Team Members
- Daniyal Shaheryar
- Alex Saunders
- Daniel Zhang
- Hannan Wang
- JD Qian
- Owen Scinta
- Owen Tu
Project Description
In modern day society, most personal transportation solutions are inefficient, costly, and environmentally unsustainable. The objective of this project was to design, manufacture, analyze, and test a human-powered vehicle along with integrated electrical assistance to address these concerns. The resultant vehicle was to be a sufficient mode of primary transportation, mainly for individuals residing in rural areas. Demonstration of the capability and accessibility of this vehicle was be evaluated in the ASME’s e-HPVC competition against other colleges that were designed to accomplish the same goal at UNC Charlotte.
Requirements and Specifications
Evaluation of Requirements and Specifications
Requirements were met through a recumbent tricycle with a Rollover Protection System (RPS) and a four-point safety harness. During safety tests, vehicle could travel 30 meters straight for 5-8 km/hr. From a speed of 25 km/hr, vehicle stopped within 6 m distance. RPS test was successfully performed outside Taylor Hall and through FEA as well; it did not permanently deform or fracture when inverted and in FEA. All the safety tests are demonstrated in the safety video below:
Safety Video
Concept Description
- The development of the concepts was based on the 2023 team design.
- Final design features a recumbent tricycle with two front wheels and a rear wheel.
- Low Center of Gravity: Reclined seat enhances handling and reduces tipping risk on turns or rough terrain.
- Ergonomic Seat Design: Raised side bolsters provide lateral support and comfort on long rides.
- Electric Drive System: Rear-wheel motor with pedal assist and throttle control
- Vertically Mounted steering bars with horizontal handles: Offer responsive steering and enhanced maneuverability
- Practical accessories: Headlight, tail-light, reflectors, horn, rear compartment with cargo storage
Analysis, Manufacturing, Testing
- RPS & STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
- RPS and structural analysis conducted through Nastran Linear statics and Linear Buckling methods.
- Material: ASTM A513 Type 5 (AISI 1008 HR specifically in NX); Sizes: 1 in. OD (outer diameter), 0.87 in. ID (inner diameter), and 0.065 in. wall thickness.
- Statics analysis: driver weight of 70 kg sitting was mimicked with 2G acceleration in each direction, simulating real riding scenarios.
- Top and side rollover cases analyzed:
- Maximum deformation, principal stresses, and yield stresses analyzed.
- Kinematics analysis on steering:
- Added 5° to 14° adjustable caster, ± 2° camber for improved handling and stability.
- For drivetrain, 2 in. diameter pipe used instead of regular 1 in. to withstand higher loads as per FEA.
– MANUFACTURING
- Parallel manufacturing of all subsystems.
- Evaluated based on manufacturability, cost, durability.
- All frame tubing cut and notched, followed by entire frame being seam welded in Taylor Hall by the team.
- Steering plates manufactured along with connecting Ackermann steering link.
- Drivetrain pipe cut and welded, and then bolted to the frame
- Seat mounts also manufactured, along with harness mounts.
– TESTING
- Driving around UofR River Campus with 2023 vehicle to observe areas for improvement.
- Safety testing followed by safety video conducted on the same path when final vehicle manufactured
- Competition safety requirements and specifications validated through rigorous testing, i.e. turning radius achieved and RPS testing successful.
Results
- The team successfully identified problems with the 2023 design and the corresponding opportunities for improvement.
- Hence, team successfully manufactured e-HPVC vehicle.
- The largest specific achievements were to come up with an entirely new frame, drivetrain, improved steering system, and procuring a new motor and battery system.
- Competed at UNC Charlotte in ASME’s e-HPVC competition on April 26-27, 2025.
- Finished 3rd place in endurance race:
- 2.5 hours long, completed 36 laps
- Course involved rumble strips, a big bump, a lot of hairpin turns, and requirements to pick up and drop off parcels along the way.
Future Work
- Incorporating more lighter weight materials in some support members such as carbon fiber, bamboo, or aluminium.
- Incorporate fairing in future design additions.
- Simplifying frame geometry to improve manufacturability.
- Ensuring pedal assist is fully function with speed sensor fully functional and calibrated from enhanced and reliable electric assist while riding.
- Conducting further testing when more time is available for structural and performance testing to confirm computer-based analysis.
Acknowledgements
The team extends appreciation to their advisors Christopher Muir and Douglass Kelley, Mike Pomerantz, Alexander Prideaux, Samantha Kriegsman, Bill Mildenberger, Chris Pratt. The team also appreciates their sponsors and helpers, Bert’s Bikes, UR Mechanical Engineering Department, UR Engineering Dean’s Office, Rochester ASME, and UR Baja Team.