Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News! It looks like a tiny semi-truck and trailer, with the driver sitting in an enclosed cab and pulling a spacious cargo trailer behind, but instead of burning fossil fuels for power, the Cityshuttle ePack ... [continued]

It looks like a tiny semi-truck and trailer, with the driver sitting in an enclosed cab and pulling a spacious cargo trailer behind, but instead of burning fossil fuels for power, the Cityshuttle ePack is pedaled like a bicycle. This zero emission light goods vehicle could be a key element … [continued]

  • litchraleeEnglish
    8·
    6 months ago

    Some thoughts:

    • Semi-trailers (aka what everyone calls a trailer, but full trailers are rarer now) are GOAT for expanding payload capacity for the same prime mover, and to drop the trailer and pick up a new one, improving operational efficiency. We’ve known this for a century
    • The description says “cargo-specific brakes” but I hope that implies brakes on the trailer wheels. 350 kg unbraked would be uncontrollable or hazardous if things go south. Yes, this would require a hydraulic brake coupler from cab to trailer, similar to what big rigs use. But seeing as they have CCTV in the trailer, they’re already running lines to the back.
    • This setup is 5 meters long. Are there no mirrors??

    Interesting idea. Seems well-suited to urban distribution (eg restocking convenience stores), or as a suburban mobile distribution point, taking up a position to launch smaller bikes for last-mile delivery.

      • litchraleeEnglish
        1·
        6 months ago

        That’s certainly plausible. The typical requirement to keep auxiliary/infotainment systems separate from safety systems in automobiles doesn’t really make much sense here, so reusing the cameras might work. Still, though, it’s not like the air resistance of some extra mirrors would be a huge problem.