LINDO Smart is a quirky electric car designed to take on city traffic jams

To make the LINDO even more appealing, Kyle Armstrong developed a smartphone application that can be instantly paired with the LINDO by either the driver or the passenger. The application is very similar to other applications, like <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=Uber">Uber</a>, since the user is able to order a service to pick them up from their current location via their smartphone and choose their destination to plan out their trip whilst also tracking and monitoring their current usage from the vehicle. Using <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=PayPal">PayPal</a> and online banking, users can pay instantly either using pay wave on the vehicles inbuilt payment system or paying through the application.

Here in the U.S., you probably have a higher chance of seeing a unicorn than a small three-wheeled rickshaw, like the Piaggio <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=tuk+tuk">Tuk Tuk</a> which are common in congested cities around the world. But that could change. Kyle Armstrong has designed a modern take on the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/design-your-ideal-electric-vehicle-with-tuk-tuk-factorys-new-online-customization-tool/">Tuk Tuk</a> with his electric LINDO Smart vehicle that addresses the congestion in Melbourne, Australia. The LINDO Smart was selected as an honoree in the <a href="http://designawards.core77.com/">Core77 Design Awards</a>, which were just announced today.

Kyle Armstrong's LINDO Smart vehicle is a three-wheeled concept that takes brings the overall design of the Tuk Tuk into the 21st century. "When designing LINDO, I wanted to be able to create a vehicle that would ultimately help make a positive impact on the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/transportation/">transport</a> system that is currently implemented in the Melbourne CBD," stated Armstrong.

The LINDO is constructed of lightweight materials, like carbon fiber and titanium to make it incredibly light. This little electric car is powered by two in hub wheel <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=electric+motors">electric motors</a> and six <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=lithium-ion+battery">lithium-ion battery</a> cells that are charged through a capacitor which is able to charge at a quarter of the time that it takes for conventional battery systems. An onboard computer continuously analyzes driving conditions and has the ability to turn off the motors when they aren't needed. Also when one motor is not in use the momentum of the tires charges the batteries.

"With LINDO, Melbourne’s public transport will become faster, safer, and more efficient," says the designer.

Kyle Armstrong has designed a modern take on the Tuk Tuk with his electric LINDO Smart vehicle that addresses the congestion in Melbourne, Australia.

The LINDO concept has two in-wheel electric motors.

Riders can request a ride in the LINDO electric vehicle by accessing an app on their smartphones.