About
Aim
To design & develop a product and system that benefits the ward 110 Bengaluru-India business community and mobility in and around Bengaluru city.
Opportunity Areas
- Last Mile Connectivity
- Value Addition
- Manufacturing
- Revenue streams
- Consumer Segments
Last Mile Connectivity
I have was always been passionate about Urban city planning, Mobility Solutions & Transportation Design. This project allowed me to integrate all my interests. Living in Bengaluru for more than four years, I personally along with many university peers have experienced inefficient mobility. Using a wide range of transports to reach a destination not very far away consumes lot of time but is an economic option. Overtime, peoples approach towards last mile commute has changed giving more importance to time over expense. The aim was to create a middle ground product that combined specific attributes from various mobility solutions beneficial for individuals who were in need of a better last mile connectivity option for moderately long distances.
Stakeholders
The final aim of the product does benefit the ward 110 business communities meeting the brief perfectly, but it also creates an impact on the entire city of Bengaluru redefining last mile connectivity in a more practical sense.
- Students/Universities
- Tourists
- Delivery Executives
- Business/ Leisure Parks
- Public Spaces
- Metro Stations
Target Group
Transport is cities cannot just cater to a small group of individuals. Millions of people commute every second, heavily populated cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi & Bengaluru mainly rely on a variety of public transports to maintain flow of mobility. It does not solve the problem of last mile connectivity because it is not designed to, with every individual having a different destination, public transports cannot provide 100% connectivity. A large group of individuals opt for private transports since public transport is not always accessible.
This intervention would help those individuals commuting via personal transport on a daily basses over moderately long distances due to public transports being inaccessible, time consuming and crowded. It would save time and make travel more economically and environmentally sustainable. The product could be an inexpensive and quicker alternative to traditional vehicles such as scooters/bikes that can be purchased or rented.
What is Different?
Most micro mobile EVs have very little range and are not designed for comfort. This hybrid scooter, not in a mechanical sense but in design, Is comfortable to ride, has various configurations for longer distances, is durable, designed for Indian road conditions and most importantly is economically sound when it comes to manufacturing & serviceability. Although it might now follow a general mass production model, the aim was to design for technology and skillsets present in ward 110 only.
- Helps small business owners and small skilled workers
- Economical: Manufacturing & Serviceability
- Comfortable: Wide base
- Configurable: Secondary battery
- Regenerative Breaking
- Designed for Indian road conditions
Sustainable Development Goals
The project targets three United Nations Sustainable Development goals.
[09] INDUSTRY, INNOVATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
[11] SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES
[12] RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION
- Inclusivity for small scale business to carry out tasks responsible for the interventions making.
- Co creation: business opportunities that are mere extensions of their daily service.
Case Studies
Yulu India
Yulu India
Yulu India
- Seemless Shareability
- Urban Commute
- User Friendly App
- Availability
- Need versatility
- Expanding Product Range
Dott
Yulu India
Yulu India
- Safety & Performance
- Reliability
- Replacing Fuel
- Carbon Neutrality
- Eco - Design
- Recyclability
Helbiz
Yulu India
Helbiz
- Wide Product Range
- Leisure
- Functional
- Service Sector
- High Endurance
- Battery Recycling
System Mapping
Comparing the system chain developed for the Micro Mobile EV with an existing chain of Yulu bikes India.
A new detailed systems diagram for the proposed product.
Above is a Value proposition chart that helps explore opportunity and problem areas.
The Business Model canvas is a depiction of all potential segments the product can enter.
- An example of a Product – Driven transport service
- A feasible quaternary transport for consumers making smaller businesses more accessible
- Focusing on manufacturing cost and affordable connectivity.
- Intervention creating business opportunities for communities
- A closed loop product service intervention maximising efficiency
- Up-cycling waste by incorporating it into the interventions development
Conceptualisation & Ideation [swipe]
Foam-Board Prototype 1:1
Before proceeding with the final chassis fabrication, a 1:1 scale model of the EV was made by laser cutting 3mm foam-board to mimic the 3mm aluminium. The model was assembled and minor changes were noted. Basic circuits were setup to test the models accommodation abilities. The model also gave a clear understanding of the EV's assembly process, eliminating any difficulties I would have faced while fabricating the final prototype.
Micro - Mobile EV
A rather minimalistic yet modern design for the front console. The wide front not only cuts through air but also provides added protection for the user against road debris.
The front unit does more than just contribute to aerodynamics and safety, it is designed to house a secondary battery that supports regenerative braking increasing the bikes range by upto 40%.
A wide and long wheel base enables the user to comfortably stand with both feet side by side, in traditional MMVs the base being too narrow cause the user to have a rather uncomfortable feet placement. Grip extrusions enable large amounts of water to flow through the grooves preventing the user from slipping.
Built under a straight forward decentralised manufacturing system, the design describes its simplicity by form and assembly. Locally made, serviceability is inexpensive and widely availible.
Aero plates avoid wind vortexes created by the rotating rims. The small service panel on the aero plate helps inflate the tyre. LED Indicators increase side visibility of the product
10 Inch Pneumatic Tiers absorb road shocks providing a smoother ride. A high torque 24V 350 Watt hub motor powers the bike, an integrated drum break provides rear braking. With a set top speed of 15 kmph, it requires no registration under Indian Traffic laws, but with registration it can reach speeds of upto 25 mph.
Chassis and Plastics Assembly
Exploded view showcasing pieces of sheet metal [Aluminium 6061] that interlock and make up the chassis if the EV. The interlocking not only makes it easier to assemble without the need of external jigs but it also helps with stronger tig welds.
The red plastic mounts attach directly to the chassis which hold all the side panels in place.
Process
Final Prototyping
To test the product and manufacturing system, using the vendor list and research I was able to curate a 06 week personal fabrication process. The process was carried out by me individually in university workshop premises.
Prototype Fabrication Process
Description
A fully Aluminium 6061 body prevents any king of corrosion, adds strength to the chassis and is extreamly lightweight. The aluminium helps keep the battery cool by dissipating the heat through the frame. Modularity in body panelling enables the user to only replace small portions of the panelling incase of damage. With a range of upto 25km on the primary battery with a single charge, it can extend its range to over 40km with the secondary battery housed in the front panel along with regenerative breaking.
A sleek front LED helps throw a wide light beam unto two meters away, since it is a city transport dedicated to fight traffic and deliver last mile connectivity, this lighting option sufficiently contributes to well lit city roads and does not deplete the battery capacity. Designed for easy assembly also means that it is designed for easy disassembly, the bike front module can be unscrewed using an 8mm allen key for easy storage indoors. An industrial looking product for a rather industrial manufacturing system.
The EV features an airplane switch for starting, provided the bike is unlocked my the user using the MMV app. A small display shows crucial data such as battery %, speed and the battery temperature. The lights operate using a daylight sensor located inside the headlight but also have a dedicated button on the console. A carabiner on the console helps the user to hang lightweight items such as a small bag or a helmet.
Validation
Does what it's made for, the Micro Mobile EV is a perfect blend of power and stability. It can reach a speed of 15 kmph in less than four seconds making it perfect to accelerate in traffic conditions. The wide base not only houses a bigger battery but also helps the a comfortable stance on the EV. The pneumatic tyres absorb majority of the road vibrations making the ride smoother.
Testing the prototype via 3 users on different road conditions across varied speeds. Documenting its performance via interviews helped understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Awards/Honours
The Project was featured in the Bengaluru Design festival, which is the world's largest annual design fest for designers to meet, discuss and showcase new facets of the design.
I was able to interact with design professionals, industrial design students & prospective designers from various parts of the country.