DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTRIC TRICYCLE FOR SERVICE COMPANIES AND LAST-MILE PARCEL DELIVERY

Abstract

In many city centres and some large urban areas, access restrictions are imposed on trucks and vans. On the other hand, the number of e-commerce packages to be delivered daily is increasing rapidly, and service companies of all kinds also have to serve their customers in these areas. The use of cargo bikes is seen as a possible solution. The direct reason for this research is the observation that there is still room for a new type of cargo bike that meets the needs of the outlined target groups. This article summarises how the quality function deployment (QFD) method has been used for the systematic development of an electric cargo tricycle that meets these needs. The developed tricycle distinguishes itself from existing cargo bikes mainly by its loading capacity, stability and manoeuvrability. The prototype tests performed by professional couriers were so positive that a pilot series was built.