Thule E-scooter Cargo Trailer : I samarbete med Thule Group

Sammanfattning

This thesis project was carried out in collaboration with Thule with the aim of investigating the possibilities of transporting cargo using an electric scooter and, in doing so, developing a new product that could broaden the company’s product portfolio. The project was motivated by the rapid increase in the use of electric scooters in urban environments, while the market still lacks well-developed solutions for safe and convenient cargo transportation. The project began with market research, user studies, and concept development to identify user needs and potential solutions. Surveys and practical testing revealed a clear demand for a product that enables safe cargo transportation when using an electric scooter. Following a comprehensive user study, a need for a multifunctional product was identified. The objective therefore became to develop a product that functions both as a conventional travel suitcase and as a trailer that can be easily attached to different types of electric scooters, particularly rental models. Great emphasis was placed on user-friendliness, safety, low weight, and high compatibility. Several prototypes of attachment mechanisms, handles, joints, and wheel mounts were developed and tested before the final solution was established. The result of the project is the concept Thule E-Scooter Cargo Trailer, an innovative hybrid product based on the Thule Aion suitcase. The product has been equipped with larger wheels, a specially developed drawbar, a universal attachment mechanism, and a multi-directional joint that enables the suitcase to be towed safely and stably behind an electric scooter, while still functioning effectively as a travel suitcase. Testing demonstrated that cargo transportation with an electric scooter is fully feasible and that the impact on vehicle range is limited. Furthermore, the product fulfills several of the requirements defined during the development process, including low weight, high usability, and secure attachment. The project demonstrates the potential for a new product category within urban mobility. The proposed solution can contribute to safer and more practical cargo transportation for electric scooter users while also providing Thule with an opportunity to reach a new customer segment in a market that remains relatively unexplored.