# Mollusk-Shaped Bikes Hideki Kawata Creates Sea Snail-Inspired Folding Bike By Brian G Randles | Published 2009-09-12 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hideki-kawata-folding-bike References: [coroflot](http://www.coroflot.com/public/image_file.asp?individual_id=285376&portfolio_id=2753568) A [folding bike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threefold-bicycles) is not necessarily a groundbreaking concept, but this take on the [collapsible bicycle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bromptons-g-line) stands out not only because of its futuristic design, but because of the mollusk-like shape the bike takes on once folded up. Hideki Kawata may not have been aiming for this design when he started, and maybe my eyes are playing tricks on me, but all I can see is a sea snail when I see the folded version of this [compact street cruiser](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/velotric-fold-1). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Futuristic Folding Bikes:** Opportunity to introduce innovative folding mechanisms and futuristic designs to the bike industry. - **Nature-inspired Designs:** Potential for incorporating natural shapes and forms into various products, including bicycles. - **Compact Street Cruisers:** Demand for small, easily foldable bikes that can be used in urban environments. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Bicycle Manufacturing:** Opportunity to create and market folding bikes with unique, nature-inspired designs. - **Outdoor Recreation:** Innovative compact bicycles that offer convenience and style appeal to urban dwellers looking for alternative modes of transportation. - **Design and Engineering:** Collapsible bike designs inspired by nature present an opportunity for design and engineering firms to create unique and visually appealing products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compact Collapsible Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collapsible-bike.md) - [Compact Foldable City Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-cycle.md) - [Adventurous Folding Bike Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flatbike-change-adventure.md) - [Miniature Foldable Electric Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tatamel.md) - [Collapsible Belt-Driven Commuter Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/priority-folder.md) - [Custom-Made Foldable Titanium Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minivelo.md) - [Adaptable Foldable Electric Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buzzy-bike.md) - [Scallop Shell-Constructed Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shellmet.md) - [Origami-Inspired E-Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stilride-sus1.md)