SunPedal

Project Brief 
The path to a sustainable “Vision Zero” future requires innovation and re-envisioning of nearly every facet of transportation as we know it. While electric and autonomous vehicles have thus far dominated the conversation, other less car-centric solutions warrant addressing. First, however, we must address and build up critical infrastructure solutions to make these alternative options more viable and attractive.

Role
Industrial Designer

Duration
8 weeks

Materials
316 stainless steel, ABS

Dimensions
Length: 295 cm
Width: 328 cm
Height: 260 cm






Breaking a Trend


For many people in the US, cars are the best mode of transportation even if their commute isn’t very far. 
This leads to congestion, pollution, and high rates of traffic fatalities in urban-centers. 

The lack of infrastructure for alternative transport makes adoption of new technologies challenging. The goal is to develop a solution which establishes necessary infrastructure and addresses community concerns.





Safety


Finding a safe place to store micromobility devices is a major challenge for users. 

Leaving them outside brings a high risk of theft, but there’s often no other choice. Schools, office buildings, and other commercial areas may refuse citing lack of space, and even some apartment buildings are hesitant due to the fire risk from low quality batteries in cheaper devices.


NBC New York “1 dead, 9 hurt in Bronx high-rise fire sparked by e-bike's lithium ion battery: Police”





Brainstorming Solutions


With quick sketches, I explored different form factors and approaches to safely and securely store bikes, scooters, and skateboards.







Design Language


I wanted to embrace the natural beauty of raw materials while also conveying a simple and elegant language. Swooping curves flow and make dynamic forms.





Concepts


This first concept set the direction for the project. Especially in sunnier climates, a solar panel provides both shade and clean power. Docks on one side securely lock bike and scooter frames, while racks on the other side provide storage for skateboards.

In the second revision, I relaxed the angle of the solar panel and redrew the form for the legs to better fit in with the intended design language. I also experimented with a different style of skateboard rack.





Rapid Prototyping


A quick cardboard model was used to get a sense of size, ergonomics, and user interactions.

Exploring the user’s interactions and journey






1:6 Scale Model


Laser cut acrylic and 3D printed PETG were used to build a 1:6 scale model.

Process 







Colors, Materials, 
and Finishes (CMF)









Micromobility as 
Infrastructure


SunPedal aims to increase micromobility adoption by introducing a plug-and-play solution for bringing necessary infrastructure to cities. By providing safe storage of electric micromobility devices in the from of a network of public chargers at users’ destinations, SunPedal makes the experience of owning and operating micromobility devices easier and more convenient.




Retractable metal rods securely lock in skateboards.