James Somper

University of Nottingham > Engineering > Departments > Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering > PDM Exhibitions > 2025 > BEng students > James Somper

Hightail, is a concept electric motorbike designed to bridge the gap between urban commuting and weekend joyriding—bringing together practicality, performance, and style in one fully integrated machine.

Having fallen out of touch with design at A-Level, where my school didn't offer it as a subject, I came to uni to do Astrophysics, but very quickly heard about the Product Design course, and made changes to transfer. I'm very glad I did as I've flourished on this course, enjoying every aspect of the design process and all the tools used to aid along the way. Being profficient in sketching prior to starting this course was a great help, and understanding 3d geometry makes CAD a breeze.

With a particular passion for the automotive side of design, as I have spent my younger years working on cars and am curently rebuilding a Mk1 Lotus Cortina, I took the opportunity to undertake a transportation lead project for my final piece. This project was a real test of all my skills but one i thouroughly enjoyed as it's rare to have such an aesthetically and technically reliant project at the same time.

I'm aiming to end up in the transport design industry and I'm excited to see what the future holds.

James Somper, BEng Product Design and Manufacture

Hightail

My major project, Hightail, is a concept electric motorbike designed to bridge the gap between urban commuting and weekend joyriding—bringing together practicality, performance, and style in one fully integrated machine.

At the heart of Hightail is the same motor used in the Verge TS, which, in March, powered a Guinness World Record-breaking ride for the longest distance travelled on a single electric charge. Paired with a 10.2kWh fixed internal battery, the bike delivers a range of up to 100 miles, enabling both efficient daily travel and longer leisure rides without compromise.

Unlike most motorbikes that rely on external accessories or panniers, Hightail features a unique built-in internal storage solution, seamlessly integrated into the body of the bike. This provides space for shopping, a backpack and even a charging cable - offering a level of convenience rarely seen, if at all, in current motorcycle design.

All rider information, controls, and diagnostics are embedded directly into the bike itself, removing the need for a connected smartphone app and creating a more streamlined, self-contained experience. The chassis is a lightweight aluminium construction, shaped to maximise internal efficiency and stability, with a low centre of gravity to enhance handling and rider confidence.

Visually, Hightail strikes a balance between sport styling and approachable utility. Every element, from lighting to rider ergonomics, has been carefully considered to support its dual-purpose nature.

The project exists as a complete digital model and represents a speculative but realistic vision of how electric motorbikes can evolve—uniting high performance with everyday usability in a way that responds to the changing needs of modern mobility.