Project description
Adding a bit more spring in a bicycle’s crank
Cycling is becoming an important alternative mobility system in the fight against global warming. Since transport is the second biggest cause of pollution, the European Parliament is supporting the introduction of cycling in daily life. The EU-funded Raylap project is an advanced technology for bicycles aimed at reducing the effort the cyclist puts in pedalling to move the bike. The technology is based on the 'Springy Cranks' concept to increase the effect of pedalling by up to 35 % while reducing the energy required by the biker. The project aims to prepare for the commercialisation of the product into the EU and the international market.
Objective
"Transport is the second industry with a bigger impact in the global warming worldwide. It is necessary to promote alternative
mobility systems to create more sustainable societies. Instilling new social habits such as ciclying, in order to leave polluting
vehicles aside. This would allow to create more sustainable cities for the benefit of everybody. In fact, recently, the European
Parliament has recognised the role of cycling as a crucial mode of transport for urban areas
The spanish company BIKE INNOVATIONS S.L. aims to foster the cycling sector by facilitating the use of bicicles to all type
of users. RAYLAP is a patented innovation based on a concept called ""Springy 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 pedaling,
increasing the force produced by 30-35% compared to traditional cranks. Moreover, if installed in e-bikes, the additional
force provided when pedaling, can be used to charge the battery.
One of the main keys to promote ciclying among the population is to reduce the effort of this activity. RAYLAP solution aims
precisely to face this challenge, facilitating the use of bike for all kind of people.
The main objective of the project will be to demonstrate the 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 and later begin production in series, as well as
develop its application to electric bicycles."
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
31192 Navarra
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.