It goes without saying that railway maintenance is crucial, but most workers have to walk long distances to inspect and fix faulty lines — which reduces both efficiency and safety.
Artist Heqi Wang has come up with a unique solution to this problem. He has designed a dual-utility electric motorbike that can easily hop on railway tracks and function as a stylish ride on regular roads as well.
Meet the Railway Motorcycle:
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The bike’s design is fantastically futuristic. It comes with hubless wheels and, unlike regular motorcycles, its long wheel-base is shifted towards the front, rather than the rear.
In railway mode, the side sliding panels move to latch on the rails. Plus, its bright orange color helps it stand out in dimly-lit underground railways.
In road mode, the rider simply needs to move the sliding panels back to their upwards position. To maintain balance during sharp turns at high speeds, the bike’s electric motor is placed at its center.
You can check out how it works in the video below:
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Unfortunately, the Railway Motorcycle is just a concept for now, but it’s great to see design ideas that address practical needs in a sustainable and stylish way. Fingers crossed it’ll someday reach production.