Former professional cyclist and aerospace engineer Muddasar Lionel Akram is working to redefine urban mobility with the world’s first hypercycle e-bike. Designed to bridge the gap between cars and bikes, the hypercycle offers a sustainable and exciting alternative for city travel, combining high-performance engineering with cutting-edge electric technology. We’re proud to see one of our members pioneering the world’s first road-legal electric hypercycle.
Currently developing the second prototype at STEAMhouse, Lionel is harnessing state-of-the-art production space, studio facilities, and advanced fabrication & rapid prototyping technologies to bring his vision to life. With the build set for completion by March, he plans to embark on a European tour, demonstrating the hypercycle’s potential and attracting investment to scale production.
Akram added:
“The support and resources at STEAMhouse have been instrumental in transforming this concept into a working reality, from the water jet cutting and fabrication facilities to the collaborative environment, it’s enabled me to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable transport and begin to bring my ideas to life.”
The hypercycle is set to challenge conventional urban transport, offering an eco-friendly, high-performance alternative that aligns with the push for greener cities. By seamlessly integrating aerospace engineering principles into electric vehicle design, Lionel’s innovation aims to set new standards for efficiency and sustainability on city roads and cycle paths across Europe.
STEAMhouse, Birmingham’s Innovation Centre, has provided the perfect ecosystem, tools and advice for pioneering ideas like Lionel’s to thrive. By offering access to cutting-edge technology and collaborative expertise, it continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable transport.
Chris Evans, Head of Product Innovation at STEAMhouse, spoke excitedly on Akram’s e-bike project:
“We’re incredibly excited to support visionary projects like Lionel’s hypercycle – our mission at STEAMhouse is to provide a space where innovators can turn bold ideas into reality, and Akram’s work exemplifies that spirit. Seeing this project develop within our facilities reinforces the importance of collaboration and shared resources in driving sustainable solutions for the future of transport.”
That this innovation is taking place at STEAMhouse is particularly heartwarming, given the building’s Victorian-history as the centre of Birmingham’s dominance of the bicycle industry in past times, through it’s role as a rubber manufacturer for bicycle tyres. Lionel prepares to generate investment and take his creation on tour, his journey represents more than just a technical breakthrough – it’s a vision for a cleaner, more efficient future in urban mobility.
You can follow Lionel’s journey to making all of our travel more environmentally friendly here.
