Mirandetta: A 3D-Printed Electric Bike That Fits in a Suitcase

Ivan Miranda has unveiled the design files for “Mirandetta,” a 3D-printed electric scooter that can be stored in a suitcase. According to a report by Luke James from Tom’s Hardware, Miranda redesigned the scooter so that all parts could be printed on a single 300mm x 300mm build plate. The design files are now available for purchase on his website, ivanmiranda.com, for $40. Miranda described the project as a “complex hobbyist build,” emphasizing that it is not intended for mass production as a finished product.

The original Mirandetta was created in about 10 days as a “travel hack” for showcasing at the Maker Faire in Prague. Miranda designed the bike to accommodate an adult rider while being compact enough to fit into checked luggage. The initial version used aluminum wheel axles and an all-metal steering column assembly, but the publicly available design replaces these metal parts with 3D-printed components.

Key Design Aspects

The released design significantly reduces the number of parts and simplifies assembly. The original lighting system, which was made from salvaged components, has been replaced with standardized T10 sockets and bulbs. Miranda also reduced the variety of screws used and ensured that all parts fit within a 300mm x 300mm build volume.

Miranda admitted, “Redesigning it was more work than assembling the first bike from scratch.” He used the Prusa CORE One L (300mm x 300mm x 330mm) as the standard printer, noting that the largest parts cannot be printed on smaller printers like the standard 250mm-class CORE One.

Drive and Control System

The scooter uses lawnmower tires for its wheels. While these tires typically have flat treads that make leaning into turns difficult, Miranda designed narrower rims that bring the tire bead closer together. When inflated, the sidewalls do not expand outward, giving the tread a rounded profile better suited for cornering.

The braking system uses floating motorcycle disc brakes rather than standard bicycle ones. The floating discs can be modified by removing rivets to widen the central bore, allowing them to be fitted onto the 3D-printed axle without shearing it. The rear wheel employs a belt-driven system.

The throttle uses a 10KΩ linear potentiometer, which is read by an Arduino. The Arduino then maps the input to an electronic speed controller (ESC) for the motor.

Battery and Weight

The scooter is powered by two 36V cordless tool battery packs. Miranda chose these due to their hot-swapping capability and ease of passing through airport security. A DC-DC converter steps down the voltage from 36V to 12V to power the horn and lights.

The finished vehicle weighs just over 14kg without the batteries. However, it cannot be folded down for storage in a suitcase while fully assembled; some disassembly is required for packing.

Background and Limitations

Miranda’s creation won the “bike that fits in a suitcase” contest at the Maker Faire in Prague. He has announced plans to showcase the next iteration at Open Sauce. However, the design files are sold “as-is,” with no support provided. As Miranda himself describes the project as a “complex hobbyist build,” it is aimed at advanced users who are well-versed in 3D printing and electric mobility, rather than general DIY enthusiasts.

Miranda also issued a warning, calling the bike “super fast… way too fast.” He highlighted the potential dangers of the high acceleration provided by the powerful tool batteries and lightweight design. The project is experimental and has not undergone safety certifications or legal checks for road use.

Editorial Opinion

This project is a prime example of how advancements in 3D printing technology are pushing the boundaries of personal manufacturing. The design constraint of fitting all parts onto a 300mm square build plate demonstrates an innovative application of industrial manufacturing principles to the DIY domain.

In the short term, projects like Mirandetta could spark a trend of mobility DIY creations among 3D printing enthusiasts. However, it is worth noting that the project does not sufficiently address the risks associated with handling tool batteries or the legal implications of road use.

In the long term, the prospect of individuals being able to manufacture and assemble entire vehicles at home is becoming increasingly plausible—not necessarily as fully realized products, but as customizable kits. This raises important questions about how traditional automotive supply chains and safety regulations will adapt to this new reality. Our editorial team believes that as projects like Mirandetta gain traction, it will become ever more critical to establish safety standards and insurance frameworks for 3D-printed vehicles. Mirandetta serves as an early example that challenges industry stakeholders to consider these emerging issues.

References

• ” This 3D-printed electric motorbike folds into your luggage — creator warns it is ‘super fast… way too fast’ ”, by Luke James — Tom’s Hardware, 2026-07-11T17:21:53.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/ivan-miranda-releases-files-for-a-3d-printed-electric-motorbike-that-fits-in-a-suitcase