The world's first 3D printed motorcycle has a "bionic" super-strong frame inspired by bird bones that would have been impossible to build with traditional metals such as aluminum and welding technology.

Developed by APWorks, a 100% subsidiary of aerospace giant Airbus Group, the bike named "Light Rider" was 3D printed layer by layer using the company's proprietary aluminum alloy called "Scalmalloy." The result of this fusing of additive manufacturing and a high tech alloy is an eco-friendly electric bike that weighs a mere 77 kilograms and can roar from 0 to 80 km/h in seconds.

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The secret to the bike's lightness is the hollow frame produced by selective laser melting of Scalmalloy, an alloy APWorks claims is resistant to corrosion and almost as strong as titanium. Using 3D printing also gave the bike an aesthetic that looks almost like a modernist metal sculpture.

More important, 3D plus Scalmalloy means Light Rider is capable of withstanding as much weight and stress as an ordinary bike almost twice its weight. This because of the machine's ultralight but super-strong frame reminiscent of bird bones. The frame weighs only 6 kg.

Since its launch in 2013, APWorks has produced bionically optimized metal parts for a wide range of industries, from aerospace to robotics. APWorks said it was inspired by Nature when it designed Light Rider. The algorithm used to 3D print Light Rider is based on natural structures and growth patterns.

Being electric, Light Rider is a zero emission machine. It's also energy-efficient and quiet. APWorks has only printed an initial production run of 50 machines, giving the Light Rider a sticker price of $56,000.

"The complex and branched hollow structure couldn't have been produced using conventional production technologies such as milling or welding," said Joachim Zettler, CEO of Airbus APWorks GmbH.

"Advances in additive layer manufacturing have allowed us to realize the bionic design we envisioned for the motorcycle without having to make any major changes. With these technologies, the limitations facing conventional manufacturing disappear."

Tags3D printed motorcycle, Light Rider, APWorks, Scalmalloy