Electric Bicycle

Design concept for an electric bicycle aimed at mid-teens.

Electric Bike

An initial phase of market research into 14-16 year-olds indicated the readiness of an undersubscribed market for electric-powered vehicles. In Britain, this group is legally able to ride an electric-powered vehicle up to 15 mph without a license. The design of an electric bicycle to enable greater independence in this progressive market was proposed.

The design uses a mountain bike-style riding stance/geometry, and is fully functional as a conventional bicycle. An integrated electric motor can be used to power the bike instead of pedalling, operating an independent chain and freewheel.

The bike uses conventional componentry (gears, brakes etc.) and steel frame construction, within injection moulded UV- stabilised polypropylene cladding. A glass-reinforced nylon (GFN) motor/gear housing is attached to the frame and fully enclosed within the cladding. The removable battery pack locks onto the bicycle frame. The rechargeable NiCad batteries power the bike for 8.5 hours. A key-activated motor speed controller and trip computer are mounted on the handlebars. The single-piece wheels are made of injection moulded GFN using low melting point cores.

(1:4 Scale facsimile model pictured.)

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