In a tension-based network, your gear becomes your vehicle. The system is not built around a machine you own. It is built around the body you already have. That shifts design priorities toward comfort, safety, and personal expression rather than mass and horsepower.
The Harness as Interface
A harness is the basic interface between you and the network. It distributes load across the body, stabilizes movement, and provides a secure connection. You can design harnesses for different uses: daily commuting, cargo transport, or assisted mobility.
Pods and Protective Shells
For weather, privacy, or cargo, you can add small pods that clip to the line. These can be shared or personal, and they can range from minimalist shells to fully enclosed units. The key is that they remain lightweight compared to cars.
Integrated Wearables
When the harness is part of clothing, the barrier to use drops. You do not "get into" a vehicle; you simply clip into a line. This makes movement as casual as stepping onto a path.
Safety by Design
A fixed line provides stability. Safety becomes a property of the system rather than a user skill. Sensors can enforce spacing and speed, while mechanical design prevents detachment without intent.
Accessibility as Default
Because the network does not assume walking or wheeled movement, it can serve a broad range of abilities. A harness, seated pod, or assisted device can all use the same line. There is no need for separate routes.
The Role of Personalization
Just as bicycles or running shoes allow personal expression, mobility gear can become a lifestyle choice. Some people will want high-performance setups. Others will prefer comfort or simplicity. This creates a culture of customization without making access conditional.
Maintenance and Longevity
Gear can be modular and repairable. Instead of replacing a vehicle, you replace a strap, a connector, or a rolling mechanism. The lifecycle becomes lighter and less wasteful.
Human-Centered Motion
Because you are not enclosed in a box, the experience is more connected to the environment. You feel the wind, hear the city, and move with a sense of flow rather than isolation.
Cultural Shift
When you move as yourself rather than as a driver of a machine, movement feels more like a skill than a chore. This can change how you relate to physical activity, health, and daily routines.