Function

The O2 Pursuit project is an investigation into the use of air as an alternative fuel in a post petroleum world. An investigation into the future of mobility, the future aesthetic of motorcycles and the production of a functional prototype. A functional project with the use of the DiPietro Air Engine, developed by Engineair Australia. The O2 Pursuit motorcycle has the ability to be directed at off road riding and city commuting. With the use of air, refill stations will be required. Using a distributed generation smart grid, refill stations can be positioned around a city or rural area to facilitate the required range. These refill points would be navigable via the user’s integrated smart phone and GPS system. Air energy could be compressed via solar or wind and stored in an inert state forever. The O2 Pursuit motorcycle provides a future for mobility without emissions and the long green tailpipe.

Inspiration

Living in a world where people can commute in vehicles and have fun without impacting on the environment is a scenario that seems unachievable and un imaginable. What if we could? This thought of designing motorized mobility that runs purely on air was a challenge that I wanted to explore. Working with passionate people like Engineair Australia who also have this vision is why a project like this could be achieved. Alongside developing a sustainable future transport option, working through as many phases of the product development process was something that I aimed to do. Working from a speculative idea and proving with a functional prototype.

Development

The development of a functional motorcycle encompassed so much of the product development process. Initial validation, to ideation, cad, prototyping, testing and production. The project involved gaining sponsorship and stakeholders. Validating air as a power source was completed with the use of LCA mapping and futuring. This was to be realised with the production of the running bike. The bike needed to use existing geometry so as not to alienate an existing market yet needed to house a large air vessel and reduced engine size. A new package was required. There was a constant combination of styling and engineering. The design of the frame evolved through many iterations to find a cost effective and efficient design. The design for manufacture process was extensive to ensure accurate production. The bike achieved a top speed of 140kmph during stationary tests. Drawing on what was learnt from the prototype, a concept motorcycle was developed to see what the future could hold.