Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Raylap (RAYLAP, innovative springy cranks for bikes to foster sustainable urban mobility)
Reporting period: 2019-10-01 to 2020-03-31
"The Raylap project by Bike Innovations, S.L. was approved within the call Call H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020. The overall objective of the Project is to confirm the business strategy, business model, intellectual property and marketing strategies of the company.
The Spanish company BIKE INNOVATIONS S.L. aims to foster the cycling sector by facilitating the use of bicycles for all kind of people.
RAYLAP is a patented innovation based on a concept called ""Springy Cranks"" or “extendable cranks” for bicycles. Once installed, it requires much less effort for the user to move the bike compared to the traditional pedal system. All the bicycles are propelled by a Crankset (component of the bicycle that converts the motion of the rider’s leg into rotational motion to drive the chain or belt, which in turn drives the rear wheel); but RAYLAP is a springy crank that allows to improve the pedalling, increasing the human force produced by 30-35% compared to traditional cranks (certified by Jon Iberri - International Cycling Union). Moreover, if installed on e-bikes, the additional force provided when pedalling, can be used to charge the battery.
The RAYLAP innovation, by allowing an extension of the length of the cranks, -simultaneously on both sides of the bicycle-, and making a perfect circumference in its motion, allows a gain in the used force of 30-35%, which directly increases the users´ capacity to improve the performance of the exercise, maintaining the effort applied to achieve it. In conclusion, it requires much less effort to move the bicycle under the same conditions than a traditional pedalling system.
It is applicable to any kind of existing bicycle (any variation in gender or age): road, hybrid, racing, BMX, electrical, etc., and the system can be installed by the users themselves as though it was a classic crankset.
RAYLAP is highly innovative, but mechanically simple, it DOES NOT require adaptations in the bicycle, and it can be installed on any commercial bicycle.
The main objective of the project will be to demonstrate RAYLAP’s commercial and technical feasibility and to develop the business plan for the European and international market launch of the innovative springy cranks. BIKE INNOVATIONS need to complete the industrial design for its validation and CE marking, to later begin production of the series, as well as develop its application to electric bicycles."
The Spanish company BIKE INNOVATIONS S.L. aims to foster the cycling sector by facilitating the use of bicycles for all kind of people.
RAYLAP is a patented innovation based on a concept called ""Springy Cranks"" or “extendable cranks” for bicycles. Once installed, it requires much less effort for the user to move the bike compared to the traditional pedal system. All the bicycles are propelled by a Crankset (component of the bicycle that converts the motion of the rider’s leg into rotational motion to drive the chain or belt, which in turn drives the rear wheel); but RAYLAP is a springy crank that allows to improve the pedalling, increasing the human force produced by 30-35% compared to traditional cranks (certified by Jon Iberri - International Cycling Union). Moreover, if installed on e-bikes, the additional force provided when pedalling, can be used to charge the battery.
The RAYLAP innovation, by allowing an extension of the length of the cranks, -simultaneously on both sides of the bicycle-, and making a perfect circumference in its motion, allows a gain in the used force of 30-35%, which directly increases the users´ capacity to improve the performance of the exercise, maintaining the effort applied to achieve it. In conclusion, it requires much less effort to move the bicycle under the same conditions than a traditional pedalling system.
It is applicable to any kind of existing bicycle (any variation in gender or age): road, hybrid, racing, BMX, electrical, etc., and the system can be installed by the users themselves as though it was a classic crankset.
RAYLAP is highly innovative, but mechanically simple, it DOES NOT require adaptations in the bicycle, and it can be installed on any commercial bicycle.
The main objective of the project will be to demonstrate RAYLAP’s commercial and technical feasibility and to develop the business plan for the European and international market launch of the innovative springy cranks. BIKE INNOVATIONS need to complete the industrial design for its validation and CE marking, to later begin production of the series, as well as develop its application to electric bicycles."
The Raylap Project, under Phase 1 of the SME Instrument, has been developed as planned, in terms of deadlines, budgets, actions, and results obtained.
In its activities 1-2-3: Raylap has better defined current market potential for particulars and for all other players. We have entered into the detail of the segmentation and have done numerous interviews to better understand processes and journeys of the different players. We have investigated different strategical options, and through different investigations and market iterations we have chosen the most suitable ones for us. We have approached the strategic consultancy firm of Inspiria, who has guided us on the reflection process and has helped us to make decisions. A preliminary plan with specific goals, strategy, actions and KPIs has been drawn.
We have detailed and prototyped the behaviour and characteristics of each of the segments and we have been able to define the value proposition and the business model to access and collaborate with each of the different segments.
In its activity 4, regarding the Social and environmental impact assessment, Raylap has stressed the fact that we are aligned with the trends of urban mobility, sustainability and non-polluting goals within the different programs of the European Union. In addition, the boom in cycling within cities is changing the landscape and the strength of the electric companies, which are fully compatible and complementary to our contribution, helping to creating a positive environment for the following years of our project.
In its activity 5, regarding the Evaluation on knowledge protection and regulations, Raylap has been working on two stages. The first one is to define an IP Strategy supported by the company Clarks, regarding patent infringement and protection possibilities, and general industrial protection management coaching and actions., with a focus on the international strategy to protect our new products. The second stage has been to initiate the process to apply for a new patent regarding e-bikes new solutions.
