About this project
OLAF scooters - Multifunctional hybrid folding kick scooters
$61,132
We have developed:
1. OLAF Business with a suitcase,
for the business traveler always on
the move
2. OLAF Urban with a backpack, for the dynamic urban dweller.
OLAF is designed, prototyped, manufactured, and assembled in the EU.
Both models represent our vision of urban mobility, blurring the boundaries between a backpack /suitcase and a kick scooter and thereby enhancing your commuting experience.
The cleverly engineered kick-scooter platform and design provides a hassle-free experience, making it your ideal companion in various settings: going to school or work, shopping, traveling abroad, or just cruising around.
The OLAF kick scooter has a well thought-out, clean, and practical design, with strategically placed pockets and compartments. The steering system is very responsive and easy to navigate even in crowded locations.
Although the two models differ from one another in important ways, they are both unisex, unisize, and can bear up to 100kg (220lbs). They are ergonomically shaped and safe to use on the street due to their rear wheel brakes and reflective material.
The scooter’s multifunctional patented platform also allows for future development of different suitcases or backpacks.
Both models are extremely versatile and will instantly blend in with your lifestyle. Your needs and wants will help you decide which OLAF is the right fit for you.
"The suitcase you can ride to the airport." — CNN Travel
"... olaf puts a spin on your usual commuting experience." — designboom
" ... a scooter that merges conservative business aesthetics with today’s urban transport needs." — Startup daily
"This is an ideal hybrid that meets both storage and transportation needs."
— Trend Hunter
"When you’re late for a flight, you’ve got the weight of 1,000 butterflies churning in your stomach, but if you don’t have the power of 100 horses in your legs, you just might miss that final boarding call. The Olaf scooter can prevent that from happening." — HiConsumption
"... the OLAF Scooter shows us a new way to travel ..." — Creatables
The story of OLAF started three years ago, when Bostjan came across to a similar product, which had a few defects and features that he thought could be improved. Always the inventor, he started developing his own highly technically refined product. This was the beginning of OLAF Business, a fully integrated carry-on luggage and a steerable kick scooter, and a more youthful OLAF Urban, an all-in-one steerable kick scooter, skateboard, backpack, and trolley. To achieve the desired level of quality, Bostjan developed and patented several unique features and tested dozens of prototypes while traveling the globe.
For travel enthusiasts, there is the OLAF Business model, a 3-in-1 hybrid of a carry-on airline-approved suitcase, a trolley, and a kick-scooter.
With an instant pedal transformation system (patented folding system), you can safely and easily transform your OLAF Business from a carry-on suitcase to a trolley or a three-wheeled kick scooter within seconds, while still holding on to your passport, boarding pass, and, of course, taking an urgent phone call right before boarding.
The suitcase design follows our company’s general approach – a distinct combination of function and innovative design. The OLAF Business is made with airline size and weight restrictions in mind, which allows you to carry it with you on the plane as a carry-on item.
When arriving at your destination, you can fold your OLAF into a carry-on or simply use it as a trolley. The twin telescopic handlebar allows OLAF to be folded into a 1-inch thick platform, keeping its weight and volume to a minimum and maximizing the space for your belongings. OLAF is therefore the ultimate lightweight travel solution with maximized carry-on measurements.
To prevent damage to the items in your suitcase, OLAF’s materials were carefully chosen to last and withstand real-life durability tests, including being waterproof. To make it even easier and safer to use, OLAF is also equipped with two supplementary handles for carrying, one on top and the other on the side.
OLAF Urban is a 4-in-1 unique solution that incorporates a removable ergonomically-designed backpack, sturdy trolley, a steerable kick-scooter, and a wooden skateboard.
The best riding experience is based on a wooden platform and cleverly designed steering system with a special high carbon front axis that absorbs road bumps. The advanced steering system allows sharp turns while still handling great speeds.
The patented folding mechanism was adapted from the OLAF Business model, which allows you to easily switch from trolley to kick-scooter with just your foot, without any bending. It also has an additional lever for better support when OLAF is in a vertical position or used as a trolley.
Instead of a suitcase, OLAF Urban has a multipurpose backpack attached to the front of the kick scooter. It can also be easily removed, allowing for the kick scooter and the backpack to be used separately. The backpack is manufactured out of thermoplastics foam, which, in combination with its ergonomic design (spine-friendly), ensures a comfortable and healthy position on your or your child's back. Its exterior design underlines our design philosophy (Red Dot Winner). It is put together with durable stitching using the best waterproof materials and additionally upgraded with reflective material patches (for night visibility).
Wheel pockets are added to protect your back from getting dirty when you carry the backpack on your back.
The backpack will come in three color combinations: all black, blue and pink. The interior of the backpack has a padded compartment for your laptop (up to 17”) and two other separate compartments. Its smartly designed interior will suit teenagers going to school or daily commuters. Our attention to detail and carefully chosen materials will guarantee you years of fun.
By detaching the backpack and folding the wooden platform, OLAF can be transformed into a skateboard. With three large and narrow wheels and high quality bearings, OLAF is a much faster skateboard than what you might be used to, so you will need to use the brake.
