SDM
E-Trike
2013-2014 - University of Lisbon
This is a project I developed in my 5th year of University.
E-Trike is a concept of a electrical 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.
jump to
final result
Step 1
Research & analysis
Brief context of urban mobility, sustainability & legislation
- Global urbanization continues to grow. According to Bill Ford in 2011 there were about 800 million cars;
- The car within the big cities, although comfortable, it turns out to be disadvantageous at an economic, environmental and social level. It pollutes, congests cities, creating difficulties in accessing essential goods such as health and food.
- The narrow streets of Lisbon, with a steep slope, make the use of bicycles tiring and more dangerous since there are few places with cycle paths. It is rare to see cyclists in Lisbon compared to cities like Milan and Paris.
- In 2011 the world's ecological footprint was 1.2 planets, in 2022 it grew to 1.75. “We’re filling up the world with amazing devices and systems - on top of the natural and human ones that were already here” (Thackara, 2011).
- According to European law, an electric vehicle with an engine not exceeding 250 W or 0.34 HP and whose electrical assistance system does not exceed 25 km/h, does not require registration and license (Ezee Electric Bicycles, 2011 ). To ride the bicycle at night it must have: a white light at the front, a red light at the back and a red reflector visible at least 50m (Legal Notice 129, 2004).
Analysis of the social situation
Benchmarking
Vehicle design : Scooter and similar vehicles
For this research I used information from diverse single transport services, such as tricycles and bicycles, due to the similarity in the technologies. Below I will show you a small part of this research.
Safe
User
Idea
Aesthetic
Ergonomic
Functional
Safety: Lockers
Accessories
Parking stations
Even though I also did research on parking station's systems, due to the project requirements and time, I didn't pursue it any further.
Comparative Board
Materials, technologies & environmental impact
Step 2
Concept
Sketches
Design thinking process
Inspired by the previous research, I started thinking how a new design could fit the needs of its users..In the next gallery, you can see some of the concept sketches that led to the final Design.
To follow all the design thinking process click on the link bellow.
The biggest difficulty in this project phase was to create something that would appeal to young and old alike. This is because 18% of the population of Lisbon is over 65 years old and it is also the elderly who have the most motor difficulties. For this targuet, the vehicle must be safe and stable.
The lack of space on the streets in Lisbon is something that can greatly affect this project, the vehicle will have to occupy as little space as possible. It should open almost automatically so that it is easy for everyone to use and also so that you don't waste a lot of time parking.
floor level
Concept 1
Concept 2 - Selected Concept
Step 3
Design
E-TRIKE (concept 2)
Vehicle design: Lisbon e-trike is a tricycle/pedelec, it is aided by 2 electric motors (nano motor) with a total of 250W. The battery consists of 12 PANASONIC Lithium-Ion batteries of 3.7V each arranged along the front body. It has a bell on the left side and 3 speeds (on the right handle). The tricycle has a tactile screen with built-in GPS, the GPS also indicates the location of the various stations and estimates the time of arrival at a destination. It is also possible to see the battery status and speed. For luggage, on the front part, there is a kind of hanger with a spring where you can hang shopping bags, backpacks and suitcases. It has 7 LEDs, arranged vertically at the front and two reflectors at the rear that work when pedaling. Batteries are recharged when braking and pedaling.
Stations: Even though I didn't develop the stations for the designed vehicle, the E-Trike was designed, considering that several stations will be arranged throughout the city of Lisbon, in order to make it easy to change vehicles and travel short distances. It is possible to charge the tricycle at the stations themselves, which are also supplied by sustainable energy through the use of solar panels. The vehicle is foldable and can be carried by hand. When it is stored at the stations, it is folded in order to occupy as little space as possible.
Technical drawings
3D + Render
Prototype
3D Printed Prototype
SCALE 1:8
January 2014