ADRIAN Maio is used to getting praise for the motorised scooter he built as part of his year 12 systems engineering class.
But the Taylors Lakes resident, 18, says he was shocked when told that his work will feature in Melbourne Museum’s Top Designs exhibition from March 24-July 15.
The exhibition forms part of the VCE ‘season of excellence’ and showcases Victoria’s most exceptional young designers.
This year, 123 works by 119 students from state, Catholic and independent schools will be featured.
Maio, a former Catholic Regional College student, worked on the project as part of his VCE studies last year.
He came up with the design after coming across parts from an old scooter and chopper-style bicycle.
“We had to incorporate mechanical and electronic parts and I decided to make a scooter that could reach high speeds but was safe for the user,” he says.
He attached a two-stroke, 49cc engine to the scooter and installed a 12-volt battery under the seat.
It has brake levers on the handle bars and flashing indicator lights at the front and rear.
Maio was also required to run noise and speed tests.
“It can go as fast as 15km/h and tested just under the sound limit. It was a lot of fun to make and the systems engineering class prepared me for further study.”
Maio got a study score of 40 for the subject and a special commendation from his school.
He’s now studying electrotechnology at RMIT TAFE and hopes to progress to electrical engineering. Maio is looking forward to seeing his work on display.
“I really didn’t expect to be chosen, but it was a pleasant surprise.”
