in contrast to the sleek, metallic personal mobility vehicles that can often be seen on city streets and sidewalks, mikiya kobayashi has conceived of an electric scooter carved from solid timber. called ILY-Ai, this sit-down scooter concept is aimed especially towards those with mobility issues, such as the elderly.
all images © yosuke owashi
developed together with aisin, an important manufacturer of automotive parts, lifestyle, wellness and energy related products, and karimoku, one of japan’s main wooden furniture manufacturers, ILY-Ai is designed for both indoor and outdoor spaces. mikiya kobayashi has created an elegant and natural aesthetic thanks to the organic timber shape, which beautifully integrates state-of-the-art electric mobility technology.
chestnut wood and aluminum match perfectly in organic shapes, giving a warm and user-friendly feeling, yet the body hides the latest technology in mobility, including a safety sensor that stops the scooter in case of obstacles. additionally, the know-how of karimoku has been used to shape the body as well as the padded seat in leather, achieving optimal comfort. thanks to its distinctive appearance, ILY-Ai can be appreciated when both parked and in motion.
video by senda film production
its body hides the latest technology in mobility, including a safety sensor which stops ILY-Ai in case of obstacles
staff from aisin explain ILY-Ai functions during an internal demonstration
project info:
project name: ILY-Ai – concept model
design: mikiya kobayashi
photography: yosuke owashi
video: senda film production
designboom has received this project from our‘DIY submissions‘feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: lynne myers | designboom
