German large-scale 3D-printer manufacturer BigRep has revealed the world’s first 3D-printed, fully functional electric motorcycle. Developed by Marco Mattia Cristofori and Maximilian Sedlak from the company’s innovation consultancy NOWlab, everything except the electrical components on the NERA e-motorbike including tires, rims, frame, fork and even the seat were 3D printed on the BigRep ONE printer.

“The NERA combines several innovations developed by NOWlab, such as the airless tyre, functional integration and embedded sensor technology” explained Daniel Büning, Co-founder and Managing Director of NOWlab. “This bike and our other prototypes push the limits of engineering creativity and promise to reshape additive manufacturing technology as we know it.”

3D-printing technology aside, the engineers also envision other innovations such as airless tyres with customised tread, a lightweight rhomboid wheel rim, flexible bumpers (instead of suspension) and a new electric engine being fitted inside a customisable case. On top of all these, the angular, futuristic appearance also makes the motorbike highly desirable.