FreeWheel - Adaptive Braking for Inclusive Cycling
Group name: FreeRide: Will Baxter, Wei-Sheng Tu, Ying Teng, Alexander Crasneanscki, Om Shah.
Loughborough University, School of Design and Creative Arts.
Design description
FreeWheel is an adaptive braking system for retrofitting onto bicycles, tricycles and existing adaptive bikes. The product aims to make cycling safer and more accessible for less able-bodied individuals without needing to spend thousands of pounds on specialist bikes.
FreeWheel separates force and braking intent, using a button activated brake, meaning weaker limbs or lack of fine motor control does not impede braking. The product keeps track of your speed, indicating warnings if speed gets too high or if acceleration is out of control, the brake will self-activate, bringing the user safely to a stop with a smooth brake activation ramp.
The product costs around £145 to manufacture in an initial batch of 10 kits. The system uses 3D printable PLA parts, PVC tubing, electronics and a linear actuator, constructed with standardised fixings. The kit comes with a Shimano brake, and a magnetic speed sensor, to complete everything you need to get cycling. See the video for full product details, as well as technical specifications and components lists. With FreeWheel, cycling can be for all.