Airbus Subsidiary APWorks Built The World’s First 3D Printed Motorcycle

APWorks, a subsidiary of Airbus, has taken 3D printing to the next level by successfully building a working, lightweight motorcycle.

The bike, called the Light Rider, is comprised of an intricate web of aluminum, and is what APWorks is deeming “probably the world’s lightest motorcycle” at only 77 pounds.

The custom aluminum alloy powder used to make the motorcycle is being referred to as “Scalmalloy” because it features “almost the specific strength of titanium”.

By fusing thin layers of Scalmalloy together, APWorks is able to create some incredible things, including the company’s all-electric, world’s first 3D printed motorcycle.

The Light Rider battery lasts for 35 miles on a single charge and is capable of hitting a max speed of 50 miles per hour.

At the moment, APWorks only plans to produce 50 of the world’s first 3D printed motorcycle, which cost approximately $56,100 per unit to manufacture.

Obviously, the company will need to work on a cheaper way to manufacture the Light Rider if it ever wants to send the bike into mass production.