We are building a prototype for a fully electric scooter with regenerative braking (energy is recovered from the breaks instead of being wasted as heat).

We have split the project up into two distinct sections; Electric Motor/Generator Drive and Light weight Chassis/Frame Design.

Electric Motor/Generator Drive Objective:

Our scooter will use a battery powered electric motor to propel the scooter. The kinetic and thermal energy that would normally be dissipated in the braking will be recuperated to recharge the battery. The range, speed and battery life of this scooter will have to be comparable to gas operated vehicles of a similar class. Since the engine size and power is an essential design selection for the vehicle’s overall performance and we do not want to waste any materials by over designing, the overall weight of the vehicle will be crucial.

Light weight Chassis/Frame Design Objective:

In order to reduce the overall weight of the scooter, our next objective will be accomplished by redesigning and replacing its steel chassis with advanced, lightweight, materials such as composites. To build a light weight scooter chassis we will need to consider a number of different parameters, such as safety, static and dynamic stability, and structural integrity.

Years funded: 2010-11

Amount allocated: $891.90

Project leader: Paul Ghaleb, Daniel Khodabakhsh

E-mail: N/A