Airbus unit unveils 3D-printed electric motorcycle

Airbus unit unveils 3D-printed electric motorcycle
The CEO of Airbus, Tom Enders, left, and the head of APWorks, Joachim Zettler, present the first 3D printed electric motorcycle in Ottobrunn, Germany, Friday May 20, 2016. The motorcycle was made of metal powder by using lasermelting technology. The bike only weighs 35 kilos. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

What weighs 77 pounds, goes 50 mph (80 kph) and looks like a Swiss cheese on wheels?

An made from tiny aluminum alloy particles using a 3D printer.

European aeronautics giant Airbus unveiled the 'Light Rider ' in Germany on Friday. Manufactured by its subsidiary APWorks, a specialist in additive layer manufacturing, the motorcycle uses hollow frame parts that contain the cables and pipes.

The frame weighs just 13 pounds, about 30 percent less than conventional e-motorbikes.

APWorks chief executive Joachim Zettler said the complex, branched hollow structure wouldn't have been possible with conventional production technologies such as milling or welding.

The company is taking orders for a limited run of 50 motorbikes, costing 50,000 euros ($56,095), plus tax, each.

They'll have a range of 37 miles (60 kilometers).

  • Airbus unit unveils 3D-printed electric motorcycle
    The CEO of Airbus, Tom Enders, presents the first 3D printed electric motorcycle in Ottobrunn, Germany, Friday May 20,2016. The motorcycle was made of metal powder by using lasermelting technology. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)
  • Airbus unit unveils 3D-printed electric motorcycle
    The CEO of Airbus, Tom Enders, presents the first 3D printed electric motorcycle in Ottobrunn, Germany, Friday May 20, 2016. The motorcycle was made of metal powder by using lasermelting technology. The bike only weighs 35 kilos. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

© 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Citation: Airbus unit unveils 3D-printed electric motorcycle (2016, May 20) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2016-05-airbus-unveils-3d-printed-electric-motorcycle.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Zero Motorcycles debuts electric motorcycle with 100-mile range and improved speed

2449 shares

Feedback to editors