Two UWE Bristol alumni have developed a prototype folding electric motorcycle that will be unveiled at Motorcycle Live 2023.
The vulpin VF1 is the first vehicle designed by vulpin, set up by UWE Bristol product design alumni Ethan Wilkin and Matt Page, intended to be mass produced. It is a folding electric motorcycle which can fold down small enough to be stored in a flat, a garden shed, or caravan for example. It is distinct from a folding electric bicycle in that it has a top speed of 65mph and a 70 mile range.
The electric drivetrain means there is no oil or fumes making it easy to store in one’s living space and when folded up, the vulpin VF1 has a smaller footprint than a traditional bicycle. The vulpin makes use of a patent pending automatic folding system which allows the bike to both fold and unfold itself under its own power.
The idea for vulpin came during Ethan’s placement year:
“I had the idea for a folding motorcycle during my placement year as I had a keen interest in motorcycles but had nowhere to store or park one as I lived in a block of flats with no parking provision. This culminated in me designing the first prototype of the vulpin VF1 as my final year project in 2022.”
“I then applied for the UWE Bristol Student Ventures summer scholarship to further refine the design which I was lucky enough to receive. I was made aware of the UKRI Young Innovators Award by the Student Ventures team and was lucky enough to be successful. The grant from this award allowed me to take vulpin full-time with the aim of developing it into a commercially viable product.”
After receiving the grant, Ethan bough on Matt as a designer. The have spent the last 11 months turning vulpin from an idea and a proof-of-concept demonstrator into a fully-fledged business and commercially representative prototype.
They will be unveiling the prototype at Motorcycle Live 2023 in mid-November, with the aim of seeking investment and partnerships so that they can put the vulpin VF1 into production.
The duo aim to take the vulpin to production by the end of 2025, with them being commercially available to buy in early 2026.
“We foresee the need for compact but capable electric vehicles to only expand going forwards so it is our aim to not only develop the VF1 but also a wide range of vehicles with an array of use cases and suited environments.”
If you’d like to find out more or are interested in investment opportunities, please get in touch with Ethan via info@vulpin.co.uk.
UWE Bristol Student Ventures managed by the Enterprise Team is an inclusive and engaging environment, supporting our student and graduate community to explore possibilities, build confidence and turn ideas into reality.
With an offer of physical space, business support and funding we’ll be on hand to help students at every stage of their freelancing and entrepreneurial journey.
Our aim is to produce graduates that have the mindset and skills to stand out from the crowd – those that Dare to Think and Act Differently.