Sensitivity of Mass Geometry Parameters on E-Scooter Comfort: Design Guide

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomechanics
• Transportation Engineering

Background:

• E-scooter vibrations significantly impact driver comfort and health, with existing research focusing on damping systems like tires.
• No prior research has investigated optimizing e-scooter frame design to mitigate vibrations and enhance rider comfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a multibody dynamic model of an e-scooter frame.
• To investigate the influence of frame mass geometry parameters (mass, center of gravity, inertia moment) on driver vibrations.
• To create a design guide for e-scooter frames to reduce vibrations and improve rider comfort.

Main Methods:

• A multibody dynamic simulation model of a reference e-scooter was created.
• Simulations analyzed the effect of frame mass geometry parameters on vibration levels.
• Comfort values were assessed using the UNE-2631 standard, and the model was validated with real-world measurements.

Main Results:

• A qualitative guide for e-scooter frame design was developed based on simulation results.
• Application cases demonstrated comfort level improvements exceeding 9% compared to the reference model.
• The dynamic model showed qualitative agreement with real-world vibration measurements.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing e-scooter frame design is an effective strategy for reducing vibrations and enhancing driver comfort.
• The developed dynamic model and design guide provide a framework for future e-scooter development.
• Proposed sensor feedback and comfort color scale can provide real-time comfort information to riders.