08 September 2023
Prodrive assists launch of SO1O Bike concept at 2023 LCV show
At the 14th annual CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle show (LCV 2023), an event that showcases the latest in zero-emission technology and vehicles, the wraps were taken off the SO1O Bike – a unique pedal assist, zero-emission electric concept vehicle.
The vehicle promotes active travel by providing the best year-round accessible experience for personal transport within urban environments. The SO1O Bike sets a benchmark in lightweight ingenuity, making it efficient, dynamic, and agile.
Developed by a consortium of three British companies – SO1O Ventures, Prodrive and Astheimer Design – the project has been funded by Innovate UK and delivered by the Niche Vehicle Network (1) with support from Cenex (2).
SO1O Ventures is a rising star in the startup cosmos, rich in commercial acumen, especially within the domain of vehicle sharing. Its depth of insight has provided a pragmatic edge to the concept project, infusing it with the essence of real-world viability.
Prodrive, and its Advanced Technology business in particular, is renowned for its ability to fast track the design, development and production of vehicles and products across the mobility sector, in addition to building world championship winning race and rally cars.
Astheimer is a world class design house with significant experience in the micro mobility sector, working on vehicle design through to A class surfacing and prototype manufacture.
Though the SO1O Bike stands as a concept demonstrator for now, active discussions are underway with prominent bike share operators to explore its viability as a ground-breaking sharing concept in urban landscapes.
Jamie Richards, SO1O Bikes Founder
We were thrilled to launch the SO1O bike at Cenex LCV. The SO1O bike is a proof of concept that’s been designed for inclusive urban transport, bridging the gap between bicycles and cars. The vehicle promotes active travel by providing a year-round solution for personal transport within urban environments and showcases the best of British Engineering.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Prodrive
Prodrive is one of the world’s largest and most successful motorsport and technology businesses. Over 500 staff are employed across its Banbury headquarters and composites manufacturing facility in Milton Keynes. While the company is perhaps best known for motorsport, today it is just one part of an organisation that in the last decade has diversified to become a technology business working in a range of sectors and providing a range of services. Within the Prodrive Group, there are four distinct but interconnected business areas: Motorsport, operating race and rally programmes for vehicle manufacturers and global brands; Advanced Technology, providing innovative technology for the automotive, aerospace, defence, and marine sectors; Composites, developing lightweight composite components for the automotive, aerospace and marine sectors; and Brand& developing bespoke clothing and accessories for leading brands.
Niche Vehicle Network
Supported by Innovate UK, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Department for Transport, Zemo Partnership, and BEIS, NVN provides a collaborative R&D Programme supporting innovative, SME-led projects focusing on developing and demonstrating zero emission and low carbon vehicle technologies in niche vehicle applications, with an emphasis on vehicle electrification, zero emissions and light-weighting.
NVN also facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing, providing its members with the opportunity to network and showcase innovation to the industry at a variety of its own and industry events.
CENEX
Cenex was established as the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell technologies in 2005. Today, Cenex focuses on low emission transport and associated energy infrastructure and operates as an independent, not-for-profit research technology organisation (RTO) and consultancy, specialising in project delivery, innovation support and market development.
SPECIFICATIONS
|
Continuous rated power |
250W |
|
Top speed (electric assisted) |
15.5mph |
|
Number of batteries |
1 (option to add a second) |
|
Battery voltage |
48V |
|
Battery capacity |
900Wh |
|
Range |
65km |
|
Suspension |
Rear |
|
Brakes |
4 -wheel disc brakes |
|
Parking brake |
Yes |
|
Reverse gear |
Yes |
|
Number of wheels/tyres |
4 |
|
Tyres |
20″ puncture proof |
|
Turning Circle |
5.5m |
|
Lighting |
Integrated LED light system (front & rear) |
|
Brake Light Turning Indicators |
Yes |
|
Side mirrors / Bell / Alarm |
Yes |
|
Tamper Sensors |
Yes |
|
Connectivity |
Integrated IoT |
|
NFC phone charging dock |
Yes |
|
Windshield |
Yes |