelec, I have the feeling of generating speed. This charges the battery to increase the range.
At the same time, there are no mechanical gears, which means less wear and tear and less weight. You can continuously adjust how much power you want to apply yourself. As a result, the Minolo can easily manage a medium gradient at 60 km/h.
1 m high, 2.5 m long and 1.2 m wide, the single-seater offers enough space for the driver, large purchases and luggage thanks to the front and rear storage compartments. These are connected via the sides and even offer space for longer sports equipment such as skis or surfboards.
The semi-recumbent riding position offers maximum relaxation with optimum power transmission, which has already proven its worth on recumbent bikes. Above all, however, it minimizes air resistance. You sit in an adaptable, breathable fabric seat with a soft headrest.
The Minolo was deliberately left open at the sides to allow optimum ventilation. The windshield cannot mist up and your own body heat is regulated. This creates a covered convertible feeling with protection from the sun and light rain. A magnetically attached foil window is used in heavy rain and storms.
The body is made of a new type of double-walled, internally reinforced plastic that is completely recyclable. This ensures maximum stability with minimum weight. All components are easily separable.
The photovoltaic system is integrated into the entire outer and inner surface, which provides optimum charging potential. The outer shape was derived from the oloid. For me, this shape is the epitome of aerodynamics and at the same time extremely elegant.
The roof with integrated windshield is folded forward for entry and exit, giving access to the rear and front luggage compartments at the same time.
After much deliberation, I decided to design the Minolo for one person only, as you usually only see one person in the vehicle and can therefore reduce it to a minimum.
Of course, a two-seater version is also conceivable.
For years I've been asking myself: why do cars have to look like oversized briquettes? In contrast, I always imagine elegant, aerodynamic and flowing shapes. Instead of getting upset about SUVs, I started to think about how mobility could be sustainable, healthier, quieter and at the same time pleasurable in the future. The question of the unity of aesthetics and function took center stage.
