Our Prototypes column introduces new vehicle concepts and presents visuals from designers who illustrate the ideas. Some of them will be extensions of existing concepts, others will be new, some will be production ready, and others really far-fetched.
The concept
The Paragon is a modular power sport kit designed for kids aged 8 to 18. It allows them to build several types of power sport vehicles using sub-assembly kits and simple tools. The starter pack is simple and easy to use, featuring a motorcycle and a snowmobile at a cost less than $4,000. It is also possible to purchase additional kits to upgrade the vehicle, convert it into other machines (ATV, Scooter, Kart, Side-by-side, PWC) and even invent new machine.
The background
The Paragon kit is intended to help kids learn the concepts of mechanics and to provide them with a power sport kit that they can use and play with all year long. You could say it’s a Meccano-Erector kit for grown-ups.
How it works
The basic Paragon kit includes one to three vehicles. For example, imagine a motorcycle and a snowmobile using the same frame. The product is delivered in a shipping crate and comes with instructions and the basic tools (similar to IKEA’s self-assembly concept). The motor included in the basic kit doesn’t have that much power, because it is intended for children and teens. It’s similar to the Rotax Max Evolution concept, which lets you upgrade your engine from six to 28hp.
This Paragon concept is not about performance, but rather about stimulating creativity, imagination and resourcefulness. With a basic kit, a teenager can assemble a motorcycle and then convert it to a snowmobile using the parts included in the kit.
Teens should work on the kit with their parents and friends and can get some help from the online Paragon community. I think it would be possible to develop a series of optional kits that would increase the number of possible configurations for young do-it-yourselfers so they could build, ride and invent all kinds of vehicles.
What it’s used for
Today, purchasing three power sport vehicles costs more than $20,000. I think a kit such as Paragon would give teens an opportunity to try different machines at a fifth of the price. More importantly still, it can help them better understand the basic principles of physics (traction, torque, buoyancy, combustion). A concept like Paragon also initiates youth into the exciting world of power sports.
The designer
The renderings of the Paragon concept were created by Sebastian Campos Möller, who owns a design studio in Mexico. Sebastian graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Sebastian has also created images for The Tachyon and Cosmos concepts.
Charles Bombardier is a member of the family that owns Quebec-based Bombardier Inc., and Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), which are in the business of designing and manufacturing vehicles.
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