Design Miami 2014: Copenhagen studio KiBiSi claims to have designed the first lightweight cargo bicycle tailored to the needs of city commuters, for Danish manufacturer Biomega.
Design studio KiBiSi – founded by Kilo Design's Lars Holme Larsen, Bjarke Ingels and Jens Martin Skibsted of Skibsted Ideation – teamed up with bicycle manufacturer Biomega to create the cargo bike, named PEK Beijing.
The bicycle features a chunky aluminium frame and framed trough. A lightweight tubular aluminium frame, weighing 22 kilograms, makes the bike both strong and easy to manoeuvre.
"It feels crazy that a gigantic bike handles as lightly as a compact city bike. The lightweight aluminium frame and neat geometry does the job," said Jens Martin Skibsted, who is also the founder of Biomega.
A "super-size" trough with curved framework is raised over the 26-inch front wheel, allowing cyclists to carry large items and shopping, avoiding the need to negotiate the streets with a full backpack.
This trough includes a thickened bar that extends outwards from the front of the bike to offer support for weighty luggage. It is also gently angled towards the upright handlebars to prevent items from falling out.
The pearlescent white frame features a glow-in-the-dark fork at the front for nighttime visibility, while seat, handlebar grips and tyres are black.
Hydraulic disc brakes, an eight-speed gear system by Japanese component manufacturer Shimano, and a chain with sealed bearings complete the design.
The bicycle takes its design cues from the Biomega BOS/Boston bicycle by Jens Martin Skibsted, which also features a chunky aluminium frame and upright sitting position.
The PEK Beijing bike will be launched at Design Miami today and will be available from Spring 2015.
KiBiSi has previously joined forces with Ross Lovegrove and Puma to design bikes for Biomega.