Concept of the Week

The Deus Ex Machina is one design student's vision for the future of personal transportation

A Convention-Shattering Green Motorcycle

by Stuart Schwartzapfel

Man and machine unite in the Deus Ex Machina, conceptualized by Art Center design student Jake Loniak. Loniak's wearable motorcycle was created as part of the school's first official motorcycle design class.

Riders wear the Deus as if it were a motorcycle suit. The concept has seven artificial vertebrae behind the helmet to support the rider's head. Leaning forward allows the rider to extend into a more traditional riding position. The motorcycle, meanwhile, parks vertically and is powered by electric batteries. It has an in-wheel motor that would power to 60 mph in three seconds.

The Verdict: A radical take on the open-air freedom of motorcycles.

Stuart Schwartzapfel is a regular contributor to BusinessWeek.com. Hehas studied the automotive marketplace and works as an advertising and marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works.

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