Piloting an inclusive e-bike solution
The Challenge
- Current urban mobility systems put certain groups of society at disadvantage – lack of inclusiveness
- Sustainable active modes are unaccessible for elderly or physical impaired people, e.g. wheel chair users
- Common paratransit provider don’t have the means for zero-emission transport services
- Existing bike solutions for physically impaired are not designed for safe transport with the wheelchair, thus preventing A to B trips and limiting the autonomy of the user
- Risks of shared transport during Covid-19 pandemic leaves people in need without access to sustainable mobility that ensures social distancing
The Solution
- InclusivEbike is a pedal-assist, 4-wheeled e-bike capable to provide safe and comfortable rides for physically impaired.
- The chassis and transport platform are specially designed and equipped for wheelchair drivers to ensure that the passenger can enter and travel without leaving its wheelchair.
- InclusivEbike can provide a new travel experience to people in need, thus boosting their life quality and autonomy.
- InclusivEbike breaks mobility limitations and enables wheelchair driver to plan A to B travel with full-autonomy to move at the final destination.
- InclusiveEbike is a safe, quiet, clean and energy efficient micromobility solution for the elderly and impaired.
Making an impact
- The pilot has helped to verify and improve the design and equipment.
- Thanks to the user feedback final adjustments and configuration have been made on the prototype.
- User tests have proven positive travel experience that can raise life quality of passengers;
- User tell of a fun and comfortable experience (the movements of the vehicle in motion do not make sitting on the wheelchair unstable).
Lessons learnt
- Caregiver have been engaged in the pilots driving the bikes. Thus, carer have been able to give immediate feedback of the driving experience of both passenger and driver with respect to the special needs of a disabled person.
- The ability to look around during the journey and to have direct contact with the environment and the air is considered a plus.
- The fact that two people with different motor skills can move at the same speed and the possibility of moving at greater speed for wheelchair users is seen as an added value.