BY-WIRE 2.0: Design of the TU Delft’s second edition Drive-by-Wire universal scooter platform

BY-WIRE 2.0: Design of the TU Delft’s second edition Drive-by-Wire universal scooter platform

De Kam, G.D.

Silvester, S. (mentor)

Industrial Design Engineering

Design Engineering

Master of Science Integrated Product Design

2010-08-13

Yet the advantages of DbW technology did not find its way towards two-wheelers. For the Delft Design Institute this was a reason to develop the BY-WIRE universal scooter platform. This master thesis shows the development of the TU Delft's second edition Drive-by-Wire scooter platform. The BY-WIRE is a flat, electrically driven universal platform, which uses drive-by-wire technology. The aim of the BY-WIRE platform is to form a bases for all kinds of upper bodies, not just for scooters but for a much wider range of two-wheelers. In 2008 the first BY-WIRE project started and ended up with an experimental first prototype; ‘the BY-WIRE 1.0. Currently the BY-WIRE 2.0 is released. The goal for the BY-WIRE 2.0 was to improve the BY-WIRE 1.0 on several aspects. Mainly the steer-by-wire system needed much attention. It was also a goal to provide the BY-WIRE 2.0 a better and more professional finishing; ready to expose on exhibitions to encourage people for this project! Furthermore, it needed to be investigated to add extra flexibility to the platform. The BY-WIRE 2.0 is big step forward in the development process of a flexible, safe and proper driving universal scooter platform with DbW technology. Many aspects of the BY-WIRE are successfully improved. In addition the BY-WIRE 2.0 is even more flexible because it has an extendable wheelbase and adjustable suspension stiffness. I can also be very proud with the high-end appearance. The BY-WIRE 2.0 envisions the goal of this project so much more and definitively encourages people to proceed this project. The driving behaviour of the BY-WIRE 2.0 is better than the BY-WIRE 1.0, though there is room for further improvements in order to have a driving/ steering behaviour, which is similar to what we are used to; a conventional scooter. Why should the BY-WIRE make success? A universal scooter platform is particularly useful for scooter manufacturers. Like in the car-industry; using one platform for several upper bodies. In the end, this will result in cost reductions both for manufacturers and customers. DbW combined with electric drive trains also offer the opportunity to create entirely new upper body designs. These upper body designs can be made adjustable during usage. Shifting the steering interface, seat and rear wheel (throttle-by-wire) is possible because wire connections are the only interposing elements. In the end the BY-WIRE platform incites to expand the usage area of a scooter, or a two-wheeler in general! The BY-WIRE fits future mobility very well because it combines flexibility, manoeuvrability and a zero emission drive train.

BY-WIRE 2.0
universal scooter

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:123c781f-a6f5-458a-8c4e-9106e90dda04

Campus only

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2010 De Kam, G.D.