Walberg Urban Electrics GmbH

Alternative Lösung für Ladestation für EGRET-Elektroroller im Sharing-Betrieb

Description of the company
Under the two brands EGRET and THE-URBAN the Hamburg-based start-up Walberg Urban Electrics develops, produces and markets electric scooters (“eScooters”) and accessories. The company establishes ties between high quality technology, driving pleasure and intuitive handling: The idea of a kick scooter is combined with the comfort of a motor-powered vehicle. The result is a new form of mobility with up to 30 km/h maximum speed and handy folding mechanism. Since 2003 already Florian Walberg is active in the fields of development, production and marketing of eScooters. In 2012 he founded his own company: Walberg Urban Electrics GmbH.
Since then the company has been representing eMobility with German quality engineering. Via a Europe-wide sales network more than 15,000 vehicles have been sold so far.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Initial situation
For an intended sharing service, a storage solution for the scooters is currently being planned. The user can book the scooter via an app, take it out of the box and put it back into the box once he returns the vehicle. The storage solution is also supposed to charge the scooter. Our current models have not specifically been designed for the sharing service. The stage of development includes the charger in the storage box. When the user hands the scooter back he needs to plug the charger into the charger socket of the scooter – which is located below the footboard, close to the ground.

Problem
The current solution requires a little effort from the user – something that is always a significant source of errors: The charging plug or socket can get dirty, plug and socket may not be connected correctly or can even be damaged, the user can simply not plug the scooter in, because he does not want to get dirty hands.

Aims of the project
How can we optimize the charging solution for a sharing service? We are looking for your ideas. Show us your vision! We are not looking for a solution that can be realized within the next six to twelve months, but we are in search of new perspectives. How would the vehicle need to look like, how the storage solution, in order to realize your idea. Aim of the project is an overview of different options listing advantages and disadvantages as well as the requirements for vehicle and charging station.

Scopes
You take a look at how the scooters are currently charged and develop your own ideas. You may further develop the present solution or find a completely new way to design vehicle and charger.

Target group (students)
We are looking forward to working with students from all departments who are motivated and are keen on working in an interdisciplinary teams to find a solution together.

Dates
Please reserve these dates:

• 11 April: Information event with te companies, from 10am to 12pm, mainbuilding A; LuK
• 18 April: Kick-off event, from 2pm to 6pm (obligatory attendance)
• 21 and 28 April: Project management course, full day (obligatory attendance)