What Will the Cargo Bike of the Future Look Like?
This page is translated from the original post "A quoi ressemblera le vélo cargo du futur ? " in French.
- 16/12/2022 13:00
Nfrontier has unveiled UILA, an electric four-wheeled bike dressed in a 3D-printed body and capable of carrying a significant load.
If you’re wondering what a marriage between a cargo bike and an electric vehicle might look like, UILA is the answer. Designed by nFrontier, UILA was created with the goal of defining the mobility ecosystems of the future, with a focus on saving energy and resources. It is therefore considered a bicycle. No driving license is required, and users can pedal it on bike lanes. Even better than a license-free car?
During the presentation, Daniel Buening, CEO of nFrontier, stated: “UILA is our response to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, such as climate change and the current energy crisis. UILA offers a truly sustainable and revolutionary mobility solution. Stratasys technologies have been central to developing our prototypes and will be a key element of our manufacturing process.”
A 3D-printed bike
UILA is still a prototype, but a promising one. It has been entirely 3D printed, made of durable polymers, and can be built in just a few hours. This drastically reduces CO2 emissions and production costs. The vehicle, designed by nFrontier’s designer Joschua Kranke, features chainless electric transmission, can reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h, and offers a range of 60-70 km. Equipped with two seats and four wheels, it can support a load of 250 kg, making it comparable to a cargo bike.
The vehicle measures 230 cm in length, 170 cm in height, and 90 cm in width. In terms of weight, it weighs 70 kg.
Better comfort than a cargo bike
According to nFrontier, UILA offers “better comfort than cargo bikes. It features a number of digital functionalities and resources that far surpass current industry standards,” he assures. It is notably equipped with a modern infotainment system that can connect to internal display solutions.
Through the app, users will be able to call the parked vehicle, which will then autonomously come to them using the “Come to me” mode. Its “Follow me” feature allows the UILA to follow you without a driver.
The production of this nFrontier small vehicle should_start in 2024 in Germany. The price? It is unknown for now.
Read also: Electric, pedal-powered, and solar: the TRUE urban car?
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