A revolutionary electric scooter inspired by the iconic Transformers toy line has entered production, offering urban commuters a unique solution that combines mobility with portability. The Icoma Tatamel Bike, designed by Japanese industrial designer and former toy designer Takamitsu Ikoma, represents an innovative approach to personal transportation that draws directly from the transforming robot toys that captivated audiences worldwide in the 1980s.
The electric scooter's most striking feature is its ability to fold down completely to the size of a rolling carry-on suitcase, making it theoretically portable for multi-modal transportation. However, at 139 pounds, the device is designed to be wheeled rather than carried, making it most practical for users who live in buildings with elevator access. When fully deployed, the scooter can support riders weighing up to 220 pounds and offers impressive performance capabilities.
In terms of performance specifications, the Icoma Tatamel Bike delivers a range of 18.6 miles on a single charge and can reach top speeds of approximately 25 mph. These specifications place it competitively within the electric scooter market while maintaining its unique transforming capability. The scooter also features customizable side panels that can be personalized with graphics, allowing users to express their individual style.
The design concept pays homage to the transforming robots that Japanese toymakers created in the 1980s, which became globally recognized as Transformers in Western markets. Ikoma's background as both an industrial designer and former toy designer provides him with the unique expertise needed to bridge the gap between functional transportation and the imaginative engineering principles that made Transformers toys so compelling.
Currently in production, the Icoma Tatamel Bike is available with a relatively short lead time of 2-3 weeks and carries a price tag of 498,000 yen, which translates to approximately $3,300 USD. This pricing positions it as a premium product in the electric scooter market, reflecting both its innovative design and specialized engineering. The combination of Transformers-inspired aesthetics, practical urban mobility, and cutting-edge folding technology represents a unique entry point into the growing market for alternative transportation solutions.
