Ivan Miranda has pioneered a groundbreaking electric scooter, predominantly fabricated using 3D printing technology, designed for effortless disassembly and reassembly, making it ideal for travel. This lightweight vehicle, tipping the scales at just over 14 kilograms without its power source, showcases the transformative capabilities of additive manufacturing in personal mobility. Its debut at Maker Faire Prague served as a testament to its innovative design, proving that a complete, rideable vehicle can be compactly packed and reconstructed for use on the go.
Ingenious Design for Portability and Functionality
Ivan Miranda's creation pushes the boundaries of additive manufacturing, moving beyond mere prototypes to deliver a fully functional, rideable electric scooter. The design centers on extreme portability, allowing the entire vehicle—including its structural panels, mounting brackets, wheels, and various mechanical parts—to be neatly packed into standard luggage. This revolutionary approach tackles the challenge of transporting personal electric vehicles, offering a practical solution for urban commuters and travelers alike. The scooter's modular construction underscores a forward-thinking vision for personal transportation, emphasizing convenience and accessibility.
The core innovation lies in the scooter's capacity to break down into its fundamental constituents. Miranda's objective was to determine if a complete transportation device could be entirely produced using additive manufacturing, then conveniently packed into typical travel bags and subsequently reassembled upon reaching one's destination. He put this concept to the test by journeying to Maker Faire Prague with the scooter dismantled, where he successfully reconstructed it on-site. This accomplishment earned him recognition in a competition for projects designed to be compact enough for luggage. Without its battery modules, the final product weighs slightly more than 14 kilograms, making it an exceptionally light and manageable travel companion.
Resourceful Power and Advanced Mechanisms
The scooter incorporates repurposed components and clever engineering to ensure both efficiency and robust performance. Miranda adapted lawn mower tires for the wheels, strategically narrowing the 3D-printed rims to achieve an optimal rounded profile for superior turning capability. This smart modification allows these otherwise mundane components to mimic the handling characteristics of specialized scooter tires. Powering the ride are two 36-volt power-tool batteries, feeding a belt-driven hub motor, while an Arduino system meticulously manages throttle input and lighting functions, illustrating a harmonious blend of recycled materials and sophisticated electronics.
Further enhancing its innovative design, the scooter features a bi-stable kickstand that securely locks into position, and a hinged 3D-printed seat that conceals a practical storage compartment. A modified bicycle disc brake system, featuring an enlarged central opening and an adjustable caliper, ensures reliable stopping power. Miranda's continuous refinement has focused on replacing metal parts with 3D-printed alternatives, minimizing the need for specialized hardware and making the assembly process more accessible. While offering detailed construction guides and digital files, Miranda cautions that the scooter remains an experimental hobby project, not yet certified for road use, highlighting the ongoing development in this exciting field.