In its activity 6 and 7, regarding the Technical assessment & Develop a product and service roadmap, operational analysis and plan,
the lab scale prototype worked at a functional level and demonstrated the technical capability of the system. The industrial scale prototype line is in an advanced stage thanks to the collaboration with Ingenialma. Raylap will be able to supply a 3D layout of the prototype, ready for the industrialisation process in Q3 2020. On the other hand, some improvements and the development of the product to adapt it to the e-bikes is envisaged for Q1 2021.
Production levels will depend on the player with whom we reach an agreement. This player will determine the production levels and the way of producing (outsourced to a third party or in collaboration with a component manufacturer).
In its activity 8 and 9, regarding the Financing strategy, financial assessment and planning and development of a feasibility study report and Business Plan, Raylap has redefined its Business Plan. The company INSPIRIA CONSULTING has collaborated with us for this task. In March 2020, an Executive Summary and a Business Plan was drawn up, especially in those main segments around business potential, the commercial strategy, general growth strategies and financials and forecasting for new financial rounds.
In its activities 1-2-3: Raylap has better defined current market potential for particulars and for all other players. We have entered into the detail of the segmentation and have done numerous interviews to better understand processes and journeys of the different players. We have investigated different strategical options, and through different investigations and market iterations we have chosen the most suitable ones for us. We have approached the strategic consultancy firm of Inspiria, who has guided us on the reflection process and has helped us to make decisions. A preliminary plan with specific goals, strategy, actions and KPIs has been drawn.
We have detailed and prototyped the behaviour and characteristics of each of the segments and we have been able to define the value proposition and the business model to access and collaborate with each of the different segments.
In its activity 4, regarding the Social and environmental impact assessment, Raylap has stressed the fact that we are aligned with the trends of urban mobility, sustainability and non-polluting goals within the different programs of the European Union. In addition, the boom in cycling within cities is changing the landscape and the strength of the electric companies, which are fully compatible and complementary to our contribution, helping to creating a positive environment for the following years of our project.
In its activity 5, regarding the Evaluation on knowledge protection and regulations, Raylap has been working on two stages. The first one is to define an IP Strategy supported by the company Clarks, regarding patent infringement and protection possibilities, and general industrial protection management coaching and actions., with a focus on the international strategy to protect our new products. The second stage has been to initiate the process to apply for a new patent regarding e-bikes new solutions.
In its activity 6 and 7, regarding the Technical assessment & Develop a product and service roadmap, operational analysis and plan,
the lab scale prototype worked at a functional level and demonstrated the technical capability of the system. The industrial scale prototype line is in an advanced stage thanks to the collaboration with Ingenialma. Raylap will be able to supply a 3D layout of the prototype, ready for the industrialisation process in Q3 2020. On the other hand, some improvements and the development of the product to adapt it to the e-bikes is envisaged for Q1 2021.
Production levels will depend on the player with whom we reach an agreement. This player will determine the production levels and the way of producing (outsourced to a third party or in collaboration with a component manufacturer).
In its activity 8 and 9, regarding the Financing strategy, financial assessment and planning and development of a feasibility study report and Business Plan, Raylap has redefined its Business Plan. The company INSPIRIA CONSULTING has collaborated with us for this task. In March 2020, an Executive Summary and a Business Plan was drawn up, especially in those main segments around business potential, the commercial strategy, general growth strategies and financials and forecasting for new financial rounds.
Within the framework of the Feasibility Study, we have developed a Road Map of Technology-Products-Markets. Where we have improved our prototypes, we have worked on how to industrialize them (so we have transforming our prototypes into 2D and 3D plans), and we are approaching companies for the production of the cranks. The technical feasibility of the business project has been achieved, since the first pre-prototypes are available and have been tested and even approved by a Jury member of the UCI.
Currently, we must complete new tasks aimed at improving our solution further, defining costs, production processes, establishing partnerships before commercial launch – all of which will take place in the third quarter of 2020.
We have a strong intellectual property strategy, and we are working with a specialized company that will guide us on the strategy to follow in an international approach and with the upcoming prototypes and solutions for the e-bike we have planned to work on.
The use of the Raylap solution will generate significant environmental impacts and we expect new users will switch into bike mobility. The company hopes to achieve significant high-level sales due to the technical and economic competitiveness of the system. The promoters expect to demonstrate that Raylap will soon be an internationally recognized company.
As a final remark, we would like to stress that the Raylap proposal complies with the following European Union and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
• Goal 12: Responsible consumption and Production.
• Goal 13: Climate Action.
Currently, we must complete new tasks aimed at improving our solution further, defining costs, production processes, establishing partnerships before commercial launch – all of which will take place in the third quarter of 2020.
We have a strong intellectual property strategy, and we are working with a specialized company that will guide us on the strategy to follow in an international approach and with the upcoming prototypes and solutions for the e-bike we have planned to work on.
The use of the Raylap solution will generate significant environmental impacts and we expect new users will switch into bike mobility. The company hopes to achieve significant high-level sales due to the technical and economic competitiveness of the system. The promoters expect to demonstrate that Raylap will soon be an internationally recognized company.
As a final remark, we would like to stress that the Raylap proposal complies with the following European Union and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
• Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
• Goal 12: Responsible consumption and Production.
• Goal 13: Climate Action.