Embodiment design of the ideal folding bike

Embodiment design of the ideal folding bike

Straathof, D.M.

Deen, H.J.J. (mentor)
Christiaans, H.H.C.M. (mentor)

Industrial Design Engineering

Design Engineering

Master of Science Integrated Product Design

2010-10-27

In 2009 bicycle developing company Flevobike initiated the project of what was aimed to be the ideal folding bike. The first prototype, with a fully enclosed drive train, 20 inch composite injection mould wheels and single sided wheel mounting, resulted in a clean, compact, maintenance free and comfortable bicycle. However, this concept was still far from ideal. After formulating the requirements and the outline of the ideal folding bike, the existing prototype is worked out technically. The improved prototype was put to the test in a user research, resulting in an overview of points of criticism. This formed the input for the design of the Flevobike Brooklyn. The Flevobike Brooklyn bridges the gap between a foldable city bike and a compact folding bike. With the aid of magnets in the hinges it folds at record speed. The one of a kind luggage carrier also serves as a standard and folds automatically. By making use of some innovative production techniques, complicated parts and shapes could be integrated. The result is a clean and organized bike that is an eye catcher on the streets. A new prototype was made that forms the base of series and eventual mass production of this bike.

embodiment folding bike prototype magnet

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:180a0514-eafb-4126-bc62-3825f9ec260a

Campus only

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2010 Straathof, D.M.