Return of the Motocompo? As Icoma release the suitcase bike

While most manufacturers were turning their electric vehicles up to 11 at this years Consumer Electric Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Icoma brought a little fun to the proceedings the way only a Japanese company could.

The motorcycle in a suitcase – named the Tatamel – is an electric vehicle concept designed for the urban environment that packs some serious technological ingenuity.  

Weighing 50kg the portable bike features all the bells and whistles of a regular sized bike that neatly folds up into 690L x 690H x 260mm wide wheelable package.

When unfolded the dimensions jump to a length of 1230mm, a height of 1000mm and a width of 650mm.

At the heart of the tiny commuter is a 51.2V battery powering a 600w motor with a maximum output of 2000w, which will propel the Tatamel to almost 25mph and gives it a range of around 18 miles.

When arriving at the office the bike can be stored under a desk and recharged using domestic power supplies in just three hours, ready for the ride home.

Up front the bike sports a ten-inch wheel supported by telescopic forks while an electric scooter sized, 6.5-inch wheel provides the drive with a monoshock spring and damper system which Icoma say allows the Tatamel to ride over small steps.

When unfolding into riding mode a central upper flap pops up from the centre of the case to resemble a dash where two, LED indicators unfurl.

Behind this appears the handlebar set-up, unfolding separately from the indicator panel, and features all the controls of a regular bike – throttle and two brake levers with mechanically attached brake lines, a small information dial which could indicate speed and battery life, and even a rear-view mirror, all in place.

Up front is a square LED headlight while at the rear a horizontal LED light band includes the indicators and rear light.

The bike also features a USB port and can be used as a portable battery to power electric devices while camping.

Icoma plan to release the Tatamel later this year although no price or availability information has been released.