The LEVA-EU member recently met with senior government ministers to discuss how autonomous urban mobility can be supported.
The engineering design firm, which specialises in light electric vehicles and micromobility, had a meeting about autonomous urban mobility with the Deputy for Mobility, Economy and Digitalization, André van Schie, the Policy Advisor Hubs and Shared Mobility, Wouter Slob, Senior Policy Advisor Public Transport of Utrecht, Jeroen Goldstein of the Provincie Utrecht, and The Regional Development Agency (ROM) of Utrecht.
In cooperation with Veluto Mobility, VROEGH is building technology for autonomous urban mobility. The meeting was to discuss the improvement of permits, policies and safety frameworks to better facilitate development.
The LEVA-EU member has described its partnership in helping fellow member Cleantron develop the new CLP XL swappable battery to meet the high demands of off-highway mobility and construction applications.
The light electric vehicle engineering design company is proud to have worked on the development of Cleantron’s new swappable battery.
It explained that the vibrations and harsh environments of off-highway mobility and construction environments meant that there were strict locking and docking mechanism requirements to consider for the CLP XL’s design.
VROEGH’s role in developing CLP XL
For this project, VROEGH engineered a concept that was based on eliminating vertical play while ensuring stability under heavy vibration, which also struck a balance between an ergonomic handle and compact form factor.
By producing various functional prototypes, the VROEGH team was able to iterate and verify the design quickly, to ensure ease of use and robustness, bringing peace of mind for Cleantron and its customers.
The LEVA-EU member announced that it has strengthened its engineering and design team with new employees boasting a wealth of technical expertise.
The sustainable mobility design and engineering agency announced the arrival of Iva Hristova and Thomas van den Berg to its team, and introduced their various capabilities.
Joining VROEGH as a Product Design Engineer is Iva, who graduated from Delft University of Technology with a Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering. VROEGH mentioned that she will bring a great level of technical depth and analytical precision, which is central to the company’s mission.
VROEGH welcomes Thomas as Product Designer. He has been described as a design powerhouse, an expert who can translate complex R&D into elegant, user-friendly products, and holds an impressive background, having worked at EDAG Group, Volvo Cars and Philips.
LEVA-EU member VROEGH has once again partnered with Swapfiets, the pioneering “Bicycle as a Service” company, to create a highly efficient and durable e-bike tailored to modern mobility demands. The result is the Swapfiets Power Plus, a robust, cargo electric bike that’s been developed with a sharp focus on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and real-world usability for both customers and mechanics.
Designed with heavy-duty use in mind, the Swapfiets Power Plus stands out for its ability to carry substantial cargo loads safely. With stable geometry, reinforced front and rear carriers, and a frame that accommodates up to 60 kilograms of cargo, the Power Plus meets the needs of urban users for a variety of purposes, including transporting groceries, deliveries, or children.
A one-size-fits-most geometry ensures user flexibility, which is essential for Swapfiets’ business model that includes instant replacements and rapid service. The bike’s geometry also enhances balance and maneuverability, key for stop-start city riding under load.
Durability by design
To meet Swapfiets’ promise of a 10-minute in-store repair or replacement, VROEGH integrated insights from six years of mechanical repair data into the Power Plus. Designed for easy servicing, every mechanical element, from the battery dock to drive components, has been optimized for quick access and long-term reliability.
Swapfiets mechanics played a key role during the development phase. Workshops conducted with logistics, user experience, and technical teams informed key design decisions, ensuring the bike is as appreciated by service staff as it is by riders.
Future-proof with flexible component configurations
Recognizing the rapidly evolving e-mobility landscape, the Power Plus has been built to accommodate multiple component configurations over time. Its frame is compatible with various motor, hub, and battery systems, a move that gives Swapfiets flexibility amid supply chain fluctuations and ongoing technological improvements.
This component-agnostic approach extends the bike’s lifecycle and reinforces Swapfiets’ sustainability commitment. As the company retains ownership of its bikes, end-of-life recycling has also been factored into the frame’s design, ensuring raw materials can be recovered and reused.
A successful partnership in e-mobility innovation
Operating as an extension of Swapfiets’ internal R&D team, VROEGH’s comprehensive design process included concept generation, prototyping, and iterative feedback loops. This collaboration has yielded a vehicle that meets both user expectations and operational requirements.
With production now underway, the first Swapfiets Power Plus e-bikes are rolling out in Amsterdam and Paris, signaling the next step in scalable, service-oriented urban mobility.
R&D outsourcing opportunities with VROEGH Design
VROEGH is a Dutch industrial design agency specializing in mobility solutions. The firm offers end-to-end R&D services in adding value for companies seeking to innovate in transportation, from concept design to final engineering.
It welcomes partnership inquiries to the email info@vroeghdesign.com, and updates about its latest collaborations and product launches can be accessed on its LinkedIn page.
In a recent interview with ZAG Daily, VROEGH Design’s senior project manager, Kars Rotteveel, and designer, Gaurav Savla, shed light on the Dutch firm’s prowess in designing a diverse range of new mobility vehicles, with a special focus on the burgeoning e-motorcycle market.
VROEGH Design, a multifunctional new mobility agency, has already crafted over 50 vehicles, spanning e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, e-scooters, skateboards, and other light electric vehicles for globally recognized brands. Active in 19 countries, the firm aims to assist mobility brands in tailoring vehicles to specific use cases, target demographics, and market demands.
The spotlight is currently on e-motorcycles, reflecting the industry’s rapid growth. According to Statista, the global market for e-motorcycles, valued at nearly $46 billion, is projected to reach $110 billion by 2030. Notably, e-motorbike sales in the five largest European countries surged by 80% from 2021 to 2022, reaching over 200% in France and Germany.
Rotteveel and Savla, both driven by a passion for innovative transportation solutions, highlighted the agency’s commitment to e-motorcycles. Rotteveel, formerly with a Dutch e-bike manufacturer, emphasizes the freedom provided by motorcycles, while Savla, with a background in designing motorbikes for Italian firm BENELLI, sees two-wheelers as more suitable for urban mobility.
Savla elaborates, “they allow the user to be more involved in the process of travelling from A to B and are also more inclusive with the environment…The shift to e-motorbikes can be put down to convenience and reliability.”
Discussing their design process, the team outlined a phased approach involving market analysis, user stories, and client collaboration. The engineering phase incorporates 3D printing and prototype iterations, leading to mass production. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility, the team aims to create vehicles tailored to diverse needs, ensuring the seamless transition from traditional cars to electric alternatives.
Looking ahead, Rotteveel envisions a market segment where e-bike and e-motorbike developers converge, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety and efficiency in e-bikes and more compact designs for e-motorbikes. As the industry evolves, VROEGH Design remains at the forefront, driving innovation and shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility.
Rotteveel is quoted in conclusion: “E-bike makers should focus on making their products safer and sturdier, while e-motorbike manufacturers can make their products smaller, lighter and more efficient. This evolution will continue in the upcoming years and the e-bike and e-motorbike developers will merge more and more into one big market segment.”
