Project Summary

We have a patented technology for a wheel with in-wheel suspension and electric hub motor propulsion. We have identified the 4 wheeled eCargo bike market as a great opportunity for our technology. We have developed a basic prototype wheel which we are currently having stress analysed by Engenuity Limited.We wish to build multiple wheelsets to loan out to different eCargo bike manufacturers for them to test and evaluate as part of our development program.Each wheel set costs £6,000 (4 wheels) and we need to make 6 wheel sets for the test program. 

Project Achievements

The TRIG funding went towards the manufacture of 14 prototype wheels. The manufacture fell into two parts: Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining of the aluminium components and the construction of the carbon composite curved springs (the suspension part). The manufacture of the springs gave us the opportunity to work with a new supplier (Carbon 360), who have successfully supplied the 42 springs we required. The wheels were assembled inhouse and tested inhouse, before being shipped to our chosen eCargo bike manufacturers for vehicle trials. These trials are ongoing.

Conclusions

The wheels have allowed us to understanding more fully the potential of our in-wheel suspension technology. They have given us a physical product, which we have used to engage with the eCargo bikes OEM’s. This has lead to trialling with two (3rd to follow) of these companies. The trials are ongoing. We have also been recommended other companies to talk to. One being a hub motor (the power source at the centre of the wheel) manufacturer, who we are now talking to about doing a joint development project. The impact of having these wheels has accelerated our journey to market.

Next Steps

The wheels are now with OEM eCargo bike manufacturers, who are undertaking field trials. They will be feeding back their thoughts and comments over the next six weeks. If the trials are successful we would like to become embedded as part of their development program for their next generation of eCargo bikes. We have also been in negotiations with an electric hub motor manufacturer, who would like to do a joint development project to fully integrate our in-wheel suspension technology with their innovative hub motor. This would result in a superior product, with more power, superior suspension whilst being cost neutral, which would be well received by the eCargo bike market. We are also looking to run a larger trail of between 5 – 10 vehicles to fully evaluate the wheels, before moving into the manufacturing phase of development.