Thunderbolt scooter features an "anti-engine"

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If the motor vehicle embodies the world's oil addiction problem, the actual engine is the motivating force behind that addiction. So, when Henrik Björkman decided to make an scooter, he made sure to leave the engine out... literally. Where the engine in a motorcycle or scooter would normally be, there is nothing. The "anti-engine" exists to make a "visual statement" that this machine is different. Unfortunately, that statement probably makes the Thunderbolt a bit impractical to ride.
There are other cool details to notice on this machine, especially the bar-mounted instrumentation. We also like the very cool wheels and headlight, but do not expect to see anything quite like this on the road anytime soon, unless it's going downhill.
Gallery: Thunderbolt Scooter
[Source: Yanko Design via Hell for Leather]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
nasaman 1:34PM (3/01/2008)
This scooter is NOT a joke or a "Flintsonian" human-powered design. The rear wheel is driven by an integral electric motor which is supplied enough power from an on-board battery to achieve a range of roughly 42 miles. Actually, the Thunderbolt strikes me as an excellent pollution-free errand runner (unless, of course, you need to bring home 6 bags of groceries)!
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brn 1:42PM (3/01/2008)
So the "anti-engine" actually has an engine? What a clever marking technique.
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David 3:55PM (3/01/2008)
This is not a scooter. It's not a step-through. It's another incarnation of electric motorcycle, it looks like.
Assuming it has a powerplant. If not, it's just an esthetically questionable piece of art.
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Chris M 5:13PM (3/01/2008)
So the "anti-engine" is really a motor in disguise? Both Brammo and Vectrix had much better designs, looking like serious electric transport. The Thunderbolt looks like a cheap plastic toy.
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Wally 7:55AM (3/02/2008)
So how much petro did it take to make the plastic that made this thing?
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