E-Trike

Faculty of Architecture
University of Lisbon - 2014

click to move to

final result

Context & Goal

This is a project I developed in my 5th year of University.

E-Trike is a concept of a tricycle rental system, developed with the goal of creating an economic and ecological system of individual urban mobility for short and medium distances in the city of Lisbon.

It should help reduce the excessive use of cars in order to avoid traffic congestion, help creating a more dynamic and fun lifestyle and respond to the economic crisis by reducing the cost of transportation.

Step 1

Research & analysis

For this project extended preliminary research was done, from market research to products and technologies:

- Context of urban mobility and sustainability;

- Chronological evolution;

- Analysis of the social situation (users);

- Materials and technology;

- Enviromental impact;

- Benchmarking.

Types of users - tram 15

INDIVIDUAL
GROUP

FREQUENT

SPORADIC

TURISTS

CONTROL AGENT

DRIVER

STUDENT

WORKERS

ELDERLY

PMR

PICK-POCKETS

DRUNKS

SCAMMERS

Main target users:

Elderly: It was verified that the age group that most uses the 15E is the 3rd age. This implies that several aspects should be taken into account in the design phase, such as of Reduced Mobility.

Turists: Due to the historical and tourist points that are part of the route, tourists are a group that often uses this tram. Here are found several aspects that could be improved, such as improvment of visibility and improvment of communication and information in other languages.

Reduced mobility: It is necessary to pay special attention to users, although these are a minority, they are more frequent on this tram than on other public transports.

Safety: Pickpockets and fraudsters, are attracted by tourists and the elderly, who are an easy target, it is necessary to improve security to avoid this unpleasent situations.

Step 2

Concept

Sketches of final concept

Each element from the group did it's own concept proposal, based on the inicial research. Bellow you will see the final concept proposal that was developed by me.

Simple

timeless design that blends in with the environment

Modular

so that its size can be adjusted according to needs and tourism flow

Modern

efficient with the latest technologies

Automatic

driveless

Smart

Intelligent, technological and user friendly

Transparent

so that the user can enjoy the best view

extendable

ramp

PMR

ticketing + SOS (call to emergency room in case of health or breakdown)

touchscreen
(tourist information,
maps, etc)

bicycles +
baby car

folding seats
(more space inside; more
mobility; more places on
foot; also serves as a backrest)

clear glass for greater visibility, the glass

darkens under the sun

LED

reflective metal

LED

floor level

the shape of the seat, allows us to sit or lean on

The backrest follows the back lines for a more comfortable setting

space for small

luggage

Step 3

Prototype

- Technical Drawings

- 3D + Render

- Prototype model

The final concept resulted in a tram with APS system, automatic and driverless. It has 3 different modules: the balcony, the front and the center. The new tram has a simple and refined design, with large windows and transparent ceilings so that the tourists can better enjoy the view and the monuments. The interior is spacious, allowing plenty of space for wheelchairs to pass, and the seats are ergonomic.

Orion, in Greek mythology, was a giant huntsman that Zeus turned into a constellation. Due to its design and big LED lights, at night, the tram Orion resembles a star, conveys strength, dynamism and beauty.