Urban Transport

Tatamel electric motorbike folds down to sit beneath a desk

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The Icoma Tatamel Bike, opened up for riding and folded down for storage
Icoma
The Icoma Tatamel Bike, opened up for riding and folded down for storage
Icoma
The Tatamel Bike features a full LED lighting system
Icoma
The Tatamel Bike, ready to go under what appears to be a matching desk
Icoma
The Tatamel Bike features features front and rear suspension
Icoma
Once folded for storage, the Tatamel Bike measures 700 by 680 by 260 mm (27.6 by 26.8 by 10.2 in)
Icoma
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Although an electric motorbike might be a fun and economical form of transportation, finding parking for the thing could be problematic. That's where the Tatamel Bike comes in, as it can fit beneath a desk when folded.

Developed by Japanese startup Icoma, the Tatamel currently exists as a fully functioning prototype. The company is planning on taking it into production.

When unfolded for riding, the motorbike measures 1,230 mm long by 1,000 mm tall by 650 mm wide (48.4 by 39.3 by 25.6 in). Its 600-watt motor is powered by 12-Ah lithium-ion-phosphate battery, delivering a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph) and a maximum range of around 50 km (31 miles). It should be noted that the performance figures are estimates for the final production model.

Once folded for storage, the Tatamel measures 700 by 680 by 260 mm (27.6 by 26.8 by 10.2 in). It can still be rolled along on its front wheel and a rear set of fold-down skateboard-like wheels, with the rider pulling it by a hinged handle.

The Tatamel Bike, ready to go under what appears to be a matching desk
Icoma

Some of its other features include front and rear suspension (coil spring in the latter), a full LED lighting system, the ability to charge other devices from its battery, and interchangeable side panels for advertising or other signage. According to Icoma, the vehicle is legally classified as a moped (in Japan, at least), so riders should only need a standard driver's license.

There's currently no word on when the Tatamel Bike may be commercially available. For now though, you can watch the prototype in action, in the following Japanese-language video.

Source: Icoma

View gallery - 5 images
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6 comments
ppeter
I have recently moved from one subsidiary of the company I'm working for to a different one. Major fuss to do so, and the main reason was the awful commute. With a little motorbike that can be camouflaged as luggage on the train I would probably still work at the old subsidiary. As for this one, the camouflaging as luggage would need to be improved though, at least for my country - here You are allowed to take a big heavy suitcase on the train, but not a motorbike that's recognizable as such.
jerryd
There are far smaller volume ones that you just need to lower the seat, handlebars.
Bob Flint
Great work from an inventive person, keep at it, maybe it can even become a desk, or work station as well. Would like to see more people think this way.
BlueOak
Clever product, concept. Including the ability to use it as an emergency power source due to a larger than typical battery. But of course at what selling price?

The “ICOMA” brand name is unfortunate in the English language, however. A reminder of how the Chevy “Nova” misfit Mexico.
DJ
did I miss its weight somewhere?
Aloysius
Perhaps replace the front wheel with two small ones that can be folded similar to the rest ones. That way the moped can be further disguised as a large suitcase