Lit Motors AEV
Auto-Balancing Electric Vehicle
The Auto-Balancing Electric Vehicle or AEV is a fully enclosed, gyro-stabilized, two-wheeled vehicle founded on a dream to reinvent our transportation needs as cities and communities evolve.
Brand
Lit Motors
Role
Transportation Designer & Strategist
Industries
Personal Mobility
Date
2014 - 2015
Lit is building the future vehicle platform by tackling the four major shortcomings of mobility: Safety 1.25 million commuters are killed on the road annually in the U.S. The AEV uses gyroscopes to stay upright in bad weather and withstand impacts, reducing the risk of accidents. Congestion 76% of all commuters in the U.S. drive alone. AEV offers the efficiency of a bicycle and motorcycle and the convenience and safety of a car while reducing the number of cars on the road. Pollution The sheer number of single-occupant vehicles congest roads and cause pollution on a grand scale. With its full electric powertrain, the AEV can help lower gas emissions in the U.S. Accessibility The AEV is tailor-made for autonomous navigation and the vehicle-sharing economy making it an ideal last-mile solution between transit hubs and commuters' homes.
The design brief was to evolve the 2nd gen C-1 from a simple, egg-shaped design into something dynamic, sexy, and approachable. A dual-split concept was introduced to visually extend the wheelbase, with floating pillars and a sleek mono-headlight enhancing the design. The updated exterior, featuring a dark front graphic and forward-flanking side panels, redefines what a personal mobility vehicle can be, defying both gravity and expectations. This bold new direction gives the self-balancing motorcycle a fresh, aggressive look, strengthening the Lit Motors brand and setting the stage for future growth.
As a transportation designer and strategist, I played a pivotal role in developing the 3rd generation C-1 (AEV) concept, contributing to 2D and 3D exterior designs, interior ideation, and creating the final exterior reference visualization. I also devised a storytelling approach to promote the AEV, identifying target audiences and outlining a sales strategy with the Founder/CEO for investor presentations. My responsibilities extended to handling customer service, overseeing newsletter content, and contributing to the branding manual. This hands-on experience included assembling Gyro machined parts, soldering battery cells, and test-driving the vehicle.
A decade later, I returned as a consultant to continue advancing the project, bringing fresh insights and a renewed commitment to its evolution and success.
Founder & CEO: Daniel Kim | Transportation Design & Strategist: Natalia Amijo | EXTERIOR Design: Enoch Morishima, EXTERIOR DESIGN INTERN: Jiye Shin | Vehicle Architect: Eric Miller | Automotive and Design Consultant: Jason C Hill | Creative Director: Diego Miralles