Pashley JSC Multi-trike
The project developed a multi-functional tricycle platform suitable for rider accessible and cargo products in the ride-sharing and consumer sectors of the bicycle industry.
Project Overview
Demand for bicycles and tricycles as a means of environmentally friendly and cost-effective Transport for people and Cargo has been increasing quite dramatically recently. Pashley and JSC wanted to develop a multi-functional tricycle platform which could satisfy this demand for rider accessible and cargo products in the ride-sharing and consumer sectors of the bicycle industry. An initial concept was developed by Pashley, which was then developed and assessed with the support of NVN funding. This stage of the project aimed to build two fully functional test mules for proof-of-concept purposes.
Technology Developed
Pashley have developed an electric tricycle suitable for use in docked bicycle share schemes, which can be used by people who may prefer the stability of a tricycle over a bicycle (for example older riders), and a second electric tricycle aimed at the consumer market as a second car replacement. Both tricycles feature lightweight rotationally moulded rear carriers which have been developed by JSC and Pashley. This manufacturing process is well suited to the low-volume production quantities expected in the early commercial life of the products. The cargo carrier for the consumer tricycle features in-built child seating and weather protection creating a safe, multifunctional space for child carrying and cargo carrying purposes. Further testing of the test mules will be carried out before a secondary development phase.
Significant Project Outcomes
Both test mules were built successfully and proved that the concept was largely valid. Demonstration of the hire tricycle mule resulted in a verbal expression of intent to procure a small number of vehicles for integration into an existing cycle hire scheme. The functional testing of the consumer trike has exceeded expectations and makes a strong argument for further development of this product when R&D funds are available.
Commercial Opportunities
A target customer for the hire tricycle was identified ahead of the POC phase and demonstration of the POC mule was successful, continuing with durability and legislative testing to demonstrate to the customer that product development is progressing will hopefully assist in securing an order. Market research suggests strong demand for the consumer trike, although there is a significant amount of development to be done (weight and cost saving will be a key focus) before it will be ready for full production.
NVN Funding
The funding support from NVN has been crucial to this project. Forecast sales volume of the hire product is quite small to begin with, which makes balancing R&D investment and commercial viability challenging. By using grant funding the product can be developed more rapidly and hopefully reach the market ahead of any possible competition. The consumer product has been able to explore state of the art technologies and manufacturing processes which would have been too risky to trial in a self-funded project.
