MACH 03 - Pedelec Trike for Renting
The demand for sustainable, "last mile" vehicles for urban mobility is growing.
Pedelecs are an example of this exponential interest, as they are cost-effective, energy-efficient and provide an emission-free travel option compared to fuel-powered cars and motorbikes. These are ideal for a combination of human power and electric support.
Pedelecs are an example of this exponential interest, as they are cost-effective, energy-efficient and provide an emission-free travel option compared to fuel-powered cars and motorbikes. These are ideal for a combination of human power and electric support.
While many people choose to ride bicycles and e-bikes to help mitigate the effects of carbon emissions released when driving in cars and are far more practical in relation to traffic, weather conditions such as rain and snow prevent smooth riding, keeping more casual cyclists and novices off the road.
The aim of this project was to find a solution that would offer a better experience when driving a pedelec vehicle in poor conditions.
The aim of this project was to find a solution that would offer a better experience when driving a pedelec vehicle in poor conditions.
Sketches and Studies
Initially, two main problems were analysed: rainfall and stability in adverse conditions.
The steering system that could be used was also defined, and different mechanisms on the market were studied. It was also important to develop the general formality of the vehicle in line with human dimensions, internal component dimensions and general rules for "last mile" vehicles so that they didn't deviate from the legal characterisation.
The steering system that could be used was also defined, and different mechanisms on the market were studied. It was also important to develop the general formality of the vehicle in line with human dimensions, internal component dimensions and general rules for "last mile" vehicles so that they didn't deviate from the legal characterisation.
Rain Protection
It was decided to implement rain protection that would flow from the main structure and offer an unobstructed view of the entire surroundings. For this protection, a transparent polycarbonate was designed that does not influence the driver's field of vision.
Due to the rules that determine the characterisation of a vehicle, there was no need to protect the sides.
Due to the rules that determine the characterisation of a vehicle, there was no need to protect the sides.
Trike Option
Stability is an important point when it comes to a city car. When subjected to less favourable weather conditions, it becomes an
essential point. The three-wheel option strengthens this stability and offers the driver greater balance. The option of two wheels at the front is due to the steering system chosen.
Two joysticks were chosen, one on each side, for directional control of the vehicle.
Interior
A Bafang H700 electric motor was chosen, with a maximum torque of 32nm, a nominal power output of 250w and a weight of 3.2kg.
A Bafang BT F08 battery with a weight of 3.3kg, a capacity of 600Wh and an autonomy of 5.5 hours was also used.
Adjutability
The seat was designed so that it could be easily adjusted via a slide mechanism on a rail so that the driver could easily pull and push the seat. The structure of the seat is designed to be sturdy yet lightweight, and the padding is made of synthetic leather.
The aforementioned joysticks can be folded down using a hinge with a pin brake, so that the driver can get in and out of the
vehicle more easily.
Designed by Bernardo Pereira + Joaquim Paulino
Universidade de Évora - 2022
