Ethan Wilkin

Ethan Wilkin grew up in Grimsby with a passion for invention. After building various devices and contraptions throughout his childhood, he went on to study product design for his degree.

For his final university project, Ethan designed a folding electric motorcycle. It was intended for individuals living in urban areas, particularly those with limited access to secure, off-street parking.

Folding down to the size of a suitcase, the motorcycle can easily be brought into a residential lift or stored in a living space, which affords a new degree of flexibility to motorcycle ownership.

The compactibility, however, does not inhibit performance; as a passionate motorcyclist, Ethan explains that he would be “embarrassed” to provide a compromised riding experience. His design can be compared to conventional motorcycles in terms of power, performance and handling.

A full-size, working proof of concept has been constructed and tested, and Ethan is now designing a second prototype.

“When I first learned I’d been accepted to the Young Innovators programme, I was simply in disbelief. I thought I was reading the email wrong. Since coming to terms with being one of the awardees, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and confidence,” Ethan adds.