This Dutch Ebike Prototype Provides More Stability for Elderly Riders
Alyson Wyers — January 14, 2018 — Lifestyle
References: utwente.nl & springwise
This ebike prototype was designed to reduce accidents, especially for older cyclists. Developed by University of Twente engineers, the Smart Assistive Bike (also known as SOFIE) offers increased stability to riders. The new electric bicycle design addresses the rising number of accidents as more and more people make the switch from traditional bicycles to ebikes. The elderly population is drastically affected, as 90% of ebike-related deaths in Amsterdam were aged 60 and over.
The ebike prototype has a number of stability-enhancing features including a shorter wheel base, smaller wheels, a steeper angled frame and something called 'drive-off assistance' that prevents slow cycling. The saddle height also adjusts automatically as the speed increases or decreases, putting the rider in the optimum pedalling position.
The ebike prototype has a number of stability-enhancing features including a shorter wheel base, smaller wheels, a steeper angled frame and something called 'drive-off assistance' that prevents slow cycling. The saddle height also adjusts automatically as the speed increases or decreases, putting the rider in the optimum pedalling position.
Trend Themes
1. Accident-preventing Ebikes - Dutch ebike prototype provides more stability for elderly riders to reduce accidents, offering opportunities for incorporating safety features for biking industry.
2. Smart Assistive Bike Design - Smart assistive bike design addressing the rising number of accidents with ebikes, opening opportunities for innovation in the healthcare industry.
3. Sustainability and Green Transportation - Incorporating electric bicycles as an eco-friendly alternative, while improving safety features, presents innovations for sustainable transportation industry.
Industry Implications
1. Biking Industry - With an aging population, incorporating safety features, such as drive-off assistance and shorter wheel base, offers innovative business opportunities for the biking industry.
2. Healthcare Industry - Smart assistive bike design offers innovative opportunities for the healthcare industry to address the rising number of accidents with ebikes, especially among the elderly population.
3. Sustainable Transportation Industry - Incorporating electric bicycles as an eco-friendly alternative, while improving safety features, presents innovative business opportunities and aids in the growth of sustainable transportation industry.
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