Wusa: Revolutionizing Personal MobilityAnri Sugihara's Innovative Electric Motorcycle and Wheelchair Hybrid
Wusa, an innovative design by Anri Sugihara, is a unique blend of an electric motorcycle and a wheelchair. This design, inspired by Japan's aging population and the need for accessible transportation, aims to bridge the gap between conventional vehicles and mobility aids. Wusa is not just a solution for mobility but a statement of inclusive design and sustainability.
Wusa stands out for its dual functionality. It serves as a small, easy-to-ride electric motorcycle and can also be combined with a wheelchair to function as an electric mobility aid. This design is intended for urban areas and leisure activities, catering to a wide range of users. The design's uniqueness lies in its ability to cater to both manual wheelchair users and able-bodied individuals, offering a new perspective on welfare mobility.
The design of Wusa is a testament to the ingenuity of Anri Sugihara and the design team at RDS Ltd., Co., exiii design Inc., Yoshihiro Hirata R2, MAGNET Inc., makesense Inc., and quod, LLC. The team's expertise in motor sports products and parasports equipment has culminated in the creation of Wusa. The design is built with a sturdy steel frame and a lightweight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery, ensuring durability and efficiency. It is equipped with a rear suspension with a large stroke, providing a comfortable ride and a fun motorcycle experience.
Wusa's technical specifications include a size of 950 x 500 x 600, a weight of 25kg, and a maximum motor power of 500W. The design is compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle and maneuver. The high-capacity motor ensures a maximum speed of 35 kph, making it a reliable mode of transportation.
The design process of Wusa began in September 2019 in Japan and is still ongoing. The team faced numerous creative, technical, and research challenges during the design process. However, their philosophy of "Cool thing is justice" and their aim to create products that embody this philosophy helped them overcome these challenges.
Wusa's innovative design and functionality have not gone unnoticed. It was awarded the Silver A' Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Wusa's award-winning design is a testament to its potential to revolutionize personal mobility and make transportation more inclusive and accessible.
Project Details and Credits
Project Designers: ANRI SUGIHARA
Image Credits: RDS Co., Ltd.
Project Team Members: RDS Ltd., Co., exiii design Inc. Yoshihiro Hirata R2, MAGNET Inc., makesense Inc. and quod, LLC
Project Name: WUSA
Project Client: ANRI SUGIHARA