Velosione: The Sustainable Electric Bicycle

Revolutionizing Mass Production with Advanced Thermoplastic Composites

Velosione is not just your average electric bicycle. It is a sustainable and innovative design that pushes the boundaries of mass production. What sets Velosione apart is its frame, which is produced using advanced thermoplastic composites and closed tube geometry. This lightweight hollow pipe geometry offers higher stiffness and elasticity than traditional aluminum frames, making it more rugged and long-lasting.

One of the key features of Velosione is its modular mold design, which allows for different frame sizes at low additional costs. This is achieved through the use of variable injection molding master tools. This means that Velosione can be customized to fit the needs of different riders, making it a versatile and cost-effective option for shared mobility.

The manufacturing process of Velosione is also worth noting. Designed as a rigid hollow tube frame at the forefront of fluid-injection molding technology, it offers numerous advantages in product design. Unlike traditional tube forming processes, this new manufacturing process allows for greater functional integration, such as the incorporation of lights, sensors, and security features. It also enables three-dimensional shaping of the frame geometry, resulting in a unique and eye-catching design.

Aside from its design and manufacturing innovations, Velosione is also a champion of sustainability. The use of advanced thermoplastic composites not only increases the bike's resilience but also reduces production costs and time. Furthermore, it significantly lowers the CO2 footprint, aiming for a reduction of more than 50% over the entire product life cycle. With just 1% of the bicycle world market adopting Velosione, CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 16,455 tons per year, equivalent to the thermal renovation of 14,000 apartments or the annual emissions of 5,500 cars. The material used in Velosione is 100% recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Velosione is not just about functionality and sustainability; it also offers a seamless user experience. Integrated safety systems, low maintenance requirements, and digital connectivity features, such as capacitive touch interaction and operation app, provide maximum convenience. The frame can also be covered in scratch-resistant design foils, allowing users to personalize their Velosione with elegance and style.

The Velosione project was executed in 2018, mainly in Linz, Austria, and has been presented in Austria, Germany, and Taiwan. The design team behind Velosione, consisting of Umut Cakmak, Michael Hofbauer, Florian Nimmervoll, and Christian Wolfsberger, worked tirelessly to overcome the creative, technical, and research challenges associated with this innovative design. Their interdisciplinary approach, combining the conceptual and emotional spirit of the automotive world with scientific and technical engineering, ensured the highest level of quality.

Velosione has been recognized for its excellence in design and innovation. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Vehicle, Mobility, and Transportation Design category in 2021. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. Velosione's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world have earned it this esteemed accolade.

Velosione is not just a bicycle; it represents a new era of sustainable transportation. With its advanced thermoplastic composite frame, modular design, and focus on functionality and user experience, it is a true game-changer in the world of electric bicycles.