Japanese designer Mikiya Kobayashi has created an electric scooter with a body carved from wood in a bid to give the form of transport a softer and warmer aesthetic.
The ILY-Ai moped concept was developed by Tokyo-based Kobayashi in collaboration with automotive company Aisin Seiki and Karimoku, one of the main wood-furniture manufacturers in Japan.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor public spaces, the scooter comprises a frame made of aluminium with a soft wooden casing.
Mikiya Kobayashi has designed a scooter made from wood
The ILY-Ai takes the first part of its name from an acronym for "Innovative Lifestyle for You", while the second half stands for "Active" and "intelligent".
The wooden scooter is fully electric, with its components hidden mainly behind the front panel and inside the front wheels.
Kobayashi chose to encase the scooter in chestnut wood as it is one of the lightest hardwoods available ? around 75 per cent lighter than oak ? and highly water-resistant.
The bike is topped with a padded leather seat.
The wooden ILY-Ai scooter concept is fully electric
Kobayashi wanted to use the wood to give the scooter a "warm and friendly" feeling that isn't usually associated with the vehicles, which are typically made from metal.
As the designer told Dezeen, he also chose to use wood for its proven positive psychological, emotional, and health effects, such as stress relief, due to its "relaxing scent".
The scooter has...