By Michael van Vliet | May 22, 2013
The German-manufactured all-electric Elmoto urban commuter is as compact and versatile as a scooter, but with the aesthetics of an off-road dirt bike.
This plunky little urban warrior has a nearly silent electric motor, which propels the 100 lbs vehicle at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. These relatively low speeds may be a draw back for some, but it also means you only need a scooter license to operate it. The Elmoto was designed to replace your bicycle, not your BMW GS after all.
For more information about the Elmoto visit its website at: elmoto.com
[ via Heldth]
By Michael van Vliet | May 21, 2013
The Watervilla was designed by Dutch architectural firm +31 Architects and can be found floating in the Amstel river of Amsterdam.
Unlike most floating houses, the Watervilla has a very contemporary design without losing the characteristic appearance of the typical houseboat. Due to property restrictions on newly purchased land, living on the water has grown more and more popular in Holland. However, many individuals are put off by the typical “gypsy caravan” appearance of the existing houseboats, so they have started reaching out to designers to build a boat for their specific needs.
The Watevilla was designed with an open floor plan to maximize usable space. The living area and open kitchen are located on the waterfront, which offers a spectacular panorama of the Amstel river. Sleeping quarters are located below on a split level.
[ via +31 Architects]
By Michael van Vliet | May 20, 2013
Insert generic “reinventing the wheel” quip here. The Loopwheel offers a complete suspension system inside the wheels of your bicycle.
Instead of the standard spoke wheels, Loopwheel uses three carbon composite springs that act as shock absorbers within the wheel to offer cyclists a smooth, comfortable ride. The system has been rigorously tested over the past few years to ensure optimized the design and measure for durability.
After a their debut at the Bespoked Bicycle show a few weeks ago, it seems highly likely that Loopwheel will join the list of successful Kickstarter graduates.
[ via Kickstarter]
By Michael van Vliet | May 17, 2013
Photographer Todd McLellan disassembles various household gadgets to discover how they’re put together.
The accelerating speed of technology has produced a nearly non-stop stream of “must-have” gadgets, which are replaced just as quickly as they come out. Todd McLellan calls into question our fast-paced disposable culture by training his camera on torn-apart design of classic household items. He’s especially drawn to older pieces of technology, whose simple constructions makes them easier to fix when broken.
His pictures can be found in his new book, Things Come Apart: A Teardown Manual for Modern Living.
[ via Fast Co Design]
By Michael van Vliet | May 16, 2013
If you want to get closer to nature, but not too close, then the Canvas Hotel is the first-class glamping operation for you.
Located on an island in the middle of a lake in southern Norway, the Canvas Hotel consists of nine yurts with sleeping accommodations, a specially designed sauna yurt, and large communal dinning area.
Mountain biking in the surrounding granite hills is very popular and staffed trail guides are available to show you the way. When you return, portable hot tubs can be placed out on the dock to help you unwind.
To visit this incredible sanctuary of pastoral pleasure, visit their website canvashotel.com for more details.
By Michael van Vliet | May 15, 2013
The GOPR Rescue Snowmobile was designed by Warsaw team Gustaw Lange and Aleksander Lange to handle difficult weather conditions while rescuing injured skiers off the mountain.
An ambulance for the snow, the GOPR snowmobile is mobile, maneuverable, and able to access remote areas with ease. The two-seater can swiftly push through the snow with its two front skis and its powerful track system that propels the machine over all types of terrain.
The bubble-like shape of the vehicle’s front allows for a pair of rescuers to retrieve and assist the injured, while the rectangular shaped rear functions as a medical bed for the injured. Ultimately, Lange & Lange’s GOPR Rescue Snowmobile will enable GOPR’s rescuers to make swift and efficient rescues off of the mountain.
[ via Adventure Journal]
By Michael van Vliet | May 14, 2013
Saddle Lock is an innovative new design to quickly lock the rear wheel of a bike without the need of an additional lock.
Using a bike lock is imperative in most cities, but the standard U-lock or coil-chain are just another accessory an urban cyclist must remember and carry with them.
For the Saddle Lock Bicycle, the seat post swings down around the main frame when a button is pushed. The saddle features a cut-away shape that allows it to sit over the rear wheel. A combination lock allows the release of a special alloy rotating lock that extends from one end of the saddle to the other, securing its connection to the wheel.
While the Saddle Lock did win the 2012 red dot award: design concept, there are a couple of shortcoming with the design, namely: non-adjustable seat post and a highly compromised frame due to the lack of rear stay. For this reason, the $10 U-Lock may be worth the hassle after all.
[ via Ur Design]
By Michael van Vliet | May 13, 2013
We’re packing up the airstream and heading out to Flagstaff, Arizona for this year’s Overland Expo.
From Friday May 17th to Sunday May 19th, we’ll be gathered with the world’s biggest overland fanatics like BMW Rawhyde Adventures, Land Rover, Jeep, No Limits Expeditions, and many more. Our mobile retail shop, the AETHERstream, will open for business and displaying our brand new motorcycle jackets.
If you’re going to be attending the Overland Expo, make sure to stop by and say hello. Company founders Jonah Smith and Palmer West will be onsite with their BMW 1200GSs. If you’re not going to be there, check out our Instagram for live coverage.
AETHERstream hours:
Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 9am-2pm
By Michael van Vliet | May 10, 2013
The Frauscher Boats 717 GT combines the luxury of a wooden lake boat with the performance and handling of a cigarette speedster.
Situated along the shore of Lake Traunsee in Austria, Frauscher Boats have been building high-end luxury runabouts since 1927. The 717 GT is one of their premiere models and was named for its length (717cm or 23.5 feet). This refined looking gentleman’s racer is powered by a 420hp V8 gasoline engine, while its classic shaft propulsion system and exceptional hull design allows for perfect maneuverability.
To see more of Frauscher Boats beautifully crafted runabouts check out their website frauscherboats.com
By Michael van Vliet | May 9, 2013
Depending on the conditions, driving sideways can either being terrifying or completely joyous. This is one of the joyous occasions.
Guido Tschugg, a Ghost Mountain Bike professional, spends the afternoon “exploring” his backyard with his Mitsubishi Evo. Slipping and sliding over the snow covered pastures, Tschugg kicks up some serious powderspray while “aerating the soil.”
The aerial portion of the video was filmed using remote controlled rig by AirV8, with static shots and editing provided by Mario Feil. Music courtesy of Ok Go.
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