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Welcome to designbivouac’s inspiration collection.
Exploring design and innovation.
Over 30 years of collaboration, designbivouac has uncovered lasting insights. Inspirations is a curated collection of inspirational objects and ideas shaping a continuous journey of creative exploration.
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Bimotal’s Elevate Electric Motor System
In the ever-evolving world of e-mobility, Bimotal’s Elevate system has carved out a niche that's both clever and disruptive. Instead of building a whole new e-bike, Bimotal offers something refreshingly modular: a lightweight, clip-on electric motor system that can transform almost any traditional bike into a high-powered e-assist machine, and then back again.
In the ever-evolving world of e-mobility, Bimotal’s Elevate system has carved out a niche that's both clever and disruptive. Instead of building a whole new e-bike, Bimotal offers something refreshingly modular: a lightweight, clip-on electric motor system that can transform almost any traditional bike into a high-powered e-assist machine, and then back again.
What Is It?
The Bimotal Elevate is a removable electric drive system that attaches directly to a bike’s brake rotor. Yes, you read that right — it drives the bike by powering a specially designed rotor, offering up to 50 Nm of torque with a sleek, whisper-quiet motor that weighs under 2 pounds. This makes Elevate one of the lightest and most compact e-bike conversion systems available, and uniquely ideal for riders who want the benefits of electric assist without compromising the handling, weight, or aesthetics of a traditional bike.
Bimotal’s motor is engineered for quick, tool-free removal, allowing riders to clip it on or off in seconds—perfect for switching between electric assist and traditional pedaling on the fly.
How It Works
At the heart of the Bimotal Elevate system is a compact, hub-mounted motor that delivers power directly through a modified rear brake rotor. This ingenious design eliminates the need for bulky mid-drive or hub motor setups. This clever configuration allows the system to maintain the natural feel of the bike while providing smooth, efficient assistance when needed.
The whole system includes:
A lightweight motor unit that clips on and off the rotor in seconds, letting riders switch between powered and analog riding effortlessly.
A custom rotor that replaces the standard rear brake rotor and doubles as the physical interface for the motor, seamlessly integrating into the bike’s existing disc brake system.
A removable battery pack that can be mounted on the bike frame or carried in a backpack, offering flexible installation options and easy charging access.
A handlebar-mounted thumb throttle and Bluetooth-enabled control system, giving riders instant control and access to performance settings via the companion app.
Together, these components form a modular, rider-friendly e-assist platform that brings power and precision to nearly any bike, without the bulk or commitment of a full-time e-bike.
The custom rotor is permanently installed on the bike, while the motor unit attaches and detaches in seconds, giving riders seamless flexibility between powered and traditional riding.
Performance & Range
Power delivery is instant and intuitive, giving riders a natural-feeling boost right when they need it. Acceleration is controlled via a responsive thumb throttle, while disengaging the system allows the bike to ride completely unassisted—just like a standard bike. Because the Elevate system operates independently of the drivetrain, it’s compatible with a wide range of bikes, including full-suspension mountain bikes, road bikes, and gravel rigs, without affecting shifting, suspension performance, or pedaling feel.
Bimotal claims a range of around 15–30 miles, depending on terrain and usage, with speeds up to 28 mph (Class 3). While it's not meant for long-distance touring or heavy cargo duty, it’s plenty for urban riding, spirited trail sessions, or that final push up a brutal climb.
The Bimotal Elevate system features a compact thumb throttle for intuitive power control and a Bluetooth-connected app that allows you to adjust assist levels, monitor battery status, and update firmware—all without interrupting your ride.
Why It Matters
For riders who want one bike that can do it all, Elevate delivers. Commute with assist during the week, and ride fully analog on the weekend. If you’re recovering from injury, hauling gear, or need a little help up the hills, this system gives you the flexibility to adapt your ride on the fly.
It also taps into a growing trend of "electrification without compromise." Instead of committing to a heavy, dedicated e-bike, Bimotal lets riders keep their current setup and add power when it’s needed.
Final Thoughts
The Bimotal Elevate is one of those innovations that feels obvious in hindsight. It’s smart, lightweight, easy to install, and doesn’t require you to replace your bike or relearn your ride. For cyclists seeking a modular, minimalist approach to e-assist, this might be the most elegant solution yet.
Whether you're a performance rider, a commuter, or someone just looking to ride more often, Elevate makes it easier to say yes to two wheels.
CudaJet: The Underwater Jetpack
The CudaJet is a true underwater jetpack—worn like a backpack, allowing divers to glide hands-free beneath the surface. Instead of holding onto bulky sea scooters or kicking with fins, your body becomes the controller. Steering is accomplished through subtle shifts in posture, making the experience feel more akin to underwater flight than traditional diving.
