THE TASK

Collaboration project between Kettler Bike and University of Wuppertal students. Our task was to find innovation potentials for the bike segment of this traditional German brand. I concentrated on their kids bike range.

RESEARCH

What I found was they produced many different frame types in very low units, making each of their bikes quite expensive: rather a no go when considering how fast children grow out of a frame size. Other issues where ergonomics, maintenance and the look. Offering only pink bikes with flower graphics isn’t even attractive for all of the girls they are intended for and makes handing the bike down to a smaller brother an issue for emotional discussions.

THE IDEA

So, what if parts of that bike where gender (and taste) neutral and other parts could be freely customized, making a kids bike which can be adjusted optically and ergonomically to a changing taste or a new or growing user.

FRAME CONCEPT

More integrated and automotive form for a unisex frame

MODEL

3D-printed and handmade, scale 1:4

DESIGN DETAILS

The top tube transitions into the head tube and a fitting stem with a smooth form reduces the risk of injuries (the perceived as well as the actual risk).

The baggage rack has rubber straps, an integrated mudguard and a back light. Top tube and rack transition into one another.

EXCHANGEABLE COVERS

Users can choose between:

• cover version stars with interated LEDs
• cover version basket, providing some extra storage space
• or simply remove a cover that is no longer up to date with the child’s flavor

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INFO

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