A company designing an advanced "shape-shifting" motorcycle for EMS use is looking for feedback from providers as part of its development process.

Panther Motorcycle's EMS bike is an innovative solution for quick first response to natural disasters and deep wilderness rescue. The Panther EMS motorcycle folds up for easy transport toward the scene and shape-shifts on the fly to climb over and through almost anything.

When natural disasters occur, roads are often blocked for days. If it's a storm, helicopters can be grounded as well. This can delay help when it's needed most. With the Panther, providers can navigate roads and trails impassable to ambulances. In wilderness scenarios, bikes can be carried in by air, unloaded and dispatched from a landing zone. Two can be hooked side by side to take medical equipment to a patient or bring a patient back to a definitive transport asset.

The bike's key feature is a novel shape-shifting capability while in motion. Using a handlebar control, riders can "stretch" or "contract" the motorcycle as it changes position. Upright, at its most compact, the bike has 8 inches of suspension travel. As it leans and stretches out, the suspension becomes more sensitive, and the shocks adjust according to load. When the bike shortens, the power current from the engine changes, and the torque curve moves to the lower end of the RPM range. As it lengthens, the torque curve moves back midrange.

The Panther EMS motorcycle comes in multi-fuel and electric-powered versions. The former can run on diesel, kerosene or helicopter jet fuel (JP-5 or JP-8); the latter comes in versions that can travel up to 480 miles on a charge. This option allows operation in smoke-filled environments, where air-breathing engines might fail. Both versions provide electrical power on board, so powered equipment can be easily used. The multi-fuel diesel can also be used to charge the electric version, and even provides enough power (28 kw) for a command station or other on-scene facility.

Conceived for disaster and wilderness settings, the Panther EMS motorcycle can take enormous amounts of abuse. Its body is Kevlar-reinforced carbon fiber--the same material as military helmets. (A fire department version uses Nomex.) Its frame is stainless steel, and internal engine parts are a cobalt-tungsten superalloy like that used in the combustion chambers of jets. The clutch is a warp-free, fade-free Kevlar-ceramic design. For more, see the spec sheet on the Panther website.

Additional features include all LED lights, so bulbs don't burn out; a detachable headlight that can be used as a lantern; built-in GPS; and even a winch. If a bike becomes aged or damaged, it can be returned to Panther for rebuilding and return to service.

As it prepares for production of its EMS model, Panther wants feedback to help ensure it offers what users need and no crucial aspects are overlooked. Send questions and comments to Panther-EMS@PantherMotorcycle.com. Users can custom-create their own Panther bikes by using the "Build-a-Bike" page on the company's website. Also depicted on that page are special models, including ones for emergency users.

The Panther starts at around $17,000 and comes with more than 100 options. It was designed by IDS-Research. IDS (Interactive Design Studios) is a worldwide technology research and design group.

Erik Brinkman is chair of Panther Motorcycles.