The CudaJet is a true underwater jetpack—worn like a backpack, allowing divers to glide hands-free beneath the surface. Instead of holding onto bulky sea scooters or kicking with fins, your body becomes the controller. Steering is accomplished through subtle shifts in posture, making the experience feel more akin to underwater flight than traditional diving.
Its sleek hydrodynamic shell, carbon fiber harness, and compact propulsion system generate up to 40 kilograms of thrust, propelling users to speeds of around 3 meters per second. It’s fast, quiet, and fluid—designed to feel more like a creature of the sea than a machine.
Experience & Context
Initially developed for professional divers and rescue teams, the CudaJet is now making waves in the luxury adventure scene. Resorts in the Maldives and other high-end destinations offer it as an exclusive experience, allowing guests to explore reefs and open water with an unprecedented sense of freedom.
Users describe it as “weightless flying,” with effortless control and a sensation of immersion that blurs the line between human and marine life. Its portability also makes it attractive for expedition teams, filmmakers, and marine scientists.
Why It Matters
CudaJet isn’t just a cool gadget—it represents a leap forward in how we interact with the natural world. It blends bio-inspired motion with cutting-edge design, offering a new way to experience underwater environments while minimizing its impact. For designers, technologists, and adventurers alike, the CudaJet prompts questions about future mobility, human-machine interaction, and the ethics of exploration in fragile ecosystems. It’s a bold new chapter in the story of underwater design.
Pros
Hands-free operation with body-directed movement
Precision throttle control for smooth acceleration
Rechargeable and eco-conscious—no fuel required
Durable, sleek, and highly engineered for both comfort and performance
Considerations
Premium price (~$18,000–$30,000 depending on customization)
Requires breath-hold diving; not compatible with scuba systems
Fitness, confidence, and dive safety knowledge are prerequisites
Not suited for shallow or obstacle-heavy water without training
Technical Specs (2025 Model)
Weight (on land): Approximately 13.2 kg for the jetpack unit
Max depth: 40 m (factory-limited to 3 m for safety)
Runtime: Up to 40 minutes per charge
Recharge time: Approximately 75 minutes
Controls: Wired throttle with color display and ultra-fine adjustment
Harness sizing: Fits chest sizes from 81–152 cm
Cautions
Not a Life-Saving Device: It is a performance-enhancing tool, not a rescue system. It does not replace dive training or flotation gear.
Breath-Hold Use Only: The CudaJet is not compatible with traditional scuba diving (due to air pressure differentials at depth and free ascent risks). It’s designed for snorkeling and free diving only.
Battery Handling: Like with any high-output lithium battery, improper charging, exposure to saltwater, or physical damage could present risks. Users are advised to follow strict charging and storage protocols.
Physical Fitness Required: Operating a high-speed underwater propulsion system requires strong swimming skills, core control, and situational awareness.
Hair and Loose Gear: Long hair must be tied up, and no loose straps or accessories should be worn, as they could get caught in the thrusters.
Environmental Awareness: With speeds of up to 3 m/s, it's easy to collide with reefs, other divers, or wildlife if you’re not highly alert and respectful of your surroundings.
Images: Cudajet
DJI Flips The Script On Drone Deployment
The DJI Flip’s bold little leap into the pocket drone space flips the script in more ways than one. It’s a fun-first drone that nails the basics and adds a bit of flair. It’s designed for casual flyers, content creators, and younger users seeking portability and performance.
The DJI Flip is DJI’s bold little leap into the pocket drone space, and it flips the script in more ways than one. It’s a fun-first drone that nails the basics and adds a bit of flair. It’s aimed at casual flyers, content creators, and younger users looking for portability and performance.
Launched on January 14, 2025, the DJI Flip is an ultralight drone weighing just 249g, exempting it from U.S. FAA registration requirements. Its foldable design with full-coverage propeller guards ensures safe and reliable flying, even for novice pilots. The DJI Flip is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, feature-rich drone without breaking the bank. Its high-quality imaging, intelligent flight modes, and safety features make it ideal for content creators and hobbyists.
Flip expands to reveal protected propeller blades and folds into a compact carry size.
Features that separate it from the competition:
Portable: This thing folds into the size of a large phone. Toss it in a jacket pocket, and you're good to go.
One-Touch Tricks: True to its name, the Flip shines with built-in aerial flips and cinematic auto-maneuvers. Want to pull off an orbit or barrel roll? It's just a tap away.
DJI's Signature Stability: Even with its featherweight frame, the Flip holds surprisingly steady in mild wind thanks to DJI's tried-and-true stabilization tech.
Solid Camera for Its Class: 4K video, decent low-light performance, and a gimbal that works, not just digital wizardry pretending to be one.
This is something to consider:
App Features Can Lag: Some users have noticed delayed responses between app controls and drone execution, especially when using advanced modes.
No Obstacle Avoidance: This is a fun flyer, not a brainy one. You’ll want to keep it in open spaces or fly it manually with a light touch.