- RDS’s mobility platform separates into upper and lower sections for modular customization.
- The “Sparrow” variant looks like a motorcycle and features a racing livery by F1 driver Tsunoda.
- An electric motor powers the tilting three-wheeler, which will be classified as a motorized bicycle.
It seems there’s no limit to how many ways companies can reinvent the humble wheel, and RDS has decided to take another crack at it. The Japanese brand has unveiled a new modular mobility platform called the Raptor, a shape-shifting electric three-wheeler that can transform into entirely different vehicles.
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The system works by separating the machine into upper and lower sections, allowing users to swap top modules for different applications while keeping the same base.
How Does It Work?
The real ingenuity lies in the Raptor’s detachable modules, which connect through a custom locking mechanism designed to feel both sturdy and intuitive.
RDS describes the concept as a way to let “creators and businesses from a variety of fields” experiment with new vehicle forms without having to start from scratch each time.
Several concept mockups have already been created, but the standout among them is the racing version. Called the Sparrow, it was developed in partnership with MIE Racing, a team active in the FIM Superbike World Championship.
The Sparrow’s upper section adopts the familiar cues of a sport motorcycle, complete with a handlebar, a single-seat setup, and compact bodywork that mimics a racing silhouette. While the upper portion looks cool, the same can’t be said about the proportions, with the wheels looking tiny in comparison to the overall height.
In any case, the company has introduced a special edition of the EV at the Japan Mobility Show, designed by F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull Racing.
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This Sparrow Tsunoda Edition carries a racing livery decorated with autumn leaves in orange, blue, and white, giving it a more playful (and seasonal) character.
Beneath the interchangeable body, every version of the Raptor shares the same running gear. The lower frame uses three wheels powered by a single electric motor drawing energy from a 48V lithium-ion battery pack. Both front and rear ends employ swing-arm suspension with a tilting system to improve balance through turns.
The dual front wheels measure 12 inches in diameter, while the rear wheel is slightly smaller at 10 inches. All of them are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. The EV will be able to reach a speed of 40 km/h (25 miles), although a limiter can be set at the desired level.
RDS says that the Raptor will be classified as a motorized bicycle in Japan. Pricing and availability of individual versions will be announced at a later date. Furthermore, the company is currently working on an autonomous driving unit for commercial use.
RDS
