The Renewable Energy-based RADIOvelò

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The ampUP Radio Quad is a pedal-driven, human-powered vehicle with a recycled aluminum exo-skeleton that can be fabricated by local bicycle shops.

It includes a front receptacle for collecting aluminum scrap at events, 3 solar panels and photovoltaic system, axle-mounted generator & a tray-style drawer which includes a laptop, sound mixer, two speakers and microphone. Its rugged design allows it to be driven on diverse terrain for both urban and outdoor music festivals & events.

LIFE CYCLE DESIGN STRATEGIES DESCRIPTION:

While designing the Quad, a number of strategies have been adopted: Recycled aluminum is a good choice for the exo-skeleton, avoiding the need to fabricate body panels out of fiberglass or wood, elevating both vehicle weight and carbon footprint impact.

The fabrication of the exo-skeleton can be made locally by bicycle shops and manufacturers, strengthening local economy.

This same vehicle can be used for more than just mobile radio, the tray-style drawer in the back, made out of either aluminum or recycled wood or plastic can be used for food, mail or other type of deliveries as well, giving the Quad an upcycle potential when no longer in use for mobile radio.

When the vehicle has finally reached the end of its life, it is easily disassembled and the exo-skeleton can again be recycled to use the aluminum for new products, while other components con be also upcycled to new uses.

Once the specific parts (depending on local availability of shops and suppliers) are definied, a more thorough Simapro analysis can be carried out.

PRODUCT-SERVICE SYSTEM:

A current problem in Italy with the young population (15-24yo) are elevated school drop-out rates and low quality jobs and income.

Having many bicycle manufacturers in Italy, including Milan, a Key Partnership can be made to bring together ShareRadio, local youth and bicycle manufacturers. This way, at every event the ampUP Quad is at with ShareRadio, young people can come together, collect and deposit aluminum scrap and sign up to work with ShareRadio and help build more Quads and affordable bikes, thus creating a startup enterprise that will allow the youth to build new skills and have a product they can retail.

This is how ampUP Radio is more than a vehicle, it is a meeting point for youth, a networking tool beyond the radio waves, using radio as a way to bring people together and create skills, projects and solutions.