Come the (E-Trike) Revolution

[advrider]

Excessive modesty does not appear to be one of designer André Fangueiro’s character traits. Born in Porto, Portugal and currently based in Norway, he has named his studio LATA, which is an acronym for: Life According To André. It seems this came from his “realisation of a humanistic and identity approach to design work.” Well, whatever floats your boat or, in this case, drives your trike.

Fangueiro says that his work challenges the relationship between product and perception, imagination and experience. Products designed by LATA Design are intended to demonstrate André’s philosophy that design is an extension of human behaviour. The goal of LATA is to create projects that are deeply in tune with the needs of a sustainable future, connected with human emotions and enable self-expression.

Weather protection is not a feature of the trike. Image: LATA

There is no doubt that he’s hit on an intriguing look for the trike. Urban mobility is slowly but very surely adopting electric vehicles that are compact and highly practical. While most concept designs to date have seemed to focus on technology, the E-Trike Revolution combines practicality with appropriate and unfussed styling. The design is intended to address handling for driving pleasure along with green credentials and the ability to carry light loads.

The E-Trike Revolution takes much of its styling inspiration from the appealing look of classic racers, but adds a retro-futuristic steampunk presence which is likely to see it become a hit with a lot of younger riders. The spoked wheels add to the trike’s classic appearance. It is nothing if not cool while staying practical, and brings the unconventional offer of freedom, speed and riding skill to an area that has long played it safe with concepts bringing safety and comfort, but not a lot of excitement, to the commuting experience.

Depending on the paint, the trike could look quite predatory. Image: LATA

Yes, despite its, er, revolutionary name, the E-Trike Revolution is intended for the mundane task of getting from home to work and back, although lane splitting would not be recommended. There is room for your belongings or some medium-weight cargo. And it seems this render is actually meant for production.

According to André Fangueiro, the prototype will be made using sustainable materials, it will get next-gen electrical technology and have direct drive with a cardan shaft for instant torque. It is meant “as a green commuting option for riders who seek driving pleasure and styling”. He also notes that the design came about after LATA’s team identified a gap in the current automotive market. The shape has been finalized and is intended “to appeal to all (sic) genders to capture a bigger chunk of the market”.

Well, good luck André Fangueiro and LATA. If the price was reasonable, I’d buy one. Just imagine this with cycle mudguards and an Iron Man paint job, all tricked out as steampunk transport!

 

 

 

 

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