Charged by Pedaling

Concept of hybrid module mobility developed by UNIST
Concept of hybrid module mobility developed by UNIST

 

Concept of hybrid module mobility developed by UNIST
Concept of hybrid module mobility developed by UNIST

 

Concept of hybrid module mobility developed by UNIST
Concept of hybrid module mobility developed by UNIST

 

The Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) announced on October 10 that its research team led by professor Jung Yeon-woo and auto parts manufacturer Mando unveiled the concept of their hybrid module mobility at Frankfurt IAA Motor Show 2017.

The hybrid module mobility can be defined as a novel four-wheel electric bike targeting the European market. Its battery is charged by pedaling and the bike has a wide range of applications based on the application of various modules.

In existing electric bicycles, the driving force that is obtained by pedaling and chain rotation is transmitted to mechanical devices and, as such, the number of wheels should be two. Mando’s hybrid system released in 2010 under the name of Mando Footloose, however, generates electricity by using the force resulting from pedaling and stores the electricity in its battery. This system is characterized by requiring no complex chain structure and being applicable to four-wheel electric bikes.

The hybrid module mobility generates electricity with an alternator connected to its pedal. The electricity is stored in its system consisting of eight large-capacity batteries. The in-wheel motors in its four wheels generate power by using the electricity.

The hybrid module mobility is designed to be transformed to suit users’ needs. Specifically, it can carry things in the front cargo mode and the rear cargo mode, one passenger in the personal mode, and two passengers in the dual mode. In addition, it can carry an infant in the baby mode and a child aged three or more in the toddler mode. The research team is planning to release a prototype of the hybrid module mobility supporting the six modes in the near future.

“The hybrid module mobility adopts a flex overhang structure and its length can be adjusted if necessary with some space provided in front of the front wheels and behind the rear wheels,” the professor explained, adding, “The front and rear cargo modes are expected to be highly useful in Europe, where many parcels are delivered by bicycle.”

 

 

 

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