Following the development and deployment of the ‘Big Hole’ hybrid 3-wheel scooter for police and ambulance services, UK-based R&D arm White Motorcycle Concepts has teamed up with Mahle Powertrain to produce a fully electric version.
Like the hybrid WMC300FR, developed in collaboration with Northamptonshire Police, the upcoming electric scoot is based on the Yamaha Tricity 300 tilt tricycle, with a central air duct design inspired by White Motorcycle Concept’s electric vehicle drag reduction technology. included. Landspeed Moto, WMC250EV.
In other words, the gaping hole or V-duct running through the middle of the e-scooter reduces drag at high speeds. While the focus of the record challenge is to increase top speed, the idea for this iteration is for project engineers to aim for at least 100 miles (160 km), increasing the range per charge. Plans also plan to include fast-charging capabilities, so the ride will be ready to roll as quickly as possible.
white motorcycle concept
Figuring out the best electric drivetrain for a tilting tricycle is the job of Mahle Powertrain engineers. A technician analyzes real-world data in a virtual environment to select the best combination of components and technologies for this particular use his case. So, why not use the e-scoot and e-moto that are already in production?
“Existing e-bikes are designed with the retail market in mind and can be expensive and slow to charge,” said Jonathan Hall, Head of Research and Advanced Engineering at MAHLE. “Emergency services require high levels of availability, and with unpredictable demand, retail electric bikes are unlikely to offer a cost-effective solution.”
Various battery, charging and motor options and how to best pack them into the modified Tricity 300 chassis are considered. While it’s still early days, it’s been confirmed that recycled carbon fiber will be used in the construction of the e-scoot. The aim is to utilize a “miniaturized battery pack” to reduce the need for rare earth minerals, while the traction motor and selected transmission are mounted on a new rear swingarm.
white motorcycle concept
That’s pretty much all White Motorcycle Concepts and Mahle Powertrain share at the moment, but the feasibility portion of the process is due to finish next month, after which the project will move to prototyping and finally will shift to limited series production.
A hybrid WMC300FR scooter fleet has made Northamptonshire police officers more visible in their local communities. The all-electric version is expected to have similar success. Riders require no special training or additional permits, and the Metropolitan Police have shown that it is suitable for high-speed work even when fully loaded.
Tilted ‘big hole’ e-scoots are not only being developed for police officers and emergency first responders, but could also be used for inner-city parcel delivery operations. The project is funded by the Niche Vehicle Network with support from the Ministry of Transport and Innovation UK.
Source: White Motorcycle Concept
