a modular e–cargo bike for a young German family
context
Germany is seeing a rapid rise in interest for cargo bikes owing to the initiatives of the government (circa 2015). Cargo bikes are increasingly becoming popular in Germany, both among the general public as well as with the government. The German government is promoting the use of cargo bikes for freight transport. With the establishment of the National Electro-mobility Development Plan, the German government aims to have 1 million electric bicycles on road by 2020. With about 1.6 million electric bikes on German roads and 13 million euro set aside for e-bike projects (until 2016), Germany is moving towards becoming a leader in electric mobility and its citizens are driving the change.
analysis
Methods & Tools Market Research Interview Questionnaire Observation
user research
The International Cargo Bike Festival held in Nijmegen (NL) in April 2015, provided a great opportunity to experience different cargo bikes and observe them in action. The choice of driving mechanism of the final design came directly from these observations. An insigtful day observing differences between experts and novices!
needs
An online survey in German established the needs, lifestyle and perspectives of the target demographic. Stability of the cargo bike was unanimously chosen as the most important aspect of the design.
conceptual framework
Methods & Tools Memetic Design Persona Collage
inspiration
These 3 collages – Lifestyle, Emotive & Memetic – are a representation of the life, values and needs of the target group – a young Germany family.
ideation
Methods & Tools Fish Trap Model Morphological Chart
functionality
Sketching for various use scenarios.
Progression of the frame design.
Over a hundred schematic frames were evaluated!
concepts
After evaluating frame design options with the functional ideas for the cargo space, 3 concepts were finalized.
final design
Methods & Tools Solidworks Keyshot Ultimaker 2
c-e
The final concept is called C–E since it has a fleeting resemblance to a sperm whale. A sperm whale is called Cachalote in Spanish and Portuguese.
technical design
ride
C–E is designed for the best ergonomic fit to the average German. C–E is designed for a touring–bike ride posture. A low top tube also makes it a unisex cargo bike which allows it be ridden in any clothing.
cargo
C-E can carry a large volume of cargo, up to 200 kg. Children up to the age of 4 can ride comfortably in the box. If needed the cargo box can also fit an adult!
feel
C–E is fitted with an Ackerman steering
system that gives the rider a very familiar
riding experience. The front wheels are supported by an
individual coil suspension system to
provide a comfortable and safe ride.
scale model
Images show the making of a 1:5 scale model of the e–cargo bike concept.
project details
| Client | Van Raam |
| Type | Individual (Master Thesis) |
| Duration | 6 months |
| Year | 2015 |
kashyap krishna 