A Motorbike That Packs Into Your Luggage
Ivan Miranda has pushed the boundaries of 3D printing and personal transport with the Mirandetta, a fully functional electric motorbike that breaks down to fit inside a standard suitcase. Originally built as a "travel hack," the Mirandetta is designed to be the smallest motorbike an adult can ride while still packing into checked luggage. Miranda first created the original in about 10 days and has now released redesigned files for makers who want to build their own version.
Redesigned for 3D Printing Precision
The new Mirandetta design replaces the original’s aluminum wheel axles and metal steering column with fully 3D-printed parts, all constrained to fit on a 300mm x 300mm print bed. This redesign also standardizes the lighting system using off-the-shelf T10 automotive sockets and bulbs, replacing the salvaged components from the original build. Miranda reduced the number of distinct screws and optimized every part for the build volume of a Prusa CORE One L 3D printer, which has a 300mm x 300mm x 330mm build area. Smaller printers, including the standard 250mm-class CORE One, cannot print the largest parts in one piece.
Clever Engineering Details
Miranda uses repurposed lawnmower tires for the wheels, which normally have too flat a profile for leaning. To address this, he printed rims narrower than standard so that the tire’s internal bead rings sit closer together. Once inflated, this prevents the sidewalls from splaying outward, rounding the tread into a profile suitable for cornering.
The braking system employs floating motorcycle discs instead of bicycle discs. These floating discs allow a wider center bore so a printed axle can pass through without shearing. The rear wheel is belt-driven, and the throttle uses a 10K linear potentiometer connected to an Arduino, which maps the input to the motor’s electronic speed controller.
Power and Weight Considerations
Power is supplied by two 36V cordless tool battery packs, which are hot-swappable and easier to carry through airport security. A DC-DC converter steps the voltage down to 12V for the horn and lights. Without the batteries, the bike weighs just over 14 kilograms.
Not Just a Foldable Scooter
While the Mirandetta breaks down to fit in a suitcase for transport, users cannot fold up the fully assembled bike for packing. The disassembly and reassembly process is necessary for travel. Miranda won the suitcase-build contest at Prague Maker Faire with this innovative machine and plans to showcase it at Open Sauce.
Files for Makers, But No Support
The design files for the Mirandetta are available for $40 on Ivan Miranda’s website. However, Miranda emphasizes that this is a complicated hobby project, not intended as a production design. He provides no support with the files, which include STL and 3MF files, an Excel bill of materials, and original Fusion 360 project files for modification. Builders are responsible for their own safety and sourcing components. The project is meant as a learning experience rather than a ready-to-use vehicle.
Watch the Build in Action
For those interested in seeing the Mirandetta in action, a full video documenting the build and ride is available, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship behind this unique 3D-printed electric motorbike.
"For reasons that escape my control I found myself with a few free days before going to maker faire Prague so I decided last minute to design, build and bring with me a mini 3D printed motorbike to Prague." – Ivan Miranda
The Mirandetta exemplifies how 3D printing can transform creative ideas into practical, portable machines, blending technology and design in a compact, rideable form.