For conquering stairs or when you just feel like walking, you can also use OLAF as a trolley. The long telescopic handlebar and sturdy chassis will exceed your expectations.
With four great products incorporated into one, with instant transformation from one to the other, OLAF Urban will become your best urban companion.
In addition, the URBAN mobility platform is all about the open community approach. Due to the unique and sturdy platform, OLAF team was able to go a step further and incorporate a system that allows you to attach your own backpack or similar luggage (grocery bag, camera bag for professional photographers, larger women’s bags, etc.) that you never leave your home without.
We created two types of customization:
OLAF Urban: Laser engraving or full color print on the bottom side of a wooden platform.
OLAF Business: Put your name, company logo, nickname ... on the bottom side of the aluminum platform.
We invested our heart and soul into development, prototyping, fixing bugs and finally, into mass production ready production. By manufacturing OLAFs locally, we do not need to manufacture thousands to start production. However, there is a minimum order quantity that will enable us to manufacture and ship OLAFs to your doorstep.
Olaf team consists of product engineers, designers and marketing enthusiasts. We all believe in sustainable urban mobility and explore life with Olafs.
Boštjan Žagar, mechatronic gadgets developer, inventor
Nina Cavz, designer, media coverage
Matej Praprotnik, content editor
Jure Plešec, Olaf video creator, heavy-duty test pilot
Domen Rupnik, Olaf web designer
Jaka Benedik, Olaf board designer
Ajda Maric, support
Marina Markezic, support
- Iztok Saksida, graphic designer
- Niko Klanšek, business & crowdfunding advisor
- Luka Mali from Lumu project
- Slovenian crowdfunding community
- Aerodrom Ljubljana
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Janez Marolt, photographer
- ZMAG team, crowdfunding & hand-on help
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Klemen, Primoz and Tina & Martin for starter ideas, Target team & Alen with backpacks development help, video team (Nejc, Nika, Peter, Davor, Laren, Jasmina, Lori, Martina, Eva, Mia, Tilen, Jelena, Petra, Saša, Luka & schoolfriends), Stella, Gašper and of course
- Our supporting families
See press kit here.
Risks and challenges
Although our Olaf team has plenty of experiences with product development projects, we are at the same aware of possible risks.
Durability:
Dozens of Olafs were tested in urban centers, university campuses and airports.
Quality:
All of our suppliers are located nearby and share the same passion for OLAFs as we. Production of plastic parts is our own, and so is the quality monitoring assembly.
Delays:
Although having experiences with new product development, we still are aware that things can go wrong. With having complete production local, we can respond promptly.
FAQ
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The only way to get one is through our Kickstarter page here! People who back the project on Kickstarter get to have the very first OLAFs and save a bunch over the retail price. Simply click on the ‘Back This Project’ button on the right hand side of the campaign page.
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EU backers: we will ship within the EU with no additional fees, customs or VAT;
US backers: shipping included
Worldwide (Canada included): please add: see pledge plan -
When pledging, you will be informed what the exact exchange rates are;
FYI: 1 CAD=0,92 USD=0,7 EUR -
Olafs are not simple plastic toys, they are high-end products. Both models are designed, developed and manufactured in the EU. They are handmade using best available materials for platforms (hand welded aluminum chassis, wooden platform made from locally sourced wood, high quality wheels and bearings) and suitcases/backpacks (impact resistant plastic, high-density EVA foam, PVC free textiles).
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Smart curving based steering system with carbon steel axis which absorbs road bumps, allows extremely sharp turns (turning radius 3m/10 feet); we have determined that the same mechanism can be used for both adults and children (7 years and up).
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Clever steering system (when used as a kick scooter) with adjustable force feedback mechanism - it’s extremely easy to adjust the sharpness of the turns.
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Both Olaf scooters have the same patented pedal transformation folding system that allows instant transformation to all functionalities. Being pedal assisted, you can fold it while still holding on to your passport, boarding pass, and, of course, taking an urgent phone call right before boarding or entering the metro.
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Wheels can be purchased in any local store selling rollers/roller skates equipment.
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We tested both models with riders up to 150 kg/330 lbs.
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For sure, after Kickstarter retail price will be higher, so grab your OLAFs on Kickstarter.
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You have will probably noticed that on some promo material Propel sign is visible; we changed the brand.
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By pledging to the URBAN platform, you will receive the Urban platform and special adjustable harness based system that will allow you to attach/detach any backpack/pack/purse of your own. However, you will probably not be able to use Urban as a backpack since our backpacks have specially designed backs that fit into platform when folded thus allowing to be carried as backpack.
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The 3 wheel Olaf scooter concept is by default simple to use and safe. Both models have built-in effective rear wheel brake and safe folding system. Urban is in addition covered by large reflective material that will allow you to be better seen at night.
We strongly advise you to use helmets at all times and stay aware of weather & road conditions, and everyone and everything around you. Use common sense, and don't go beyond your experience level. -
We created two types of customization at OLAF Urban:
URBAN: Laser engraving or full color print on the bottom side of a wooden platform.
BUSINESS: Your name, company logo, nickname...on the bottom side of aluminum platform.
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Funding period
- (30 days)