Tatamel Bike: The Electric Scooter That's So Kawaii, It Hurts (Your Wallet)
Image Credit: Icoma.
Forget craft beer, Japan is now serving up something even more niche: the craft bike. Just when I thought I’ve seen it all, Icoma, a plucky Japanese startup, comes up with this ingenious two-wheeled contraption. The company is betting you'll want to ditch mass-produced e-scooters for something a bit more bespoke, a bit more... adorable.
You might have heard whispers of this invention before, the Icoma Tatamel Bike. It's been teased for years, leaving e-bike enthusiasts and Honda Motocompo nostalgics drooling in anticipation. Finally, it's hitting the streets (or, more accurately, bike lanes) in 2024.
But Icoma isn't Honda. It's not aiming to flood the market with millions of these babies. Instead, it's taking a page from the craft beer playbook, brewing up small batches of these e-scooters, lovingly assembled with Japanese components from local artisans. Some parts are even 3D printed – because why not? It's the future, after all.
This thing is pint-sized. We're talking a 10-inch front wheel and a 6-inch rear – practically a penny-farthing for the modern age. But don't let its size fool you; it's got full suspension, a center stand, and can supposedly squeeze out 18.6 miles on a single charge. Top speed? A hair under 25 mph – perfect for a leisurely cruise to your local sushi joint.
The Tatamel Bike boasts LED lighting, NFC capability (because who doesn't need that on their scooter?), and folds up neatly for easy transport. It even charges from a standard household outlet, so no need for fancy charging stations. But be warned, this little fella weighs in at 139 pounds. It's not exactly feather-light, but hey, maybe you can skip the gym that day.
Now, let's talk moolah. This craft scooter ain't cheap. Icoma's estimating a price tag of around $3,173 (¥498,000), excluding shipping costs. That's a hefty sum for an e-scooter, but remember, this isn't your average mass-market contraption. It's a handcrafted, customizable masterpiece that's sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Image Credit: Icoma.
So, is it worth the price? Well, that's for you to decide. If you're a fan of all things unique and crave a personalized ride with a dash of Japanese craftsmanship, then maybe this is the e-scooter for you. Just be prepared to answer a lot of questions from curious onlookers – and honestly, who wouldn't want to know more about this adorable, albeit expensive, electric contraption?
