One of the most innovative new products on display at this year's Taipei International Sporting Show (TaiSPO), held April 7-10, was the T1 e-tricycle from Index Electronic Co., Ltd. The tricycle was created with the concept of mobility in mind, and is a joint project with Lee Iacocca.

Index Electronic produces all parts of the new tricycle itself, including the frame, said Lin Ta-hai, president of the company. For added convenience, the T1 can carry two batteries at the same time, so that users can travel further before having to stop to recharge the power source. Lin announced that he expects the tricycle to be in mass production by July of this year.

Index Electronic's foldable electric mini scooter, the Formula 2000, was an Innovative Award winner at this year's Taipei Cycle show, held March 31 to April 3. With a smooth, sleek look, the motor and battery of the scooter are entirely hidden from view, demonstrating a clear understanding of the benefits of the fusion of design and technology.

"Many companies can produce high-tech, functional items, whether they are bikes, mini scooters, or whatever," said Lin, "but they don't understand that these products should also look attractive. Some designers and engineers need to take a step back and ask themselves, 'Would I buy this product?'" he says. Lin maintains an R&D staff of only three people, but is able to work on such crowd-stoppers as the Lee Iacocca EVGlobal E-bike, which was introduced in 1998.

"The next move will be to work on the battery for these types of vehicles," states Lin. "Right now many companies are working with Li-ion batteries," he says, "but I think the next step for us will be to look at nickel metal hydride options. At present they are very expensive, but like anything else, the price will come down," he noted.