Some people are afraid that the future will leave behind some of the simple things in life, like the rickshaw for example. It's not something most of us think about when we think about futuristic innovations.
But it seems that
Kenneth Cobonpue didn't forget about the rickshaw. He created the
Eclipse, a new rickshaw concept that is “a more civilized version of the humble three-wheeler.”
In Asia, South America and the United States, modern rickshaw designs haven't evolved much past their original 1800s design. In some ways, that's totally okay.
Cobonpue's proposal includes things that passengers might find in new cars and modern transportation - cupholders, iPhone charging dock, speakers, a fan, and panels that can close. The luxurious feel extends to the peddler too - the handlebars and seats are covered in soft and waterproof hand-stitched faux leather.
The entire carriage is built from aluminum and woven polyethylene, so it's both sturdy and lightweight.
Cobonpue wants riders to think of Eclipse as no less comfortable than a cushy, automobile car.
“Lightweight environmentally friendly vehicles using green production techniques and materials are the wave of the future,” Cobonpue
says. “The most challenging aspect is getting people to rethink their traditional modes of transportation.”
Aesthetically, Cobonpue's design looks wonderful. But for the sake of a more comfortable ride, we're hoping someone adds back cushions to the seats, or passengers will have an achy ride with vertical lines imprinted on their backs at the end of the journey.