Colloquia

Samenvatting

In recent years, more e-bikes were sold in the Netherlands and Germany compared to previous years. This results in more bicycles on the road and in particular, busier bicycle paths. When cyclists cycle on an e-bike, they often have to ring their bicycle bell earlier and further away since they are cycling faster. This can cause a problem when the cyclists who will be overtaken do not hear the bicycle bell. The control panel of e-bikes is often mounted on the handlebar close to the handle on the left, this makes it difficult to mount a regular bicycle bell on the handlebar. The commissioning company wants to add a product to its product portfolio with which e-bike cyclists can warn other cyclists better and which can be mounted on the left and right side of the handlebar.

By conducting desk research, questionnaires and interviews, the target group was defined for the newly designed product. This group can be divided between Dutch and German e-bike cyclists since they have different cycle preferences. Analyses were also conducted to see if it is possible to amplify and reflect the sound of a regular bicycle bell. Sound measurements were conducted inside and outside on different distances from different bicycle bell. A comparison was made to verify the working of the reflector. After conducting all the analyses, which also include competitors, e-bike, regulations and sustainability, requirements were created to which the newly designed product has to comply.

After the analysis phase, ideas were generated for two idea directions; a bicycle warning device which is currently feasible to create and a long-term vision concept. After discussion and selection with employees of the commissioning company, two ideas were chosen and developed further into the two final concepts. The two final concepts were evaluated by collecting the target group opinions of the concepts with the use of interviews and with the use of the requirements.